One of the greatest fears we have as consumers of beauty products is the worry that we might smell bad. This fear drives our choices when selecting deodorant, toothpaste, and body soap. We want products that support our body odor and keep us smelling fresh all day.
When I began formulating Ujjayi Natural Deodorant in 2015, the primary request from friends and family was that most natural deodorants didn’t work. Many of us desired to transition to natural deodorant but found that there were none on the market that "actually worked."
As a busy mom who typically does two workouts a day—a hot yoga session and either a round of lifting at the gym or a boxing class—I needed a product that could support my active lifestyle. After trying every natural deodorant I knew about and not finding one that met my needs, I decided to create my own.
At the time, I was selling clay bath soaks and tooth powder. Customers frequently asked for deodorant, but creating one that worked was a tough challenge. I started formulating and testing my natural deodorant within my active lifestyle, as well as sharing it with friends who were professional boxers and yoga teachers. After two years of perfecting the formula, we finally mastered our Ujjayi Tobacco Deodorant, which has since become our most famous product.
However, the next challenge was addressing body odor. Some users experienced an increase in odor when they first started using our deodorant. Through monitoring patterns and collecting data, I made several discoveries about this phenomenon.
Understanding Body Odor and Detoxing
1. Armpits as Filters: Your armpits act as filters for the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder, helping to detoxify your body. When using natural deodorant, toxins are extracted and can sometimes cause irritation as they exit through the armpits. The deodorant helps contain these toxins, but sometimes there are more toxins than the deodorant can manage.
2. Acclimating to Natural Deodorant: From our data, we found that it takes about a week to a month for your armpits to acclimate to a new deodorant. During this period, excessive toxins might exit, causing more noticeable odor. To help balance this, we recommend exfoliating the armpits regularly with a sugar scrub or witch hazel.
3. Stress and Body Odor: Stress increases toxin levels in the body. Pay attention to what’s going on in your life—sometimes, the workouts we choose can be too stressful on the body. Our bodies are designed to signal when something is wrong. In such cases, I recommend incorporating more meditation time and drinking detox tea.
4. Hydration and Nutrition: A lack of hydration or poor nutrition can also contribute to armpit irritation and odor. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated is essential for minimizing these issues.
5. Sensitivity to Ingredients: Some people are simply sensitive to certain ingredients. When this happens to me, I take a break for a few days to let my body reacclimate before trying the deodorant again.
Switching to a natural deodorant
is a process that involves some adjustment. Understanding how your body detoxifies and reacts to new products can help you manage this transition smoothly. At Ujjayi, we are committed to providing products that support your body naturally, helping you stay fresh and confident throughout the day.
Stay tuned for more tips and insights on natural skincare and healthy living! If you have any questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you on your journey to natural, effective skincare.
- Esther