Onions. If anything (at least to me) smells like onions (besides onions), it’s smelly armpits. And did you know that whenever that goes down, the odor isn’t caused by the sweat itself? Nope, it’s actually the bacteria on your skin, mixing in with the sweat, that is the source of all of the drama.
And that’s why antiperspirants are so popular; they help to reduce sweating. And deodorants? (Because yes, they are different.) They help to decrease the smell without really stopping the sweat. However, the potential issue with both of these is that they sometimes contain chemicals that can mess with your hormones.
And while we’re here, if you’ve heard that the chemical aluminum (which is found in antiperspirants only; folks just tend to use deodorant and antiperspirant interchangeably, which is actually what I’m about to do, moving forward) can lead to breast cancer, here’s the thing. Although many researchers have said that there isn’t enough evidence to back that up, elevated amounts of it can lead to weakened bones or even an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis — so, just to be on the safe side, if you want to go with a commercialized brand of antiperspirant or deodorant, an aluminum-free one would probably be your best bet.
10 Natural Deodorant Alternatives That Actually Work
And what if you want to forego the stores altogether and try something that is as natural as possible? Well, if your main focus is to reduce the smell, make sure that your armpits are clean, that there is as little hair there as possible (hair traps sweat and odor), and that you wear clothing that allows your pits to breathe (oh, and watch your stress levels too).
Beyond that, you can try the following 10 deodorant alternatives that are pretty effective — especially when it comes to eliminating that “onion” stank that none of us want to deal with…ever.
1. Witch Hazel
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Something that I will forever-and-a-day sing the praises of is witch hazel — more than anything because, for all of the benefits that it provides, it continues to be pretty inexpensive. Skin-wise, you can use witch hazel as a skin toner; a way to reduce the inflammation of your pimples; as something that helps to reduce the irritation that is associated with bug bites; an all-natural remedy that helps to protect your skin from outdoor pollution; something that works to soothe an irritated scalp or symptoms that are directly associated with psoriasis and eczema — the list goes on and on.
The reason why it works as an effective deodorant alternative is due to the fact that witch hazel contains astringent properties that can help to reduce the size of the pores that you sweat out of as well as decrease the bacteria that causes the odor that’s within your pits. If you’d like to create a witch hazel spray for your underarms, there’s a cool recipe here.
2. Coconut Oil and Baking Soda
It’s kind of wild, how many acids are in coconut oil. For starters, there’s caprylic acid (which contains antibacterial and antifungal properties); lauric acid (which has anti-inflammatory properties); oleic acid (which deeply moisturizes); linoleic acid (which strengthens your skin’s barrier), and capric acid (which works to smooth and soften your skin). All of these acids work together to soothe dry skin, unclog pores, and reduce skin inflammation.
As far as baking soda goes, the properties in it helps to exfoliate your skin; it works as a spot treatment for pimples; it can soothe your skin after you finish shaving it; it can help to cleanse and soften your nail cuticles, and if you’ve got psoriasis and you soak in a baking soda bath, it can bring relief to those symptoms as well.
This combo is a winner as far as deodorant alternatives go. Coconut oil can kill the bacteria that cause the odor while baking soda can help to absorb the sweat; plus, its antimicrobial properties can reduce some of the odor too.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
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There are all kinds of things that apple cider vinegar is able to do; however, when it comes to your skin, specifically, you should consider using it because it’s able to deeply clean and exfoliate your skin; tone and hydrate your skin; kill bacteria that leads to pimples; lightens the appearance of hyperpigmentation that comes from breakouts, and it can help to balance the pH balance of your skin.
Since the vinegar that’s in it contains pathogens that kill bacteria, that’s why apple cider vinegar could help to get rid of the body odor that’s underneath your arms. For the record, it’s also a potent ingredient if you want to detox your pits which is a wise thing to do from time to time (check out “When's The Last Time You Detoxed Your Armpits?”).
