Don’t Sweat It—We Found 18 Natural Deodorants That Actually Work (2024)

Natural deodorants are a hot topic. While they may have once been seen as a niche and slightly unreliable alternative to regular deodorant sprays and roll-ons, many options are now available. The controversial ingredient in antiperspirants is aluminum, and while there is no cause-and-effect proof for any of the health claims, some prefer to avoid it entirely.

It’s important to keep in mind that aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants that 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 beauty expert Jenny Duranski. Another bonus: no unsightly yellow marks on the underarms of your white T-shirts. Yep, you can thank sweat mixed with aluminum for that stain. To compile this list, we spent hours researching top natural deodorant formulas and tapped several experts for their insights—the result: A curated selection of natural deodorants that actually work.

Byrdie Tip

Like any major change, there’s going to be a transition period when moving from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant; experts refer to this as a detox period. “As your body starts to flush out the barrier that built up from traditional antiperspirants, you may notice more sweat and odor,” says Emily Koko, a former assistant buyer for Credo Beauty. 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.

What We Like

  • Hydrating formula made from coconut oil

  • Glides on easily

  • Stays fresh all day

What to Consider

  • Due to coconut oil in the formula, it’s prone to melting if it gets too hot

Active Ingredients: Coconut and sage oils, coconut water, saccharomyces ferment | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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.

What We Like

  • Affordable option ideal for excess sweaters

  • Doesn't leave a white cast

  • Neutral scent

What to Consider

  • Can be a little drying

Active Ingredients: Baking soda, coriander fruit oil | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

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 selection of scents. 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.

Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, baking soda | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This deodorant is 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 worth every penny—particularly given how well it works.

What We Like

  • Long-lasting mineral lasts for up to one year

  • Contains a single ingredient

  • Inexpensive

What to Consider

  • No scented options

Active Ingredients: Mineral salts | Size: 4.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 leaves an invisible barrier on the skin that protects you from bacteria-creating odors without leaving any stains, stickiness, or residue. One stone is guaranteed to last you at least a year. It’s also unscented—ideal if you’re opposed to fragrance in your products.

What We Like

  • Glides on smoothly, thanks to gel formula

  • Stays fresh all-day

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider

  • Packaging could be improved

Active Ingredients: Mandelic and lactic acids | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This natural deodorant gel is a favorite at Byrdie HQ. The formula is everything you would want from your deodorant: effective ingredients that work together seamlessly to block out odor without using aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. It also dries clear and helps keep bumpy bits and ingrown hairs at bay by adding mandelic and lactic acids and niacinamide. Panthenol and chamomile flower extract also soothe irritation and sensitive skin. We’re partial to the fresh eucalyptus scent, but there’s a fragrance-free option available should you prefer that.

What We Like

  • Paste applies like a soft cream

  • Contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil

  • Kaolin clay, arrowroot powder, and baking soda absorb sweat

What to Consider

  • Can be messy

Active Ingredients: Kaolin clay, baking soda, activated charcoal, shea butter, coconut oil | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 messy—especially if you’re new to using paste deodorants.

What We Like

  • Free from baking soda, making it suitable for very sensitive skin

  • Fragrance is naturally derived

  • Contains charcoal to keep armpits fresh

What to Consider

  • Can leave a faint residue

Active Ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid | Size: 2.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 a spring-like floral scent to this formula, which is derived from natural fragrance only. But be warned that it can leave a faint residue behind.

What We Like

  • Great scented options for all preferences

  • Won't irritate sensitive skin

  • Doesn't leave a residue on clothes

What to Consider

  • Scent may be too strong for some

Active Ingredients: Diatomaceous earth, Saccharomyces ferment | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

“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—and that’s just the Cedar Flora scent. Other options include Santalum (a blend of sandalwood, cedarwood, and amber), California (sea salt, bergamot, musk, and jasmine), Neroli (orange blossom, neroli, and bergamot) and many more. It’s another great pick for sensitive skin since it uses tapioca starch rather than baking soda.

What We Like

  • Feels cooling and soothing on skin

  • Won't irritate sensitive skin

  • Glides on easily

What to Consider

  • Can temporarily stain skin

Active Ingredients: Mineral salts | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. 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.

What We Like

  • Absorbent kaolin clay and baking soda blend keeps sweat at bay

  • Feels cooling to the touch

  • Aloe vera keeps skin calm

What to Consider

  • Can dry out over time

Active Ingredients: Baking soda, kaolin clay, aloe vera | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 hydrate the underarms. You’ll also find moisture-absorbing kaolin clay, odor-busting baking soda, and hops on its ingredients list. Our one complaint is that it does dry out in its pot over time.

What We Like

  • Comes in different strengths and scents

  • Long-lasting

  • Doesn't leave a residue on clothes

What to Consider

  • You need more than the brand’s recommended two swipes for long-lasting protection

Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, kaolin | Size: 2.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This option from Nala allows you to not only pick the scent of your deodorant but also select your preferred level of odor protection. There are three different scents to choose from—plus an unscented option—and the option to select between 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.

What We Like

  • Great, nongendered scent profiles

  • Smooth texture

  • A little goes a long way

What to Consider

  • Can be difficult to apply

Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil | Size: 3.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 following. That’s largely due to the nongreasy, nonsticky 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. It’s not the smoothest of deodorants to apply, but it’s worth it for the staying power. (Bonus: there's also a line of Schmidt's deodorant for sensitive skin, with similarly unisex scents.)

What We Like

  • Contains gently dose of baking soda to keep armpits fresh

  • Great selection of scents

  • Packaging is made from recycled plastic

What to Consider

  • Can temporarily stain the skin

Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, baking soda | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. This is 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.

