The Best Natural Deodorants

Your sister waxes poetic about one brand. Your coworker is obsessed with another. You try a formula that gives you a rash, or you love the scent but not the application. Welcome to the occasionally frustrating world of hunting for natural deodorant. Rest assured, there’s a perfect pick out there with your name on it, and to cut through the overwhelm, our curated collection is your one-stop shop to keep body odor at bay.

3 Ways to Approach Your Natural Deodorant Search

Let’s be honest: finding the best natural deodorant is a quest. Since everyone’s body chemistry is different, it pays to go into your search with an open mind and expect some trial and error before achieving natural deodorant nirvana. With curiosity in mind, here are three areas to consider when picking up your next formula.

Ingredients
What’s not in natural deodorant is what sets them apart from mainstream options that use aluminum to prevent you from sweating. Sweat is one of your body’s detoxification pathways, and while studies are still determining if aluminum causes negative health outcomes, it might still be worth avoiding.

Another common ingredient is “fragrance,” an addition that the Environmental Working Group has flagged as a known allergen and toxin affecting the immune system. (Most natural deodorants rely on essential oils for added aroma.) You’ll also want to steer clear of propylene glycol and triclosan, two other common additives in personal care products, which may aggravate allergies and reactions and even disrupt the endocrine system.

Modern formulas, on the other hand, nix potentially harmful chemicals in favor of ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, tapioca starch, activated charcoal, jojoba oil, kaolin clay, and other good-for-you options.

Skin type
If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of baking soda. Since this ingredient is very alkaline with a high pH level, it may cause a chemical reaction to occur with your skin that can lead to rashes. Some people find that plant-based arrowroot powder serves the same function (absorbing dampness and preventing odor) without the adverse effects.

Lifestyle
Since the FDA doesn’t require skin care products to receive approval before hitting the market, it’s important to know your non-negotiables up front. And don’t discount your personal preferences either. Here are a few questions to consider as you make the switch:

• Do you follow a vegan or plant-based diet? If so, seek out a cruelty-free brand to support your values.
• Are you someone who finds a forever scent, or do you want a brand with plenty of variety to suit your changing mood throughout the year?
• Are you looking for a stick you can toss and replace, or a sustainable option that offers refills or biodegradable packaging?

The Best Natural Deodorants (According to Our Members)

Our members have traversed the natural deodorant wilderness and found some real winners, including brands that are concocting safe formulas sans chemicals and smell pretty darn dreamy.

Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant

Ursa Major’s formula gives you natural protection all day long thanks to ingredients like tapioca starch, aloe, and kaolin clay.

What our members say…
“Perfect deodorant, rolls on so smoothly! I love the smell and it’s the best natural deodorant I’ve tried.”
—Anne Illinois

Cleo & Coco Sensitive Skin Charcoal Deodorant

Sensitive skin? Right this way. Cleo & Coco’s baking soda-free formula has a touch of zinc to absorb wetness while blue tansy, charcoal, and magnesium help eliminate odor.

What our members say…
“I hate store bought deodorant because they’re so full of chemicals. This barely has any ingredients and I don’t smell after a long workout! I’m very happy with it.”
—Jackie from Pennsylvania

Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick, Bergamot & Lime

Schmidt’s award-winning formula—that’s Ecocert Certified Natural—is formulated with plant-based powders to keep you fresh while bergamot and lime essential oils add a refreshing aroma.

What our members say…
“I’ve tried a ton of natural deodorants, and this is the one I keep coming back to. Keeps me smelling fresh even after sweating, and does help reduce the wetness.”
—Amanda from Pennsylvania

Humble Deodorant, Moroccan Rose

Humble’s cruelty-free deodorant is made in small batches and has just four simple ingredients including coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils. The plastic-free container is biodegradable too.

What our members say…
“I’ve tried several of the Humble deos and they work well! Love the plastic free packaging. Does not irritate my sometimes sensitive skin. Love all the Humble scents, but this rose scent is dreamy.”
—Erin from Kentucky

EO Deodorant Spray, Citrus

Spray and go with EO’s uplifting scent that’s made in a zero-waste factory with EWG-approved ingredients.

What our members say…
“I love this spray. I’ve used it daily for almost two years now and it never leaves a white stain on your clothes!”
—Abby from Alabama

Busy Refresh Deodorant Wipes

Nix underarm odor in a simple swipe. These refreshing (and biodegradable) wipes are made in a wind-powered facility without any aluminum or parabens. Zinc absorbs odor and probiotics help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.

What our members say…
“The perfect purse pal!! These beauties leave me feeling refreshed and clean after a long day! Especially with this heat!”
—Jessica from New York

Noniko Stainless Steel Natural Deodorant Starter Kit

NONIKO’s deodorants are made with clean ingredients and sustainable packaging, which means you can keep the stainless steel canister in rotation through the brand’s reuse model.

What our members say…
“I love how eco-friendly this deodorant is and the smell is citrusy, subtle and perfect for me. It also hasn’t irritated my sensitive skin so win-win!!”
—Eileen, Pennsylvania