No Deodorant Debate: Who’s Brave Enough to Skip the Stick?
No deodorant = no problem. Here’s how to keep armpits from smelling without deodorant!
We found something you can skip buying next time you’re at the store, and over time, it can save you big… if you dare. 😉
I’m here to tell you that keeping your armpits from smelling without deodorant is totally possible! It could be the secret to an ideal daily routine you didn’t know you needed. Although some of my Hip team members may not agree. 😂
Not wearing deodorant at all is a topic that shocked, well…nearly all of my Hip sidekicks.
Here’s what one Hip reader shared about recently ditching deodorant:
“I found myself wearing deodorant less when the pandemic hit, and I wasn’t going anywhere, but I would wear it when I had to leave the house. However, since I was getting used to not wearing it, at times, I would take a shower, get dressed, and leave the house, realizing way after that I forgot to put on deodorant. Then, in January 2021, I had shoulder surgery, so I couldn’t lift my arm, and I stopped wearing it altogether. Now, I don’t wear any deodorant at all, and even when I go for a brisk walk at work and come back sweaty, I do not smell! So, no more deodorant for me!”
Although deodorant sales slumped significantly in 2020 due to the pandemic, as significantly more people stayed home, global sales for deodorant are back up and continue to climb exponentially every year. In fact, the deodorants market size has reached a whopping $28.9 billion in 2025. 😱 But did you know deodorant isn’t actually a medical necessity but rather a cultural and personal preference?
Many consumers are satisfied spending just a few bucks on popular drugstore brands, but many are also investing in more health-conscious, natural deodorants. Designers like Donna Karan, Chanel, and Tom Ford are in on the game too. Astoundingly, some consumers are spending well over $30-$80 for just one stick of luxury deodorant. Say what?! 😱
Many of us could be saving if we thought twice about how to keep armpits from smelling without deodorant. 😏
According to Statista, you could save on average about $26-$50 a year by ditching deodorant. However, it’s pretty clear that deodorant is a must-have for the majority of our team. I did a very scientific poll 😉, and here were the results:
Final count: Deodorant – 30 vs. No deodorant – 2
I was shocked to be one of the only ones who don’t wear deodorant on occasion. 😂 That said, I’m currently pregnant, and there are times I really do need it. 🙈 But not pregnant, it’s pretty rare I use it.
However, just because some of us are ditching this traditional and socially acceptable product doesn’t mean we aren’t taking care of our pits. And it certainly doesn’t mean we’re walking around with a musk.
Did you know that sweating is not only totally normal, but it’s also healthy and necessary?
Here’s what a couple of Hip sidekicks shared about using an alternative to deodorant:
“For years, I’ve been using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid instead of deodorant. It won’t keep you from sweating, but it does keep you from getting stinky and may even help with hyperpigmentation. It works by changing the ph of your pits and gets rid of the bacteria that cause odor. You can add it to a spray bottle for easier application, but I just drop a little onto some Shiseido cotton pads and wipe it on. I never do it right after I shave, though, and I always apply it at night, once my armpits have cooled down from my shower. I probably use it once or twice a week in the summer, and I love it!” – Cass, Hip sidekick
“The Glycolic Acid tip is spot on, I’ll add another one to it, Witch Hazel, then Glycolic Acid for areas other than underarms. Works like a charm.” – Angela, Hip sidekick
Here’s what another Hip sidekick shared:
“Get ready for a super personal fact about me. I don’t wear deodorant and haven’t since I was a teenager. I promise I don’t stink! 😆” – Paige
Here are some of the benefits of not wearing deodorant:
- Fewer bacteria build up in the sweat glands
- Your skin will be clearer of dirt, oil, and debris
- Your skin’s natural microbiome can reset
- Money-saving
- You’ll likely accept your body’s natural aroma
- Other people’s natural body odor can subtly shape perceived attractiveness.
Still convinced you need to cover up? Did you know that there’s a difference between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?
Deodorant is specifically made to prevent body odor. This means you’re still going to sweat with it on. Deodorants can be applied not just to your armpits but also to your feet and other parts of your body.
