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The once ubiquitous reports that the aluminium, alcohol and/or paragons in most antiperspirants cause cancer, Alzheimer’s and goodness knows what else are now generally discredited. However, an increased interest in all things eco means that a natural deodorant, free from such chemicals, remains an appealing prospect in the interests of cutting down on the number of chemicals that we put in or on our bodies.
Instead, natural deodorants use antibacterial ingredients, such as essential oils, to kill the bacteria that cause body odour (sweat is naturally odour-free). As natural deodorants don’t contain aluminium – the active ingredient that reduces sweat – they can’t claim to be antiperspirants. However, they often use drying ingredients such as baking soda or arrowroot to absorb wetness. There’s a wealth of formulas beyond your usual aerosol or sticky roll-on, too, from creams to pastes to solid bars, which have the extra benefit of being plastic-free.
But ditching your trusty aerosol or roll-on for an all-natural formula is a risk – after all, who wants to discover they smell half an hour after leaving the house and with a long day ahead? And there’s no avoiding that natural deodorants are more expensive – at least four times the price of your standard drugstore choice – as the ingredients are simply better quality and therefore more expensive.
We’ve been testing natural deodorants to take such worries out of the equation. All these withstood a day of wear without whiffs or need for reapplication. That said, not all formulas work for all people, so there is some trial and error involved. You may find that you experience more odour or sweat than usual in your first few days of using a natural deodorant while your body adjusts, but we found that we were using these formulas with no problem within a week.
Deodorants are listed in price order.
Schmidt’s Bergamot + Lime Stick
£5, A Beautiful World
Best for: Heavy-sweat days
Key specs- Formula: Stick; Size: 92g
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We really put this one through it, with a long day at work, a commute by bike and an exercise class, but we didn’t notice any more odour or perspiration than we’d expect with our usual aerosol.
It is a sold stick, formulated with baking soda, arrowroot and essential oils, plus nourishing shea and cocoa butters for soft underarms, and it has a fresh citrus scent. We found the stick was slightly too solid, so it tended to crumble a little on application rather than melting flawlessly on to the skin.
Lush Aromaco Solid Deodorant
£6.50, Lush
Best for: Plastic-free
Key specs- Formula: Bar; Size: 100g
It took us a while to get used to the concept of simply rubbing what feels like a bar of soap on to our underarms and trusting that it would do something, but turns out it does. It uses the rather old-school-sounding combination of sodium bicarbonate and witch hazel to prevent sweating, plus antibacterial chamomile vinegar and patchouli for a light scent.
By the end of the day, we still smelled great, though we found our underarms felt a little sticky. Plus, there’s no packaging to go to landfill when it’s finished.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Lemon & Coriander Deodorant
£8.50, Neal’s Yard Remedies
Best for: Those who can’t say goodbye to the spray
Key specs – Formula: Spray; Size: 100ml
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This refreshing spritz of citrus oils – lemon, lime and grapefruit – and alpine moss is an affordable option compared to most of the higher end brands we tried. It absorbs quickly on application, leaving underarms dry, and the lemon and coriander are antibacterial.
We found it perfectly sufficient for low-activity days, such as weekends and holidays, but found we needed to reapply to keep whiffs at bay during the busy working week.
Evolve Cotton Fresh Natural Deodorant Cream
£10, Evolve
Best for: Minimalist packaging
Key specs- Formula: Cream; Size: 30ml
Evolve products are handmade in small batches in Hertfordshire and are vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly. The ingredients of its deodorant cream are 99 per cent natural and 61.5 per cent organic – pretty good numbers if you ask us – and include nourishing shea butter and coconut oil, plus sodium bicarbonate to neutralise odour and absorb moisture. We are proud to display its simple, minimalist black and white packaging on our shelf.
Green People Scent Free Deodorant
£10.50, Green People
Best for: Sensitive skin
Key specs – Formula: Roll-on; Size: 75ml
Green People has been making synthetic chemical-free skincare for more than 20 years so you can trust this brand to do it well. Lots of natural deodorants rely on essential oils, which some skin types may find irritating, but this scent-free formula is not only efficient at guarding against odour but contains calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera and rosemary. This makes it suitable for those who have eczema or psoriasis.
The Natural Deodorant Co. Clean Deodorant Balm Orange and Bergamot
£11, The Natural Deodorant Co
Best for: All-round efficiency
Key specs- Formula: Paste; Size: 55g
The Natural Deodorant Co’s balms are made in England, cruelty-free and registered with the Vegan Society. They’re thick and waxy in the pot but melt on to warm skin with almost no effort, leaving it immediately dry and smooth (thanks to coconut oil and shea butter), and antibacterial magnesium and sodium bicarbonate keep underarms odourless throughout the day.
