Are you having problems with your favorite deodorant clumping under your armpits? You are not alone, trust me. Long before I knew all these tricks, I was also wondering why does my deodorant clump.
After doing some research, I have found that it was not just the products that I was using, but also the timing of application and hygiene maintenance.
In fact, there are many more interesting facts that I have discovered that you can find out below!
Why Does My Deodorant Clump in My Armpit?
Imagine going to school, work, and special events without rubbing or spraying some antiperspirant deodorants under your arms. I bet nobody can imagine that happening.
Although there are people who have stopped using deodorants to detox and nourish their skin, others are not so comfortable with the idea.
Finding white clumps under your pits after rubbing and spraying deodorants is something we all have faced. Sometimes it is the brand that we are using, and sometimes it is us.
- Because of Ingredients in the Formula
If your deodorant contains zinc in the formula, you may notice it clumping. Sometimes it is the powder in the deodorant that clumps underarms over time. This is especially true for sprays.
Moreover, some antiperspirants use aluminum salt which can leave white flakes on your skin as well. It is worse than zinc or powder because this salt can stain your clothes!
- Because of the Type of Deodorant
In the conventional market, you will find four types of deodorants- stick, gel, spray, and roll-on. The stick and spray deodorants are the ones that are more prone to forming clumps under the pits.
The aerosols are often made of powder. So, when the skin under your arms rubs against each other or with fabric, white clumps appear. It is the same with stick deodorants. They become sticky after mixing with sweat.
- Because of the Timing of Application
The time interval between putting on the antiperspirant deodorant and shower is a crucial factor here. We usually apply antiperspirants after showering.
But if you put it on right away, the moisture under your arms will mix with the deodorant to form the clumps eventually.
- Because of Bad Hygiene
It is possible that over time that a mix of antiperspirant, dirt, oil, and sweat form clumps under your armpits. The problem is that if this continues, it may form disruption, inflammation, and skin problems in that particular area.
Furthermore, the chemicals in the deodorant may be too toxic for your skin if, on top of clumps, you have rashes and burns. Therefore, it is your responsibility to detox your armpits from time to time by taking a break from deodorants.
How To Avoid Deodorant Clumps?
Deodorant balling up under your arms is an old problem now. There are so many solutions like using antibacterial soaps to this problem that you would not have to worry again.
Here are all the quick fixes on deodorant clumps.
- Opt for Gel-Based and Roll-On Deodorants
Deodorants that are solid usually would not form clusters under your arms. Experts suggest that you use gel-based and roll-on deodorants to avoid cakey layers in the area.
The gel-based antiperspirants are smooth, smell good, and are suitable for both summer and winter.
- Keep Your Underarms Shaved
Some people either wax or shave the hair under their pits to prevent antiperspirant deodorant particles from sticking and clustering. You can do so too. Oftentimes, it is the hair and the dirt in the hair that form clumps.
When you sweat, moisture, dirt, and particles from your clothes can stay stuck in the hair. In my opinion, it can be challenging to maintain a hairy armpit over a non-hairy armpit.
So, trim or wax the hair down there every week. Not only will you avoid your deodorant balling up, but also stop odor-forming bacteria from thriving under there.
- Wait Sometime after Shower and before Wearing Clothes
Wait for 10 minutes after shower before applying the roll-on, gel, stick, or spray deodorant. Make sure that your armpits are completely dry when you are rubbing them on.
Also, take another 5 minutes before putting your clothes on. Clumps are likely to form due to abrasion between the deodorant formula and your clothes.
Therefore, the best time to apply it is when your skin is clean, like after a shower. Just in case you have applied too much, wipe away gently with a tissue.
You can swipe the roll-on 2 to 3 times over the underarm area. Let this one also dry by lifting your arms. Put on clothes afterward.
If you apply too much of the spray and the roll-on, you may notice some white flakes and wetness. But accidents can happen. That is why my advice in this scenario is that wipe away the extra deodorant from your skin with a tissue.
- Detox Your Underarms
When you use deodorants for a prolonged period of time, the aluminum content in the formula prevents your pits from sweating. If you have been using non-natural deodorants for years, it is recommended that you take 2 to 4 weeks off from using them.
