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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
In the world of clean beauty, natural deodorants are a hot topic. While they may have once been seen as a niche and slightly unreliable alternative to regular sprays and roll-ons, there are now so many options available–from deodorants so luxe you’ll want to show them off in your bathroom cabinet to formulas so delicately fragranced that you’ll be batting off the compliments.
So why exactly are so many of us making the switch from regular deodorants? A common reason is their use of aluminum and its association with breast cancer and the sensitivity it can cause. But is there actually a link, or is it just scary hearsay?
“The debate is still ongoing as to whether or not aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer in women,” says clean beauty expert Jenny Duranski. A good amount of studies have been conducted over the past two decades questioning the safety of the ingredient. To date, the overarching consensus has been that results are inconclusive and more scientific data is needed. (Although one fairly recent 2017 study, found that using aluminum-based antiperspirants frequently, particularly before the age of 30, may increase the risk of breast cancer.) The bottom line? The jury is still kind of still out, but for many people, making the switch to natural deodorants is the preferred choice.
What else is there to think about? It’s important to keep in mind that aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants that actually keeps you from sweating, so, no matter how great of a natural deodorant you find, “it will give you odor protection, but wetness protection isn’t always at the top of the list,” notes Duranski. Also worth noting: “Not every formula is going to be a perfect fit for everyone because everyone’s skin and microbiome is different and may react differently to various ingredients," explains Emily Koko, Assistant Buyer for Credo Beauty. "Sometimes it’s a matter of trial and error,”
Where to start? We suggest starting with our pick of the best natural deodorants for women.
Best Overall
Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant
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Amazon
Good value
Hydrating formula
Glides on easily
Stays fresh all day
Can melt if left in the heat
Byrdie editors have tried pretty much every natural deodorant, but few come close to rivaling this universally-beloved favorite. It relies largely on coconut oil (which is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial), as well as sage oil, for odor protection that’s on par with that of antiperspirants. Also nice: It comes in four scents plus an unscented version. A word to the wise, because of the coconut oil in the formula, it can get melty and runny if it gets too hot, so keep it in a cool spot.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Oil | Active Ingredients: Coconut and sage oils, coconut water, Saccharomyces ferment | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Stone
Crystal Deodorant Stick
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Amazon
Long-lasting
Contains a single ingredient
Inexpensive
No scented options
Looking for a minimal ingredient list? How about just one ingredient? That’s right, uno—you’ll only find natural mineral salts in this deodorant stone. It works by leaving an invisible barrier on the skin that protects you from bacteria-creating odors without leaving behind any stains, stickiness, or residue. One stone is guaranteed to last you at least a year, and it’s also endorsed by Cancer Treatment Centers for extra reassurance on its safety. It’s also completely unscented–ideal if you’re opposed to fragrance in your products.
Price at time of publish: $8
Type: Solid crystal | Active Ingredients: Potassium alum | Size: 4.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Gel
Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
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Glides on easily
Stays fresh all day
A little goes a long way
Packaging could be improved
This newly-launched natural deodorant gel is the latest addition to our favorite minimalist body care range, Nécessaire –and let’s just say it’s got everyone at Byrdie HQ excited. The formula is everything you would want from your deodorant (think effective ingredients that work together seamlessly to block out odor) without the use of hidden nasties like aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrance. It also dries clear and helps to keep bumpy bits and ingrown hairs at bay with the addition of 5% AHA and niacinamide. Panthenol and chamomile flower extract also soothe irritation and sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Mandelic and lactic acids | Size:1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Runner-Up, Best Splurge
Agent Nateur holi(stick) No. 3 Deodorant
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Amazon
Luxe packaging
Great scent
Ideal for very sensitive skin
Needs to be reapplied throughout the day
Chic, chic, chic with a capital C. Everything from the minimalistic black and white packaging to the scent (derived from eucalyptus and lavender oils) screams sophistication. It’s made from food-grade ingredients, including organic coconut oil, avocado butter, and beeswax, alongside healing essential oils that soothe sensitive skin while keeping you smelling super fresh. It truly defies every stereotype that comes to mind when you think of natural deodorant, making it a luxurious treat that’s worth every penny–particularly given how well it works, too.
