Best Low-Tox Deodorant? Here’s the One That Passed My Sweat Test
- Katie Bateman
- May 23
- 5 min read
My Natural Deodorant Journey: Trial, Error, and a Bit of B.O.
By Katie B. — Airline Pilot, Wellness Enthusiast & Creator of The Wellness Glow-Up
I’m a sweaty Betty—there’s no two ways about it. When I work out, I turn into a beetroot, and my pits… well, they don’t exactly smell ladylike.
Needless to say, making the switch to low-tox was a little scary. But I knew it was a quick win when it came to reducing my toxic load.
Regular deodorants are packed with nasty ingredients that can have potential health effects—think aluminium, synthetic fragrance, and parabens. Once I knew that, I couldn’t unlearn it. That simple swipe of deodorant in the morning no longer felt so harmless.
So… when I decided to make the switch three years ago, I was committed. But let me tell you—it was a wild ride.
No time to read the full post? - Save to Pinterest to read later or jump to the tips below.
Why I Ditched Conventional Deodorant
Most conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are designed to block sweat glands using aluminium compounds. The problem? Sweating is one of the body’s natural detox processes—and when you plug it up, you’re interfering with a system that’s there for a reason.
On top of that, many commercial deodorants contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, artificial fragrances, and preservatives. These can mess with your hormones and skin microbiome, especially with long-term use.
As someone who’s been focused on hormone balance, gut health, and clean living, I knew it was time to make the switch to a non-toxic deodorant.
Journey to find the Least Toxic deodorant that actually works.
I wish I could say I found the perfect low-tox deodorant straight away—but that would be a lie.
There were the ones that smelled amazing but did nothing for odour control.There were the ones that gave me rashes. (I didn’t realise that most low-tox deodorants contain baking soda, which can be quite harsh on our skin over time.)Then there were the ones that kind of worked… but stained the armpits of every light-coloured shirt I owned. (And since pilot life = white shirts 90% of the time, yellow pit stains at work? Not a good look.)
And yes—there were definitely days I was reapplying every two hours and questioning all my life choices… because honestly, I smelled horrendous.
There’s also something no one really tells you about switching to a natural deodorant: your body goes through a detox phase.
If you’ve been using conventional deodorants for years, your underarms need time to adjust. It can take a few weeks for your skin’s natural microbiome to rebalance. The length of this “pit detox” phase varies from person to person, depending on your individual body chemistry.
Things like your hormones, diet, hydration, and even your mineral levels can all affect how your body responds.
But—hang in there. It really does get better. I promise!
For me, once I found the right product, it took about two weeks to settle in. But to be honest, that’s the hardest part of the journey—knowing whether what you’re experiencing is just part of the detox, or if the product simply isn’t working for you.
That’s why I wanted to write this post: to help speed up your process and take some of the mystery out of it.
The One That Passed My Sweat Test: Shaklee Deodorant Review
Enter: Shaklee’s Clean, Odour-Neutralising, Nutrient-Rich Protect Deodorant
Shaklee is my go-to for all things low-tox, clean, and clinically backed. But I’ll be honest—by the time I discovered their deodorant, I had all but given up on finding something that actually worked.
I’d already tried six different brands and had come to the conclusion that maybe I just wasn’t suited to natural deodorants. Still, as a Shaklee ambassador, I feel a responsibility to test every product myself before recommending it to my clients. And because I trust their science-backed approach to skincare and wellness, I knew I had to give this one a shot.
Here’s what I noticed right away:
Texture:It glides on smoothly, isn’t sticky, and thanks to the stick applicator—no messy finger scooping, weird clumps, or awkward underarm smearing.
Scent:Sensual, calming, grounding—nothing overpowering or artificial. I actually take a big breath in when I apply it because it smells divine.
Ingredients:Free from aluminum, baking soda, synthetic fragrance, and other nasties.Instead, it’s packed with natural powders and waxes for a dry feel and smooth glide. It uses arrowroot and zinc with charcoal to neutralise odour and absorb wetness.
What makes it really unique? It supports a healthy pH and skin microbiome with fermented coconut and Lactobacillus, while also soothing and protecting your underarms with nourishing vitamins, antioxidants, and aloe.
But the real test? How did it hold up under pressure?
My life is deliciously full—but sometimes that means leaving for work at 3 a.m. and not getting a chance to shower again until 7 p.m. Between pilot duties, afternoon workouts, and the hot, humid days of Western Australia, I put deodorants through their paces. Add in sweaty uniforms and constant temperature changes from the plane to the tarmac to air conditioning—and it’s a lot. But Shaklee’s deodorant surprised me. I was honestly shocked (in the best way) at how well it kept me feeling fresh, dry-ish (in a good way), and confident—without needing to reapply. It passed my sweat test better than most of the natural options I’d tried before.
Pros:
Truly non-toxic and gentle on sensitive skin
No yellow or white stains on clothing
Clean ingredients that align with my wellness values
Actually works—even under pressure
Cons:
Slightly pricier than supermarket brands (but so worth it for what you get)
Needs a few days to “settle in” if you’re switching from conventional deodorants
Is It the Best Low-Tox Deodorant for You?
If you’re ready to ditch the nasties and go natural, I truly believe this is one of the best low-tox deodorants on the market—especially if you’re tired of the trial-and-error phase like I was.
It’s ideal for:
Anyone with sensitive skin
People transitioning to clean beauty
Busy women who want a natural deodorant that actually works
If you're just starting your non-toxic lifestyle journey, deodorant is such an easy, impactful place to begin.
A Few Tips for Switching
Give your body time to adjust (1–3 weeks is totally normal)
Support detox with dry brushing or lymphatic drainage
Stay hydrated and sweat it out (hello, sauna or gentle workouts!)
Final Thoughts + A Glow-Up Tip
Clean beauty isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making informed, empowered choices.Swapping to a non-toxic deodorant is one small shift that can make a big impact over time.
If you’re ready for a product that actually works, supports your wellness values, and keeps your armpits happy—Shaklee’s deodorant is absolutely worth a try. Click here to shop the Shaklee Deodorant
Glow-Up Tip: Pair your new deodorant with regular lymphatic self-massage or dry brushing to boost detox and support skin health from the inside out.
Got questions about natural deodorants? Tried one you loved (or hated)? I’d love to hear your experience—drop it in the comments.
Want to join a group of women thriving together with daily lifestyle, holistic wellness and self-care?
Join the Wellness Glow-Up Facebook community. Your daily Self-care pit stop to Elevate your Holistic Wellness journey. Find inner peace and everything you need to Glow from the Inside Out. This is Your personal sanctuary for nourishing Body, Mind, and Soul.
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making lifestyle changes.
Comments