The Best Natural Deodorants

Your sister waxes poetic about one brand. Your teenager is desperate for one that actually works. 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 better-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 plastic-free option that’s recyclable or biodegradable?

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 from Illinois

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick

Made simply with pure mineral salts and nothing else, Crystal’s unscented formula provides an invisible barrier to protect against odor before it even starts. Rest easy when wearing a black t-shirt—the vegan formula doesn’t leave any white residue behind.

What our members say…
“I’m so glad I finally tried this! It works so well, I don’t need to reapply in the middle of the day, there’s no scent, it doesn’t leave any white marks on my clothes, and I don’t get a rash! This is a miracle product.”
—Hannah from Massachusetts

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

Weleda Deodorant Spray, Sage

Spray and go with Weleda’s earthy, refreshing scent that’s packaged in a recyclable glass bottle.

What our members say…
“I’ve used this for over ten years and it’s the best of all the natural deodorants. The sage smell is heavenly.”
—Jessica from Nevada

EO Deodorant Wipes, French Lavender

Nix underarm odor in a simple swipe. For feeling fresh on the go, EO’s convenient wipes are scented with soothing lavender essential oils. For the fullest lavender scent, EO sources their lavender from farms in France and Bulgaria that have on-site distilleries so that the oil can be extracted from freshly picked plants.

What our members say…
“These are so lovely and definitely come in handy when you need a little extra freshness after a long day at work or after working out.”
—Sabrina from Washington

Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant, Santal & Vetiver

Salt & Stone’s cult-favorite deodorants are known for their unique scents inspired by nature, from Santal & Vetiver to Bergamot & Hinoki. Formulated for 24-hour protection, every stick is free of aluminum, alcohol, parabens, and dyes.

What our members say…
“Love this deodorant so much I bought all four scents. My husband uses them too. Great scents, this one is my favorite for sure.”
—Anna from Massachusetts