I Ditched Deodorant for Good—Here’s What Happenedsensitive underarms

The most transformative experience I’ve had with skincare wasn’t about finding the perfect product—it was about letting go of one entirely. Weaning myself off deodorant was no small feat, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart! But this journey taught me more about my body and its needs than I ever expected, ultimately shaping the foundation of Sourced.

The Struggle with Sensitivity

I’ve always had sensitive skin. Detergents with fragrances give me hives, and salicylic acid wreaks havoc on my face, leaving it dry and rashy. But nothing compared to the irritation I experienced in my armpits during my early twenties. For years, I dealt with inflamed, itchy, and painful underarms. Despite visits to an allergist and undergoing a patch test for 60 different materials, no clear culprit emerged. Frustrated by the lack of answers, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Through research, I discovered that many common deodorants and antiperspirants contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. These products block sweat glands with aluminum-based compounds, which not only trap toxins but also disrupt your body’s natural processes. Even natural deodorants weren’t a guaranteed solution—their ingredient lists were still lengthy, and they seemed to perpetuate dependency. That’s when I made the bold decision to stop using deodorant altogether.

Breaking Up with Deodorant (and It Was Messy)

I strategically chose October to begin my deodorant detox—it was cooler outside, which meant less sweating. What followed were eight of the longest weeks of my life. The detox process was a rollercoaster: some days I didn’t smell at all; other days, I reeked like a teenage boy after gym class. Asking coworkers if they could smell me from across the room? Humbling. Enduring relentless teasing from family at Thanksgiving? Character-building.

But I stuck with it because the alternative—permanently inflamed armpits—was worse. Slowly but surely, my body adjusted. By the end of those eight weeks, I noticed something incredible: not only were my armpits free from irritation, but I also didn’t smell bad anymore—even after intense workouts or waiting for the subway in August.

Turns Out, I’m Naturally Fresh

Now, seven years later, I still don’t use any traditional or natural deodorants. Instead, I rely on a simple slice of lemon from the fridge for odor control and make sure to keep my underarms moisturized. It’s an unconventional routine, but it works for me—and it’s taught me so much about how our bodies are designed to function naturally.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that stress or fear can trigger a distinct odor—something primal and animalistic that reminds me how deeply connected we are to our emotions. Embracing this has made me feel more in tune with my body than ever before.

From Personal Journey to Brand Mission

My decision to stop using deodorant was just the beginning of a larger journey toward simplifying my skincare routine and removing unnecessary or harmful ingredients from my life. Over time, I realized how over-reliant I had become on certain products when the solution could often be as simple as hydration or mindfulness about what goes on (and in) my body.

Sourced is the culmination of this journey—a clean beauty brand built on intentionality and transparency. Every product we create is designed to work with your body rather than against it, using safe, effective ingredients that you can trust.

A Fresh Start You Didn’t Know You Needed

Weaning myself off deodorant wasn’t easy, but it was worth every awkward moment and smelly week. It taught me patience, resilience, and self-compassion—qualities that now guide everything we do at Sourced. If you’re considering simplifying your routine or exploring clean beauty options, know that you’re not alone on this journey.

At Sourced, we’re here to support you every step of the way because we believe everyone deserves products that honor their body’s natural rhythms while respecting our planet.