Deodorant FAQs

Schmidt’s award-winning formulas help neutralize odour and keep you fresh.

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Deodorant

Does Schmidt’s actually work?

You bet.

Our deodorants use plant-and mineral-based odor fighters like magnesium, baking soda, and essential oils that keep you smelling oh so fresh all day long (24 hours). We give you all the benefits (i.e. freshness and odor protection), with none of the stuff you don’t want — like aluminum salts, artificial fragrance, or fillers like water or propylene glycol. Don’t believe us? Check out our Awards Page.

Does Schmidt’s have baking soda free formulas?

YES! We have a sensitive skin collection that’s baking soda-free, but just as effective. Both our signature and sensitive skin formulas offer 24 hour odor protection and require only a small amount to be applied (1 – 2 swipes per underarm) to get results.

So, what’s the difference between our formulas?

Signature: Uses primarily magnesium and some baking soda to help neutralize odor. Our signature sticks are available in amazing unisex scents like Rose+Vanilla and Bergamot+Lime, plus options including activated charcoal like Charcoal+Magnesium and Sandalwood+Citrus.

Sensitive: Baking soda-free, uses only magnesium to help neutralize odor. Formulated specifically for those seeking effective protection that is especially smooth and gentle on skin. Our sensitive skin sticks are available in amazing scents like Coconut & Kaolin Clay, Jasmine Tea, and Coconut & Pineapple. We also have a fan-favorite activated charcoal sensitive skin deodorant called Here & Now and an award-winning hemp seed oil-infused collection. Check them out!

How do I apply your deodorant?

Good question! Our deo might be a little firmer than you’re used to, but once you get application down, it’s a breeze. Here goes: When ready to apply, hold the surface of your deo to your skin momentarily (5 – 10 seconds usually) to soften the coconut oil upon contact with body heat. Once your deo is slightly softened, gently apply a thin, even layer to your skin. Start small, and use less than you might be used to with conventional products. We recommend starting with 1 – 2 swipes. You can find more application tips here.

How long will one deodorant last?

This will vary from person to person, but generally we say about 3 months. Given that we don’t use filler ingredients, and you only need 1 – 2 swipes per application, you may find it lasts you even longer. That’s what we call bang for your buck!

Is Schmidt’s an antiperspirant? Will it help protect me from sweat?

Schmidt’s is a deodorant, meaning we do not use aluminum salts in our formulas (aka the ingredient that antiperspirants use to block sweat). We do, however, use plant and mineral-derived powders and oils that will help keep you fresh. Some customers do experience a transition period when switching to naturals during which they report an increase in sweat or odor. Bear with it…you may find you sweat less than you expect (or you notice it less) once you’re used to using a natural deodorant.

Will Schmidt’s stain my clothing?

Ah, the dreaded yellow sweat stains. 🙈 These are sometimes the result of chemical interactions between minerals in your sweat and the aluminum found in antiperspirants — however, Schmidt’s contains no aluminum salts, so no worries there! We also recommend that you avoid over-applying (to prevent oils from getting into your clothing’s fibers), stay away from tight-fitting clothing and synthetic fabrics, and that you ensure your underarms are dry before applying deodorant — mixing your deo with water makes staining more likely.

Lastly, if you’re using our stick deo, try holding it under your arm momentarily to soften the coconut oil on contact with body heat. This helps speed up the absorption and prevent excess product from winding up on your clothing. We’ve got more info on how to prevent stains here.

Will it melt in high temperatures?

It will. Because our formula is coconut oil-based and contains no chemical stabilizers, we recommend you keep in a relatively temperate environment to avoid the dreaded melt. Your bathroom should be totally fine… car trunk on a hot day, not so much.

Help! The dial is stuck on my stick.

Try saying that 10x fast. Here’s a helpful tip that might help:

Take the cap off, then squeeze around the sides toward the top of the stick. Sometimes if the coconut oil gets too firm, it’ll adhere to the sides of the stick — this method should help it release by providing a little heat and pressure. Get a good grip on the dial, and apply gentle upward pressure while you twist. Still not working? Get in touch.

Why is the texture of your deodorant firmer than what I’m used to?

Keen observation! That’s one of the things that makes Schmidt’s unique and a function of the ingredients in our natural formula. Make sure to hold the surface of your deo to your skin for a few seconds to soften up the coconut oil, then swipe just 1 – 2 times. Our formula is designed to be effective in small amounts to help prevent things like staining, stickiness, and over-application. A little goes a long way!

