Deodorant is one of those products most of us start using as teenagers and never really question again. It’s part of the daily routine: shower, dress, teeth, apply deodorant. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Do I actually need to use deodorant? And if so, how do I make sure I’m using a safe deodorant that supports both my health and the environment?
Let’s take a look at whether deodorant is really necessary, what factors influence body odour, and how to choose a safer option if you decide to use it.
Why We Use Deodorant in the First Place
Most people use deodorant to avoid body odour, especially under the arms. Body odour is caused not by sweat itself, but by the bacteria on your skin that break down sweat. The warm, moist environment of your armpits makes it an ideal breeding ground for unwanted bacteria.
Traditional deodorants work by killing bacteria or masking the smell. Antiperspirants (often confused with deodorants) go a step further and block your sweat glands -- often using aluminium-based compounds -- temporarily reducing the amount you sweat.
If you’re sweating a lot or tend to produce a strong odour then deodorant might help you feel fresher and more confident. But does everyone really need it?
You Might Not Need Deodorant If…
Believe it or not, some people naturally don’t produce much body odour, even after exercise. That’s partly due to genetics.
A gene known as ABCC11 determines how much of a certain compound your sweat glands produce — and whether that compound leads to strong-smelling underarms. In fact, around 2% of Europeans and over 90% of East Asians carry a version of the gene that results in little to no body odour at all. If you're one of these people, using deodorant may simply be a habit rather than a necessity.
Other reasons you may not need deodorant include:
- You sweat very little
- You regularly wash and wear breathable clothing
- You don’t eat foods that contribute to strong odour (like onions, garlic, or red meat)
- You’ve tried going without and noticed no offensive smell
If you’re not smelling, you may not need deodorant — or at least not every day.
When You Probably Do Need It
On the other hand, many people do experience noticeable body odour after exercising, during stressful situations, in hot or humid climates. Odour can also be impacted during puberty, menopause, or hormonal changes.
In these cases, deodorant can help prevent embarrassment or discomfort — especially in social or professional settings. However, it’s important to choose a safe deodorant that won’t irritate your skin or expose your body to harsh chemicals.
Why Safe Deodorant Matters
Many conventional antiperspirants use ingredients like aluminium compounds, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and triclosan. These substances have been linked to concerns around hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and long-term health effects — although research is ongoing and often inconclusive.
Still, many consumers are opting to play it safe by choosing deodorants made from natural, non-toxic ingredients. These safer alternatives typically avoid aluminium (which clogs pores and has been controversially linked to breast cancer concerns), parabens (preservatives that may mimic estrogen) and synthetic fragrance (a catch-all term that may include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals).
Instead, safe deodorants tend to opt for ingredients like:
- Baking soda (neutralises odour-causing bacteria)
- Arrowroot or tapioca starch (absorbs moisture)
- Coconut oil or shea butter (soothes and moisturises)
- Essential oils (for natural scent)
Transitioning to a Safe Deodorant
If you’re switching from a traditional antiperspirant to a more natural deodorant, it’s important to note that your body may go through an adjustment period. For a week or two, you might notice more sweating or odour than usual. This is normal and temporary — your pores are unclogging and your body is recalibrating.
Tips for a smooth transition:
- Exfoliate regularly to remove buildup
- Stay hydrated to help regulate sweat naturally
- Apply deodorant to clean, dry skin
- Consider reapplying mid-day during the transition phase
Over time, many people report that they sweat less and smell better once they stop using antiperspirants — simply because their skin microbiome becomes more balanced.
So, do you really need deodorant?
The honest answer is -- it depends on your body and your lifestyle. If you’re not producing odour and showering regularly, you might not need it at all. If you do find yourself smelling — especially under stress or in warmer weather — deodorant can be a helpful part of your daily routine.
Either way, it’s smart to choose a safe deodorant that supports your health rather than working against it. Natural, non-toxic formulas like those from Lone Kauri offer effective odour protection without unnecessary additives.
Your body knows best — and when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Explore Lone Kauri’s range of safe deodorants, made with clean, effective ingredients that are kind to your skin and the planet.
