Our No Deodorant Debate | Why Not Wearing It is Good

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