Hey there Go For Zero legends!

Are you thinking about making the switch to natural deodorants but feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? You're not alone! I often advice swapping your deodorant to be one of the first swaps to make when when starting your toxin-free and zero waste journey, and finding the right natural deodorant can be a game-changer for your health and the planet. In this ultimate guide, we'll break down the world of natural deodorants and help you find the perfect fit for your skin type.

Why Make the Switch to Natural Deodorant?

Did you know that sweat does not smell? True story! It is the bacteria under your arm pits that come into contact with sweat that give you BO. No bacteria means no sweat and guess what? Natural deodorants work by reducing this odour-causing bacteria. There we go!

First things first, let's talk about why you should consider ditching your conventional antiperspirant. While sweating might seem like a nuisance, it's actually a healthy and necessary function that helps detoxify and keep your body balanced. Antiperspirants work by blocking your sweat glands with aluminium salts, which can lead to a build-up of toxins and even make body odour worse in the long run. Aluminium in antiperspirants has been linked to health concerns, making natural deodorants a safer choice.

Natural deodorants, on the other hand, work by neutralising odour-causing bacteria without interfering with your body's natural sweating process. They allow your skin to breathe and detoxify while keeping you smelling fresh.

Did You Know? Natural Deodorants are Safe for Teens!

If you have tweens or teens in your household, you might be wondering if natural deodorants are safe for their developing bodies. The answer is a resounding yes! Natural deodorants are a great choice for kids, tweens, and teens because they allow their bodies to function normally without the added risk of aluminium and other harmful chemicals found in conventional antiperspirants.

Magnesium vs. Bi-Carb Based Deodorants: What's the Difference?

When it comes to natural deodorants, there are two main types of odour-fighting ingredients: magnesium and bi-carbonate. Both magnesium and bi-carb work by adjusting the pH of your skin to create an environment where odour-causing bacteria can't thrive, thus reducing body odour.

• Magnesium: Gentle and less likely to cause irritation, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
• Bi-Carb (sodium bicarbonate or baking soda): Highly effective at neutralising odour but can sometimes cause irritation if the pH is too high or if you have particularly sensitive skin.

Finding the Right Natural Deodorant for Your Skin Type

At Go For Zero, we've tested and curated a range of the best Aussie natural deodorants to suit every skin type. Here's a quick guide to help you find your perfect match:

Natural deodorants for sensitive skin:

• Spray deodorants: Try themagnesium-based options from Noosa Basics.
• Stick and paste deodorants: Go for bi-carb free formulas likeWoohoo's Tango and Mellow orRustic Peppermint's Sensitive.
• Push-up tubes:Viva La Body's deodorants are all magnesium-based and gentle on sensitive skin.

See them all here

Natural deodorants for normal skin or those new to natural deodorants:

• Any magnesium-based deodorant is a great place to start; you can find the magnesium spray and paste deo's from Noosa here, Viva la body tubes here and Woohoo tubes here
• If you want to try a bi-carb formula,Woohoo's Surf and Urban have a lower concentration that's perfect for beginners and the bi-carb Noosa Basic deo's are great for beginners too

See them all here

Extra strength natural deodorants for extra odour protection:

• Stick and paste deodorants: TryWoohoo's Wild, Tux, and Pop for those who need a little extra strength.
• Paste deodorants:Rustic Peppermint's Play Hard is a great option for active lifestyles.

Tips for Making the Switch and Using Natural Deodorants

Making the transition to natural deodorant can take a little time, but trust us, it's worth it! Here are some tips to help you through the detox phase and to get the most out of your natural deodorant:

1. Give your body time to adjust. It can take a few weeks for your pits to regain their natural balance after ditching antiperspirants.
2. Exfoliate your underarms once or twice a week to unclog pores and speed up the detox process.
3. Stay hydrated and eat a clean, balanced diet to support your body's natural detoxification processes.
4. If you experience irritation, try switching to a magnesium-based formula or doing anarmpit detoxto reset your skin's pH balance.
5. When applying a paste from a tin, use a pea-sized amount and rub it in like a moisturiser. When using a stick, only swip down, up and down again. Remember, less is more! 
6. Store your natural deodorant in a cool, dry place (under 30°C) to maintain its texture.
7. Do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin or a latex allergy (shea butter is closely related to latex).
8. Give your clothes a good wash when first starting out to remove any bacteria build-up from previous deodorant use.

At Go For Zero, we're passionate about helping you find the best natural deodorants that work for your body and the planet. If you have any questions or need guidance on your natural deodorant journey, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way!

With love,

Ellie & the GFZ team x

Resources: 

1. Why Does Your Body Sweat? The Surprising Benefits of Sweating. (n.d.). Woohoo Body.https://www.woohoobody.com.au/blogs/news/why-does-your-body-sweat-the-surprising-benefits-of-sweating
2. Why Choose Natural Deodorant? (n.d.). Woohoo Body.https://www.woohoobody.com.au/blogs/news/why-choose-natural-deodorant
3. ALUMINIUM vs BI CARB vs MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE... What's the story? (2022, May 17). Viva La Body.https://vivalabody.com/blogs/news/aluminium-vs-bi-carb-vs-magnesium-hydroxide-whats-the-story
4. Why You Need an Armpit Detox (and How to Do It). (n.d.). Woohoo Body.https://www.woohoobody.com.au/blogs/news/why-you-need-an-armpit-detox-and-how-to-do-it
5. Can Kids, Tweens, and Teens use Woohoo Deodorants? (n.d.). Woohoo Body.https://www.woohoobody.com.au/blogs/news/can-kids-tweens-and-teens-use-woohoo-deodorants
6. Tips. (n.d.). Woohoo Body.https://www.woohoobody.com.au/blogs/news/tips