4. Dusting Powder
Several years ago, Allure published an article entitled, “Switching to Natural Powder Deodorant Stopped My Underarm Rashes.” It wasn’t until then that I knew that dusting powders even existed. These can be a smart deodorant alternative, simply because they are designed to reduce moisture and odor without the use of harsh chemicals or the possibility of being damaging to your skin. A brand that gets pretty rave reviews is Herb & Root. You can look more into why by going here.
5. Essential Oil Blend
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Some of y’all already know that every chance I get, I’m going to shout out essential oils (check out “You'd Be Amazed How Much These 10 Essential Oils Can Give You Some Blissful Sleep,” “10 Essential Oils That Are Great For Feminine Hygiene (And A Few Other Things),” “10 Essential Oil Beauty Hacks I Bet You Didn't Know About,” and “6 Different Places To Apply Essential Oils. And Why.”).
They are bomb when it comes to this topic because the powerful antibacterial and antifungal qualities in many of the oils will not only help to fight the bacteria that cause underarm odor, but the scent of many of them is divine as well. Some to apply (along with a carrier oil like grapeseed or almond, so that the strength of the oil doesn’t irritate your skin) that will get the job done include lavender, clove, lemongrass, cinnamon, orange, patchouli, and peppermint.
6. Cornstarch
As someone who has a fungal sensitivity and has also been blessed with some H-cups (I mean…), I’ve had a few pretty nasty yeast infections underneath my breasts before (check out “What To Do For Yeast Infections (On Other Parts Of Your Body)”) — and something that has helped to heal them is cornstarch from the aspect of absorbing the moisture that yeast likes to thrive in. Cornstarch can benefit you in other beauty-related ways including being able to use it as a dry shampoo, a gentle exfoliant, or as a way to instantly turn your lipstick from glossy to matte.
And yes, cornstarch makes the deodorant alternative list because of how well it is able to absorb moisture. Plus, if you add coconut oil and an essential oil to the mix — you’ve got a DIY deodorant that should last you for hours on end.
7. Aloe Vera
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Aloe vera is a plant that benefits your skin in a ton of different ways. It’s high in hydration. It helps to increase collagen production in your skin. It helps to reduce breakouts. It soothes the itchiness and dryness of your scalp. It decreases skin inflammation (like the kind that is associated with eczema and psoriasis). It speeds up the healing process of minor skin issues. It even helps to fade stretch marks.
If you’ve got a plant in your house (or some 100 percent pure Aloe vera gel lying around), cut off a piece and rub it directly underneath your pits. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties in the plant will prevent odor while keeping your pits feeling soft and smooth in the process.
8. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that, skin-wise, is able to do everything from minimize the appearance of your pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and unclog pores to even out skin tone, protect skin from damaging UV rays and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I’ve used it in some of my chemical peels before (check out “I've Been Doing At-Home Chemical Peels. Here Are The Pros And Cons.”) and yes, it is the truth.
As far as applying it as a deodorant alternative, glycolic acid gets a bit of mixed reviews. While some skin specialists say that its antibacterial properties aren’t strong enough to fight the kind of body odor that transpires underneath your underarms (here), others say that so long as your skin isn’t super sensitive, glycolic acid has the ability to decrease odor — well, if you don’t mix it with other products (here).
That’s because, doing so, could alter the pH balance of the skin that’s under your arms in a way that actually amplifies your body odor. Otherwise, glycolic acid alone can actually lower your pH balance in a way that makes odor less of an issue. Hey, it’s worth a shot.
9. Rubbing Alcohol
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Because alcohol is so drying, it’s not really something that you should apply to your skin on a consistent basis; that’s probably why it’s used more as a cleaner and disinfectant for tasks around the house than anything else. That’s not to say that it can’t help you out if you happen to be in a bind as far as your underarms are concerned, though.
Since it is such a potent astringent, rubbing alcohol is something else that can (temporarily) make your pores smaller and reduce the bacteria in your pits. Just make sure that you don’t use it right after shaving unless you want your skin to STING sting.