You can also try to avoid using deodorants when you are home with no possibility of visitors. Detoxing in winter is easier than in summer, but for the sake of your precious skin, you should consider it.
By the way, even though you will stink during the detoxing weeks, it is still worth it. Otherwise, you may develop various types of skin problems from overusing deodorants.
- Make Your Own Deo at Home
Secondly, you can make your own deodorant at home with natural ingredients. When you make your own with safe, environment-friendly ingredients, you prevent the chances of your antiperspirant deodorant clustering.
Natural antiperspirants typically consist of tea tree oil and coconut oil as the base, which put a stop to clumps forming. Include essential oils, like sandalwood, citrus, lavender, and bergamot for fragrance.
Then, to fight moisture and sweat, apply some cornstarch, arrowroot, and baking soda.
- Buy Deodorants That are Made with Natural Ingredients
On the contrary, if you do not have the time or energy to make your own deodorant, opt for commercially sold deodorants that are made of natural ingredients.
For instance, Primal Pit Paste, Green Tidings, and Schmidt’s natural deodorant.
Here are tips and tricks to rework dried out, gritty deodorant back to its original smooth texture:
Use a Warmer Place
Store deodorant in a warm bathroom or use a hairdryer to gently re-melt. Let cool before use.
Massage the Product
Knead and massage the deodorant stick with fingers to re-blend separated ingredients.
Use a Scraper
Scrape off outer dried layer to reveal softer product underneath.
Transfer to Container
For solids, scoop into a container and whip with spoon to creamy consistency.
Microwave Gently
Microwave sticks/soft solids in 5 second bursts, stirring between. Don’t overheat.
With some TLC and techniques like warming and massaging, clumpy deodorant can be reconditioned and restored to smooth.
Step-by-Step Fixes by Deodorant Type
The ideal repair method depends on the specific deodorant formulation:
Stick Deodorant
- Use hands or scraper to gently knead and warm outside layer.
- Microwave 5 seconds if needed to soften and re-blend.
Soft Solid
- Stir and whip product with a spoon or spatula to even out.
- Scoop into container for more thorough stirring if needed.
Roll-On
- Soak applicator ball in warm water to soften.
- Use cotton swab to break up any clumps inside bottle.
Clear Gel
- Heat gently with hairdryer or warm water bath if clumping.
- Shake vigorously to re-combine ingredients.
Deodorant Wipes
- No way to re-soften wipes. Discard clumped/dry wipes.
With the right method for your deodorant type, you can restore a smooth, easily spreadable consistency.
Preventing Deodorant Clumps
Once you get your deodorant back to prime condition, use these tips to avoid clumps recurring:
- Store deodorant in a cool, dry place.
- Make sure cap is tight after each use.
- Don’t apply deodorant right after a hot shower.
- Discard deodorant once it’s over 2 years old.
- Avoid storing deodorant in the bathroom if very humid.
- Choose a different brand or formulation if clumping persists.
Catching texture issues early and taking preventive steps helps your deodorant stay smooth.
FAQ
Clumping right when applying is often caused by ingredient separation or chemical reactions. Try massaging and scraping the deodorant stick before use and storing properly to maintain an even texture.
If your deodorant forms little balls or crumbs, ingredient separation is likely the culprit. Heat and kneading can re-blend separated waxes, oils, and solids for a smooth consistency.
Prevent clumps by storing deodorant properly, tightening the cap after use, and avoiding humidity. If clumping occurs, try gently warming the product with body heat or 5 second microwaving to re-blend ingredients.
Deodorants crumble when ingredients separate or the product dries out. Use a scraper to remove the crumbly outer layer. For soft solids, whip and stir thoroughly in a container to redistribute moisture evenly.
Last Words
Now you see? If you have been pondering ‘why does my deodorant clump?’, this article has answered that question. It is not just the brand and type of the deodorant that is forming cakey layers, it is also when and how you apply it.
Besides, you have to take care of your armpits, and let them detox from time to time.
For DIYers, you can have fun creating your own antiperspirants from scratch and be assured that it is made of safe elements. Other than that, I would say it is better for you to switch to natural deodorants instead of heavily relying on commercially popular ones.
