Natural Deodorant That Actually Works: Guide & Reviews

Looking for healthier personal care products that are still effective? I tested and reviewed more than 12 natural deodorant products to find which ones work well and which aren’t worth purchasing. Find out which natural deodorants make the grade and which you should skip.

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Ever thought of swapping your antiperspirant for a safer, natural deodorant? A few years ago I began paying more attention to the ingredients in my personal care items and learned some crazy facts about my favorite antiperspirant…

Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant

Underarm odor is not caused by sweat. (Sweat smells like nothing when it comes out of sweat glands.)  The odor is caused by bacteria that flourish in the warm, wet environment of the armpit.

Gross, but true!

Antiperspirants use aluminum compounds as the active ingredient. The aluminum compounds causes skin cells to swell until they block sweat glands and reduce sweat.  Less sweat = less odor.

Deodorants contains antibacterial ingredients that kill the bacteria, stopping the  stink.  Less bacteria = less odor.

According to FDA guidelines only products that stop sweating can be called antiperspirant. Deodorants can only claim to stop odor.

Why Switch to Natural Deodorant?

Many people are making the switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant to protect their health.  Consumers have become more concerned about the use of antiperspirant for 3 main reasons:

1. Aluminum: Some consumers believe aluminum in personal care products may contribute to Alzheimer’s diseases and breast cancer (or other cancers).

2. Artificial Ingredients: Many consumers are cautious about using products that contain paraben, triclosan, and/or artificial fragrance. These substances can interfere with the body’s hormones and cause chronic illnesses or cancer.

3. Body Function Interference: A growing number of consumers are concerned that clogging up sweat glands prevents the body from performing its natural functions.

I personally avoid antiperspirants due to these scary ingredients and have switched my entire family to natural deodorants because I would rather be safe than sorry.

Finding the Best Natural Deodorant

My 3-year quest to find to the best natural deodorant has two goals:

1. To find a natural deodorant that contains safer ingredients. The word natural is not regulated by the U.S. government so it is up to consumers to analyze the safety of our personal care products. (I use the EWG Skin Deep Database and the Think Dirty app to analyze personal care products and ingredients.)

2. To find a natural deodorant that doesn’t leave me smelling like body odor. I love using natural products, but they also must be effective. When buying any personal care product, I expect some to work well and some to miss the mark. (Hello, half full shampoo bottles cluttering up my shower.) The same is true for natural deodorant.

Along the way I’ve:

•  Learned how to make natural deodorant.

•  Discovered that even “natural” crystal antiperspirants contain a form of aluminum.

•  Tried more than 12 natural deodorants including sticks, jars, sprays, wipes, and powders. (I also force my family to take part in the tests!)

Are Natural Deodorants Effective?

Many people are hesitant to transition to a natural deodorant product because they are afraid they will stink.  The good news: there are lots of effective natural products on the market! You can give up antiperspirant and still prevent underarm odor by choosing a natural deodorant that fights bacteria and absorbs moisture.

How do natural deodorants work?

Effective natural deodorants contain ingredients that prevent body odor and absorb wetness. These include:

•  Bacteria inhibiting ingredients (such as tea tree oil) to prevent the growth of smelly germs.

•  Natural odor eliminators (such as baking soda) to keep you smelling fresh.

•  Moisture wicking ingredients (such as arrowroot powder or cornstarch) that keep you feeling dry.

•  Natural fragrances (such as essential oils or plant extracts) that add pleasant scents.

Testing Natural Deodorants

The deodorants tested come in many different forms including: stick, cream, spray, powder, and wipes. To test each product, I:

•  Selected and purchased popular natural deodorants based on online reviews and word of mouth.

•  Evaluated each deodorant’s ingredients on the EWG Skin Deep Guide and/or Think Dirty app to see if they were truly natural. If a product rating was not available, I looked up each ingredient on the EWG database and noted the score.

•  Tested each deodorant for effectiveness: I showered, shaved, and applied deodorant as usual. Several times throughout the day, I noted how well the product was working to prevent wetness and odor.

