Choosing between an antiperspirant and a natural deodorant can be tricky, especially when considering the impact on your body and the environment.
This guide breaks down the key differences, explains the transition phase, and highlights why more people are making the switch to natural alternatives like Vico Irish Natural Deodorant.
What is an antiperspirant?
In short, antiperspirants block and reduce perspiration and sweat. Antiperspirants often use ingredients with aluminium-based compounds that temporarily block sweat glands. Blocking these sweat glands reduces sweat and wetness on your underarms. It also helps block and reduce odour.
Sounds good right? Well.. maybe not so much.
Sweating is your body's natural reaction to regulating temperature. As the moisture evaporates from your skin, it cools the body down. Antiperspirants in a way block 'block' this natural reaction.
What is deodorant?
Deodorant does not block your sweat glands as such, rather it works to control the body odour that is associated with sweating. The bacteria on your skin breaking down sweat is what produces odour. Deodorants use ingredients that combat the bacteria that breaks down sweat and causes odour. Deodorants also help combat smell by masking odour with fragrances.
Vico Natural Deodorant uses sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) to combat odour. They use magnesium hydroxide which partners with baking soda to neutralise odour causing bacteria. They also use natural essential oil to help with smell.
Deodorants keep you smelling fresh but don't block the wetness in the same way as antiperspirants do. Vico use ingredients like Tapioca Starch to help with wetness but the goal of Vico is to mask body odour and help you smell great.
Which should you choose?
We are obviously a bit biased, but the statistics show that there has been a massive rise in people making the switch to natural deodorants.
Many people don't want to take the chance with antiperspirants anymore when there are alternative natural deodorant brands out there. Natural deodorants come in different forms like deodorant sticks, deodorant cream and deodorant sprays. Natural deodorants can be just effective as regular deodorants and antiperspirants for masking odour.
The cool thing is that many natural deodorant brands are quite eco conscious, so choosing a natural deodorant over an antiperspirant is a potential win for your health and for the environment!
Vico use compostable and recyclable deodorant tubes. When finished you can throw them into the compost heap or into the recycling bin! They also offset their carbon emissions by partnering with amazing organisations like Reforest Nation.
What To Expect When Transitioning To Natural Deodorant
When switching from an antiperspirant or regular deodorant to a natural deodorant you can sometimes go through a 'transition phase'. This transition phase usually occurs within the first two weeks of switching to natural deodorant.
What is a transition phase?
A transition phase is basically a period of time where your body is releasing built-up bacteria or waste from your armpit area caused by chemicals and ingredients in non-natural deodorants.
Many antiperspirants use chemicals like aluminium to 'block' or 'plug' your sweat glands. When we stop using these chemicals our body sometimes doesn't know how to react. During this period people can sometimes experience more odour and sweat than normal.
How long does it last?
The length of a transition phase totally depends on the person. It generally lasts for 1-2 weeks. It's important to keep using natural deodorant everyday. Once you have adjusted it means that you have detoxed all the nasty chemicals from your body, after this you will be smelling great and sweating much less.
Tips to help with the transition phase
- Drink plenty of water, this helps purify your skin and eliminate the toxins.
- Consume a plentiful amount of fruits and vegetables.
- Do not switch around and mix with brands that have different ingredients. Your skin pH will take long to adjust and it's best not to confuse your body.
- Lastly, trust the process. Patience is key and honestly you will never look back. Your skin will thank you for it.
Switching to a natural deodorant is a small change that can make a big difference for your body and the planet. Trust the process, embrace the transition, and enjoy feeling fresh - naturally!
