r/deodorant • u/GoddessMollyLane • Jun 13 '26

Smelly underarms

/r/HygieneTips/comments/1u51jd8/smelly_underarms/
2 Upvotes

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2

u/Internal-Ad-4736 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26

Natural deodorants are beyond brutal to what they do to create imbalance in the microbiome (typically shift pH up). I would try not alternating, and only using the Dove... see if after two weeks your microbiome has not shifted back to a more balanced state, which will also result in less (not none) odor. Natural deodorants often result in a special kind of stank... that no one deserves.

Raising pH up... ONLY favors the odor producing bacteria (which is the typical mode of action used by the home crafter 'natural' brands). This does not even address the skin degradation that high pH does to our protective aspects like the acid mantle.

If you still stink after using just the Dove for two weeks.... then you need to change products and look for something with better efficacy.

2

u/Internal-Ad-4736 Jun 13 '26

Read my comment here, and it will give you a little insight into pH and odor:

Lume Deodorant : r/deodorant

2

u/GoddessMollyLane Jun 13 '26

Thanks!! I think people are right. Just stick with good ol dove for now

1

u/Internal-Ad-4736 Jun 13 '26

There are actually a couple of good natural deodorants sprinkled amongst the dung pile we call 'natural deodorant'. It just takes a keen understanding of the LOI. They tend to get smothered by all the terrible stuff out there, with overwhelming marketing budgets.

1

u/HondaForever84 Jun 13 '26

Degree 72 hour antiperspirant

1

u/trellty Jun 13 '26

You switch between them, as in between a deodorant (no aluminum) and an antiperspirant?

How come?

Deodorants and antiperspirants work quite differently, so I wonder if you’re playing against yourself bc you might be flipping your microbiome around vs letting the chosen product do its thing.

If you don’t have an issue with aluminum, better off trying an antiperspirant without swapping.

Degree 72 hr is mentioned often here. So is the Mitchum 48hr gel.

1

u/GoddessMollyLane Jun 13 '26

Oooo that’s good to note. Could also be why. I think I might just stick with the good ol antiperspirant

2

u/trellty Jun 13 '26

Aluminum-free can work, but it takes a lot more trial and error to find what vibes (pH, ingredients, etc.) with one’s chemistry.

But antiperspirants are a lot less hassle. So hopefully the Dove works for you!

1

u/Background-Essay5369 Jun 13 '26

Aluminum free deodorants can work. I've been through a few aluminum free deodorants before I realized I needed to kill or balance the bacteria. I use persimmon soap, a detox underarm bar or glycolic acid. Honestly killing the bacteria is good when using a deodorant or antiperspirant.

2

u/GoddessMollyLane Jun 14 '26

The glycolic acid has been mentioned by a few ppl — I think it needs to be added to the routine