After Testing Two Dozen Natural Deodorants, These Are the 11 We Loved

We Tested Two Dozen Natural Deodorants — These Are the 11 We Loved

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Looking for funk-free armpits without all the chemicals? That’s where natural deodorant comes in. Natural deodorants are free of aluminum and typically contain no phthalates, sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrance. Stopping the stink starts with understanding how it develops. Body odor forms when skin bacteria break down the proteins and lipids in sweat, says Ivy Lee-Keltner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena in California. “Deodorants focus on inhibiting bacterial growth, masking body odor, and absorbing body odor,” she explains. 

“[The term] ‘natural’ is not a regulated term and there is no official U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) definition,” cautions Dr. Lee-Keltner. “Natural usually refers to plants or minerals with minimal processing.” She recommends looking for ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc ricinoleate, or arrowroot powder, which fall under this unofficial definition. Magnesium hydroxide and zinc oxide inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, zinc ricinoleate absorbs odors, and arrowroot powder absorbs wetness and helps prevent the development of odor-causing bacteria.

 To help you find your new favorite natural deodorant, we tested over two dozen options and consulted with two board-certified dermatologists; these are our top picks.

Our Top Picks for the Best Natural Deodorants

Best for Women

Billie All Day Deodorant

$10.16 at Amazon
$10.69Now 5% Off

Pros

  • Available in five fresh feminine scents
  • Contains magnesium hydroxide, zinc ricinoleate to help prevent odor
  • Includes coconut oil to hydrate and prevent bacteria growth
  • Free of baking soda, phthalates, sulfates, parabens
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Texture may feel rough
  • No unscented option

Key Specs

  • Type: Solid
  • Key ingredients: Magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, shea butter, zinc ricinoleate
  • Scents: Five scents, no unscented

I was excited to test this popular new aluminum-free deodorant, and it did not disappoint. Billie All Day Deodorant goes on clear, smells absolutely amazing, and lasts all day. I was so impressed that a natural deodorant could be this effective. While I didn’t notice being any more or less sweaty, I definitely noticed it kept me smelling fresh for up to 24 hours, living up to the brand’s claims. The Santal Blossom scent I tested has a lovely citrus, floral, and sandalwood smell, and there are four other scents to choose from: Cotton Cloud (white peony), Coco Villa (vanilla, coconut), Lavender Milk (floral), and Tidal Rose (ocean salt, floral).

To prevent body odor, Billie All Day Deodorant uses magnesium hydroxide, which can help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

It also contains zinc ricinoleate, which helps absorb odors.

Additionally, coconut oil acts as an antimicrobial and antifungal ingredient to prevent the development of odor-causing bacteria.

I have sensitive skin, and this deodorant didn’t irritate my skin at all.
The only thing I didn’t like was the texture: It’s sort of like a glue stick, making it a bit difficult to apply, though it doesn’t leave behind a sticky feeling. While it’s meant for pits only, it also worked as an under-boob deodorant. I did find some minor residue on my clothes, but it washed out completely and didn’t stain. Billie is a great vegan, cruelty-free option that’s free of baking soda, phthalates (ingredients that help fragrances last longer), sulfates (foaming agents), and parabens (preservatives).

Best for Men

Dr. Squatch Men’s Natural Odor Squatching Deodorant

$33.72 at Amazon
$37.47Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Naturally derived fragrance
  • Contains arrowroot powder and charcoal to absorb odor and moisture
  • Free of baking soda, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Cons

  • Some may prefer a stronger scent
  • Contains animal byproducts and alcohol

Key Specs

  • Type: Solid stick
  • Key ingredients: Arrowroot powder, stearyl alcohol, magnesium hydroxide, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, charcoal powder, lactobacillus ferment
  • Scents: 14 scents, no unscented
This Dr. Squatch men’s deodorant passed our sniff test with flying colors. We used it under one arm while using our regular deodorant under the other arm, and Dr. Squatch proved just as effective. It relies on ingredients like charcoal to absorb odors and arrowroot powder to help absorb wetness. Arrowroot also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 In addition, it uses lactobacillus ferment, a probiotic with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help prevent odor.

 The formula is free of baking soda, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

“During the week of testing, the heat index was in the high 90s every day, yet the deodorant performed admirably,” said Spencer Ziegler, who tested this deodorant. It went on clear and did not leave any residue on skin or clothes. It claims to have an “extra smooth glide,” but it took about a week for that to be the case. Prior to that, there was a little bit of friction when applying. Nothing uncomfortable, but it was noticeable.

The Coastal Mist scent was subtle and pleasant. Ziegler appreciated that the smell wasn’t overwhelming and that it’s made with naturally derived fragrance. There are 14 scents to choose from, such as Pine, Sage, Sandalwood, or Wood Barrel Bourbon. Note that it contains alcohol, which can be drying or irritating, according to our experts.

Best Drugstore Brand

Native Deodorant

$12.32 at Amazon
$12.97Now 5% Off

Pros

  • Widely available at most drugstores and online
  • Goes on clear, leaves no residue
  • Free of phthalates, sulfates, and parabens
  • Highly effective, even during exercise

Cons

  • Baking soda–based (sensitive formula has no baking soda
  • Texture may feel rough to some

Key Specs

  • Type: Solid stick
  • Key ingredients: Baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, shea butter
  • Scents: 25 scents, including unscented
If you’re looking for a natural deodorant you can quickly grab while you’re out shopping, Native is a fantastic option. To neutralize and prevent odor, Native relies on a combination of magnesium hydroxide and baking soda. While generally considered safe, baking soda may cause irritation in some people.

 Fortunately, Native offers a baking soda–free “sensitive” formula. You can also choose a plastic or fully plastic-free container. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

“I used it daily and before working out. It helped reduce odor during my runs, where I typically sweat a lot,” said Melissa Mitri, RD, owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition in New York City, who tested this deodorant. “I have sensitive/dry skin; however, I didn’t experience any sort of negative reaction from wearing it.” The texture felt slightly rough, which made it a bit tricky to apply. It went on drier than expected — almost as if nothing was there, even though it was.

We found the texture light and comfortable, the coconut and vanilla scent pleasant, and the formula clear and residue-free. You’re sure to find a scent you love among the more than two dozen options, including blackberry and green tea, cucumber and mint, lilac and white tea, and mango and orange blossom.

Best for Sweat Control

Megababe Daily Deodorant

$12.59 at Amazon
$13.99Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Contains cornstarch to absorb moisture
  • Includes skin-soothing ingredients like aloe and oatmeal
  • Free of baking soda, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
  • Vegan

Cons

  • Wet upon application
  • Contains caffeine

Key Specs

  • Type: Stick
  • Key ingredients: Saccharomyces (yeast) ferment, cornstarch, extracts of grapefruit, lemon, willow bark, tea, and sage, squalane, oat flour, aloe, radish ferment filtrate, coconut oil
  • Scents: Four, no unscented version
Megababe Daily Deodorant was a huge hit with us. Cornstarch is the star in this deodorant, providing powerful moisture absorption that kept us dry for 20 hours, and even then we were still odor-free.

 It’s formulated with a cornucopia of plant-based, antioxidant-rich extracts, such as green tea, willow bark, sage, grapefruit, and lemon, as well as colloidal oatmeal, aloe, squalane (Peach Vanilla scent only) and coconut oil, to help soothe skin and stave off odor, wetness, and irritation. The radish and yeast ferments are antimicrobial, which helps prevent odor-causing bacteria.

The citrus ingredients and fragrance make for a truly delightful aroma in the Sunny Pits scent we tested. “It smells really amazing — like a spa — and keeps me dry better than other deodorants,” said Jessica Migala, a writer who tested Megababe. “I like the circular stick because I feel like it conforms to my armpit grooves better.” It goes on smooth and clear, and while it is slightly wet upon application, it dries quickly and doesn’t leave any residue on clothing. The formula is vegan and free of baking soda, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.

Best Stick

Kopari Coconut Deodorant

$18.05 at Amazon
$19Now 5% Off

Pros

  • Applies smoothly
  • Clear and residue-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Free of baking soda, phthalates, sulfates, and parabens

Cons

  • Not strongly scented
  • May require reapplication

Key Specs

  • Type: Stick
  • Key ingredients: Saccharomyces (yeast) ferment filtrate, coconut endosperm, oil, and juice, sage oil
  • Scents: Three, no unscented

Kopari Coconut Deodorant made Everyday Health’s list of the Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants in 2026. Before discovering Kopari I tried all kinds of natural deodorants, only to find myself stinky and disappointed. This is one of the first natural deodorants that actually works for me. One of my favorite features is the texture: Kopari glides on really smoothly compared with other natural stick deodorants. This deodorant is incredibly effective and nonirritating. It prevents odor all day without an overwhelming fragrance. It’s clear and leaves no residue or stickiness.

I don’t typically love coconut-scented products, but the smell is really light. And if you truly can’t abide coconut, there are two other scent options: Beach and Driftwood. But just be aware that this deodorant is coconut oil–based, no matter the scent. The product uses coconut oil to help prevent odors because it’s antimicrobial and antifungal.

Kopari also uses antimicrobial fermented yeast to balance the skin microbiome and prevent the development of odor-causing bacteria. Because the fragrance is so light, you may find you want to reapply later in the day. Kopari is another great option that’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and baking soda, other ingredients you may be trying to avoid. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

Best Roll-On

Lavilin Bio Balance 72h Deodorant

$18 at Amazon
$21.90Now 18% Off

Pros

  • Smooth application
  • Contains rice starch to help absorb wetness
  • Includes zinc oxide to help prevent odor
  • Lightly scented and water-resistant
  • Free of baking soda, alcohol, phthalates, and parabens

Cons

  • May take time to dry
  • Bottle can leak if cap is not fully screwed on
  • Contains dairy-based ingredients

Key Specs

  • Type: Roll-on
  • Key ingredients: Rice starch, zinc oxide, lactose, milk protein, bifida ferment lysate, hyssop extract, clove
  • Scents: Two, including unscented

If you prefer roll-on deodorants for their smooth, easy application, but want a more natural option, we recommend Lavilin Bio Balance 72h Deodorant. “It’s lightly scented but kept odors away, even after running around town in 85-degree weather and a Pilates workout,” said Lili Ladaga, our editor who tested Lavilin. While we didn’t feel it lived up to its 72-hour odor-prevention claim, it came close, and we believe its lasting power will most likely depend on what you’re doing during that time (for example, exercising versus sitting in an office).

It contains rice starch to help absorb wetness, while zinc oxide helps prevent odor, thanks to its antibacterial properties.

 In addition, bifida ferment lysate is a probiotic that helps strengthen the skin barrier.

 While we appreciated the lightly scented version, there’s also a fragrance-free option.

Lavilin recommends applying its deodorant at bedtime. Like all roll-ons, it goes on wet and takes a few minutes to dry completely. It goes on white, becomes clear as it dries, and leaves no residue. The label says optimal results are achieved after five to seven uses. Just make sure the top is screwed on tightly after use, especially if you’re putting it in a makeup bag or purse; otherwise, the bottle may leak. Also note that it contains lactose and milk protein.

roll on deodorant

Best Mineral

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On

Pros

  • Contains potassium alum and baking soda to control odor
  • Applies smoothly
  • Goes on clear, leaves no residue
  • Free of parabens and phthalates

Cons

  • Contains baking soda
  • Not designed to keep you dry

Key Specs

  • Type: Roll-on
  • Key ingredients: Potassium alum (mineral salts), baking soda
  • Scents: 10, including unscented
There was very little we didn’t like about this mineral deodorant. We tried the unscented version, and it proved highly effective at preventing odors all day. To control odors, Crystal deodorant contains baking soda and potassium alum (mineral salts), which have antimicrobial properties.

Note: Potassium alum is not the same as the aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorohydrate found in antiperspirants that block sweat glands.

 It’s also free of parabens and phthalates and contains only six ingredients, though the scented versions include natural fragrance created with essential oils and extracts.

“The application was a breeze. Roll-on deodorant is so convenient and satisfying to use,” said Lacey Muinos, a writer who tested this. “It goes on clear and leaves behind no residue, which is a huge plus. I wore black clothes multiple times while using this, and it never transferred onto my clothes. After it dries, it’s like wearing nothing.”

The liquid formula takes a minute or two to fully dry, and the deodorant is not designed to prevent sweat. If you prefer a scent over unscented, there are nine scented options, including lavender and rosemary, cucumber and mint, sea salt and sage, pomegranate, and coconut and vanilla.

Primally Pure Lavender deodorant

Best Organic

Primally Pure Deodorant

Pros

  • Contains arrowroot powder and coconut oil to help prevent odor and wetness
  • Includes lavender oil to help reduce odor-causing bacteria
  • Fine-grain baking soda for less irritation
  • Goes on smooth

Cons

  • Contains beef tallow
  • May pill and leave residue
  • Must use within six months

Key Specs

  • Type: Solid
  • Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, baking soda, organic arrowroot powder, coconut oil, tallow from grass-fed cows, lavender oil
  • Scents: Nine, including unscented
Primally Pure Deodorant uses a combination of several ingredients to help control odor and wetness, including organic arrowroot powder, organic coconut oil, and zinc oxide.

 The baking soda it uses to neutralize odors is naturally mined, which the brand asserts means it has a finer grain. In addition, it contains organic tallow from grass-fed cows, which has hydrating and moisturizing properties.

“I wore it on some of the hottest days of the summer and rarely found the need to reapply. It kept me dry and smelling great. The lavender scent is very nice, and the product does well to reduce odor and sweat,” said Nicole Bonaccorso, our writer who tested Primally Pure. The brand uses only organic essential oils to create its scents. We loved the soothing lavender scent we tried, and there are several other options available, such as blue tansy, bergamot and eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, and tea tree.

It goes on smooth and feels dry upon application, though it’s not perfectly clear and may leave a bit of white residue. Also, it began to pill up in our armpits after a few hours of use. Fortunately, we didn’t notice any residue transfer onto our clothing. We liked the cylindrical, minimalistic container. Be aware that the brand recommends you use the product within six months because it doesn’t contain parabens (preservatives).

Best for Skin

Salt & Stone Deodorant

$18 at Amazon
$20Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Contains niacinamide, seaweed extract, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize
  • Contains antimicrobial prebiotics and spirulina
  • Includes tapioca starch and baking soda to absorb wetness
  • Free of parabens and phthalates

Cons

  • Not invisible; leaves marks on clothing
  • Contains baking soda
  • No unscented option

Key Specs

  • Type: Solid
  • Key ingredients: Tapioca starch, magnesium hydroxide, baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, niacinamide, sunflower seed oil, spirulina extract, lactobacillus ferment
  • Scents: Five, no unscented
Salt & Stone Deodorant made Everyday Health’s list of Best Deodorants for Women in 2026. Hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract, as well as coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil, offer the ultimate in skin hydration. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can help improve the skin’s texture and enhance the skin barrier.

 As for deodorizing and drying, it contains magnesium hydroxide to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, tapioca starch to absorb sweat, prebiotic ingredients to help neutralize odors, and baking soda to achieve both.

 In addition, spirulina extract has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it helps prevent the development of odor-causing bacteria in addition to soothing skin and protecting it from environmental damage.

“This feels good upon application. It goes on dry and smooth,” says Bonaccorso. “This worked well on very hot days and during more rigorous activities. It says it offers 24 hours of protection, and I think that’s mostly true. I really like the scent, it’s very botanical.”

We enjoyed the neroli and basil scent, which marries hints of bergamot, basil, lavender, and cypress. There are four other scents to choose from, and you can even get a sample-size four-pack of mini deodorants so you can try multiple scents. The deodorant is also free of parabens and phthalates. The one downside we found was that the formula is not completely clear, and we noticed a bit of residue on our clothes. If you prefer invisible deodorant, the brand has a gel deodorant version with two scent options.

deodorant

Best With Essential Oils

Real Purity Roll-On Deodorant

$18.20 at Amazon
$19.99Now 9% Off

Pros

  • Contains organic essential oils with antimicrobial properties
  • Light scent
  • Dries quickly
  • Free of parabens, sulfates, and baking soda

    Cons

    • Essential oils may be irritating to some
    • Not strongly scented

    Key Specs

    • Type: Roll-on
    • Key ingredients: Aloe, organic cleavers extract, organic oils (grapefruit, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, extra virgin olive, apricot), organic essential oils (geranium, sage, rosewood)
    • Scents: One, no unscented
    The stars of Real Purity Roll-On Deodorant are the many organic oils: grapefruit, sandalwood, lavender, apricot, rosemary, geranium, sage, and rosewood. Many of these oils have been found to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

     This deodorant contains only natural ingredients (with many being organic), including aloe, extra-virgin olive oil, and cleavers extract, an herb with antimicrobial properties that helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

    “It has a fresh powder scent that’s nice and not overbearing. It felt light on the body and helped reduce odor, even for particularly sweaty workouts,” says Mitri. “It’s good for those looking for an easy-to-apply roll-on and prefer a mild scent.” It goes on smoothly and dries faster than most roll-ons. It’s also free of parabens, sulfates, and baking soda.