Whereas, antiperspirant is applied primarily to the armpits. It also contains antimicrobial agents that prevent sweating by blocking sweat glands. This, in turn, reduces moisture on your skin. In actuality, this could be making you smell worse since it alters the composition of bacteria in your armpits. According to other studies, you’re also risking a paradoxical increase in sweat production in other areas of the body.
An armpit detox is a great idea for how to keep armpits from smelling without deodorant.
Body odor can also be a reflection of your gut’s health or other underlying health conditions (among other things). Thankfully, this quick and easy home remedy will help eliminate toxins and release odor-causing bacteria that could be building up in your body and contributing to foul body odor when you do sweat.
All in all, this simple tip could make it easier to start using a much more natural deodorant. Or ditch it altogether like some of us. 😉
The truth is, I really don’t stink with no deodorant (promise!). I’m also super sensitive to smells, so I truly do love the natural smell of my body. Luckily, my partner does too. 😆
So, if it’s just me and my laptop working from home, you can bet I’m normally not wearing deodorant on the day-to-day. 😏 Plus, the frugal side of me loves the added savings! However, for special occasions, I do still love a good natural deodorant or my go-to DIY deodorant. BUT I never wear it to mask a bad smell.
Just for fun…read what some of my Hip sidekicks had to say about their deodorant…aka, a total necessity. 😆
“Deodorant is pretty much a non-negotiable for me with the Texas heat. I have used Native deodorant for many years now, and it seems to work great. It’s not an anti-perspirant, so you’re still going to sweat, but I haven’t experienced any odor. I do carry a travel size with me, and on busy days or if I’m going out, I reapply!” – Jessica
“If I didn’t wear deodorant, y’all would be able to smell me on Zoom. It’s practically a requirement if you live in Atlanta with how hot and humid it gets here. I’d have to wear something like this to protect everyone around me if I didn’t wear it.” – Angela
“I always thought I was a ‘I sweat, I don’t smell’ kinda girl… pregnancy humbled me BAD. Pregnant, Florida heat, we’re out to eat, and I whisper ‘Do you smell that?’ knowing if I threw up, it was over for me. My sister-in-law smirks and says, ‘Ma… that’s you.’ I almost passed away. ME?! Ever since then, it’s deodorant + glycolic acid from The Ordinary, sometimes even BEFORE BED. I am not playing these games. Never the funky one again.” – Krystal
“If I didn’t wear deodorant, I wouldn’t have any friends. LOL! I tried natural stuff, but it doesn’t help. I have to deal with hyperhidrosis, so it’s team deodorant/anti-perspirant here!” – Jenna
“I, too, am a deodorant girly. I’ve tried ALL sorts of natural things, but it just doesn’t work for me. Also, Florida’s heat and humidity are not a joke. Maybe if I lived somewhere a little cooler, I could go without, but definitely not here in our swamp-like weather.” – Liz
So we want to know — what do YOU (or don’t you) use?!
Choose a deodorant with clean ingredients that’s right for you.
I don’t use deodorant either. I tried it once as a teen and I didn’t like it so I never started using it.
So glad I’m not alone, je! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
There is a gene, which I have, that is responsible for dry earwax and the absence of underarm odor. I found this out after many years of having to be extremely careful with my deodorant, since I would break out with most.
Huh – who knew?! I think I must have that gene also. As did my father and my siblings – don’t stink AND don’t sweat!
Most of us who has dry earwax doesn’t really have odor, because of we have less or none apocrine gland which causes the odor.
That is so interesting, Pamela! Thanks for sharing with us! 🙂
Maybe I have that gene. I always thought it was because I don’t drink enough to sweat. 90% of my liquid intake is coffee. I drink it all day and night. I usually have about 4 cups a day. Might have a cup of hot tea at work if the pot is empty. Guess it is the German in me or maybe my Army upbringing. There was always a pot of hot coffee either in the pot or in a thermos on the counter.
In the south it feels like deodorant is a must lol. Not too sure about ditching it completely. However I may try some different avenues and see how it goes.
I don’t wear it either, haven’t for a couple of years now. My underarm skin actually started peeling when I started using Tom’s deo, so I just stopped using it all together. The times when I would need to use deodorant are also times when I needed to just hop in the shower. To me, it’s not about saving money even though that’s a nice plus, it’s about not covering my skin with a product that irritates my skin.
