FAQ

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All Nala deodorants are unisex, safe for all ages, and free-from aluminum, known carcinogens, and harmful toxins.

There are 2 formulas which can be used alone or together.

Extra Strength formulas - Use baking soda and offer the most protection. Good for those who are heavy sweaters, live an active lifestyle, or have been using natural deodorant for a while.

Sensitive Skin Formulas - Don't contain baking soda, or a very low concentration. Best for those with sensitive skin or to use for days when you may not need maximum protection.

Charcoal Formulas - Found in our Peppermint & Charcoal and a sensitive skin formula, ideal for those new to natural deodorant.

For best results, start with the Peppermint-Charcoal Detox Deodorant to aid in your transition to a free-from deodorant.

Apply daily and nightly until you use up the product. Applying before sleep will help expedite the detox process as well as will leave you waking up feeling cool and refreshed.

If you need stronger odor protection during the day, apply an Extra strength deodorant during the day, while continuing to use the Detox deodorant before bedtime.

For all Nala deodorants, 2 swipes will do. No need to overapply.

All our products are made from natural or naturally derived ingredients, and organic whenever available. We use ingredients derived by green technology such as botanical extract derived by supercritical fluid extraction (carbon dioxide extraction). All deodorant packaging is 100% recyclable. The paper box is made from FSC-certified paper and the inner tube is made from 100% PCR (post consumer recycled) plastic.

All Nala deodorants go on clear. The trick is to avoid overapplication. Two swipes (once up and down) will do just fine! This will also help your deodorant last longer.

If you do overapply and find yourself with traces on your clothing, spot-treat with warm water and soap before putting into your regular wash cycle.

Yes!

Nala deodorants are free from aluminum, known carcinogens, parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol, making them a safe choice during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We encourage mothers who are conscious and curious about aluminum and its potential effects to consider switching to a natural deodorant as a great preventative and safe step in your (and your baby’s) self-care. Read more about our take on Breastfeeding & Antiperspirant here.

A note on essential oils:

  • Lavender is sometimes listed as an essential oil that is not recommended during pregnancy. Specifically, this oil is Lavandula Latofolia, or Spanish lavender. We do not use Spanish lavender in Nala products.We do use Lavandula Anustifolia (English lavender) in our Peppermint & Charcoal Detox. The difference between these two is the much higher content (over 10%) of 1,8 cineole and camphor in Spanish lavender, which are excellent for respiratory issues, but not recommended for pregnant women and infants. English lavender has virtually no camphor (only 0.2%) and no 1,8 cineole. This is verified through quality testing and certification by our supplier, and our own rigorous quality standards.
  • Peppermint is often used to relieve symptoms of nausea, indigestion, and fatigue - common side effects of pregnancy. Consumed in high quantities some studies suggest a link to a decrease in milk supply1. Nala uses very low concentrations (< 0.5%) of organic peppermint essential oilsin our Peppermint-Charcoal Detox Deodorant and is safe to use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and post-partum.

If you have specific questions regarding ingredients, please contact us at customersupport@nalacare.com.

1. Walls, Donna. 2009. Herbs & Natural Therapies for Pregnancy, Birth, and Breastfeeding https://www.sweetpeabirths.com/upload/Herbs%20and%20natural%20therapies%20for%20pregnancy,%20birth,%20and%20breastfeeding.pdf

After opening, Nala deodorants perform best if used within six months. With daily use, one tube should last 3-6 months.

Experiencing a temporary rash can be normal in making the switch to natural deodorant. It is typically caused by the product of baking soda reacting with naturally occurring compounds in your sweat, and typically subsides within a few days.

If you are experiencing a rash, take a break from your Nala deodorant for a few days or until the rash clears, then resume with a gentler solution, like our Peppermint & Charcoal Detox or any Sensitive Skin option.

Sensitive Skin formulations are our most gentle formulas and contain no baking soda, while the Peppermint & Charcoal contains a very low concentration of baking soda. The charcoal also supports the 'flushing out' phase by helping your body rid itself of toxins faster, due to its high absorbency properties. This can make your daytime deodorant more effective.

Additionally, you may be sensitive to specific essential oils, or baking soda in general. If this is the case, consider using just the Unscented Sensitive formula.

If you’ve given your pits a break and are still experiencing rashes, get in touch at customersupport@nalacare.com and we’ll guide you through this process, as well as other options for free-from deodorant.

For those that want to dig in on the science:

Baking soda, an ingredient in our Sandalwood and Lemon Myrtle deodorants, reacts with the fatty acids and other odour-causing compounds present in our sweat, and neutralizes them by turning them into odourless salts. During the detoxification phase especially, or just in the switch to natural deodorant, you may experience some redness as these salts are produced in reaction with the baking soda. The good news is that your body will self-regulate its sweat production after a few weeks, and once your pits are flushed of toxins, this reaction usually disappears.

For more on the science on sweat, read our Journal post here.

Step 1: Detox

What’s happening: Your pores are clearing/unclogging, and releasing toxins that have accumulated in your armpit.
What to expect: Your body may sweat more than usual, and it’s even normal to smell a bit during this stage.

How long it lasts: 1-2 weeks

How to ride it out: Drink lots of water to assist with flushing out the toxins. Use the Detox deodorant at night to help remove toxins while you sleep, or right before you work out when you’ll be sweating a lot anyway.

Step 2: Adjustment

What’s happening: Your armpit has shed ~50% of the toxic particles stored there, and is starting to function more naturally again.

What to expect: Sweating and odour will start to subside (yay!).

