Have you decided to try FIVE deodorant cream? We're really glad! Many users of deodorant creams are enthusiastic about how effective a natural deodorant without aluminum can be. However, switching from antiperspirant to deodorant can be a little challenging and take a moment. We support you with our deodorant guide.
This is how the switch to a deodorant without aluminum works
Difference deodorant and antiperspirant
We use the term “deodorant” as a synonym for various products. However, a distinction must be made between antiperspirant and deodorant.
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Antiperspirants suppress sweating
An antiperspirant always works with aluminum salts, which close the pores and thus ensure dry armpits. Depending on the concentration of use, sweating can be suppressed or prevented entirely. For people who perspire heavily, these products can bring relief. Highly concentrated antiperspirants are available in pharmacies. -
Deodorants work against the smell of sweat
A deodorant works against odor but does not suppress sweat production. Deodorant ingredients neutralize odors caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. In natural formulations, they usually work with baking soda, including our FIVE deodorant cream . Other popular ingredients are silver, magnesium hydroxide or zinc ricinoleate. They either shift the pH value of the sweat so that odor-causing bacteria cannot multiply, or coat the bacteria so that no odor develops.
How to switch from antiperspirant to deodorant
If you previously used conventional aluminum deodorants, which are actually antiperspirants, you may be surprised by the increased production of sweat and/or odor when switching to a deodorant without aluminum. The body first has to get used to the fact that the natural sweating function under your arms is no longer restricted and can therefore overreact a bit at first.
In addition, antiperspirants can have an unfavorable effect on the diversity of bacteria in the armpits , resulting in more odor. 1 The residues of the aluminum salts do not disappear from your skin overnight. The transition period can therefore be a bit challenging.
Tip if you smell sweat despite showering
If, during the adjustment phase, you notice a smell of sweat despite washing , or notice that you start to smell shortly after showering, then it's time to readjust the pH value in your armpits, because sweat only stinks when it's broken down by bacteria .
By shifting the pH value of the armpits into the acidic range, we declare war on the bacteria. To do this, rub your armpits with a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and one part water and wait about two minutes before jumping in the shower. Please never use immediately after shaving!
Remove hard deodorant stains
In combination with sweat, products with aluminum can lead to hardened areas on tops, in which the smell of sweat is trapped, which cannot be removed even with a 60-degree wash. And since our unscented deodorant doesn't mask odors, those clothes can become a problem.
With a simple trick you can get rid of hard deodorant stains including the smell in one go. Here, too, apple cider vinegar triumphs: Soak the clothes in a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and two parts water for 24 hours and then wash the clothes as normal.
Remove yellow sweat stains
If your tops also show yellow discoloration , the best way to remove these sweat stains is to rub baking soda onto the items of clothing that have previously been soaked in vinegar water (see instructions above). Let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes before putting the clothes in the washing machine.
Please check the suitability of the material for these home remedies. For cotton or synthetic fibers, using vinegar and baking soda shouldn't be a problem.
Conclusion: deodorant change made easy
- A deodorant is not an antiperspirant: get used to the fact that you will sweat a little more again , but your sweat will not stink thanks to the neutralizing ingredients in the deodorant.
- Your best friends during the transition are apple cider vinegar and baking soda . Often forgotten, these home remedies work amazingly well against smelly armpits and hardened deodorant stains, which you can say goodbye to once and for all after the changeover.
Click here for the FIVE deodorant cream with only four ingredients.
Sources
1 Chris Callewaert 1, Prawira Hutapea, Tom Van de Wiele, Nico Boon: Deodorants and antiperspirants affect the axillary bacterial community. 2014 Oct; 306(8):701-10. doi: 10.1007/s00403-014-1487-1 Epub 2014 Jul 31