The Best Natural Deodorants That Actually Work
If you’ve read my clean beauty posts, you might have started switching your products over to clean or natural. One of the first places you should start if you want to jump on the clean beauty train…? Deodorant. There are tons of options out there and I want to share my favorites… and some other popular options. Plus, share what you can expect when you switch to clean deodorant!
Note: Don’t forget that just because a label says it’s clean or natural does not mean they are. Learn to read labels so you know what you’re really putting in/on your body. I share more about that in the clean beauty series here.
#1 | Native Deodorant
This is my favorite natural deodorant that I’ve been using for over a year. I share more about it in this post. One of the key ingredients in Native Deodorant is tapioca starch, which absorbs wetness. So this is a great option if you’re a big sweater. I’ve talked to a bunch of women about natural deodorant and some say, Native doesn’t work for them. The key to making this switch is to commit. You’ll find the one that’s right for you.
#2 | Kopari Coconut Deodorant
This Kopari deodorant is probably the one you’ve seen or heard about the most. It’s very popular and a good one to start with. It’ 100% plant-based, smells great, goes on smooth and clear (no streaks). The only issue with this deodorant is the Propylene Glycol, which is a known skin irritant. So this isn’t a great option if you have super sensitive skin.
#3 | Shmidt’s Deodorant
There are a lot of scents and depending on what you like, you can probably find a Shmidt’s deodorant scent that works for you! The Rose + Vanilla scent is a popular option. Some other options you may want to try are the Lavender + Sage, Charcoal + Magnesium, or Jasmine Tea. All Shmidt’s deodorants are clean, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and have no added fragrance.
Common Ingredients In Traditional Deodorants To Avoid
Aluminum – linked to Alzheimer’s disease and heavy metal toxicity
Parabens – Hormone disruptors found in 99% of breast cancer tissue
Fragrance – Mix of unknown ingredients that can cause skin irritation and allergies
Propylene Glycol – a skin irritant according to EWG
Triclosan – Linked to liver toxicity and thyroid dysfunction
What To Expect When You Begin Using Natural Deodorant
Switching to a natural deodorant isn’t easy. You’ll definitely notice a difference at first. And that difference… you stink! But, sticking with it is so important! Non-toxic deodorant allows your skin to breathe, get rid of the toxins that have built up, and regulate your internal temperature in a natural way. Some things you should expect when you switch…
Sweating – Sweating is a natural body function. Our bodies need to sweat. When you stop using an antiperspirant, your sweat glands will do what they’re supposed to do. And that’s why you feel like natural deodorant isn’t working. Your glands are detoxing.
Detoxing – Detoxing meaning your body is getting rid of the toxins that have built up. The good news is that your body will eventually get used to the deodorant and you’ll end up sweating less. The detox phase usually lasts about 2 weeks but can vary depending on your personal toxic build-up. If you don’t want to risk sweating or smelling for that long, are a lot of underarm detoxes that you can either buy or DIY that will help speed up the process.
More Natural Deodorants
Biossance Squalane + Bamboo Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine Natural Strength Deodorant
Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Deodorant
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
PiperWai Natural Deodorant: Originally on Shark Tank, apply this with fingers but also comes as a stick applicator
Follain Charcoal Deodorant
Megababe Rosypits Daily Deodorant
Tarte Cosmetics Clean Queen Vegan Deodorant
Origins No Offense Alcohol and Aluminum Free Deodorant
Lululemon Selfcare Anti-Stink Deodorant
Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant: Matthew Malin (co-founder) suffers from multiple skin diseases like eczema, rosacea, and fragrance allergies, so this deodorant was made with that in mind and is great for sensitive skin.
You can also try lemon oil mixed with water. That is supposed to be a natural deodorant that you make at home. I just bought the ingredients and plan to try it. I will keep you posted.
Have you made any changes to your routine? Do you have a favorite natural deodorant you can share with us?? Please comment below!!
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Thank you for stopping by!
I have tried Native deodorant. When you are used to being dry under the arms, it is a shock to see sweat there. So although i want to switch completely, i wear Native around the house but wear an antipersperant iF i am dressed up and going somewhere nice. Two reasons: i do not want sweat stains to ruin my clothes and i do not want to be seeN wet under the arms. I do not like the feeling of the sweat. Yuck.
Hi Erin,
One of the best things about using a natural deodorant (besides the fact i’m no longer putting toxins on my skin) is No more yellow pit stains! The ALUMINUM was always ruining my white shirts.
I have been using La VaNila natural formula pure vanilla, for more than a year and am super happy with that brand. I think it took about 1 1/2 weeks to feel COMFORTABLE once i switched. Even now some Days i can tell i am sweating but do not stink!
Thank you for all of your posts!
XoxO
Max
Hi Erin! Great post. Although I’m surprised not to see lone deodorant on your list! Hands down my favorite. No baking soda, and most formulas don’t Include shea butter which is an irritant to my skin.
I love Schmidt’s bergamot lime DEODORANT. It smells Amazing!
Hi Erin!
Thought I would let you know my experience with Native deodorant. I loved it and out of the three that was the only one that worked for me because I did try all three. however with that said i was super disappointed to realize the native deodorant ended up ruining several of my tops and dresses. It left a “sweat” like mark on all my clothes that would not wash out. lost a lot of really nice clothing pieces for work. super disapointed. Just thought i would let you know.
Would love to learn what to do with my hair since I can’t go see my hairdresser. I get blonde highlights or a weave so my dark roots are coming in. :(.
Hope you are having a great day and surviving this craziness that we are in!!!
Alisa
Great post! I loVe detroit naturals (The summer scent is my favorite). Its a small, family owned business.