Crazy thing is, my husband didn’t even know I stopped using deodorant. He was shocked when I told him so it’s a change that should go unnoticed. 🙂
I love your prespective, ZJ! I agree, it’s definitely more about the not covering my skin aspect than anything else! Thanks for sharing some feedback with us. 🙂
Same!! I haven’t worn deo in almost a decade and can verify that I sweat less and almost NEVER smell- this from a person that since puberty had major issues with both😬
Thanks for sharing, LeeF! Glad I’m not alone!
I prefer a more natural deodorant, so I use Native, which is roughly $10 per stick, but I do try to only stock up on it when there’s a coupon or sale. And I can usually go close to 2 months on the sale stick. I do sweat and I do stink, plus I live in the South, so I’m not about to go without 😂 Kudos to those of you who can!!!
Hubby and I have used mineral salt crystals for almost 30 years. They work and only cost us about $5 each a year plus we are not putting all those chemicals on our skin.
I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for the recommendation, Lana!
My husband and I both go without. I have friends who are shocked when we say we don’t wear it. They asked how does that work- you don’t stink. Aren’t you suppose to stink. To the person who made the comment about entertaining – we entertain plenty at our house and are invited plenty of places. Some people may not need it while others may. Everyone is designed differently and that is perfectly OK!
I have not worn deodorant for years and never will again. I got a blockage over 15 years ago that caused swelling and had a lump in my under arms and so I stopped using it. It took a few years for it to go away and also was recommended by my doctor not to use it anymore. So when I worked I would tell people to keep a distance from me cause I don’t wear it not to sound gross but I would rather not have cancer or any other problems and most of the time the smell of deodorants are so bad for you anyway.
What a scary experience, Sue! Glad you’re okay now.
I started using the Aluminum Free Dove deodorant and I found I actually started sweating less when I stopped wearing an anti perspirant. I don’t regularly wear the deodorant either. I seem to smell a little by the end of the say whether I’m wearing it or not, so nothing a shower won’t fix.
Thanks for sharing, Kristie!
I usually pay 50 cents for a stick of antiperspirant/deodorant with coupon and on sale. One stick lasts me around 6 months so I spend about $1 a year. I can’t stand sweaty pits. Who are the people spending hundreds?
To save money I stopped using body wash daily (just once a week now) and I use baking soda and apple cider vinegar in my hair. No one has complained about me smelling rank. I still shower daily. I use water and a rough scrubby to wash my skin. Made the changes because my husband was laid off 2018–still waiting for him to find a job🍀🙏 We’re close to a new job—God is opening many doors for us.
Thanks for sharing that with us, Csandst1! Best of luck to your husband on finding the perfect job!
I switched to a natural deodorant a couple years ago and found that after I few months I didn’t stink anymore. I might use deodorant once or twice a week, more out of habit than anything, but that’s it. And nobody else can tell. I have very opinionated, vocal teens who wouldn’t hesitate to tell me if I was stinky!
I just started using natural deoderant and I stink. So it Will go away in time? I’m about to give up.
It took trial and error for me to figure out what worked. Some just didn’t not matter how long I gave them a try.
I agree, Kristie! I have an all natural deodorant recipe hitting our site soon, so keep your eyes peeled (it works amazing!!) 🙂
It will go away. It can take several weeks for your armpits to clear out all the deodorant from your pores. In the meantime you will feel gunky and smelly. When I did it, I almost gave up several times. I had to wash my pits a few times a day, it was annoying.
I haven’t worn any deodorant in five years. I can go a few days without even washing my pits. I had my sister smell and she couldn’t smell anything other than skin. I do sometimes use a salt stick in the summer, if I’m going to be out in the heat for a while, to help hold back sweating, although that’s rarely an issue at all.
So glad I’m not alone, ohjodi!