They’re available in six scents and a variety of sizes, including our favourite 5g version, which is ideal for travel. Our only quibble is that the balm does get stuck under fingernails when scooping out, so we decided to use a teaspoon instead.
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant
£18, Cult Beauty
Best for: Skin
Key specs- Formula: Cream; Size: 50g
While many cream deodorants can feel sticky on the skin at first, this has a clever cream-to-powder texture, which dries immediately on application and without noticeable residue. Arrowroot and kaolin clay absorb moisture, shea butter hydrates and tea tree, eucalyptus and peppermint give a clean scent.
An unexpected side effect, we saw an improvement in skin texture and redness after shaving while using this daily.
Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant
£19, Space NK
Best for: Men
Key specs- Formula: Stick; Size: 73g
This is technically unisex but went down well with our male tester for its speedy drying (no residue), cool packaging and not leaving stains on work shirts. It made it through a full day at work plus a packed train commute without a whiff, though the initially discreet scent of the deodorant itself faded fairly quickly. It also comes in a 28g travel size (£12), ideal for touching up on the go.
Aesop Herbal Deodorant Roll-On
£23, Cult Beauty
Best for: Luxury
Key specs – Formula: Roll-on; Size: 50ml
This, from the luxe skin and bodycare brand, comes in its signature brown glass apothecary-style packaging. The formula is thin and rolls on wet (it dries within a couple of minutes) but not sticky, as many standard roll-ons are, and uses zinc ricinoleate to kill the bacteria that cause BO.
The scent is woody, herbal and completely unisex, with lavender, rosemary, sage and orange oils, and kept us fresh for a long 18-hour day.
Corpus The Botanist Natural Deodorant
£25, Niche-beauty.com
Best for: Scent
Key specs – Formula: Stick; Size: 75g
Deodorant packaging doesn’t get much more Instagram-friendly than LA-based vegan brand Corpus’s mint green offering. The stick glided on easily and the freshness lasted through a gym class no problem.
It comes in five different scents, but our pick is the fresh Botanist, which features vetiver, geranium leaf and citrus rind; our tester found people commenting on her “perfume” while wearing it.
This article has been updated. It was originally published in April 2019.
FAQs
What is the safest brand of deodorant? ›
- Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Stick.
- Soapwalla Original Deodorant Cream.
- Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream.
- Follain Charcoal Deodorant.
- From Molly With Love Probiotic Deodorant.
- Ursa Major No B.S. Deodorant.
- Lovefresh Super Strength Deodorant.
- Type: A The Minimalist Deodorant.
...
Leading deodorant brands in the United States in 2019, based on sales (in million U.S. dollars)*
Secret pH Deodorant
Kim may reserve the organic and exclusive deodorants for her older sister Kourtney, as she's proved she prefers the humble drug store roll-on. The Secret deodorant is a fan-favourite in the US, however we're loving this clean (and divine smelling) option from Aesop.
- Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant.
- Pretty Frank Natural Deodorant.
- LoveFresh Super Strength Deodorant.
- Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant.
- Native Deodorant.
- Pure Chimp Natural Deodorant Balm.
- Tom's of Maine Antiperspirant.
It can take up to 30 days for your body to regulate itself, though for some people the detox stage is shorter. You can now continue using natural deodorant every day to neutralise the smell of daily body odour.
Are natural deodorants actually better? ›Natural deodorant is not better or worse for your health than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant. “A lot of the claims that one product is better than another are just marketing claims that are not based on scientific evidence,” Dr. Chen said. “I don't think there's any proof that one is safer than another.”
What is the best and safest women's deodorant? ›- Dove Antiperspirant Deodorant - Cool Essentials. ...
- Dove Antiperspirant Deodorant - Sensitive Skin. ...
- Dove Clinical Protection Cool Essentials Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick. ...
- Secret Fresh Clear Gel and Deodorant in Lavender. ...
- Vanicream Anti-Perspirant Deodorant. ...
- Schmidt's Rose & Vanilla Deodorant.
- Native Deodorant.
- Lume Natural Deodorant.
- Bravo Sierra Deodorant.
- Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick.
- Type: A Deodorant Cream.
- Each & Every All Natural Aluminum Free Deodorant.
- Drink Plenty of Water. ...
- Spritz in the Closet. ...
- Store a Scented Sachet in Your Underwear Drawer. ...
- Perfume Your Hairbrush. ...
