When Natural Deodorant Doesn’t Work, Do This

You’re not gross. You’re just trying to go natural...

If you’ve switched to natural deodorant and now feel like you’re the only one still dealing with body odour… you’re not alone. 

It’s confusing. You buy a “clean” product, do everything right, and suddenly… nothing’s working.

You start wondering if maybe your sweat is just too strong or if you’re the problem!

Let me stop you right there: You are not the problem.

The truth is, natural deodorant can work, but it works differently. And if no one’s told you what to do when it fails, that’s what this post is for.

We’ll walk through exactly why your deodorant might not be working, how to fix it, and how to feel fresh again without giving up on your values or your comfort.

Let’s sort it out together. Your pits deserve peace. 

1. First, look at the ingredients

Natural doesn’t always mean gentle. In fact, some of the most popular natural deodorants are packed with ingredients that can throw your skin completely off balance.

The first one to check for is baking soda. While it works well for many people, it’s also one of the most common causes of irritation. If your underarms are red, itchy, bumpy or starting to darken, your deodorant might be too harsh.

Essential oils are another one to watch. Even though they’re natural, they’re potent. Some blends contain far too much, especially citrus oils which can be irritating if used too often or in the wrong amounts.

Instead, look for deodorants that are made with:

• Magnesium hydroxide – fights odour without disrupting skin
• Zinc oxide – great for sensitive skin and helps with inflammation
• Arrowroot or tapioca – helps absorb moisture gently
• Plant butters and oils – like shea, coconut or jojoba to soothe

If you’re using something that stings, burns or leaves your skin feeling weird, it’s not working for you. That’s your sign to switch.

Want the next section? We’ll move on to the detox.

2. Do a clean reset with a simple underarm detox

If your deodorant used to work and now it doesn’t, or if no natural deodorant seems to do the job, your skin might just need a reset.

Over time, product residue, dead skin, and even the wrong bacteria can build up under your arms. This can block your pores, throw off your skin’s microbiome, and make odour worse no matter what you apply.

A quick detox helps clear all that out.

Here’s how to do it:

• Mix one tablespoon of bentonite clay with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
• Add enough water to make a smooth paste
• Apply a thin layer to clean underarms
• Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse well
• Repeat two to three times a week for a week or two

This helps pull out buildup, rebalance your skin and give your next deodorant a better chance to work.

If you have sensitive skin, you can swap the clay for a gentle charcoal soap or even try oil cleansing with a soft cloth and a bit of jojoba or sunflower oil. No scrubbing needed.

Ready for step three? It’s all about patience.

3. Give your skin time to adjust

If you’ve only just made the switch, give it a little time. Your body might not be used to going without aluminium-based antiperspirants, and that transition can feel rough.

You might sweat more at first. You might even smell worse. That doesn’t mean natural deodorant doesn’t work — it means your body is shifting. Your sweat glands are opening back up. Your skin’s bacteria are adjusting. It’s not failure. It’s biology.

This adjustment phase doesn’t last forever. Most people start to feel balanced within two to four weeks. But it can take longer if your skin is inflamed, or if you’re switching between lots of products.

To help things along:

• Wear loose, breathable fabrics
• Avoid synthetic tops that trap sweat
• Shower before bed if you’ve had a sweaty day
• Let your skin fully dry before applying deodorant
• If needed, go without deodorant for a day or two to calm irritation

Your body is trying to recalibrate. Give it a little space to do that.

Next up: let’s help your microbiome out.

4. Support your skin’s microbiome

This is the part most people skip. Your underarms have their own community of bacteria, and when that balance is off, you’ll notice it. Smell, irritation, sensitivity… it’s all connected.

Instead of trying to fight bacteria with stronger deodorants, focus on feeding the good ones. That’s what keeps odour in check naturally.

Here’s what can help:

• Use a gentle probiotic mist or cream after showering
• Dab on diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) with a cotton pad once a day
• Let your armpits breathe, no product at night
• After shaving, apply aloe vera gel to calm and support healing
• Consider magnesium oil sprays, especially if your sweat smells stronger than usual

The goal isn’t to kill all bacteria. It’s to create the right environment so your skin can handle sweat and odour on its own, with just a bit of help.