Teens are so good at being honest, that’s for sure, Snazzy! haha! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
It’s actually not a good sign if you don’t sweat much. I haven’t used deodorant in years bc I don’t ever sweat. Turns out that’s not good bc your body can’t detox properly. I thought it was great bc I was saving so much on deodorant and stuff 🙁
My daddy hasn’t worn deo in YEARS…he never stinks!? Crazy! I on the other hand…Sweat and stink…Hyperhydrosis (which means excessive sweating)…I have tried to go “cold turkey” on the antiperspirant but needed at least a deodorant. (the antiperspirant never helped anyway. 🙁 ) I now just use a deodorant for the odor control…
Thanks for sharing that with us, J. Sweet! I have a homemade natural deodorant hitting the site soon and it works amazing if you’re interested in trying it out. Keep your eyes peeled!
I’ve used every kind of deodorant on the market but right now I’m just using a rock crystal that I got at Whole Foods it was marked down for three dollars. So I bought two of them. It works well but you have to use it right from coming out of the shower in your armpits are wet from the shower which is fine. I perspire and I can really smell some days so I sometimes use secret deodorant as well but other days
The salt stick works best if you, as you said, use it right out of the shower. Also, wet the top of the stick, and rub, rub, rub it on until the stick is dry.
Kiss My Face brand has a liquid rock roll-on that works as well.
So interesting, gentledogwalker! I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I thought I was alone in this! I never wear deodorant, with the exception of days when I know I’m going to be sweating excessively (and I live in hot, humid Florida 🙃). Thanks for sharing this interesting post!
Thanks for sharing, elabella14! I’m glad I’m not alone. 🙂 And you’re so welcome for the post, keep your eyes peeled for my homemade deodorant coming soon!
Braggs Apple Cider vinegar works just as well as any deodorant! Just spritz a few times. Keeps the smell away without nasty chemicals on my skin!
Awesome, thanks for the tip, Mel!
Bodies change over the years. I never needed, but now do. The .99 does not work. I like secret non aluminum with lavendar. I garden, it is 99 degrees here in PA.
If this is global warming there are much less cars on the road, airplanes in the sky and tankers in the ocean.
I’m in PA too, Evie! I have a natural deodorant recipe that I SWEAR by if you’re interested in trying it, keep your eyes peeled, it’ll be hitting the site soon! 🙂
Lume is the best natural deodorant I’ve used. It says it lasts 72 hours but that’s not really the case, at least for me. I wash and apply it once in the morning and once at night so it seems to work well for about 12 hours.
Glad you found something that works for you, Dawn! That’s great! 🙂
It depends on what I am eating. If I am taking my magnesium supplement and not eating very much sugar, then I don’t need deodorant.
Interesting that a magnesium supplement helps you because I’ve found that “nfuse” magnesium deodorant helps me. A lump appeared under my armpit a few years ago; thankfully a biopsy showed that it’s just breast tissue that has migrated. I was using Secret Clinical Strength but didn’t like the idea of all of those chemicals so near to sensitive tissue. GMA Deals & Steals had nfuse for 50% off and after reading up on it, I decided to try it and haven’t used anything else since.
Glad you found something that works for you, HT in VA!
I haven’t worn deodorant in years because my armpits are very sensitive. I had a cyst the size of a golf ball grow under my armpit and was terrified it was cancer, thankfully it was benign, but it had to be surgically removed. And then a lymph node under my right pit became enlarged after using Tom’s natural deodorant. So unless I’m going somewhere special, I don’t wear deodorant. I’m not going to say I never smell ripe at times, but I’m not that bad where people step away from me either and I have family that have no problem telling me if I smell like funky town.
So sorry you went through all of that, Joni! Glad you’re just doing your thing! 🤗
When the pandemic hit, I found myself wearing deodorant less since I wasn’t going anywhere. I would wear when I had to leave the house to work or for any other reason. But, since I was getting used to not wearing it, at times I would take a shower, get dressed, and leave the house realizing way after that I forgot to put on deodorant. Then in January, 2021 I had shoulder surgery so I couldn’t lift my arm so I stopped all together. Now, I don’t wear any deodorant at all and even when I go for a brisk walk at work and come back sweaty, do not smell! So, no more deodorant for me!!
Team No Deodorant 😎
Did a full detox 4 years ago and haven’t looked back. Most natural deodorants gave me a rash so I stopped using them altogether. Once or 2x a week, I’ll do a pit mask and wipe w/Glycolic Acid. Everyday, I use a glycolic acid serum (w/ Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid).
