Why you smell bad when transitioning to natural deodorant

Ditching antiperspirants can sometimes leave you temporarily smelling bad. One of the most common questions we get from our community is, “Why do I smell bad when transitioning to natural deodorant?”

To break it down, aluminum works in deodorant as an antiperspirant by clogging up your sweat ducts to stop you from sweating. While this may sound like a good idea, sweating is a completely natural, and necessary process. The process of sweating is how our body regulates temperature and expels toxins. Your body is meant to sweat!

When you break up with your antiperspirant and allow your body to start sweating again, it may smell bad for a short period of time. Don’t worry- the transition period is brief, and when you are through with it, your body will function like a normal body should.

So why exactly does this happen? When you switch to natural deodorant, you are removing the aluminum that clogs your sweat ducts, and releasing the waste that has been blocked.Your body will now start releasing toxins again through its natural detox process- sweat. During this initial transition period, it may seem like natural deodorant is not working for you - but your body is actually working exactly how it’s supposed to! During this phase, your body is working hard to release built up aluminum, waste, and some B.O - this is totally natural. 

Stick with it for 5-10 days, and afterwards all natural deodorants should be just as effective as your antiperspirant was- and so much better for you. Once you’ve finished the detox period, you’ll sweat less and won’t stink as much since your body has already gone through the detox phase. 

If you want to make the transition period smoother, there are a few things you can do:

1. Use our detox mask: The clay detox mask can help remove impurities quicker from your sweat glands. Use this mask daily during the transition period for best results.
2. Take hot baths (or sweat in any way possible!): this opens your pores and encourages more sweat to be released from your pits.
3. Eliminate odor-causing bacteria by using a natural antibacterial soap in the shower as often as possible! Removing the extra bacteria that your body temporarily develops during the detox will improve your smell.

Curie deodorant is made from simple, effective ingredients that actually work and you can feel good about putting on your body. Even if you smell for a few days, we promise it’s worth it to treat your body right! Shop all of our products here.