10. All-Natural Deodorant
And then there’s all-natural deodorant which is simply a deodorant that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like talc, aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and fragrance. And although, again, the American Cancer Society still maintains that there is not enough scientific evidence to link breast cancer with antiperspirants or deodorants, if you want to be on the safer side, chemical-free deodorants are the way to go.
If you’d like to see some options that you are able to choose from, check out Allure’s “15 Best Natural Deodorants That Actually Work,” Byrdie’s “The 10 Best Natural Deodorants I Tested That Truly Keep Odor in Check” and Independent’s “18 best natural deodorants that are kinder to your skin.”
BONUS: Hand Sanitizer
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If you’re really in a jam, believe it or not, something that can help you out is hand sanitizer. Since it’s loaded with alcohol and is literally designed to kill bacteria on contact, that’s why you can trust it to work if you happened to run out of the house without putting deodorant on — or you forget to apply one of these deodorant alternatives.
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Onions. When it comes to smelling like them, now you know what you can do that is safe, holistically beneficial (as far as your skin is concerned), and will get you through those rough days. I mean, at the very least, keep some sanitizer in your purse.
Life comes at you fast. Always be prepared. Pits ‘n all, chile. Pits. And. All.
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
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Back to Swayvo Twain, though. After I saw numerous posts about the fact that D’Angelo’s song “Send It On” was a creative collaboration that his parents made in his honor after he was born — I found myself wondering just how many times he’s listened to it this year and especially over the past several weeks. And then, I was like, “Lawd. What is this man’s holiday season going to be like?” I can only imagine.
Holiday seasons mean different things to different people. Yet if you’re someone who has lost a dear loved one (familial or not) this past year and a part of you is absolutely not looking forward to the holiday season because of it — I just want you to know that I see you and I want to provide a few thoughts, just so you don’t have to overthink or unnecessarily pressure yourself or feel like you’ve got to “put on” anything during this time. You absolutely don’t.
And here, in more detail, is exactly what I mean by that.
Expect to Go Through the Five Stages of Grief. Repeatedly.
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Grief is layered and sometimes really complicated. Partly because, well, you’ve heard of the five stages of grief, right — denial, bargaining, anger, depression and acceptance? Well, the thing is, sometimes you can find yourself going through some of those stages simultaneously. Like you might be in denial and angry. Or you might be depressed while accepting the reality that someone who you really cared about is gone. And what’s really wild is sometimes the oddest things can put you in those emotional spaces.
Take my godchildren’s mom, for example. There is a movie called Lucky 7 (Kelly Williams-Paisley, Patrick Dempsey) that makes me think about her. That’s because a part of her story is that she and the lead character in the film both lost their mother to cancer when they were seven. Anyway, Rissi (that’s her name although everyone knows that I typically just refer to her as “my godchildren’s mom” — LOL) said that a couple of weeks ago, she woke herself up sobbing and missing her mom, even though she’s been gone for 37 years now.
When she said that she didn’t know where the wave of grief came from, I reminded her about her single “Old Black Southern Woman” (which premiered November 7 and I've included under this point, so that I can show my babies off) and since the song is in tribute to her mother, that’s probably the origin story of it all.
Honestly, though, when you lose someone dear, you don’t really need a reason. I mean, think about it — none of us “love with an expiration date” and so trying to figure out what to do with the emotions, the commitment, the relationship now that everything about it has permanently shifted? Yeah, it can take you on quite the emotional roller coaster ride. Repeatedly. Without real cause or reason.
And you know what? That is okay.
Grieve how you need to…as it comes.
Surround Yourself with People Who Will Let You…BE
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One thing about losing a parent or a spouse or (whew) a child is, once it happens to you and then you hear about it happening to someone else, you are able to empathize on a whole ‘nother level compared to those who have yet to experience that depth of loss. As a direct result, you get that sometimes they will be in a good mood and then sometimes, without warning, they will isolate. You get that sometimes they will take you up on your offer to hang out and then sometimes you may not hear from them for weeks on end. You even get that sometimes, their energy will switch up on you in mid-conversation and that you can’t personalize it. They are in “grief aftershock” and sometimes, it catches them totally off guard.
