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The 9 best natural deodorants of 2024, according to dermatologists
From Saltair to Lume to Megababe and Kopari, we tested and rated the best natural deodorant sticks, wipes, creams and roll-ons with the help of a panel of experts
Finding the best natural deodorant or antiperspirant that doesn’t leave you feeling smelly or sweaty can be a challenge, especially when aluminum is stricken from the ingredient list. Dr. Monika Kaniszewska, a board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in Illinois, says, “There’s a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants mask the odor, while antiperspirants prevent you from sweating, and due to the lack of aluminum in natural deodorants, they aren’t very effective at decreasing excessive perspiration.”
Saltair - Natural Skincare Deodorant
Best natural deodorant overall
Megababe Rosy Pits
Best natural clear deodorant
Kopari Aluminum Free Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil
Best natural deodorant for sensitive skin
Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Best natural deodorant without baking soda
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
Best natural deodorant with probiotics
Corpus Naturals Plant-Based Deodorant
Best plant-based deodorant
Lume Whole Body Deodorant
Best natural whole body deodorant
Pacifica Beauty Underarm Deodorant Wipes
Best natural deodorant wipes
Real Purity Roll-On Deodorant
Best natural roll-on deodorant
If excessive sweating is not an issue for you, and you only need a deodorant to prevent body odor from being your signature scent, there’s good news: Dr. Shoshana Marmon, assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College, says all-natural deodorants do a good job of masking odors. “They typically use ingredients like baking soda, cornstarch, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter and natural oils rather than synthetic chemicals. These components neutralize odors, absorb moisture, and/or provide a pleasant scent.”
Determined to find the best antiperspirants and deodorants on the market today that prioritize natural ingredients, the research team here at Yahoo Life worked with a panel of dermatologists to better understand what natural ingredients are best for absorbing armpit moisture and masking body odor. After chatting with our experts, we researched and tested the top-rated natural deodorants and antiperspirants, and evaluated each based on key ingredients, eco-friendliness, effectiveness, cost, brand reputation and customer satisfaction. Keep reading to learn which ones made our list of the best natural antiperspirants and deodorants of 2024.
Cost: $10 or $8 for refills | Application type: Stick | Active ingredient: Tapioca starch, salicylic acid, zinc ricinoleate, tamanu oil and coconut oil | Scents available: Santal Bloom, Pink Beach, Island Orchid, Exotic Pulp, Seascape, Lush Greens, Lagoona, Black Tide, and Fragrance-free | Longevity: 24 hours
While traditional antiperspirants are designed to last 24 hours or more, finding an aluminum-free option with the same staying power is no easy feat. That’s why we’re so impressed with Saltair's Skincare Deodorant. It was an easy choice for our best overall because it blocks odors, absorbs moisture, prevents ingrown hairs, moisturizes, brightens and comes at a great price, especially when you opt for refills.
The deodorant is all-natural, vegan and paraben-free, and in clinical trials, 97% of participants found that one application held up throughout the entire day. What’s more, participants who used the product saw noticeable improvements in skin discoloration and texture. That’s because Saltair deodorant has salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate, soften and brighten skin and prevents ingrown hairs.
It also contains coconut oil and tamanu oil, the later of which is both highly moisturizing and is often used to help treat eczema, psoriasis and irritation. On top of that, both coconut and tamanu oil have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties.
To help combat sweat and odor, Saltair uses zinc ricinoleate and tapioca starch rather than harsh ingredients like baking soda or alcohol, so it’s safe for all skin types.
While you can purchase a two-pack from Amazon for $22, if you opt to order directly through Saltair, you will have access to all the scents available, refills and Saltair's full line of all-natural skincare items.
- Helps brighten skin and reduce ingrown hairs
- Eco-friendly refillable canister
- Variety of scents to choose from
- May need to reapply after swimming or a heavy workout
Cost: $14 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredient: Corn starch, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, willow bark extract, botanicals | Scents available: Rosy Pits | Longevity: All day
Megababe's daily deodorant is a great pick for those wanting a clean and clear deodorant brimming with gentle ingredients like saccharomyces ferment filtrate (a soothing type of fermented yeast) for odor protection, willow bark for wetness protection and skin-nourishing colloidal oatmeal. It also contains vitamin E to protect against razor burn and irritation. The water-based stick glides on smoothly without tugging and irritating the skin. And for those with sensitive skin, it's been clinically tested and dermatologist-approved to be safe for you too.