My Natural Deodorant Ratings

After months of ordering and testing deodorant I’ve found some that natural deodorants work great and some are a total flop. These are the tested natural deodorants in order from best to worst (click on the name of each product to see the detailed rating):

1. Primal Pit Paste Jar, A

2. Native Deodorant Stick, A

3. Thinksport Deodorant, A

4. Schmidt’s Naturals Deodorant Jar, A

5. Lokahi Deodorant Body Powder from Mamalani, B

6. Primal Pit Paste Stick, B

7. Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Stick, B

8. Lavanila Deodorant Stick, C

9. Pacifica Deodorant Wipes, C

10. Jason Deodorant Stick, D

11. Weleda Non-Aerosol Spray Deodorant, D

12. Jason Continuous Spray, F

Which natural deodorant works best?

The best natural deodorants are Native (deodorant stick), Primal Pit Paste (deodorant jar), Thinksport (deodorant stick), and Schmidt’s Naturals (deodorant jar). They each do a great job of preventing body odor and absorbing wetness plus they rate well on the EWG Skin Deep Guide. Each comes in a variety of scents.

More deodorant ratings coming soon!

There are many other natural deodorants on the market! In the next few weeks I’ll be testing: Agent Nateur Deodorant Stick, Soapwalla Original Deodorant Cream, Fat and the Moon Sensitive Skin Deodorant (Baking Soda Free), Nubian Heritage African Black Soap Deodorant (Baking Soda Free), Zion Health Adama Minerals Clay Deodorant (Baking Soda Free), Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant (Baking Soda Free).

*Do you have another deodorant you’d like me to test or a favorite to recommend? Mention it in the comments and I’ll check it out.

Natural Deodorant Problems and Solutions

Some people develop an underarm rash when using natural deodorant. The rash can be caused by three problems:

• Fragrance – Sensitivity to fragrance is a common case of underarm rashes. Try an unscented deodorant. My choice: Native Deodorant Unscented 

• Baking soda – Course granules of baking soda can cause skin to become irritated with repeated application. Try a deodorant made for sensitive skin or one that contains no baking soda. My choice: My DIY deodorant or Native Sensitive Skin

• Moisture – Creamy deodorant formulas plus sweat can result in excess moisture which causes irritation. Try a powdered deodorant to help absorb moisture. My choice: Mamalani Deodorant Powder

Tips for Switching to Natural Deodorant

Natural deodorant isn’t the same as antiperspirant. Give your body a few weeks to detox and adjust before giving up on healthier deodorant. These tips can help:

• Make the initial switch on a weekend or during vacation. If you’re concerned about a big event use antiperspirant sparingly and then go back to natural deodorant.

• Apply as needed. Take your deodorant with you and reapply throughout the day. This will help you feel more confident when making the switch from antiperspirant.

• If the first brand you try does not work, give a different natural deodorant a chance. It might take a few tries to find the perfect product.

• Some of the best natural deodorants come in a jar. Give it a try! It may feel a little weird rubbing in deodorant, but you’ll quickly adapt.

• If you are sensitive to baking soda in natural deodorant, try an apple cider vinegar rinse on your underarm before you apply. This can help heal the rash while your body adjusts to baking soda.

Natural Deodorant Reviews

Explore the detailed reviews for each deodorant tested. (Ratings are listed alphabetically by brand name.)

Disclosure: I personally purchased all the deodorants used for this project. Tests are not scientific. All opinions are my own. 

Jason Deodorant

JASON has been making natural products since 1959. The company was acquired the Hain Celestial Group in 2004. Their deodorants are cruelty-free and many are vegan.

Deodorant Tested: Jason Continuous Spray Deodorant

Price: $9 for 3.8 ounces ($2.36 per ounce)

EWG score: 3-5 (depending on scent)

Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Diheptyl Succinate, Caprylol Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

Where to purchase:  Amazon

Application method:  Spray onto underarm

Scent:  Soft Rose and Forest Fresh

My experience: Jason’s spray deodorant is a light, clear spray that drys with no residue. Feels like you are wearing nothing on your underarm. The product smells good and is easy to apply. By midmorning my underarm felt damp and after lunch I had to reapply. Did not prevent body odor. May work as a second deodorant for a post-gym/midday touch up but not as your primary deodorant.