How long it lasts: 1-2 weeks. This is just the beginning of the regulation process, so keep using the Detox deodorant every night, while using a free-from deodorant during the day.

Step 3: Acclimatization

What’s happening: Your armpits are well on their way to being free from toxins, and your body is acclimating to a new pattern of self-regulating sweat.
What to expect: Odour will subside because the worst offenders (the conglomerated toxins that have been accumulating in your lymph nodes) will have been flushed out. You will sweat less – but you will still sweat. Sweat is a daily detoxification process that our body naturally regulates.

How long it lasts: Ideally, this is a lifelong stage,  as long as you don’t introduce the top offenders back into your pits.

At this point, you can continue to use your detox deodorant until it runs out or simply use your free-from deodorant during the day. Some people find they don’t need the strength of baking soda in their everyday deodorant, and may continue using the Detox deodorant daily.

In the early stages of switching to a free-from deodorant, it can be normal to smell a little more than usual. Read up on what to expect when switching to a natural deodorant, specifically the detoxification phase.

Once you are out of the detoxification stage and your armpits are acclimated to a natural sweating cycle, you may notice fluctuations in your natural “aroma”. While we’re all about embracing our own unique fragrances, you’ll be the best judge of whether you seem occasionally off-brand.

Consider the following factors & how to mitigate them:

  • Refined/processed foods and alcohol - Refined foods, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine are toxins. Higher-than-normal consumption (e.g. holidays, a big night out, etc) may need to be flushed out via lots of water and sweat-inducing activities.
  • Low hydration levels - Adequate water consumption is key to supporting your body’s natural daily detoxification and self-cooling systems. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water a day.
  • Stress - Your body produces two types of sweat: that from your eccrine glands, aiding in regulation of body temperature (most of your sweat glands are eccrine glands), and stinkier, “stress sweat”, which is limited to your apocrine glands. Know that it’s completely normal for you to smell different if you’ve experienced mental or emotional stress lately.
  • Not sweating - If you haven’t sweat in a while, consider a sweaty workout or a sauna session. Your body/sweating may need some extra help in winter months.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping is optimized for the United States and Canada. We ship to a select number of international locations, you can validate if shipping is available to your address at checkout.

Shipping is free for all orders over $70 USD or $100 CAD before tax.

For orders under the free shipping threshold, shipping is $6.99 within the USA or $7.99 within Canada. Expedited shipping is available.

All orders ship within 1-3 business days. You will receive a tracking number and confirmation once shipped.

We accept returns for any unopened and unused products within 30 days of delivery. 

You can read our full return policy here.

About Natural Deodorants

Some people notice odor control right away, but others may need 1–4 weeks as their body adjusts from using aluminum antiperspirants to a natural deodorant routine. It is common for an adjustment to occur even between natural deodorant brands, as many brands have widely different formulas and active ingredients. For best results, we recommend the Getting Started Bundle.

Yes. The underarms are sensitive parts of our body with variations in pH levels, friction, and bacteria build up. For some people, baking soda or essential oils can irritate sensitive skin. If irritation occurs, discontinue use until it clears. Look for Sensitive Skin formulas. Nala has an Unscented, Sensitive Skin natural deodorant without added essential oils or baking soda.

Natural deodorant is a body odor control product made with plant-based or mineral ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals and aluminum. It works by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria and absorbing moisture with ingredients like arrowroot powder or magnesium, rather than blocking sweat glands like a traditional antiperspirant.

No. Natural deodorants do not block sweat glands. Sweating is a natural body process that helps regulate temperature. Instead, natural deodorants focus on odor control and moisture absorption without preventing perspiration.

Natural deodorants can be effective for many people, especially for controlling underarm odor. Performance can vary by formula and individual body chemistry. Some people notice a transition period when switching from antiperspirants before their body adjusts. We recommend starting with the Discovery Kit to find a formula & scent that works best for your unique needs.

When you switch from an antiperspirant (which blocks sweat) to natural deodorant, your pores open up and allow you to sweat normally again. This can cause a temporary increase in sweat and odor while your skin rebalances its microbiome. On average this adjustment period takes 4 weeks, though it varies from individual to individual.

At Nala, we use high grade ingredients chosen for their functionality and performance.

  • Botanical powders (arrowroot powder, tapioca powder) - to absorb moisture
  • Antimicrobial botanicals and essential oils (tea tree, lavender, rosemary) - kill bacteria, neutralize odor, leave you smelling good
  • Oils and butters (Camellia seed oil, shea butter) - Leaves the delicate underarm skin feeling nourished and soft
  • Minerals like magnesium hydroxide -neutralize bacteria and absorb moisture without aluminum salts.
  • Baking Soda (found in our extra strength formulas and a low dosage in our Peppermint-Charcoal formula) - Very effective at neutralizing body odor

Most natural deodorants use powders and oils that typically don’t leave yellow sweat stains the way some aluminum antiperspirants can. However, heavy application can lead to product transfer onto clothing. For best practices, stick to 2-3 swipes at a time and apply on clean, dry armpits. Allow to dry before getting dressed.

Subscriptions

Nala’s Subscribe & Save program is our subscription program to sign up for regular deliveries of your favorite Nala products so you never run out. You save 10% on every order and have full control over which products and how often your delivery arrives.

You can choose your delivery frequency: options include every 1, 3, or 6 months. so your products arrive when you need them.

You can skip deliveries when you don't need them and even choose your next delivery date.

To cancel your active subscription go to "Subscribe & Save" > "Login" > "Manage my Subscription". You can also skip or choose your next delivery date.