I still sweat of course but it’s way less stressful.
Team Deodorant 😎 I live in Florida and ‘nuf said. I wear Native though since it’s more natural and better ingredients.
It’s also a medical issue bc people with autoimmune issue or ezcema have trouble maintaining a good skin PH and therefore they are more prone to bacterial and viral skin infections. So yeah they do seem more prone to BO and it’s not bc they need a detox or aren’t eating right etc: it’s a condition. If you cannot go without – no worries find what works for you and what works for the people around you – I guess I’m not lucky enough to know anyone with no BO after a grueling bike race – we need industrial strength cleaning lol
Hormonal sweating here! Lume was terrible and made things worse. I smelled for a good year 😆 the only thing that helps is secret without aluminum.
Thanks for sharing what has worked best for you! I haven’t tried that one! ❤️
I live in Florida, and I hope you are using some form of deodorant or anti-perspirant 🙂 🙂 :-).
About a year ago I switched to using more natural deodorants like NATIVE, HELLO, DR. TEAL’S, etc.
These deodorants seem to last longer throughout the day than other brands like SECRET, etc.
Have an allergic reaction to most “stick” deodorants, so i was having to use the kind that “rolled up through tiny holes”. But don’t seem to have any issues with the more natural ones. I stock up when they are on sale or use CVS extra bucks and coupons for these purchases.
Thanks for letting us know that the more natural options of deodorants seem to be working well for you, Renee! I have been a Native user for years, so I’m with ya on that one! 🤗❤️
If you’ve spent any time inside a middle school you know that people NEED deodorant! Natural or whatever you choose! I think people become immune to their own stink and it’s rude to tell someone they smell bad. Personally I wouldn’t say that to even my friends because it’s too offensive.
Not everyone needs deodorant. I will agree that most middle school boys need deodorant. It is a smelly age. A lot of them are just hitting puberty and haven’t figured out they stink.
As an elementary school teacher I can tell you some students need to wear deodorant/antiperspirant. They also need to shower regularly.
My daughter’s dance teacher has made a few comments about the smell in a room full of 10-12 year old girls dancing. Honestly, I think at that age they could put it on all day long & they will still smell.
The best thing I’ve done was change to Native deodorant 3 yrs ago. The detox from years of having to apply deodorant 2-3 times a day was painful but once that was over it was worth it. I use the unscented but o love to keep the vanilla cupcake on hand for special occasions… I also buy native unscented for my 6 yr old granddaughter.. her mama laughs because I spend $12 on deodorant for a 6 yr old but it’s better to start her off on the good stuff now instead of later
Thanks for taking a moment to share about your detox experience and the deodorant brand you use now, Becky! So glad to hear it’s been working well for you! 🥰
I use Native all the time now. And since I buy the deodorant, I also pick it up for my daughter to use. She likes the cucumber one, but I will have to keep an eye out for the cupcake one.
Switched from antiperspirant to natural deodorant a few yes ago after reading some studies that linked aluminum to breast cancer. There was definitely an adjustment/detox period, but my armpits stink less now with or without deodorant. I routinely wear Raw Sugar or Native (when I can catch it on sale) and both work really well.
Happy to hear you’re enjoying some more natural branded deodorants, Casey! I made the switch a few years ago as well to Native, and agree that there was a bit of an adjustment period with it! 💞
My teen definitely needed deodorant, but it never really helped after 2 hours of sports. I went on a hunt for a more natural alternative that could help with the odor and switched her to Crystal. She loves it and she actually doesn’t smell anymore. It also lasts a really long time as she is still using the same stick I got her over 6 months ago with daily use…. and she has barely made a dent in it!
SO awesome that you’ve found an option that works best for your kiddo, je! Good to know how long it has lasted as well! 🙌💓
There is a huge difference between people who don’t need deodorant and those that choose to not wear it. I have been married to two men. One needed it and one didn’t. Nothing like being around people who smell like a garbage dump. As I have aged ,my body odor is the absolute worse. I’ve tried ever product advertised for this issue. Hey human is the only product that keeps me socially acceptable.