Rating: F, Unique application but ineffective and poor ingredient rating.

Deodorant Tested: Jason Deodorant Stick

Price: $6 for 2.5 ounces ($2.40 per ounce)

Think Dirty rating: 4

Ingredients: Propanediol, aqua (water), glycerin, sodium stearate, zinc ricinoleate, polyglyceryl-3 caprate, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, allantoin, behenyl alcohol, ethylhexylglycerin, glyceryl stearate, silica, sodium bicarbonate, sucrose cocoate, tocopheryl acetate, zea mays (corn) starch, amyl cinnamal, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, citronellol, isoeugenol, fragrance (parfum).

Where to purchase:  Amazon

Application method:  Traditional deodorant stick

Scent:  Tea Tree and Aloe Vera

My experience: Jason’s stick deodorant glides on with a cooling sensation. It leaves a slightly sticky, waxy residue. By midmorning my underarm smelled unpleasant and felt uncomfortable.

Rating: D, Ineffective and poor ingredient rating.

Lavanila

Lavanila was founded in 2006 by a New Jersey mom who wanted healthier personal care products. The deodorant is cruelty free and vegan.

 

Deodorant Tested: Lavanila Deodorant Stick

Price: $14 for 2 ounces ($7 per ounce)

EWG score: 4  Think Dirty rating: 3

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Juice, Water), Propanediol (Corn Derived), Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium Stearate (Coconut Derived), Silica, Carrageenan (Seaweed Derived), Stearyl Behenate (Coconut Derived), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon Peel Oil), Inulin (Artichoke Derived), Saccharomyces Ferment, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide (Sugar Derived), Yeast Beta Glucan, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Valeriana Officinalis Root Extract (Valerian), Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract (Goji Berry), Botanical Fragrance Blend.

Where to purchase:  Sephora

Application method: Traditional deodorant stick

Scent:  Vanilla Blackberry, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut

My experience:  Round stick deodorant glides on with a cooling sensation and leaves a waxy lotion like feel. It kept me dry and smelling great all day. Lavanila scents are amazing (Vanilla Blackberry is my favorite). The mini deodorant trios are perfect for sampling scents and are great for travel/gym bag.

Rating: C, Works great, amazing scents, poor ingredient score.

Note:  Ingredients could not be found on the Lavanila site. Products do not break down fragrance blends into individual ingredients or state that they are essential oils. This makes me suspect they are not all natural.

Mamalani

Mamalani was started in Kailua, Hawaii and is still handmade by the founder’s family. The deodorant powder is made with organic ingredients and uses clay to absorb moisture.

Deodorant Tested: Lokahi Deodorant Powder

Price: $14 for 3 ounces ($4.67 per ounce)

EWG score: Not rated (all ingredients rated 1)

Ingredients:  Baking soda, Organic Pia (Arrowroot), Kaolin Clay, Organic Essential Oils of Lavender, Clary Sage & Grapefruit.

Where to purchase: Mamalani website

Application method: Powder

Scent tested: Lokahi

My experience: Deodorant powder is recommended for people who have had trouble adjusting to natural deodorant or who get a rash from excess wetness. Mamalani can be used on underarms, feet, etc. The powder is a bit difficult to apply to the armpit but has a lovely floral scent and leaves no residue. It kept me dry for most of the day but I did need to reapply after a long dog walk. I enjoyed the light scent.

Rating: B, Works well, good for sensitive skin or those transiting to natural deodorant.

Native

Native is a relative newcomer to the natural deodorant market. The company was launched July 2015 in San Francisco by a tech entrepreneur. The deodorant is made in the United States and is cruelty free.  Native comes in several permanent scents plus rotating seasonal fragrances.