    One note about essential oils: “Essential oils smell wonderful but can irritate delicate underarm skin,” says Hope Mitchell, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Mitchell Dermatology in Perrysburg, Ohio.

    Best for Sensitive Skin

    Nécessaire The Deodorant

    $21.60 at Amazon
    $24Now 10% Off

    Pros

    • National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance
    • Contains mandelic acid to help prevent odor
    • Includes tapioca starch to absorb wetness
    • Free of parabens, sulfates, baking soda, silicones, and phthalates

    Cons

    • Fragrance doesn’t last very long
    • Goes on wet

    Key Specs

    • Type: Stick
    • Key ingredients: (Fragrance-free): tapioca starch, sunflower seed wax, mandelic acid, castor oil, coconut oil, zinc ricinoleate, niacinamide, shea butter, sunflower seed oil
    • Scents: Five, including unscented

    There’s only one deodorant on the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance product list: Nécessaire The Deodorant (fragrance-free version). This means that it doesn’t have any ingredients the NEA has identified as potentially irritating. People with sensitive skin need extra care in their skin-care ingredients. As someone with multiple skin conditions and very sensitive skin, I should know. I have to read ingredient lists very carefully to ensure products don’t contain anything that could cause flares, rashes, or breakouts.

    Mandelic acid, an antimicrobial alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is the key ingredient that can help prevent odor, as can zinc ricinoleate.

     It also contains tapioca starch to help absorb wetness and niacinamides to help improve skin texture. In addition to a fragrance-free version, there are four unique, unisex scent options: Santal (sandalwood, black pepper, iris, and jasmine), Olibanum (frankincense, vanilla, fig leaf, cassis bud), Eucalyptus (eucalyptus, Siberian fir, lavender, ginger), and Hinoki (Japanese cedar, basil, magnolia, vetiver).

    We tested the Santal scent and loved it; it smells sophisticated and elegant — like an expensive perfume. “It definitely prevented odor, and not just because it was scented. At the end of several hot days, the scent was mostly gone, but there was no odor at all,” says Ladaga. “It felt moisturizing, and I found that it kept me dry, too.” It goes on smoothly and feels a little wet at first, but it dries very quickly. The bottle is round and fairly large, so it only took one swipe. The texture is like slightly moist wax.

    Comparison Table

    Superlative
    Type
    Scents
    Key Ingredients
    Best for Women
    Solid
    Five, no unscented
    Magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, shea butter, zinc ricinoleate
    Best for Men
    Solid
    14, no unscented
    Arrowroot powder, stearyl alcohol, magnesium hydroxide, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, charcoal powder, lactobacillus ferment
    Best Drugstore Brand
    Solid
    25, including unscented
    Baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, shea butter
    Best for Sweat Control
    Solid
    Four, no unscented
    Saccharomyces (yeast) ferment, cornstarch, extracts of grapefruit, lemon, willow bark, tea, and sage, squalane, oat flour, aloe, radish ferment filtrate, coconut oil
    Best Stick
    Stick
    Three, no unscented
    Saccharomyces (yeast) ferment filtrate, sage oil, coconut endosperm, oil, and juice
    Best Roll-On
    Roll-On
    Two, including unscented
    Rice starch, zinc oxide, lactose, milk protein, bifida ferment lysate, hyssop, clove
    Best Mineral
    Roll-On
    10, including unscented
    Potassium alum
    Best Organic
    Solid
    Nine, including unscented
    Zinc oxide, baking soda, arrowroot powder, tallow, coconut oil, essential oils
    Best for Skin
    Solid
    Five, no unscented
    Tapioca starch, magnesium hydroxide, baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, niacinamide, sunflower seed oil, spirulina extract, lactobacillus ferment
    Best With Essential Oils
    Roll-On
    One, no unscented
    Grapefruit, sandalwood, lavender, apricot, rosemary, geranium, sage, and rosewood oils
    Best for Sensitive Skin
    Solid
    Five, including unscented
    Tapioca starch, sunflower seed wax, mandelic acid, castor oil, coconut oil, zinc ricinoleate, niacinamide, shea butter, sunflower seed oil

    How We Chose the Best Natural Deodorants

    We tested approximately two dozen natural deodorants for at least two weeks, assessing each product for its effectiveness at preventing odor and its ability to absorb or mask eventual odors. We also judged its ingredients, texture, visible residue, scent, and variety of scent options. I consulted with board-certified dermatologists Hope Mitchell, MD, FAAD, founder and CEO of Mitchell Dermatology in Perrysburg, Ohio, and Ivy Lee-Keltner, MD, of Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena in California.