Now that you’ve done the inner work, let’s talk about how to actually use natural deodorant day to day.

Most people get this part wrong.

Ready?

5. Reapply like it’s normal. Because it is.

Natural deodorants are not antiperspirants. They don’t stop you from sweating, they help manage the smell. That means sometimes, especially on hot days or during stressful moments, you’ll need to reapply.

This is not failure. It’s just maintenance.

Here’s how to do it without buildup or stickiness:

• Pat your underarms dry first with a tissue or clean cloth
• Apply a light layer. Don’t overdo it
• If your deodorant is in a jar or balm form, warm it between your fingers first
• Keep a travel-size version in your bag or car if you’re out for the day
• At night, gently cleanse with water or a soft cloth before bed — no need for soap every time

Reapplying once or twice a day is totally fine with natural formulas. Your skin will thank you for the lighter touch.

Next, I’ll share a gentle homemade option, it’s great if nothing seems to be working.

6. Try a simple homemade deodorant

If you’ve gone through a few brands and nothing feels right — either too strong, not strong enough, or just not you — it might be worth trying something you can completely control.

This blend is gentle, adjustable, and doesn’t rely on baking soda.

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 tablespoon magnesium hydroxide or zinc oxide
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or jojoba oil
• 3 to 5 drops essential oils (optional: try lavender, palmarosa, or sage)

How to make it:

• Gently melt the shea and coconut oil
• Stir in the arrowroot and magnesium (or zinc)
• Add essential oils once cool
• Pour into a small jar and let it set

Use a small amount on clean, dry underarms. Adjust the texture by adding a bit more arrowroot if too soft, or a touch more oil if too firm.

This version is soothing, reliable, and often works better than store-bought options simply because it’s fresh and free of irritants.

Up next is what to do if nothing works.

7. What to do if nothing works

Sometimes it’s not about the deodorant. It’s about what’s going on inside your body.

If you’ve tried all the formulas, detoxed, adjusted your routine, and you’re still dealing with strong odour, it might be a sign that something else is out of balance.

Here are a few things worth looking into:

• Hormones – Changes during perimenopause, stress, or your cycle can shift how you smell
• Diet – Foods high in sulphur (like garlic and onions), alcohol, sugar, and processed food can affect body odour
• Gut health – A sluggish digestion or microbiome imbalance can show up through your skin and sweat
• Medication – Some medications, especially for anxiety or blood pressure, can influence how much you sweat and how it smells

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start simple. Try cutting back on processed foods, drink more water, eat more greens, and add fermented foods if you can tolerate them. Even small shifts can help.

And remember — if you need to take a break and use a conventional deodorant now and then, that’s not giving up. That’s just you listening to your body.

Next, we’ll wrap this up with a few final thoughts that might make this whole journey feel a bit more doable.

8. Final thoughts: it’s not failure, it’s feedback

If you’ve made it this far, you care.

You’re trying.

That already puts you ahead of the game.

Natural deodorant isn’t magic; it’s a tool.

And like any tool, it works best when it’s part of a bigger picture that includes your skin, your lifestyle, and your overall health.

Sometimes, what seems like a product problem is actually your body asking for a bit more care in another area.

So if something’s not working, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means there’s something to listen to.

Go gently. Be willing to experiment. Take breaks when you need to. And above all trust that you can figure this out.

No panic, no shame, just one small step at a time.

And if this helped, save it. Come back when you need it again. You’re not doing this alone.

Helpful resources

1. Teerasumran P, Velliou E, Bai S, Cai Q. Deodorants and antiperspirants: New trends in their active agents and testing methods. Int J Cosmet Sci [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 May 29]; 45(4):426–43. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10946881/.

2. Should you use natural deodorant? Here’s what you should know. Science [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 May 29]. Available from: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/natural-deodorant-aluminum-parabens.

3. Samaran Q, Dereure O, Raison-Peyron N. Allergic contact dermatitis to zinc ricinoleate in a “natural” deodorant. Contact Dermatitis. 2024; 91(1):76–8.