Deodorant Tested: Native Deodorant

Price: $10-12 for 2.65 ounces ($3.77-4.52 per ounce)

EWG score: 1

Ingredients:  Caprylic/capric triglyceride (fractionated coconut oil), arrowroot powder, stearyl alcohol, baking soda, shea butter, coconut oil, hydrogenated castor oil, polyglycerol-3 beeswax (cera bellina wax), jojoba esters, tocopherol (Vitamin E), L. acidophilus (natural bacteria found in your body already), maltodextrin, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl undecylenate, fragrance (a proprietary blend of oils labeled fragrance due to FDA regulations).

Where to purchase: Native website

Application method: Traditional deodorant stick

Scent tested:  Unscented, Coconut & Vanilla, Eucalyptus & Mint

My experience:  Native’s sticks are smooth and creamy (like other company’s jar deodorants). The stick deodorant glides on easily but may need a little extra rub to disappear completely. It leaves no white residue and feels like lotion on underarms. It kept me dry and smelling great all day. The mini deodorant sample boxes that are perfect for sampling scents and are great for travel or a gym bag. Favorite scents: Coconut & Vanilla (woman) and Eucalyptus & Mint (man… but so good I want to try it!)

Rating: A, Works great, fun scents.

Notes: The seasonal scents and online store make this a fun and effective natural deodorant.

Pacifica

Pacifica was founded by an amateur aromatherapist who loved making safer scent body care products. Today the company makes a range of cosmetics, perfumes and skin care products (including my favorite natural perfume and scented body butter). Pacifica deodorant wipes are vegan and cruelty free.

Deodorant Tested: Pacifica Deodorant Wipes

Price: $9 for 30 wipes ($0.30 per wipe)

EWG score: not rates, all ingredients rate a 1 except for Glycerin (2) and Limonene (6)

Ingredients:  Water, Alcohol, Zeolites, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Milk, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Limonene, Glycerin, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Parfum (All Natural With Essential Oils)

Where to purchase: Amazon

Application method:  Disposable wipe

Scent:  Coconut Milk & Essential Oils

My experience: Pacifica’s biodegradable towelettes make applying this product easy. It is cooling when wipe on and dries quickly leaving no residue but a pleasant scent. The deodorant wipes did not keep me dry or odor free. Every few hours I needed to reapply and I was quite stinky at the end of the day (like I had never worn deodorant at all). The wipes are convenient for gym bag or to use before applying anther deodorant. May also be good for traveling.

Rating: C, Not effective alone, could use after workout.

Primal Pit Paste

Primal Pit Paste was developed in Austin, Texas by a mom who wanted safer deodorant products for her children. All Pit Paste deodorants are free of GMOs and are cruelty free.

Deodorant Tested: Primal Pit Paste Original Jar

Price: $8 for 2 ounces ($4 per ounce)
EWG score: 1
Ingredients:  Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Non-Aluminum Baking Soda, Organic Coconut Oil, Candelilla Wax, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Jasmine Absolute Oil, Gardenia Absolute Oil, & Bergamot Essential Oil, Non-GMO Vitamin E derived 100% from Sunflowers.

Where to purchase: Amazon

Application method:  Scoop and rub in with fingers

Scent:  Jasmine and Lemongrass

My experience: Primal Pit Paste’s original jar formula is smooth and creamy, it rubs in easily and does not leave any white residue. The deodorant feels dry (almost powdery) on the underarm. It kept me dry and odor free all day long. The Jasmine scent is light and flowery.

Rating: A, Highly recommend.

Note: I generally love the smell of lemongrass products, but I did not like the sharp, acrid odor of the lemongrass scent.

Deodorant Tested: Primal Pit Paste Stick

Price: $10 for 2 ounces ($5 per ounce)

Think Dirty rating: 2

Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Non-Aluminum Baking Soda, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Jasmine Absolute Oil, Gardenia Absolute Oil, & Bergamot Essential Oil, Non-GMO Vitamin E derived 100% from Sunflowers

Where to purchase: Amazon

Application method: Traditional deodorant stick

Scent:  Jasmine

My experience:  Primal Pit Paste’s sticks contain beeswax (unlike the original jar formula) to help the products form a traditional stick. This makes the deodorant harder to rub in than the original jar version. The product has a granular feel and leaves a waxy feel on the underarm. By midday my underarm felt slightly damp and by bedtime I smelled a bit ripe.