And that’s why it’s so important — crucial even — that you are intentional, especially this year, to surround yourself with people who will give you the space and grace to grieve however you need to. Because while you shouldn’t be out here just being mean and rude, if you’re not your best self, folks who are really in tuned to the magnitude of your loss will get that — even to the point of not stressing you out or guilt tripping you if you’d prefer to sit this holiday season (or portions of it) out.
Yeah, the great grief support people? They will be interested in you doing what is best for you — not in you doing what they think is best for you. BIG DIFFERENCE THERE, CHILE.
Try Not to Emotionally Trigger Yourself
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This is a tricky one because, since it is your first holiday season without your loved one, probably all kinds of stuff will get to you. All I’m saying is that you should let memories happen naturally instead of looking for things that will make you feel bad or low.
For instance, if going through every photo of them that you have in your possession will bring you comfort, by all means, pull them all out. However, if doing that is going to make you feel really sad and put you in a state of restlessness and irritation — why punish yourself in that way? Or if there is a holiday movie that the two of you enjoyed together and watching it will somehow make you feel close to them, enjoy. On the other hand, if it’s going to have you an emotional wreck to where you can barely sleep or get out of bed — why do that to yourself?
One way that AI defines an emotional trigger is this: “An emotional trigger is a stimulus that causes a strong, often overwhelming emotional or psychological reaction that feels disproportionate to the current situation”. Did you catch all of that? Triggers are something that overwhelms you in spite of what your current situation may actually be.
Listen, grief is overwhelming enough. Try to be really kind and discerning by not going out of your way to emotionally trigger yourself in the process of handling all that is already on your mind, heart and spirit’s plate.
Prioritize Self-Care
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Years ago, I wrote an article for the platform entitled, “The Self-Care Checklist Every Woman Needs.” When you get a chance, please check it out because it covers things like forgiving yourself and taking personal days — both of which are relevant to this piece.
Another reason why losing a loved one can be devastating for some of us is because it can bring forth feelings of regret. Maybe you didn’t have a specific conversation with them that you should’ve. Perhaps you wish that you had taken better advantage of the time that you had with them while they were alive. It could be that you regret not being more of what they needed. Whatever the case may be, their purpose is complete on this planet.
You know whose isn’t? LOOK IN THE MIRROR. You’ve got to forgive yourself and — as I’ve said many times before, one of my favorite definitions of forgiveness is by author Gary Zukav: “Accepting that the past can’t change,” which, interestingly enough, could play a role in the final stage of grief which is acceptance.
And the personal days part? I mean, it is the holiday season, right? If you’ve got personal or vacation days, TAKE THEM. Just as much as work can get your mind off of things, it can also wear you down too, if you’re not careful. Spending some days doing nothing but sleeping, reading or watching movies could be just what you need right now. Because when you’re healing from the loss of the loved one, self-care isn’t a luxury — it is absolutely paramount.
Be Okay with Not Knowing
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“Know” is an interesting word. One of its definitions is “to perceive or understand as fact or truth; to apprehend clearly and with certainty.” That said, a few weeks ago, my mother’s husband sent me a grief quote. Although it wasn’t something that I personally resonated with (for many reasons that we don’t have time to get into today), I do believe that many things happen for more than a reason; they have a purpose — and perhaps the quote was for this article:
"When you lose someone, it feels like the entire map of your life has been erased. You still hold the paper in your hands, but the destination seems to be gone. And that’s just one part of grief. People don’t really talk about…Not just the missing person, but the missing sense of direction. The hardest truth is that no one can hand you a new map to your life. It’s up to you to build a compass on your own, one day and one moment at a time. That compass won’t appear overnight, but every choice you survive becomes part of it." (Brendan Shaw)
One thing that is so…let’s go with the word “rough” about death is that it comes in and alters the plans that you had for your life when it comes to the person you lost — and that can have you out here on some “So, what now?”…without having a single clue. Because you’re trying to wrap your mind around what happened and how you are supposed to adjust to it, it can feel like you don’t really have the words, let alone any ideas, about how to move forward. And that is something that you need to make peace with — the not knowing, I mean.
