If you have been used to applying aluminium-based, antiperspirant deodorants and you want to change to an all-natural, vegan, organic-based deodorant... hoorah! The Earth and your body will love you for it!

But... making the switch may take a little while getting used to and we'll tell you why.

So, here are a few things to bear in mind and what you may expect.

The Adjustment Phase

Antiperspirant products all contain aluminium-zirconium trichlorohydrex Gly as the main active ingredient with the main purpose of creating a temporary plug in the sweat gland.

The act of blocking sweat glands are discussed in a 2016 study (1) and its impact on the bacterial community found in human armpits. Based on this study, antiperspirant users have a negatively impacted, severely depleted, armpit bacterial microbiome.

When users discontinued the use of the product after a few days, they had a significant alteration and increase in the diversity of bacteria, including bacteria not historically common in the human armpit habitat.

This means that the armpit bacterial community goes through an adjustment phase, also known as an "armpit detox".

There may be a temporary increase in odour due to the significant increase in bacterial diversity.

The skin microbiome is being increasingly researched and how its bacterial diversity exerts a significant influence on human health and disease.

We have more bacteria cells than human cells!

Increased research regards the importance of the gut microbiome and its significant impact on the health of our mind and physical well-being.
Good bacteria diversity is healthy for us!

With the use of organic, vegan, and natural deodorants, the skin microbiome is not impacted in the way antiperspirants are.

The use of deodorants still allows the sweat glands to perspire, ensuring a healthy diverse bacterial community.

Although you may perspire, the use of arrowroot in our deodorant formula acts as an absorbent, keeping you feeling dry and fresh.
It's helpful to know that sweating is a natural process and is one of the ways your body regulates heat.

Everyone has unique armpits

We are not created equal and what works for one person may not work for another!

Sodium bicarbonate is the most commonly used ingredient in natural deodorants because it has the powerful ability to neutralize body odour.

In some people, baking soda can be an irritant, even in small quantities, because the PH of the skin becomes imbalanced. But, for some people, sodium bicarbonate works better than anything else! This is why we have decided to offer a sodium bicarbonate formula, as well as a formula for sensitive skin. This way, our deodorants are available for everyone.
Our sodium bicarbonate-free formulas suitable for sensitive skin contain zinc and triethyl citrate, which traps and absorbs odour molecules without altering the PH of the skin.

Tips to help you through the adjustment phase

1. Wear non-synthetic clothing. Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, and hemp help the skin to breathe.
   
2. Use natural detergents. It is recommended to decrease the usage of any harsh, toxic, synthetic fragrances and chemicals. The usage of unnatural chemicals may negatively impact the bacteria on the skin.
   
3. Use a natural antibacterial soap when showering. Hot water will also open the pores and release any accumulated antiperspirant chemicals.
   
4. Make the switch in cooler months. You are less likely to sweat and less likely to produce more odour.
   
5. Stay hydrated. As with any detox or adjustment period, it's a good idea to drink plenty of water and/or herbal teas.
   
6. Patience is a virtue! Give it some time. Everyone is unique. Some people may not experience any adjustment period at all, others may only experience a few days, and some others for longer.
   
7. Use the product twice a day. This will help any excessive body odour during the adjustment phase.
   
8. Shave armpit hair growth. Bacteria and sweat get trapped in the hair so by removing it you can reduce the amount of possible odour.

Reasons to use Gossamer Organics deodorants

1. Designed to feel great using them. With the health of the Earth and your body in mind, our formulas are beneficial to both.
   
   
2. Push-up tube packaging is the easiest method to apply the deodorant. This means no messy fingers or nails when trying to get the product out of a jar!
   
3. Smooth, luxurious gliding texture upon application. Upon reading from people that they often found their deodorant gritty, too hard, or too soft, we made sure to perfect the consistency and texture for an enjoyable application.
   
4. Organic, sustainable, ethical essential oils are used. There are no fake fragrances or cheap, adulterated oils in our formulas.
   
5. No stains or marks. A thin layer of our deodorant is all that is needed and it can be rubbed into the armpit if you wish. It goes on to the skin clear and leaves no stains or marks.
   
6. Cruelty-free and vegan. None of the products we use have been animal tested and we use no animal by-products, such as beeswax. We respect all living beings!
   
7. Compostable recycled packaging means you can throw it in a compost bin or recycling bin when finished.
   

REFERENCES:
(1) The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome