The 20 Best Natural Deodorants To Keep You Stink-Free All Day
Did you know that your sweat don't stink? No, really! "Your sweat doesn't actually smell, it's the bacteria that interacts with the sweat that causes the stink," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "Deodorants cover up the smell with fragrances or ingredients that lower levels of odor causing causing bacteria, while anti-perspirants contain aluminum bass salts that literally form a plug within your sweat glands, blocking sweat from reaching the surface of the skin."
Meet Our Expert: Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
So, if the latter part about how anti-perspirants work weirds you out, or you'd rather your body's natural fluids flow freely without blockage, you might like giving a true deodorant a try. Just know that, because it's not plugging up those glands, you'll likely be a little more wet than usual. But that's about the only difference, notes Dr. Zeichner. "It's a myth that you need to go through a detox period. Any plugs that have been formed within the sweat glands by previous use of anti-perspirants will slowly be pushed out of the glands over a week or so."
The part that's way harder than actually making the decision to switch? Finding a deodorant that won't make you want to switch back to an anti-perspirant. Since the world of naturals isn't federally regulated, the things you'll want to look for if you're trying to go for a cleaner alternative are aluminum-, paraben-, phthalate-, and sulfate-free. While baking soda is used in a lot of natural deodorant formulas to help soak up moisture, Dr. Zeichner warns that because of its alkaline pH level it can be irritating to some so you'll want to do a patch test to see how your skin reacts.
Here are the best natural deodorants to choose from.
1. Nécessaire The Deodorant
This creamy formula is dispensed through 25 little holes, almost like a push pop for the most even and mess-free application. It uses lactic and mandelic acid to control odor, along with zinc and kaolin clay to keep your underarms dry.
2. Crystal Deodorant
Made simply from mineral salts and nothing more, this crystal deodorant must be applied on wet skin and creates a shield that purifies your sweat to keep it from smelling. Note: It doesn't help control wetness so you are still going to sweat, it just won't smell.
3. Alleyoop Slow Your Roll
Not only does this clean formula control sweat and odor, it also claims to slow the regrowth of hair thanks to essential oils tea tree, grapefruit oil, and lavender. The coconut oil base also makes it glide on extra smooth.
4. TAOS AER Next-Level Clean Deodorant
Rather than use baking soda, this formula uses tapioca starch and cornstarch to soak up sweat and eliminate odors. The lavender and citrus essential oils also keep you smelling fresh.
5. Agent Nateur holi(rose) Deodorant
The short list of ingredients in this deodorant include coconut oil, sunflower butter, and avocado butter which will all leave your skin feeling smoother and more hydrated than before while baking soda keeps odor at bay.
6. Kopari Natural Deodorant
This deodorant feels silky on skin, and it's free of baking soda, which can cause irritation in some people.
7. Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant
The Native natural deodorants have rave reviews online, probably because of how moisturizing and gentle the formulation is. They're paraben-free, leave no residue, and won’t get clumpy under your underarms (your tops will thank you!).
8. PiperWai Natural Deodorant
Famous for their stint on Shark Tank, the PiperWai team was one of the first to bring natural deodorant to the masses. Heads-up, this pick comes in a pot, so you'll need to apply it with your fingers, like you would a face cream.
9. Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant
The Ursa Major deodorant is naturally cooling and contains aloe to soothe sensitive skin. Kaolin, baking soda, and saccharomyces (a type of yeast) all work together to soak up sweat and bacteria, leaving you feeling fresh and clean.
10. Schmidt's Sensitive Skin Formula Deodorant Stick, Fragrance-Free
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, the Schmidt’s natural deodorants are formulated without baking soda and are also free of propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance.
11. Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
Another pick that requires application with your hands, the Soapwalla deodorant cream contains superfine vegetable powders and clays to absorb sweat, along with lavender, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils to mask any odors.
12. Tom's of Maine Natural Strength Deodorant, Fresh Powder
48 hours of odor protection from a natural deodorant? It's now possible thanks to this stick formulated with no artificial fragrances but packed with goodies like zinc oxide to freshen and beeswax to condition skin.
13. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant
This pick smells like a fresh summer day and will have your pits smelling clean and odor-free, thanks to the eucalyptus extract and citronellyl, which help neutralize odor. One of the brand’s founders, Matthew Malin, suffers from multiple skin diseases like eczema, rosacea, and fragrance allergies, so formulating a non-irritating deodorant was a major priority.
14. Type:A The Visionary
This new natural deodorant is made with a sweat-activated formula with a time release effect. That means it will kick in when you really need it.
15. Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Citrus Baking Soda Free Deodorant Stick
If you're looking to switch to natural deodorant, you may find that your skin is suddenly irritated. A likely culprit: baking soda. This gentle formula foregoes the common ingredient and uses arrow root powder to absorb sweat and coconut oil to keep pits smooth.
16. Weleda Deodorant Spray
Unlike other natural deodorants, this pick comes in a spray and uses pure essential oils to mask odors. It’s free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances, colorants, and raw materials derived from mineral oils.
17. Follain Charcoal Deodorant
Free of aluminum, this natural formula uses charcoal to absorb impurities, tea tree to fight odor-causing bacteria, and corn starch to absorb oil.
18. Kosas Chemistry Deodorant
This liquid formula goes on clear, dries in seconds, and uses alpha hydroxy acids (yep, the ones you usually use on your face) to neutralize bacteria so it doesn't stink up your sweat. I find it works best if I apply it right after I shave.
19. Biossance Squalane + Magnesium Deodorant
If your pits often feel dry, give this one a try. The plant-derived squalane is super moisturizing and glides on easy while the magnesium is the star ingredient that works to absorb sweat and stink.
20. Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Natural Deodorant
Take your pits to the spa with this eucalyptus and coconut infused deodorant. Your underarms will stay fresh and smelling good thanks to the added tea tree that works to fight off smelly bacteria.
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