Yeah, that reminds me. There is a project that my mother co-executive produced many years ago. On it, there is a song entitled, “You Don’t Have to Know Why” (Tata Vega/Maia Amada). The chorus goes as follows:
You don’t have to know why
‘Cause the why is unimportant
You don’t have to know when
‘Cause time is not a factor
You don’t have to know what
You don’t have to know how
‘Cause his love for you is all you need to know
Geeze. You see how many times “know” pops up? When you lose someone and your life feels like it has totally turned upside down because of it — be patient with yourself; you don’t have to perceive or understand what’s next. Not right now. Sometimes just getting out of bed, putting one foot in front of another towards your shower and actually getting into is more than enough.
Oh, and did you peep how the last line of the chorus says that “his love” is all that you need to know? They are talking about God — and that brings me to my next point/tip.
KNOW That God Can Handle Every Single Emotion
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Someone in my world is really angry with God right now about a loss that they currently experienced. It’s not the death of a person; it’s the end of a marriage (which is a death in its own kind of way). They are angry with God because they feel like he doesn’t care that they gave their all and their spouse left anyway.
Another topic for another time is that we can’t be thankful that God gave us the power of choice/free will and then turn around and want him to rescind that offer to others. For now I’ll just say what I said to them: “Girl, do you know how many times I’ve been mad at God? And do you know that God doesn’t stop being God just because I’m angry. He can handle your emotions. Trust me.”
And P.S.: God isn’t mad that you’re mad. That’s why I’m so fond of the Scripture, “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.” (Psalm 4:4 — NKJV) Hmph. When I look at that word “meditate”, that makes me think of another verse: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 — NKJV)
One definition of anger is “a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong” — and why would you think that God wouldn’t understand that you aren’t pleased or that you feel wronged by losing someone? Of course, he does. And yet, peep the wisdom of King David. He said that when you feel that way, don’t do something reckless or even unwise. Instead, MEDITATE. Get still enough to remember that God is involved, even in your pain, confusion and emotional exhaustion. Because he is.
Exercise Self-Compassion with Every Moment…As It Comes
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And finally, I am big on the importance of practicing self-compassion; so much to the point where I penned the article, “12 Ways To Be Far More Self-Compassionate Every Day” a few years back. Compassion means “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering” and suffering means “to undergo or feel pain or distress,” “to sustain injury, disadvantage, or loss” and “to endure pain, disability, death, etc., patiently or willingly.”
Self-compassion, in part, is about recognizing that you are suffering and then being intentional about doing what you can to reduce the pain that you are experiencing. Journal it out. Talk to a friend. Go for a long walk. Get a mani/pedi or massage. Take a nap. Indulge in some comfort food. See a grief therapist — love on yourself enough by giving your grief a platform to express itself and then find an outlet for the energy to manifest into something that will make you feel…encouraged.
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My first major death blow happened when I was 21. I lost my fiancé on November 3, 1995 and then my closest great-grandparent the following day. Listen here, that first loss? It feels like you can’t breathe for days at a time — and that first holiday season? It’s pretty much a blur with many moments of heartache in them. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that you will get through it. Like a woman once said on a favorite sitcom of mine once upon a time, “Even despair will eventually exhaust itself” — and while it might not feel that way right now, that is 1000 percent the truth.
I won’t lie to you — probably not by Thanksgiving. Christmas and New Year’s either. Yet if you take my lived-out tips to heart, I believe that they can help make this first year without your loved one more bearable.
You might even smile and laugh a little bit. Yet if you don’t…again, give yourself some grace.
Yeah, feel what you feel…until you don’t.
At the end of the day, sis, that is just what self-love and validation during loss is all about.
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