- Goes on clear
- Clinically tested for sensitive skin
- Vegan-friendly
- Only one scent
Cost: $18 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredient: Coconut oil and sage oil | Scents available: Original, Driftwood and Beach | Longevity: 8-12 hours
Kopari Aluminum-Free Coconut Deodorant is an organic, nontoxic, plant-based and all-around skin-friendly deodorant that uses coconut water, coconut oil and sage oil to keep you smelling and feeling fresh. Additionally, the coconut and sage oils are antimicrobial and antibacterial, which eliminate and neutralize body odor while simultaneously moisturizing and soothing the skin. The all-natural formula is free from aluminum, parabens, sulfates and baking soda, making it safe, clean and gentle enough for even children's skin.
The Driftwood and Beach scents aren’t overpowering and don't disappear in mere hours. That said, there is not a fragrance-free option due to the coconut oil base, which cannot be masked — therefore the "original" option does smell like coconut.
Kopari also makes a Performace Plus 24-hour deodorant that, while not a top pick for ultra-sensitive skin, is a great option for those who need a little more odor protection and moisture absorption.
- Aluminum-, baking soda-, and alcohol-free
- Moisturizing formula
- Goes on smooth
- Not as long-lasting as some other options
Cost: $20 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredient: Coconut oil, tapioca starch and magnesium carbonate (Dead Sea salt) | Scents available: Lavender & Lemon, Cedar & Vanilla, Cannabis & Green Tea, Cardamom & Ginger, Rose & Vanilla, Citrus & Vetiver, Coconut & Lime, Sandalwood & Black Pepper, Juniper & Mint and Fragrance-free | Longevity: 8-12 hours
If you are looking for an effective natural deodorant sans baking soda, Each & Every is a winning pick. It’s made without parabens, baking soda or synthetic fragrance. Instead, it's packed with natural ingredients: coconut oil, Dead Sea salt, tapioca starch and essential oils. Each & Every is also an eco-friendly company with the "Verified" seal of approval from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), meaning that in addition to its products being free of harsh chemicals, the company is fully transparent about its ingredients, and it practices safe and sustainable manufacturing.
If scents are important to you, there are nine to choose from: light and airy scents such as rose and vanilla or citrus and velvetier, strong and rich scents such as sandalwood and black pepper or cardamon and ginger, or something more unique like cannabis and green tea. And if you’re sensitive to smell, there’s also a fragrance-free option.
- Gentle, non-irritating, EWG-verified formula
- A variety of scents are available
- Plant-based packaging
- Can leave residue
- Pricier than drugstore options
Cost: $20 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredient: Probiotics, spirulina, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, tapioca starch, magnesium hydroxide, baking soda and coconut oil | Scents available: Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Black Rose & Oud, and Neroli & Basil | Longevity: 8-12 hours
If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen the viral deodorant from Salt & Stone. It's crafted with all-natural, good-for-your-body ingredients like probiotics, magnesium and coconut oil. It uses antioxidant-rich seaweed and spirulina to protect and soothe irritated skin, while hyaluronic acid helps gently exfoliate and brighten your underarms. The probiotic formula works to minimize odor-causing bacteria and help maintain the ever-important balance of the skin’s microbiome - a complex microecosystems of bacteria, fungi and viruses, each with distinct adaptions to survive on the skin.
Salt & Stone's natural deodorant comes in four unique and sophisticated scents, such as Black Rose & Oud, which has notes of lily, mahogany, amber and black rose. There’s no fragrance-free option, but there is a gel formula for extra-sensitive skin.