Price at time of publish: $21
Type: Oil | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, baking soda | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Scent
Corpus Naturals Cedar Flora Natural Deodorant
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Bergdorf Goodman
Won't irritate sensitive skin
Glides on easily
Stays fresh all day
Doesn't leave a residue on clothes
Scent may be too strong for some
“Corpus uses naturally-derived enzymes to balance bacteria and odor, and this has the most lovely scent,” says Koko. Credit the perfect balance of cedar, white musk, and jasmine that make this smell more like a perfume than a natural deodorant. It’s another great pick for sensitive skin since it uses tapioca starch rather than baking soda.
Price at time of publish: $26
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Diatomaceous earth, Saccharomyces ferment | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Workout Buffs
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
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Dermstore
Feels cooling and soothing on skin
Stays fresh all day
Great scent
Can dry out over time
This cooling natural deodorant will keep you feeling fresh through hot yoga or the sweatiest of spin classes; credit the addition of peppermint and eucalyptus. It’s also cooling upon application, making it great to use post-workout. Koko also gives it bonus points for delivering all-day protection and the inclusion of soothing aloe to soothe and hydrate the underarms. You’ll also find moisture-absorbing kaolin on its ingredients list as well as odor-busting baking soda and hops. If we have one complaint, it’s that it does dry out in its pot over time.
Price at time of publish: $18
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Hops, kaolin, aloe vera | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Personalized
Nala Personalized Deodorant
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Nala Care
Comes in different strengths and scents
Long-lasting
Doesn't leave a residue on clothes
Testers say that you need more than the brand’s recommended two swipes for long-lasting protection
This option from Nala allows you to not only pick the scent of your deodorant but select your preferred level of odor protection, too. There are three different scents to choose from, plus an unscented option, and you can select from sensitive (which is baking soda-free), regular, or extra strength. When it comes to natural deodorant, one size does not fit all, so this is a great way to mix and match to determine what your body needs.
Price at time of publish: $29
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, kaolin | Size: 2.2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Kaia Naturals Charcoal Deodorant Sakura Blossom
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Amazon
Fragrance is naturally derived
Suitable for very sensitive skin
Glides on easily
Can leave a faint residue
Rather than using baking soda, which can be irritating for some, this relies on activated charcoal to help remove impurities and neutralize odors, says Koko. It’s part of the reason it’s a choice for those with sensitive skin (because irritation under your arms is really the pits). There’s also only natural fragrance in the formula, which has a springy floral scent. Testers say, however, that it can leave a faint residue behind.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid | Size: 2.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Unisex
Schmidt's Deodorant Stick
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Amazon
Great selection of scents
Smooth texture
A little goes a long way
Can be difficult to apply
The founder of this brand started by making this formula in her kitchen, but now it’s one of the biggest natural deodorant players in the mass market, with a legit cult following (including Dotdash Meredith's President of Entertainment + Beauty & Style Group Leah Wyar, who’s a fan). That’s largely due to the non-greasy, non-sticky texture, not to mention the unique scents. There are over 20 different ones, all of which smell great but are never cloying and are completely unisex, ideal if you and your guy like to share. It’s not the smoothest of deodorants to apply, but it’s worth it for the staying power.