    What to Look For When Buying Natural Deodorant

    When shopping for a natural deodorant, it’s just as important to see what it doesn’t contain as what it does contain. A typical natural deodorant is usually free of aluminum, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. Look for ingredients that can help neutralize odor (magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide) and absorb moisture (arrowroot powder, baking soda, starches). If you have sensitive skin, look for soothing ingredients, such as aloe or glycerin.

    • Ingredients Key ingredients should be ones that can prevent odor, such as magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide, mandelic acid, and AHAs. Many natural deodorants also include ingredients that can help absorb (but not prevent) wetness, such as baking soda, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and clays.
    • Application Type Roll-ons, creams, and pastes can take time to dry down, while solids or wipes dry faster. Look for a format that fits your lifestyle.
    • Scent Synthetic fragrances and essential oils can irritate skin, so make sure to look for brands that offer unscented or fragrance-free options.

    Can Natural Deodorants Really Prevent Odor?

    The deodorants on our list include a wide range of natural ingredients that can help prevent and absorb odors due to their ability to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. “When it comes to deodorant, you want ingredients that neutralize odor, not just cover it up. I love seeing things like baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, or zinc because they fight the bacteria that causes odor,” Mitchell says. These ingredients include arrowroot powder, starches, coconut oil, magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide, zinc ricinoleate, and AHAs. If a natural deodorant hasn’t worked to prevent odor for you in the past, you may just need to try a different type of odor-neutralizing active ingredient.

    Can Natural Deodorants Prevent Wetness?

    “Any natural deodorant that claims you’ll stay completely dry all day is stretching the truth. Sweat is normal,” explains Mitchell. “Here’s the truth: If you want a true antiperspirant, only aluminum salts will do that. There isn’t a natural substitute that stops sweat. If you’re looking for something more natural, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can help soak up moisture without clogging sweat glands.”

    If you’re concerned about the possible negative health effects of aluminum in antiperspirants, it’s worth noting that no link has been found between antiperspirants with aluminum and breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

    There have been several studies — including a large case-controlled study comparing about 800 women with breast cancer to a similar number of women without it — finding no significant link between breast cancer and the use of either antiperspirant or deodorant.

    What Should I Do if I Experience Irritation?

    Natural ingredients are not inherently less irritating, but baking soda or essential oils can cause irritation. “If your skin is sensitive, skip baking soda because it can throw off your skin’s balance and cause irritation,” says Mitchell. “Look for soothing ingredients like aloe, glycerin, or even coconut oil. And I always recommend going fragrance-free.” The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance can help you identify products that don’t contain common irritants and allergens, while the SkinSAFE website can show you whether a product contains potentially irritating ingredients and what they are.

    Our experts agree that if you experience irritation, stop using the product immediately and apply a bland barrier-repair cream like Aquaphor or plain petroleum jelly to allow your skin to recover. “Avoid shaving the area until healed, and see a board-certified dermatologist if symptoms persist,” Lee-Keltner says. While your skin is healing, give it a break and switch to a gentle, fragrance-free deodorant option, says Mitchell. “If things don’t improve in a few days, check in with your dermatologist because it might be an allergy or eczema flare,” she adds.

    FAQs

    How long does it take for my body to adjust to natural deodorant?
    It can take about two to four weeks for your skin microbiome to adjust when switching from an aluminum deodorant to an aluminum-free deodorant. “At first, you might notice more sweat or a little more odor and that’s normal. Your body is just adjusting,” Mitchell explains. “Stick with it before deciding it doesn’t work.”
    We were correct to be skeptical of 72-hour deodorant claims. According to Lee-Keltner, deodorant should last 12 to 24 hours. “If you’re really active or in hot weather, reapplying once might help, but you shouldn’t need to keep putting it on every few hours,” says Mitchell. 
    “The whole ‘armpit detox’ trend is pure marketing,” Mitchell says. “Your underarms don’t need detoxing.” 
    EDITORIAL SOURCES
    Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
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