Rating: C, Good ingredients, original jar version is more effective.

Schmidt’s Naturals

Schmidt’s deodorant was originally made in a Portland kitchen! After explosive growth the company was acquired by Unilever in 2017. The deodorant is certified vegan, cruelty-free, and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Deodorant Tested: Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Jar

Price: $9 for 2 ounces ($4.50 per ounce)

EWG score: Not rated, all ingredients rate 1

Ingredients:  Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E; sunflower-derived)

Where to purchase:  Amazon

Application method:  Scoop and rub in with fingers

Scent tested:  Ylang-Ylang & Calendula

My experience: Schmidt’s jar formula is creamy with a little texture from the baking soda, it rubs in easily, was not irritating, and did not leave any white residue. The deodorant feels dry on the underarm. It kept me odor free all day long. The light floral scent of ylang-ylang and calendula is lovely.

Rating: A, Highly recommend.

Deodorant Tested: Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Stick

Price: $9 for 3.25 ounces ($2.77 per ounce)

EWG score: Not rated, all ingredients rate 1

Ingredients: Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fractionated coconut oil), Euphorbia Cerifera (candelilla) Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E; sunflower-derived)

Where to purchase: Amazon

Application method:  Traditional deodorant stick

Scent tested:  Lavendar & Sage and Ylang-Ylang & Calendula

My experience: Schmidt’s sticks contain coconut oil and candelilla wax to make the products into a stick. This makes the deodorant harder to rub in than the original jar version. The product has a rough, granular feel and leaves a waxy finish on the underarm. By midday my underarm felt damp and by bedtime I felt like I should shower.

Rating: B, Good ingredients, original jar version is more effective.

Thinksport

Thinksport was founded by a biologist who was concerned about the materials and ingredients in baby products and set out to make safe, functional, sustainable products. Today they make a variety of food service and personal care products. The deodorant is cruelty free.

Deodorant Tested: Thinksport Deodorant

Price: $9 for 2.9 ounces ($3.10 per ounce)

EWG score: not rated (all ingredients rated 1)

Ingredients:  Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Zea Mays (Corn Starch), Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder), Sodium Bicarbonate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Coriander Seed Oil, Citrus Paradis

Where to purchase:  Amazon

Application method: Traditional deodorant stick

Scent tested:  Aloe & Tea Flower, Bergamot Cedarwood

My experience: Thinksport sticks are smooth with a powdery finish. The stick deodorant glides on easily and leaves no white residue. Feels like lotion on underarm. Kept me dry and smelling great all day. The Aloe and Tea Flower scent is fresh and slightly fruity but very light, great for those who do not like strong fragrance.

Rating: A, Works great.

Notes: The Bergamot Cedarwood scent was too earthy for me. (It reminded me of dirt.)

Weleda Deodorant

Weleda was founded as a Swiss pharmaceutical laboratory that focused on natural medicines, the company is now based in New York. Weleda deodorants are free of phthalates, aluminum salts, synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and anti-perspirants.

Deodorant Tested: Weleda Non-Aerosol Spray Deodorant

Price: $13 for 3.4 ounces ($3.82 per ounce)

EWG score: 4

Ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Fragrance, Sage Oil, Licorice Root, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Coumarin

Where to purchase: Amazon

Application method: Non-aerosol spray, spritz onto underarm

Scent:  Sage

My experience: Weleda deodorant sprays comes in a glass-bottle with a pump applicator that spritzes on like fragrance. The deodorants did not do a good job at preventing wetness and odor on my shaved underarms, but the spray it is a favorite of my husband. The Welda sage scent smells good.

Rating: D, Easy application but ineffective and poor ingredient rating.

I hope you give natural deodorant a try. The right product can work great and be better for you!

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