Natural deodorant not working? 9 fixes

1. Apply to completely dry skin

Damp skin dilutes the balm and stops it sitting where it's needed. After a shower, dry off fully, then wait a minute or two before applying.

2. Start with clean skin

Deodorant doesn't remove existing odour. Wash with soap first, especially if you're reapplying later in the day.

3. Cover the whole area

A pea-sized amount per underarm, rubbed right in. If you have a lot of underarm hair, work it through to the skin.

4. Give it time after antiperspirant

If you've just stopped using an antiperspirant, odour often gets worse before it settles. Allow three to four weeks. See why you might smell more after switching.

5. Check your clothes

Polyester and nylon hold on to odour, even after washing. If a top smells as soon as you put it on, the problem is the fabric. Wash synthetics at the hottest temperature the label allows, or switch to cotton or merino.

6. Reapply on long or active days

Natural deodorants don't block sweat, so heavy exercise or a 12-hour day can outlast one application. Wash, dry and reapply.

7. Shave at night

Freshly shaved skin can be sensitive, and some people find they hold back on deodorant to avoid stinging. Shaving the night before means you can apply properly in the morning.

8. Look at what's changed

Stress, illness, new medication, hormonal changes and strongly flavoured foods (garlic, onion, spices, alcohol) can all change body odour. If your odour has changed suddenly and strongly without an obvious reason, speak to your GP.

9. Try a different formula

Some formulas suit some people better. If a bicarb-free deodorant isn't strong enough, try one with bicarbonate of soda. If a bicarb deodorant irritates you, try a magnesium one. Lowena contains both bicarbonate of soda and magnesium chloride.

Still not working?

If none of these help after a month, a natural deodorant may not be right for you right now, and that's fine. An antiperspirant is the only product that reduces sweat.