What We Like

  • Nine scents to choose from in sets or singles

  • Eco-conscious packaging

  • Simple ingredient list

What to Consider

  • Can leave a residue on clothes

Active Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, lavender oil | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Variety is the spice of life, which is why we appreciate that this brand offers nine different scents in a range of sophisticated pairings—think juniper mint 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.

What We Like

  • Subscription is eco-friendly and simplifies routine

  • Good value and long-lasting

  • Baking soda-free range great for very sensitive skin

What to Consider

  • Swapping the refill can be a bit messy

Active Ingredients: Tapioca starch | Size: 1.41 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 daily, every 12-14 weeks is advised). If you have particularly sensitive armpits, try Wild’s baking soda-free range. We can report it’s gentle but effective—in fact, one of our editors hasn’t looked back since discovering it five years ago. “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,” he said.

What We Like

  • Stops odor-causing bacteria from growing

  • Prevents ingrown hairs

  • Roller applicator

What to Consider

  • Can leave sticky residue

Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Just when you think you know what natural deodorants are all about, here comes Billie with a revolutionary new formula. This breathable liquid gel contains a 5% multi-acid blend that actually adjusts the pH level of your underarms, preventing odor-causing bacteria from growing in the first place. And because alpha-hydroxy acids are known for their exfoliating prowess, the deodorant also helps prevent ingrown hairs from shaving, leaving your pits clear and smooth. It comes in three light, airy scents and dries completely transparent—no streaks in sight.

What We Like

  • Minimizes ingrown hairs and bumps

  • Prevents body odor

  • Helps even skin tone

What to Consider

  • Takes a while to dry completely

Active Ingredients: Willow bark extract, niacinamide, radish root ferment | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Speaking of ingrown hairs, these pesky blockages occur when the hair grows backward and gets trapped underneath the skin, leading to inflammation and (sometimes) even infection. It’s common anywhere you shave or wax—your underarms being a perfect example. This deodorant from Fur aspires to reduce ingrown hairs with willow bark extract, a form of salicylic acid that penetrates the hair follicles and exfoliates dead skin cell buildup. On top of that, it boasts niacinamide to help fade underarm hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, as well as probiotic radish root ferment to tackle BO-causing bacteria. The water-based formula glides on easily and smells dreamy—like the woods after rainfall—but it does take a while to dry completely, so give yourself some time before getting dressed.

What We Like

  • Contains ​​barrier-supportive plant oils and butters

  • Absorbs wetness and moisture

  • Fights odor

What to Consider

  • Can irritate sensitive skin types

Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, shea butter | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

To keep your pits in tip-top shape, stock up on Drunk Elephant’s Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream. It’s formulated with a skin-friendly pH of 4.0 and packed with silky moisturizers, including plant oils, marula, and shea butter, keeping your skin smooth and soft. If you’re wondering how this deodorant holds up in terms of fighting sweat and odor, the answer is very well. It contains mandelic acid (a gentle AHA) to eliminate bacteria and super-absorbent arrowroot powder to keep your underarms dry all day.

What to Look for in a Natural Deodorant

  • Ingredients: Since natural options do not contain aluminum, the active ingredient is often baking soda, which does a good job of absorbing sweat and odor but can irritate some skin types. If your skin is sensitive or you tend to react to products, you might want to steer clear of baking soda and opt for other odor fighters like charcoal or tapioca starch. You can also look for moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter, which offers skin-smoothing benefits.
  • Type of Product: A stick isn't your only option to degrease pits. You'll find sticks, balms, and a paste on this list. Consider your lifestyle preferences; for example, if you travel frequently or want to toss your deodorant in your gym or work bag, try something in stick or roll-on form. Pastes can be fun but are messier than the traditional swipe-and-go format. And aside from what form it comes in, deodorants sometimes come in different strength varieties.
  • Scent Preferences: You probably wear deodorant daily, 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.

FAQ

  • How long does it take to adjust to natural deodorant?

    Experts agree it can take up to four weeks—or 30 days—to flush out the ingredients in your traditional antiperspirant. There is an adjustment period for your body to adjust to the switch and for the natural deodorant to block odors effectively.

  • Do I need to detox my armpits before using a natural deodorant?

    Some people swear by it. It's generally thought that aluminum is absorbed into the skin, though in very low amounts. Popular armpit detox recipes include exfoliating with a scrub and then applying a mixture of ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and witch hazel to cleanse the armpits.

  • What happens to the body when you start using natural deodorant?

    Traditional deodorants use ingredients such as aluminum to stop sweat, so when you switch to a more natural alternative, you may find it takes a bit of time for your body to detox from what you’ve been blocking. As such, expect some initial itching, possibly even a rash, and slight body odor. For some people, this lasts just a couple of weeks, while for others, it may be slightly longer. Either way, it might be best to start the process in winter rather than the height of summer.

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.

Catherine Huftonis a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. Her freelance career has given her the opportunity to work for some of the world’s biggest beauty brands and women’s titles and test hundreds of makeup and skincare products in the process. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves using her own knowledge, expert advice, and detailed insights from Byrdie’s NYC testing lab.

Esme Benjamin, a Byrdie contributing writer, checked and updated this article. Esme is a fan of Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant—but only in the winter. In summer, she relies on good old-fashioned antiperspirants.

For this story, Team Byrdie spoke with several experts, including:

  • Jenny Duranski, 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, a former 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.

According to ourDiversity 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 from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.com,and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Don’t Sweat It—We Found 18 Natural Deodorants That Actually Work (2024)
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