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Making the switch from a sweat-stopping antiperspirant to an all-natural deodorant might be enough to make you perspire. I get it—but maybe it’s time to let your armpits do their thing so you can free your underarm pores from clogs and irritation.
If you’re ready to make the change, it’s important to know that antiperspirants and natural deodorants don’t serve the same purpose. Antiperspirants contain aluminum, which is the active ingredient that inhibits a normal bodily function: sweating. Natural deodorants don’t contain aluminum, relying on ingredients like baking soda to minimize odor and prevent bacteria growth.
Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or heading to the home gym for a quick HIIT workout, you know that once you break into a sweat, things can get a little funky. Natural deodorants don’t stop you from sweating entirely, but they can have you smelling fresh for hours and feeling even better—it’s all about letting your body adjust and finding the right formula for you.
We tried some of the most popular natural deos on the market today to find the best picks for smelling good while letting your body sweat as much as it needs to, even on those long runs. Here are the best natural deodorants, along with advice on how to choose the best one for your skin.
The Best Natural Deodorants
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Best for All Skin Types
Native Regular Natural Deodorant
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4
Best Without Baking Soda
Dr. Squatch Summer Citrus Natural Deodorant
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7
Best Gel
Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel Natural Deodorant
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8
Beauty Editor Recommended
evolvetogether Havana Natural Deodorant Set
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What to Consider
If you’re switching from regular antiperspirant to natural deodorant, you will likely experience what is commonly referred to as an armpit detox. Your body needs time to adjust to sweating more regularly again, so you might smell a little ripe for two to four weeks. As you prepare for more bodily moisture, here are a few things to look out for in a natural deodorant so you can make the transition a smooth one.
Ingredients
Since natural deodorants don’t have aluminum in them, you’ll want to find other natural ingredients that help neutralize armpit odor and manage sweat. Saccharomyces ferment, which comes from enzymes, is a good alternative to aluminum. It’s safe, nontoxic, and naturally occurring, and it works by breaking down sweat molecules to prevent smells and moisture.
Other ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, a.k.a. baking soda, and arrowroot also help to combat moisture. If you’re concerned about your sensitive skin, look for inclusions like coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter to help soothe your underarms. If deodorant typically irritates your skin, avoid natural deodorants with synthetic fragrances and high water and alcohol content, both of which take away from the odor-fighting ingredients.
Form Factor and Application
Roll-on, stick, cream, gel—the form factors of deodorants seem endless. A traditional solid stick deodorant might be convenient for a quick refresh after the gym. Gel deodorants are a wetter consistency and they dry clear, but the application method may not be the most ideal if you’re on the go and need something that settles onto your skin quickly.
Don’t fixate on the form of antiperspirant that’s worked for you in the past—as your body adjusts to natural deodorant, you may find that a different texture and application works better.
How We Selected
We tested several natural deodorants with a range of scents and formulations to see how they feel and smell, as well as their efficacy as deodorants. We turned to Best Products beauty editor Nicole Saunders for her recommendations and favorites, and read a plethora of reviews from customers. We considered natural deodorants with a range of ingredients, and also kept in mind how well they block odor and how long they last. We’ve rounded up the best natural deodorants to help you find the antiperspirant alternative that’s right for you.
Pros
- Light and fresh scent
- Coconut oil to prevent bacteria growth
- Smooth application
Cons
- More expensive than most antiperspirant
This coconut-oil-based natural deodorant from Kopari is like a little oasis packed into a container. The scent isn’t overpowering, but it does its job to mask armpit odor. Even though the stick is colored, it still applies clear, doesn’t leave any residue behind, and goes on very smoothly—no skin-pulling here.
It’s aluminum-free, but it’s also baking soda-free, which helps if you have sensitive underarms. I’ve had some pretty bad rashes from antiperspirants and deodorants in the past, but this natural deodorant doesn’t irritate my skin and feels very lightweight to wear. It’s a great pick for first timers switching from antiperspirant to natural deodorant.
Key Specs
| Scents | 6 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Roll-on |
| Noteworthy Ingredients | Saccharomyces ferment, coconut oil, sage oil |
Pros
- Free from parabens, alcohol, and aluminum
- Designed for an active lifestyle
- Earthy scent
Cons
- Not 100% scented by essential oils
Salt & Stone products are made with an active lifestyle in mind, making its natural deodorant a great pick for athletes. It’s formulated for all-day wear, and I don’t feel the need to reapply when I wear this deodorant. The consistency is a dense cream, but it dries down nicely.
Ingredients like natural ferments help balance out your body’s healthy bacteria, and the moisturizing blend of coconut oil, shea butter and sunflower seed oil adds hydration. The hyaluronic acid helps to grip onto water molecules and prevent excess moisture, and it’s free from alcohol, too, so it fights odors well.
Keep in mind that it does contain sodium bicarbonate, which might be more irritating for sensitive skin types.
Key Specs
| Scents | 4 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Roll-on |
| Key Ingredients | Natural ferments, spirulina, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, shea butter |
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Doesn’t leave behind a residue
- Aluminum-, paraben-, and talc-free
- Nice scent
Cons
- Can dry out after a while
This natural deodorant from Native is simple and to the point, packaging included. I apply it first thing in the morning, and it lasts me through a long day at the office without complaints from coworkers about a noticeable smell. I don’t see any apparent streaks on my clothes (which are typically black), and the coconut and vanilla scent is amazing.
