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Finding the best natural deodorant for women that will actually keep you smelling fresh (and maybe even mitigate some sweating) might seem like finding a needle in a haystack. Part of the issue is that deodorant and antiperspirant are two very different things.
“The goal of natural deodorants is to mask body odor, reduce bacterial count, and possibly prevent sweating, using only ingredients that can be found in nature,” says Beverly Hills-based board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D. Emphasis on mask. It’s antiperspirant that actually blocks sweat production, but “many people have concerns about the absorption of aluminum from antiperspirants,” says Zain Husain, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center.
Yes, the rumors are ingrained in us that aluminum may contribute to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. But alas, “there’s no research data that proves this,” says Hadley King, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York.
Still, other iffy ingredients found in traditional deodorants include triclosan (an antimicrobial that may be linked to endocrine disruption), propylene glycol (used to prevent substances from drying out, but can cause liver and kidney damage if absorbed in significant quantities), and parabens (preservatives that can mimic the effects of estrogen in our bodies, so concerns have been raised about possible hormonal effects).
So if you’re set on natural deodorant but your pits look like Niagara Falls during high-stress situations, accept that you can go au naturel sometimes but may want to keep an antiperspirant around as a backup. And before slathering a natural deodorant onto your pits, do a patch test: Glide some onto your inner elbow, and if you don’t experience a reaction within the next 24 hours, it should be safe to use under your arms.
How we chose the best natural deodorants
We spoke with Dr. Shainhouse, Dr. Husain, Dr. King, Donna Hart, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Texas, Janiene Luke, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and professor at Loma Linda University, and explored tons of online reviews to find the best natural deodorants.
Our top picks
Pros
- Available in 8 scents
- Non-sticky formula
Cons
- Some users note irritation after use
Dr. Luke says this deodorant is one of her favorites “because it glides on smoothly, provides lasting protection, and has naturally-derived ingredients with a pleasant smell.” Plus, it’s made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, or talc. “It feels light, not sticky, and comes in a wide range of scents,” adds Dr. Hart. And customers love the product, too, giving it over 67,000 reviews and nearly five stars on Amazon.
Pros
- Lavender scent
- Long-lasting coverage
Cons
- Some users report skin irritation after use
Dr. Luke recommends Tom’s of Maine for everyone. “Many of the ingredients are naturally-derived and the unscented formulation is good for [all].” Not only does the fresh lavender scent smell heavenly (and actually keeps you fresh all day), it makes your skin feel super-soft with the help of aloe and sunflower seed oil—all with no white streaks in sight! You can also feel good knowing the brand does no animal testing and creates all products with sustainability in mind.
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Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some users say the formula feels sticky
“Dove’s 0% Aluminum Deodorant is aluminum- and alcohol-free, and is a nice option for sensitive skin because it contains moisturizing, hydrating, and soothing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and aloe,” says Dr. King.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Aluminum and baking soda-free
Cons
- Some users note the scent turns sour after a few hours
Not only is this aluminum- and baking soda-free organic deodorant formulated with only natural ingredients, its essential oil blend keeps you feeling and smelling fresh all day. “The cream works for a full 24 hours, and even though the jar seems small, I’ve had the product for over a month and have hardly made a dent in it,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “A little goes a long way!”
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Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some users say it doesn’t last very long
“This deodorant by Vanicream is great for super-sensitive skin types, as it’s free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, baking soda, and botanical extracts,” says Dr. Hart. Dr. Luke agrees, “This deodorant only has 5 ingredients and is dye and fragrance-free.” Customers agree, giving the product over 9,000 reviews and nearly five stars.
Pros
- Affordable
- Wide stick for easy application
Cons
- Some users say the scent is strong
Dr. Luke recommends this natural deodorant for its affordable price point. “This deodorant is inexpensive and widely available at local stores,” she says. And it has a wide stick for easy application. Meanwhile, its rosemary lavender scent is calling our name.
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Pros
- Absorbs moisture
- Soothing
Cons
- Pricey
Ursa Major’s Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant is aluminum-free with a smooth texture. “It contains kaolin clay and baking soda to absorb moisture and inhibit odor, as well as eucalyptus, which has antibacterial properties, and aloe to soothe and hydrate the skin,” says Dr. King.
This cult favorite natural deodorant feels silky smooth as it glides on, thanks to its rich base of coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil. (As the brand touts, “it’s like skincare for your pits.”) One Prevention editor loves that it swipes on completely clear, eases razor burns, and feels fresh with a subtle scent.
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Pros
- Convenient spray application
- Doesn’t leave residue
Cons
- Some users note that the spray does not dry quickly
If you’re looking for a natural deodorant that’s convenient when you’re on-the-go, Dr. Husain recommends Jason Dry Spray Deodorant. It uses compressed air instead of chemical propellants, and is made with botanical extracts like eucalyptus and rosemary to keep you smelling fresh without any residue on your skin or clothing.