- Probiotics help rebalance skin microbiome
- Softens underarm skin
- Vegan, cruelty-free formula with no alcohol or parabens
- Pricey
Cost: $26 | Application type: Gel | Active ingredient: Diatomaceous earth and tapioca starch | Scents available: No. Green, Third Rose, Santalum, Cedar Flora, California and Neroli | Longevity: 8-12 hours
The Corpus Naturals Deodorant is another social media viral product that’s worth the hype. It’s a plant-based, vegan and cruelty-free deodorant that’s made without aluminum, baking soda or synthetic fragrance. Instead, it uses vegetable-derived enzymes and plant-based ingredients, such as diatomaceous earth and tapioca starch to kill odor-causing bacteria and neutralize sweat. It’s a water-based gel formula that glides on smoothly without leaving any annoying white marks.
We also loved the look and feel of this one. The deodorant comes in a chic, pistachio green container that looks elegant on your dresser. Then there’s the smell — Corpus Naturals only uses naturally sourced fragrance from essential oils and plant isolates — all smell amazing. The scents are subtle and long-lasting, and if you can’t decide on one scent, you can get a mini set of three or six to find your favorite fragrance.
This one is definitely on the pricier side, but the gel formula lasts a really long time.
- Gentle, water-based gel formula
- Plant-based
- Smells great with no synthetic fragrances
- Expensive
Cost: $20 for 3 oz. bottle or $30 for 5.05 oz. sampler pack | Application type: Cream | Active ingredients: Mandelic acid, maranta arundinacea root powder, cacao (cocoa) seed butter, tapioca starch | Scents available: Minted Cucumber, Soft Powder, Lavender Sage, Toasted Coconut, Peony Rose, Clean Tangerine, Unscented, Fresh Alpine | Longevity: 72 hours
Lume's whole body cream formula is easy to use, rubs in like a lotion and can be used all over the body. Its ease of use isn’t its only boon: The scents are light and airy, and our tester said, "It really does last a full 72 hours." The cream formula boasts cocoa seed butter, so you really do get the moisturizing benefits of a lotion.
If you need the ultimate in sweat-blocking power, Lume offers natural cream formulas containing aluminum. However, the aluminum option has fewer scents.
- Rubs in like lotion
- Can be used all over the body
- Blocks odor for up to 72 hours
- Moisturizing
- Pricey
Cost: $13 | Application Type: Wipes | Active ingredient: Coconut milk, witch hazel, shea butter | Scents available: Fragrance-free with a hint of coconut | Longevity: 8 hours
If you are looking for an all-natural, vegan-friendly deodorant wipe, especially to throw in your gym bag for on-the-go use, Pacifica Beauty's underarm deodorant wipes are a great bet. You can use the wipes to eliminate existing odors or after your shower to stop future smells from seeping through your shirt. I personally love these little wipes and plan to make them a staple in my summer bag.
Made with coconut milk, witch hazel and shea butter, they deter odors while also giving a moisturizing boost. These wipes do contain a little natural grain alcohol, so they may not suit those with sensitive skin. The good news is that these wipes are not made with aluminum, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum or sulfates. Each pack comes with 30 wipes.
- Eliminates odors
- Vegan
- Convenient for on-the-go use
- Contains natural grain alcohol
Cost: $13 | Application Type: Roll-on | Active ingredient: Kosher vegetable glycerin, organic aloe vera, essential oils including grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, apricot | Scents available: Naturally occurring scent from essential oils, with top note hints of rosemary and lavender | Longevity: 24 hours
Finding a natural roll-on deodorant that doesn't leave you feeling wet and sticky after application and throughout the day can be a challenge. Real Purity's roll-on deodorant, however, is up for the task. An effective combo of organic apricot kernel oil, organic aloe vera and kosher vegetable glycerin help to keep you dry, while the light scent of lavender and rosemary essential oils keep you smelling fresh.
Our tester said it kept her from sweating through her clothes while walking around on vacation. Plus, the deodorant’s odor-fighting qualities are rock-solid. While this is a fragrance-free product with no scents to choose from, the essential oils do still shine through in a very subtle yet refreshing way.
- Contains natural ingredients that reduce sweat
- Moisturizing
- Fights odors and absorbs moisture
- Pricey
What to consider when buying a natural deodorant
Ingredients: You’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals while seeking effective alternatives to blocking sweat and stink. “Look for natural ingredients like baking soda, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder, which can help absorb moisture and neutralize odor,” says Marmon. She also advises against products with alcohol, which are drying to the skin, plus chemicals like sulfates, phthalates, triclosan and propylene glycol, which can all be irritating.
