
Lizzo Says She ‘Smells Better’ Since She Stopped Wearing Deodorant

Adding a new layer to this never-ending chat about celebrity hygiene, Lizzo has revealed in her Instagram Story that she no longer wears deodorant. She took to the net to piggyback on Matthew McConaughey's recent comments, famously saying that he gave up wearing deodorant 35 years ago, and that he hadn't "worn deodorant in 20 years." Despite him making this revelation in 2005, because folks love bringing up old shit these days, his revelation to PEOPLE has made their rounds.
Anyway, back to Lizzo: upon reading about McConaughey, she took to social media revealing:
""Ok I'm w him on this one. I stopped using deodorant and I smell BETTER."
And listen, as it turns out, what she's saying, is facts.
There's no secret that typical deodorant has been linked to cancer and other internal wellness illnesses, due to their content of aluminum and other potentially harmful chemicals (I only say potential because not everyone's bodies respond to these toxins the same way, but we all know how deodorant gets down). Rapper Saweetie detailed that she uses lemons instead, which she credits for her smooth and clear pits.
"A lot of people don't know this, but when you use deodorant, it traps the toxins in there, and that's why you always be musty. In order to alleviate that, put lemons instead of deodorant under your armpits."
She explained:
"It also lightens it. So dark marks, and all the funk, that's caused by bacteria. So, instead of putting that nasty, unhealthy deodorant that blocks your pores, get you some lemons."
Zoe Kravitz is also an advocate of finding more natural ways to cleanse your armpits, versus traditional deodorants.
She revealed to Vogue that instead, she swears by Milk + Honey natural deodorant.
"I've been on quite a journey with natural deodorants in general because a lot of them don't work, but I don't want to put aluminum near my lymph nodes and breasts, and this is one of the only ones that works--truly works. Lasts all day, and smells delicious."
Of course, the conversation is largely in part to Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher starting this massive avalanche of conversation about not routinely bathing themselves and their kids, a conversation that just won't quit. And just like that conversation, dermatologists are weighing in here too and advising against the hygiene staple. In fact, if you quit using an antiperspirant altogether, your skin's natural microbiome can potentially reset. Dr. Joshua Zeichner tells Well + Good:
"Antiperspirants work by blocking wetness from reaching the surface of the skin. These contain aluminum salts that form a plug or blockage within the sweat glands to physically prevent sweat. Despite the popular belief that discontinuing antiperspirant use will detox your underarms, the only detoxifying organs in your body are your liver and kidneys. Without antiperspirant, perhaps your skin may better clear dirt, oil, and debris that accumulate on the skin and within the sweat glands."
Additionally, just as Saweetie said, he agrees that antiperspirants use antimicrobial agents to kill bacteria and other ingredients to block your sweat glands; however, antiperspirants actually affects the bacterial balance in your armpits. He also notes that ultimately, their use can actually create an even greater odor-inducing sweat problem. Chileeee.
Let me find out Saweetie is a whole MD out here!
For now, Lizzo hasn't gone into detail about her armpit cleansing routine but we'll keep out eyes open about whatever tea she has on how to stay fresh. In the meantime, although everything we may have ever been taught about hygiene may be a whole ass lie, at least the conversation is...happening.
Watch Lizzo's latest video "Rumors" below:
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Featured image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
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- Why Saweetie Chooses Lemons Over Deodorant To Stay Fresh ›
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Ashley Versher is known for her work in the Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black series and more recently, she starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in the Netflix film Straw. But she is more than just her acting credits and stunning looks (her hair alone is everything). In an xoNecole exclusive, Ashley dishes on her first celebrity crush, how she spends her downtime, and her go-to haircare products because we need the deets.
Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
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Feature image by Johnny Marlow