- Spray Your Bare Torso with Fragrance. ...
- Blend with Other Favorite Scents. ...
- Apply Lightly Scented Deodorant. ...
- Use Shoe Spray.
The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Using antiperspirant or deodorant and shaving the armpits can also help. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases.
What deodorant do famous people use? ›
- Schmidt's Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant for Women and Men, Rose & Vanilla. ...
- Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant Coastal. ...
- Real Purity Roll-On Natural Deodorant. ...
- CRYSTAL Mineral Deodorant Spray- Body Deodorant With 24-Hour Odor Protection, Lavender & White Tea.
- Arm and Hammer Essentials. Best drugstore aluminum-free deodorant. $8 at Walmart. ...
- Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant. Best men's deodorant. $10 at Amazon. ...
- Schmidt's Naturals. Best budget natural deodorant. $18 at Amazon. ...
- Native. Best fragrance options. $13 at Amazon. ...
- Mega Babe Rosy Pits. Best for working out.
Smelly armpits occur when bacteria break down the otherwise odorless sweat on your skin. Some people sweat more than others and have a condition called hyperhidrosis. This excess sweating can lead to body odor.
What is the strongest deodorant for a woman? ›If you struggle with excessive sweat, look no further than Certain Dri's clinical strength antiperspirant/deodorant, which lives up to its name. It's made with a high 25% concentration of the sweat-stopping active ingredient aluminum.
What kind of deodorant does Matthew McConaughey use? ›“I just never wore it,” McConaughey said, “No cologne, no deodorant. The women in my life, including my mother, have all said, 'Hey, your natural smell smells, one, like a man, and, two, smells like you. '”
Does Ariana Grande have a deodorant? ›Ariana Grande "CLOUD"-like Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Women.
What is the deodorant that Serena Williams uses? ›About Secret
Secret was the first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, and for the past 60 years, Secret has been on the forefront of women's lives, leading with innovation designed to provide superior odor and wetness protection.
Toxins in Antiperspirants. The most common chemical ingredients found in deodorant and antiperspirants are parabens, triclosan, phthalates, propylene glycol and aluminum. Research has linked these ingredients to several medical conditions including types of cancer and reproductive development issues.
Is it better to get deodorant without aluminum? ›It's Gentle on Skin
Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant can certainly be a good first step to prevent irritation. However, some aluminum-free deodorants contain astringents like alcohol that kill all the bacteria on your skin to prevent odor.
Some benefits of using an aluminum-free deodorant may include: Allowing your body to sweat freely using its natural process. Avoiding aluminum in your beauty products. Unclogged armpit pores.
How long do you smell after switching to natural deodorant? ›
As you make the switch to a natural deodorant, your armpits will go through a detoxing process, which is going to lead to some . . . um, stink. You can expect the transition period to last anywhere from two to four weeks.
Does switching to natural deodorant side effects? ›Expect to Detox
During the transition to using a natural deodorant, you may find that you get a reaction (itchy pits, or a rash). If you've been using conventional deodorant or antiperspirant for years, it can take 2-4 weeks to detox and release all of the aluminum in your pits that's been preventing you from sweating.
When you stop using antiperspirant you will experience a substantial increase in growth of odor-causing bacteria in the underarm area. You may also feel additional moisture because your body is sweating, which is completely normal and natural.
How do you detox your armpits? ›- Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps your body remove everyday toxins in an efficient, natural way. ...
- Mind What You Eat: Believe it or not, certain foods can change the way that your body odor smells. ...
- Dry Off Carefully After a Shower: Think back to high school science.
When you ditch the standard deodorant and switch to natural, your body may go through some stuff that could be rather unpleasant. Since you're no longer blocking your sweat glands and shrinking your pores with antiperspirant deodorant, your body has to relearn how to sweat naturally. This can take up to 30 days.
How do I choose a healthy deodorant? ›- Aim for deodorants with 100% naturally-derived ingredients. ...
- Look for natural active ingredients that protect against underarm odor. ...
- Choose aluminum-free deodorants. ...
- Avoid commonly used synthetic chemicals/toxins.
- Take a bath or shower every day.
- Wash your clothes regularly and make sure to wear clean ones.
- Try to avoid strong-smelling foods that may seep through your pores.
- Put on an antiperspirant at bedtime. ...
- Many antiperspirant preparations also contain a deodorant, which helps to mask the smell.
At night, your body temperature drops and you tend to sweat less. Applying antiperspirant at night when your sweat glands are less active means it is easier for it to absorb into the skin than it is in the morning.