Pros
- Roll-on application
Cons
- Some users say it’s less effective when sweating more
Crystal is a hypoallergenic deodorant that uses natural mineral salts to form an invisible layer of protection on the skin, helping to prevent B.O. before it starts, as opposed to masking it with heavy scents or fragrances. With over 8,000 reviews and nearly five stars on Amazon, we understand why customers like the product, too. “Tried quite a few aluminum free deodorants and they were all pretty lousy. This one smells nice, rolls on smooth and for aluminum free works well,” writes one customer.
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Pros
- Absorbs moisture
- Unisex
Cons
- Some users say the scent is too strong
Dr. Luke recommends this natural deodorant for those that hit the gym regularly. “This deodorant is great for both women and men and has ingredients to target bacteria on the surface of the skin to decrease odor and absorb moisture. They also make single-use biodegradable wipes that are great for people who go to the gym or to freshen up quickly after a workout.”
Pros
- Available in five scents
- Over 23,000 reviews and four stars on Amazon
Cons
- Some users note that it’s not for sensitive skin
This creamy formula from Schmidt’s is free of aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrance to minimize risk of irritation. Coconut and jojoba oils ensure a non-greasy, non-sticky feel, while arrowroot powder keeps wetness at bay. Bonus: It’s also certified vegan and cruelty-free. Though users note this formula is not for sensitive skin.
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13
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Deodorant
Pros
- Scent
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some users say it feels sticky after application
For a luxe-feeling natural deodorant, Caudalíe’s Vinofresh checks off so many boxes. It helps soothe skin, hydrates, and absorbs odors. And reviewers love it too: “Love the fresh neutral smell and it works great. I have been using natural deodorant for a while and I like the clear gel texture of this one. It does not stain and feels fresh all day.”
Pros
- Great scent
- Holds up against activity
Cons
- Some users dislike the texture
With sport literally in its name, this natural deodorant has you covered while chasing your kids around the front yard or playing a game of tennis. We love that it has Ulta’s conscious beauty seal, so we know that it’s a bit better for the environment. Plus, it’s aluminum and baking soda free.
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Pros
- Charcoal helps draw out impurities
- Pretty packaging
Cons
- Some users note that it leaves a residue
- Pricey
This natural deodorant doesn’t just look cool, it is cool. According to the brand, it’s formulated with activated charcoal and a powerful fermentation extract, offering odor protection without baking soda. Meanwhile, charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out impurities and buildup. “I wish I could give it 5 stars but for the price it really didn't last me long but it WORKS for me at least,” writes one customer. “Used of some pretty hot days lately and after hours of hot sun, I had very minimal smell.”
How to find a natural deodorant that actually works
Set your standards: First, define what “working” means to you. “Deodorants don’t block sweat glands and don’t reduce sweat production at all,” says Dr. Shainhouse. “They do provide a masking fragrance that acts like a perfume to hide the B.O. smell, but they usually don’t last through the day or a hard workout session.”So what’s your goal? Staying B.O.-free during the daytime? Not smelling funky during or after workouts? Parameters like these will make the process of finding a suitable natural deodorant easier.
Check for star ingredients: “Scan for powders to absorb wetness and oils with antibacterial properties,” says Dr. Husain. Many natural deodorants rely on ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, magnesium, and charcoal to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. “None of these block eccrine ducts (to prevent sweating), rather, they work by absorbing moisture,” says Dr. King. “The efficacy will vary from person to person.”As for ingredients that slow down bacterial growth and the stank that comes with it, key players include essential oils (like tea tree, lavender, and clary sage), as well as potassium alum and ammonium alum (mineral salts) found in crystal deodorants. If you’d prefer your natural deodorant have a glide-on consistency like conventional sticks you’re, check for ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
Avoid potential irritants: Just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it will mesh well with your skin. In fact, many ingredients found in natural deodorants come with a significant risk of triggering allergic reactions, says Dr. Shainhouse, particularly with regular use on moist, often newly-shaved skin (you know, the exact environment under your arms). Worst offenders include baking soda, alcohol, charcoals, and essential oils. “Contact allergy to coconut oil is also on the rise,” says Dr. Shainhouse.
Krissy Brady
Krissy is a regular contributor to Prevention, and she also writes for Cosmopolitan, Weight Watchers, Women's Health, FitnessMagazine.com, Self.com, and Shape.com.
Emily Goldman
Deputy Editor
Emily Goldman is the deputy editor at Prevention. She’s spent her career editing and writing about health, wellness, beauty, fashion, and food for Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Bridal Guide, Good Housekeeping, and more. She’s loved all things health and wellness since starting her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a series all about the highs and lows of living life with type 1 diabetes. When not podcasting, she spends most of her time curled up with a good book or watching a period piece on BBC.