Have you noticed that your deodorant doesn’t seem to work the way it used to?
Many women experience changes in body odor during perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, medications, and changes in the skin’s microbiome can all affect the way you smell.
The first thing to know is that sweat itself is odorless. Body odor develops when bacteria on the skin break down sweat and create odor-causing compounds. That’s why simply covering up odor isn’t always the answer. Research shows that bacteria living in the underarm area play a major role in body odor production.¹
Many deodorants are designed to mask odor rather than address the bacteria causing it. If you’re constantly reapplying deodorant throughout the day, you may be layering product on top of sweat and odor-producing bacteria without solving the root issue.
If you are switching from a conventional antiperspirant to a clean deodorant, you may also want to try a bentonite clay underarm mask during the transition. While clay doesn’t “detox” your body, it can help absorb excess oil and buildup from the skin’s surface and give your underarms a fresh start.²
My favorite underarm mask is simple:
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Water as needed
Mix into a paste, apply to clean underarms for 5–10 minutes, then rinse.
When it comes to clean deodorants, these are a few I’ve personally tried:
Clean Deodorants and Body Enhancers I’ve Tried
Switching to a clean deodorant is one of the clean beauty swaps that is important. Most of us apply deodorant daily. The underarm skin is thin and absorbs all of the ingredients in the deodorant you use.
Schmidt’s
One of the original natural deodorant brands. It offers strong odor protection and comes in a variety of scents. If you’re sensitive to baking soda, use the sensitive skin version. Vanilla Oat Milk is my favorite scent.
Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant
A favorite for many people transitioning to natural deodorant. The charcoal helps absorb moisture while supporting odor control. This is one of the strongest clean deodorants I’ve personally used. They also have a baking soda-free, tallow-based formula enriched with activated coconut charcoal to draw out impurities and soothe reactive skin.
Primally Pure Vanilla Citrus Deodorant
If you prefer something lighter and brighter, Vanilla Citrus is a great option. It offers the same clean ingredients with a fresh scent that’s not overpowering.
Lume Whole Body Deodorant
Designed for underarms and other areas of the body where odor can develop. Lume focuses on controlling odor-causing bacteria and can be used beyond the underarms. Great for the gym bag.
Rosie Jane Whole Body Deodorant
A newer whole-body option with a clean ingredient focus and modern scents. Great for those looking for a spray or refresh after the gym or long walk. Lavender, chamomile, and neroli scent is my favorite. It is combined with glycerin, witch hazel, and sugarcane alcohol to fight odor-causing bacteria without disrupting your skin’s balance and the brand avoids 4,000 harmful ingredients, including parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, + formaldehydes..
Baudie (formerly Bella Skin Beauty)
A clean option formulated with skin-friendly ingredients for daily odor support while allowing your body to sweat naturally. This product is the first ever spray deodorant enhancer which is used before deodorant to treat your skin to get your deodorant to work more better, longer and more consistently. I first got this in December of last year and I find myself using it during hot summer days before using my deodorant and it works.
My Takeaway
For many women in midlife, a simple combination of a deodorant enhancer and a clean deodorant can be far more effective than constantly reapplying product throughout the day.
Each works a little differently, and finding the right fit may take some trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another because our hormones, activity levels, stress, and lifestyle.
A simple routine of a bentonite clay mask during transition, a deodorant enhancer, and a quality clean deodorant may be all you need to stay fresh throughout the day.
Sources
- Callewaert C, Hutapea P, Van de Wiele T, Boon N. Skin microbiome and body odor research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and related microbiome studies.
- American Academy of Dermatology guidance on skin care and clay masks.
- Harvard Health Publishing. Understanding perspiration, body odor, and the role of skin bacteria.
- Cleveland Clinic. Body odor causes, sweat, hormones, and lifestyle factors.