I’m experiencing sensitivity. What do I do?

First, please stop using the product until we can help you get to the bottom of what’s going on. This is absolutely not the experience we want you to have! It may be that you are over-applying, applying too soon after shaving, or that one or more of the ingredients in our formula doesn’t agree with you. Please contact us so we can help figure this out with you. Note that we also have a baking soda-free sensitive skin formula with a smooth, creamy application that is a better fit for some customers—check out those scents here.

What is the shelf life of your products?

Our products have a shelf life of about 18 months unopened and roughly 12 months after being opened. You can find a shelf life symbol on the back of our products, which indicates the number of months that a cosmetic is safe to use after opening.

Is Schmidt’s Deodorant Spray an antiperspirant or dry spray?

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Spray is a natural deodorant free from aluminum salts, just like our deodorant sticks. It is not formulated to prevent your body’s natural sweating process, but it will neutralize odor and help keep you smelling fresh for up to 48 hours.

How do I apply Schmidt’s deodorant spray?

First of all, don’t shake the can. Standard aerosol propellants require you to shake the can to mix the product with the propellant. Our nitrogen propellant doesn’t require mixing, so shaking the can may poorly affect how the product is applied. Similar to our natural deodorant sticks, wait several minutes after shaving your underarms before application.

To apply, hold the can upright. Spray 3‑inches from your underarm. The product dries quickly and leaves no white marks. If it’s taking too long to dry, you may be applying too much.

How is Schmidt’s deodorant spray different from deodorant sticks?

We formulated our natural deodorant sprays with the same natural and efficacy standards that Schmidt’s has always held. All of the ingredients in our sprays are sourced from plants or air (eg. nitrogen). It’s made without aluminum salts, non-GMO, and certified vegan and cruelty-free.

Is the deodorant spray can recyclable?

Sure is. While our formula is made without aluminum salts, the container is aluminum metal which is infinitely recyclable and can be recycled anywhere aluminum is accepted.

Is Schmidt’s natural deodorant spray bad for the environment?

We formulated our natural deodorant spray to use an ozone-friendly nitrogen propellant. When an aerosol is sprayed, the propellant is released into the air and can interact with the atmosphere. Schmidt’s natural deodorant spray uses nitrogen as our propellant — it’s a predominate component of Earth’s atmosphere and is inert (which means it does not react). Since it’s already in the air, it will not harm the ozone layer.

I’m switching over from a traditional deodorant. Which product should I start off with? Tips or suggestions?

Bravo! We applaud your decision to make the switch to a natural deodorant. 👏 We suggest starting at the beginning with our original formula—it’s changed the way a lot of people think about deodorant. Have a history of sensitivity? Check out our Sensitive Skin formula.

There’s a lot to think about when switching to a natural deo. Don’t sweat it though, as soon enough your new routine will become just that — routine. To help you get started definitely check out our post 5 Pro Tips for Your Armpits.

What is “natural fragrance”?

Our natural fragrances are a combination of pure essential oils or non-synthetic isolates, which are a combination of aromatic molecules distilled from natural plant materials. 🌿 Our natural fragrances contain no carrier oils, artificial fragrances, parabens or phthalates.

I have a history of sensitive skin or sensitivity to baking soda. Can you help me?

Yes! Definitely check out our Sensitive Skin formula, which is formulated specifically for those with sensitive skin that are seeking effective and natural protection help in neutralizing odor and keeping you fresh, and is made without baking soda. It also prioritizes a smooth, creamy consistency and fast absorption, topped off with essential oils that are renowned for the skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Underarms need some extra TLC? Check out The Natural blog for expert advice on approaching underarm skincare, or contact our customer support team.

What happens during a natural deodorant transition period?

Some users report a transition period when switching from traditional antiperspirants and deodorants to natural deodorant. The theory goes that once your sweat glands are freed of aluminum, they may release fluids previously blocked by antiperspirants, causing an increase in moisture.

For those that may experience a transition period, it could last for a couple days, or a few weeks — ultimately, any transition depends on your unique body chemistry. So, when first switching to a natural deodorant, it’s important to keep in mind that application is key. For instance, Schmidt’s deodorants should be warmed with body heat before use by pressing the product against the skin to help soften the oils, which helps for a smooth application.