Price at time of publish: $11
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil | Size: 3.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Arm & Hammer Essentials Solid Deodorant
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Amazon
Effective formula
Doesn't leave a white cast
Neutral scent
Can be a little drying
A box of Arm & Hammer is one of the most inexpensive ways to freshen up your fridge, and it turns out the brand has your underarm needs covered, too. You get not one, but two, sticks for less than the price of your morning latte, not to mention excellent wetness absorption and a nice option of scents to choose from. But don’t take our word for it alone–there are pages of five-star reviews on Amazon about this deodorant, especially from those who experience excess sweating. Some complain about it being a little drying, though.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Baking soda, coriander fruit oil | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best With Baking Soda
Humble All Natural Vegan Aluminum Free Deodorant Stick
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Amazon
Inexpensive
Great selection of scents
Packaging is made from recycled plastic
Won't irritate sensitive skin
Can temporarily stain the skin
Baking soda can sometimes get a bad rap in the natural deodorant world, and admittedly yes, it can be an irritating ingredient for some. That being said, it’s also one of the best odor- (and wetness-) absorbing options out there, so if your skin can tolerate it, go for it. Here, it’s in a formula that uses only three other ingredients—cornstarch, fractionated coconut oil, and beeswax. It’s one of Duranski’s top picks, and she also raves about the affordable price point. Some reviewers do warn that it can temporarily stain the skin, so apply it with care if you’re wearing something revealing.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, baking soda | Size:2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Variety
Each & Every Aluminum Free Deodorant
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Amazon
Great selection of scents
Eco-conscious packaging
Simple ingredient list
Can leave a residue on clothes
Variety is the spice of life, which is why we appreciate that this brand offers nine different scents in a range of ultra-sophisticated pairings – think juniper and mint and cannabis, and green tea. But the choices don’t stop there. You can also choose between sets of three full-size or four- or eight-count minis and buy just once or sign up for an easy subscription model. Plus, the formula is so clean that it’s even verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an organization that monitors ingredient safety. Like many natural deodorants, though, it can leave a bit of a residue.
Price at time of publish: $17
Type: Balm | Active Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, lavender oil | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Paste
Routine Natural Deodorant
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Amazon
Stays fresh all day
Great selection of scents
Cream goes on smoothly
Can be messy
Paste deodorants are polarizing—think of them as the cilantro of the natural beauty world. (A weird analogy, we know, but just go with it.) If you can get behind the application process, which requires a scoop and a smear, pick up this guy. Both experts we spoke to are big fans. “It’s chock-full of moisture-absorbing ingredients, such as kaolin clay, arrowroot powder, magnesium, and baking soda to keep you dry, plus activated charcoal to remove impurities, says Koko. Duranski loves it, too, lauding it for its “supreme odor protection.” You might have to practice your application technique, though, as it can be a little messy–especially if you’re new to using paste deodorants.
Price at time of publish: $24
Type: Paste | Active Ingredients: Seed butter, shea butter, coconut oil | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Fair Trade
Alaffia Coconut Reishi Deodorant
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Amazon
Inexpensive
Nourishing formula
Great scent
Could be longer lasting
It's good to know that your deodorant doesn't contain any harmful ingredients, but you can have even more peace of mind with Alaffia, knowing that it is composed completely of traditional authentic West African fair trade ingredients. It is handcrafted with virgin coconut oil, charcoal, and reishi mushroom extract to soothe, purify, and neutralize odors while keeping you dry and fresh throughout the day. Admittedly, it’s not the most long-lasting of the deodorants we tried, so you may need to re-apply to stay fresh until bedtime.