Application type: You’ll find natural deodorants come in a wide range of application methods.
Solid
Invisible solid
Roll-on
Spray
Gel
Wipe
Choosing one comes down to personal preference, says Kaniszewska, though wipes and aerosols might not be as effective as other application methods.
Strength: Not every natural deodorant is created equal when it comes to fighting sweat and odors. Since these products traditionally don't contain aluminum salts, you have to depend on less effective sweat-absorbing ingredients such as baking soda or arrowroot powder — if excessive sweating is an issue for you, then you may want to strike a balance between products that contain both natural ingredients and aluminum salts, such as the Lume cream with aluminum. It's also important to note that while natural deodorants will deliver on odor control, compared to traditional deodorants that use synthetic fragrances, the scent may not be as robust as, say, a stick of Degree deodorant. That said, essential oils do a great job of fighting bacteria where odors fester, so while the scent that natural deodorants give off may be more subtle, these products can still do a highly effective job of managing odor throughout the day.
Longevity: Tester and customer reviews reveal a wide range of effectiveness and longevity between natural deodorants. Some deodorants last a few hours to a day, while others can last up to 72 hours. Check reviews, but keep in mind that everyone’s biology is different, so you may need to try a few formulas before you find the right one.
Cost: All-natural brands often come with a heftier price tag and can cost up to $30 bucks. That said, there are budget drugstore options as low as $6.
How we choose the best natural deodorants
Yahoo Life worked with a panel of dermatologists to learn which natural ingredients are best for absorbing armpit moisture and preventing unwanted body odor, and if there were any brands or products they particularly liked. We then researched and personally tested the top-rated natural deodorants and antiperspirants for both men and women, and rated each based on the quality of ingredients, eco-friendliness, effectiveness, cost, brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do natural deodorants even work?
Yes, natural deodorants do contain effective ingredients to neutralize and mask odor and even minimize wetness.
Are natural deodorants that contain aluminum safe to use?
The short answer is, yes. Dr. Natalie Hone, a dermatologist in Houston, says, "While you may want to avoid aluminum if you're allergic, don't worry about it giving you cancer." While it's been suggested that aluminum can cause various ailments and disorders, most notably Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer, she tells us, there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause any health concerns, and there is no evidence that antiperspirants containing aluminum can cause breast cancer.
How do I stop sweating without aluminum?
Unfortunately, aluminum salts are the gold standard when it comes to stopping sweat since they build up over time in the sweat ducts to prevent perspiration. Look for ingredients such as baking soda, tapioca starch or arrowroot, as these ingredients do work well to absorb moisture.
What are the best natural ingredients in natural deodorant?
While each natural deodorant will vary in ingredients, the usual suspects include tapioca starch, fermented yeast, baking soda, glycerine, charcoal and arrowroot powder to help absorb moisture. The ingredients that are generally used to help minimize and mask odors include coconut oil or coconut milk, aloe vera, sage, rosemary and apricot oils, which are all antimicrobial to help eliminate orders where they start — in bacteria. Natural moisturizers are also often included, such as shea butter. Marmon says these ingredients work together to neutralize odors, absorb moisture and provide a pleasant scent.
How often should I reapply a natural deodorant?
It depends. “Everyone’s needs for deodorants and antiperspirants are different,” says Ann Cameron Schieber, PA-C, a physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology in Illinois. “What lasts for 24 hours for one person might not last for 24 hours for the next.”
Can a natural deodorant stop sweating?
Products that don’t contain aluminum won’t have the same sweat-fighting power as those that do. “Natural deodorants don’t normally have an antiperspirant component, so they won’t be effective at decreasing perspiration,” says Steven Prus, PA-C, physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology in Illinois.
However, some options have natural alternatives to aluminum, such as arrowroot powder. While they may not completely block sweat, they can help, he adds.
Meet our experts
Natalie Hone, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Monika Kaniszewska, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Anne Marie Leger, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Shoshana Marmon, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York Medical College
Steven Prus, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
Ann Cameron Schieber, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