It’s free from parabens, aluminum, and talc, an additive that cuts down on friction and dries the surface of your skin. Instead, Native uses magnesium hydroxide and baking soda to keep your underarms dry. The brand also has a natural deodorant line that uses arrowroot to reduce moisture, specifically formulated for sensitive skin types.
Key Specs
| Scents | 19 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Solid stick |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide |
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Pros
- No baking soda or aluminum
- Arrowroot to prevent moisture
- Smooth application
Cons
- May cause a few white streaks on clothes
Dr. Squatch uses a combination of ingredients like charcoal powder to block odor, probiotics to prevent the growth of bacteria, and arrowroot to wick away excess moisture.
The consistency of the deodorant is really smooth and buttery, so it doesn’t ball up or flake on my underarms. Normally, antiperspirants tend to dry out your skin, but this natural deodorant felt more nourishing thanks to hydrating ingredients like jojoba and shea butter.
The roll-on application is convenient, the summer citrus scent is very refreshing, and it’s aluminum and baking soda free.
Key Specs
| Scents | 8 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Roll-on |
| Key Ingredients | Charcoal powder, probiotics, arrowroot, coconut oil, shea butter |
Pros
- Can use on multiple body parts
- Lasts for several hours
- Cruelty free
Cons
- The scent before application can be overbearing
You sweat from more than just your pit pores, so you might find yourself reaching for a deodorant stick that works for other areas of your body. This deo from Lume is aluminum, baking soda and paraben-free for the most natural odor control. It goes on dry and applies clear, so you aren’t left with any white residue.
It lasts ages, too, keeping you feeling fresh for up to 72 hours. It’s safe to apply almost everywhere you tend to smell, even down to your feet. If a solid stick deodorant isn’t your thing, Lume has other formulas available like tubed cream or stick cream.
Key Specs
| Scents | 6 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Solid stick |
| Key Ingredients | Corn starch, arrowroot, mandelic acid (AHA), natural fragrance |
Pros
- AHAs to balance underarm pH levels
- Vegan
- Free from fragrance, parabens, talc, aluminum, baking soda, and silicones
Cons
- Tube form might not be for everyone
Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are commonly found in skincare products, and they work well in deodorant, too. These acids are naturally derived, working to lower the pH in your underarms to combat bacteria growth that can create undesirable odors. They work best when left on your skin for long periods of time, which makes it a beneficial key ingredient in your natural deodorant.
The formulation of this deodorant from Kosas is a serum consistency, and while it is in a tube, it glides onto your skin smoothly with a rolling ball applicator. It dries clear and quick, so you don’t have to fret over streaks or residue.
Key Specs
| Scents | 3 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Serum |
| Key Ingredients | Lactic acids, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid |
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Pros
- 5% AHAs for pH balance
- Helps with shaving bumps
- Liquid gel formula
Cons
- Only two scents available
Between sweat, chafing, and shaving, your armpits can take quite the hit. Applying deodorant when your skin is already suffering from irritants and razor bumps is enough to make you shiver. The Deodorant Gel from Nécessaire uses AHAs, niacinamide, and witch hazel to beat odors and minimize unwanted bumps.
It comes in a liquid gel formula with a rolling ball applicator, and is available in a fragrance-free or eucalyptus scent option. (Pro tip: Eucalyptus is a natural preventative for bacteria growth, like the kind that cause stinky underarms.)
Key Specs
| Scents | 2 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Gel roll-on |
| Key Ingredients | Witch hazel, essential oils, niacinamide, lactic acid, mandelic acid |
Pros
- Tapioca starch to absorb sweat and moisture
- Glycerin to reduce irritation
- Good to wear all day without reapplying
Cons
- Fragrance/perfume additive
The Evolvetogether deodorant is a personal favorite for Best Products beauty editor Nicole Saunders. “This is the best natural deodorant I’ve tested, and I don't have to worry about touching it up throughout the day. I had an early-morning flight and wore this deodorant from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and I was thrilled that I smelled fresh and clean throughout the day,” she says.
Sometimes, the delightful scent in your natural deodorant wears off soon after application. However, this deodorant works harder as your body temperature rises to boost the active fragrance. It also uses tapioca starch and saccharomyces ferment to combat moisture and a plant-based enzyme called DeoPlex to keep you smelling fresh during any level of activity.
Key Specs
| Scents | 3 |
|---|---|
| Formula | Solid stick |
| Key Ingredients | DeoPlex, tapioca starch, saccharomyces ferment, glycerin |
Pros
- Unscented
- Only one ingredient
Cons
- Must read application directions carefully, since your skin or the deodorant has to be wet
If you’re ready to ditch the fragrances and irritating ingredients of your antiperspirants all together, consider this unscented natural deodorant from Crystal. It’s made from one singular ingredient: mineral salt.
It’s hypoallergenic, easy on the skin, and it dries clear. There are no parabens, artificial fragrances, or sulfates. One pitfall is that it doesn’t apply like a normal deodorant, which may be inconvenient if you’re in a rush. Since the salt has to be water-activated, it’s best to use right after you hop out of the shower.
Key Specs
| Scents | Unscented |
|---|---|
| Formula | Salt rock/stick |
| Key Ingredients | Mineral salt |
Amber Joglar
Digital Content Producer
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