Price at time of publish: $7
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut extract, Saccharomyces ferment, sodium chloride | Size: 2.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Scent, Runner-Up
Crystal Cucumber + Mint Magnesium Enriched Deodorant
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Target
Feels cooling and soothing on skin
Won't irritate sensitive skin
Glides on easily
Can temporarily stain skin
From the brand that invented the OG crystal deodorant, this hydrating deodorant stick is infused with magnesium to keep body odor at bay alongside an ultra-hydrating base of coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, and shea butter to keep your pits soft and smooth. The real winner here, however, is the scent: The cucumber and mint fragrance is so refreshing, plus it’s naturally derived using essential oils and extracts, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin. The brand also offers a few other unisex scents, such as sea salt and sage, charcoal and tea, and lavender and rosemary. If we’re being super picky, it can leave a temporary stain on the skin, depending on how much you apply.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Potassium alum | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“Natural deodorants have never really passed my stink test. Within one day of application this product kept me feeling dry and smell-free through a sweaty workout and humid commute on the NYC subway.” —Dwyer Frame, VP of Commerce
Best Refillable
Wild Deodorant
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Wild
Good range of fragrances
Good value and long lasting
Baking soda-free range
Swapping refill can be a bit clunky
British natural deodorant brand Wild is vegan, environmentally friendly, and slightly addictive. The idea is that you buy a starter bundle comprising a metal case and deodorant refill in a scent of your choosing. You can either buy the deodorant refill as a one-off or sign up for a subscription where you’ll be sent a bundle of three at a frequency that suits you. (If you’re using it every day, every 12-14 weeks is advised). If you have particularly sensitive armpits try Wild’s baking soda-free range that we can report is effective but gentle–in fact, one of our editors hasn’t looked back since discovering it five years ago.
Price at time of publish: $13+
Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Tapioca starch | Size: 40g. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“Natural deodorants have never really passed my stink test. Within one day of application this product kept me feeling dry and smell-free through a sweaty workout and humid commute on the NYC subway.” —Dwyer Frame, VP of Commerce
Like any major change, there’s going to be a transition period when moving from an antiperspirant to natural deodorant; experts refer to this as a detox period. “As your body starts to flush out the barrier that was built-up from traditional antiperspirants, you may notice more sweat and odor,” says Koko. Duranski notes that this can last up to four weeks. But it will get better so ride it out, and then start testing different formulas, until you find the one that works best with your body chemistry, advises Koko.
Final Verdict
Kopari’s Aluminium-Free Deodorant is a Byrdie favorite thanks to its coconut oil formula that makes applying it a breeze. It also kept us feeling fresh all day. Arm & Hammer Essentials Solid Deodorant is a great no-frills option, especially if you perspire quite a lot and need some reliable protection to get you through the day. Nécessaire’s gel deodorant also gets a special mention for its incredible fragrance that feels like a real treat.
Meet the Expert
- Jenny Duranski is the founder of Lena Rose Beauty, Chicago’s first green beauty boutique and spa. She developed an obsession with green beauty after developing mysterious ailments while working as a nail technician. She’s also a member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
- Emily Koko is an Assistant Buyer for Credo Beauty, specializing in the body, SPF, and deodorant categories. She’s a natural deodorant advocate and switched over long before it was trendy to do so.
What to Look for in a Natural Deodorant
A Scent You Love
You probably wear deodorant every day, so a scent you love is essential. From cool and refreshing scents to florals and even unscented options, there is a nice variety to choose from, even from the natural set. Some natural deodorants on this list have up to 20 scents to choose from, making finding one that speaks to you a given.
Ingredients
Since natural options do not contain aluminum, often the active ingredient is baking soda, which does a good job at absorbing sweat and odor but can irritate some skin types. If your skin is on the sensitive side or you tend to react to products, you might want to steer clear and look for options that contain other odor fighters, like charcoal or tapioca starch. Some options are unscented, so you don't have to worry about fragrance as a potential irritant. And others contain moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, so you get skin-smoothing benefits as well.
Type of Product
A stick isn't your only option to degrease pits. On this list, you'll find sticks and balms but also a paste. Consider whether you travel frequently or want to toss your deodorant in your gym or work bag. Pastes can be fun to use but are definitely messier than the traditional stick you can swipe on and go. And aside from what form it comes in, deodorants sometimes come in different strength varieties. One product on this list comes in sensitive to extra strength.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Finding the best natural deodorant out there is a top priority in her continued quest to ‘clean up’ her beauty routine; she currently rotates through a new one weekly.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough natural deodorants in stock from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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