Can't find a natural deodorant that works? ›Cornstarch and arrowroot powder are two plant-derived products that can soak up sweat before it cultivates malodorous microbial colonies. Some ingredients, such as baking soda, can fight body odor in mutiple ways, making them common go-tos in natural deodorant.
What aluminum does to your body? ›Dangers of Aluminum
(1) It is a poison that acts on the nervous system and has been linked to several serious health problems. Aluminum accumulates in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and thyroid where it competes with calcium for absorption and can affect skeletal mineralization. In infants, this can slow growth.
What makes you smell good all day? ›
A scented bar of soap, body wash, or shower gel offers up just a hint of fresh fragrance. Unscented body wash and soaps without added fragrance do the trick, too. Lingering in the shower for an extra minute or two after you lather up is all you need for all-day freshness.
How do you make your balls smell and taste good? ›- Wash Your Balls Every Day.
- The Soap You Use Actually Matters.
- Dry Your Junk Gently and Thoroughly.
- Use Powder to Keep Your Balls Dry.
- Dry Is Good, Too Dry Is Bad.
- Be Careful Manscaping.
If you want to smell good all the time, you should shower with soap every day and brush your teeth twice a day. Once you're clean, if you want to up your game, try dabbing a small amount of perfume or cologne on your wrists, neck, and behind your ears.
What foods cause BO? ›Foods that tend to make you sweat more, such as hot peppers or other spicy foods, might also lead to body odor. And the aroma of foods like onions or garlic can be carried in your sweat. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol may also make you sweat more.
Why armpit still smells after shower? ›What causes the unpleasant smell is the bacteria that build up on your sweaty skin and react with sweat and oils to grow and multiply when sweat reacts with bacteria on the skin. These bacteria break down proteins and fatty acids, causing body odor in the process.
What do hippies use for deodorant? ›Hippies preferred using products that were not artificially manufactured and were cruelty free. Those are characteristics of patchouli oil. Patchouli oil is derived from the plant, Pogostemon cablin, that belongs to the mint family.
Is natural deodorant actually better for you? ›Natural deodorant is not better or worse for your health than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant. “A lot of the claims that one product is better than another are just marketing claims that are not based on scientific evidence,” Dr. Chen said. “I don't think there's any proof that one is safer than another.”
Do natural deodorants actually work? ›Natural deodorants could also be a good alternative for people who have tried many conventional antiperspirants and deodorants and found that their skin is sensitive to them. Again, though, it's important to remember that aluminum-free natural deodorants don't prevent sweating — they just mask its odor.
How do I stop my armpits from smelling? ›- wash your armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap and dry thoroughly.
- shave your armpits regularly.
- use antiperspirants and deodorants.
- change and wash your clothes regularly.
- wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk.
- wear antibacterial socks.
Natural deodorants typically contain ingredients that can help absorb moisture, but these ingredients aren't as effective as the products in antiperspirant that actually plug the pores creating the sweat. But this isn't a bad thing! Sweat is natural. Plus, you may not sweat as much as you think.
What happens to your body when you start using natural deodorant? ›
Bacteria levels may begin to subside. The culture of bacteria is able to re-balance and stop over-producing odour-causing bacteria. What this means is that you will likely notice any odour issues starting to decrease. Underarm moisture levels will also normalise.
Are there any healthy deodorants? ›And as “clean” beauty products have become more popular over the years, numerous natural deodorants have hit the market — in addition to well-known players like Native and Schmidt's, popular clean beauty brands like Necessaire and Kosas have released their own versions of natural deodorant within the last decade.
Why are my armpits dark after switching to natural deodorant? ›You've found a natural deodorant that works well, but suddenly your pits are noticeably darker. This darkness is caused by melanin—and melanin is created by your body to protect skin that has been damaged or is suffering from prolonged irritation.
Can you just switch to natural deodorant? ›Yes, it's true: In order to successfully become a natural deodorant user, you might have to go through an adjustment period where your body gets used to being off of aluminum. Read on to find out how going through a "deodorant detox" is just what you need to make the natural stuff work for you.
Why do my armpits smell no matter what deodorant I use? ›Smelly armpits occur when bacteria break down the otherwise odorless sweat on your skin. Some people sweat more than others and have a condition called hyperhidrosis. This excess sweating can lead to body odor.
Is it better to wear no deodorant? ›Despite the popular belief that discontinuing antiperspirant use will detox your underarms, the only detoxifying organs in your body are your liver and kidneys. Without antiperspirant, perhaps your skin may better clear dirt, oil, and debris that accumulate on the skin and within the sweat glands."