A large percent of the population wears makeup and/or uses cosmetics on a daily basis. Whether it’s for hygiene, beauty, or plain aesthetics – we love to use it. This in and of itself isn’t at all surprising, seeing as how human beings have been making cosmetics for thousands of years. Perfume was a serious game-changer, tough, as was deodorant. In this post, we will be looking at the 7 best natural deodorants that actually work.

With such an abundance of mainstream, industrial, pharmacy- or supermarket-aisle products available for relatively low costs, why is it nonetheless worth it to go the natural path?

Why Use Natural Deodorant? Is Natural Deodorant Better For You?

It seems that humanity is always rediscovering the benefits of a more holistic route. I mean that in the simplest way possible. Living more naturally can start with the smallest of things – even your daily underarm deodorant. But why use natural deodorant? Is natural deodorant better for you? The main advantages of a natural deodorant are that it’s easier on your pores and it usually contains many friendlier ingredients.

Antiperspirants keep you dry. By covering the sweat glands, they cut off sweat at the source. Less sweat means less overall odor and little to no sweat stains. The catch?  This blockage is achieved through the use of aluminum-based compounds or similar compounds. Likewise, mainstream deodorants can be highly effective, but this comes at a price. Deodorants kill the bacteria that cause sweat, but they may also kill helpful bacteria in the process.

In that sense, you could argue that natural deodorants are indeed better for you, by and large. This is not to say that the ones on this list will automatically fit you. Depending on your medical history, your skin type, and your gene pool, you may find that your body responds well to one substance but not to another. Allergic reactions are also something to consider and be aware of. Like so many other cosmetics-related issues, it’s highly subjective even when the product is completely pure and natural.

7 Best Natural Deodorants That Actually Work

There are many deodorant brands around, from natural ones to seriously dubious ones. This is our list of the 7 best natural deodorants that actually work. It is by no means an exhaustive list, but it will help give you some guidance when deciding which one to try.

1. Bali Secrets Natural Deodorant

Bali Secrets natural deodorant.

Kicking off this list is a cruelty-free, vegan, and all-around-good-guy kind of deodorant. The Bali Secrets natural deodorant is made with aloe vera, seaweed extract, essential oils, carrier oils, and more. There is a rather minor amount of alcohol in it. And on the plus side, it doesn’t stain.

In my opinion, the scent is mild. It works well, overall, and it manages to control sweat. Will this be the case with everyone? Definitely not, I am sure. But for those that find value in it, Bali Secrets is a great choice.

2. Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant

Schmidt’s natural deodorant.

Some folks have sensitivities that cause them to avoid mainstream products. Schmidt’s natural deodorant for sensitive skin is meant precisely for them. It’s a fragrance-free stick that incorporates ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E.

Does it work? Not for 24 hours, that’s for sure. Not in my case, anyway. But it did its job well for the time that it did work. It has an interesting mode of operation: to use, you need to press the product against the skin and let it warm up. Once it is a little softer, swipe once or twice – that’s it.

3. Kopari Natural Deodorant

Kopari natural deodorant.

Rooted in organic coconut oil and calming sage oil, the Kopari natural deodorant is 100% plant-based (largely coconut). It works not only to reduce body odor, but also to bring healing to your armpits. This product goes on smooth and clear, and it works with your body’s natural processes.

This one is recommended for sensitive skin. But like the rest of the deodorants on this list, it should always be tested first. I only found the need to reapply it later in the day, which was a nice surprise.

4. Tom’s Natural Deodorant

Tom’s natural deodorant.

This product is free of aluminum, artificial fragrances, and preservatives. It’s an organic, cruelty-free item, rich in natural compounds that absorb water and lessen body odor. Tom’s natural deodorant manages to be effective without being irritating. This is another item that would probably suit those with sensitive skin.

I was pleasantly surprised by the ease with which this product was able to keep odors away. Sometimes “natural” is overhyped, and sometimes it merits every good review or blurb.

5. Native Deodorant

Native deodorant.

This deodorant is free of parabens, sulfates, and aluminum, and it comes in a variety of scents (or alternatively, unscented). Native deodorant is not tested on animals, though it isn’t vegan due to the inclusion of beeswax in its formula. It goes on clear and manages to stand its ground – so to speak – and not ball up.

This one was alright by me and my pits, but only alright. I wanted to like it more, honestly. It’s the chance you take with a more natural product, and I am sure there are those who will be happier with it and have better results.

6. Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant

Ursa Major hoppin’ fresh deodorant.

This deodorant is an antiperspirant based on aloe vera, shea, baking soda, and tapioca. There’s also lemon, ginseng, calendula, and other ingredients in the Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh deodorant. These come together to inhibit odor-causing bacteria and to promote healthy skin. It sounds awesome, but unfortunately, this is one deodorant that did nothing for me. My skin and the product just don’t mesh well, and reapplying didn’t really help.

Ursa Major is a cruelty-free company, and they seem genuinely dedicated to providing plant-based skincare which yields results. That’s why they belong on this list. Like Native deodorant, there are countless others who’ve used Hoppin’ Fresh and found it to be useful.

7. Megababe Rosy Pits Deodorant

Megababe rosy pits deodorant.

This one seriously lived up to its name. If you find that Megababe Rosy Pits deodorant works for you, go for it. It smells (ever so slightly) like a rose in early May, and it kept me clean throughout the day. Megababe is a company that’s cruelty-free, albeit not strictly vegan. This product is an aluminum-free and baking soda-free stick, based on aloe and coconut. It also includes green tea, sandalwood, and sage in its formula.

I was so happy to see that this deodorant was one who agreed with me. I am a sucker for roses, in moderation, and this product did a good job of combining efficiency with ease.

DIY Natural Deodorant Recipe & Guide

Making a homemade natural deodorant can be tricky. Of course, you want to make a product that can become your go-to deodorant. You can choose to go for a product which masks sweat or clogs the glands, or for one which actively inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

As with commercial products, DIY deodorant isn’t something that will be a good fit for everyone’s body. You may need to try several ingredients or formulas before settling on one which works for you. Whether you want an antiperspirant or deodorant, you’ll want something which smells good and which doesn’t require constant re-application.

Most DIY natural deodorant recipes and guides call for an alkaline (like baking soda), an oil of some kind (coconut is popular), and an absorber like cornstarch, potato starch, or arrowroot powder. It is optional to add essential oils. The quantities vary a lot, depending on your wants and needs.

Mix equal parts baking soda and arrowroot (or starch) together. Add coconut oil – a slightly larger amount than the baking soda – and then mix. Add several drops of an essential oil of your choice. It’s best to match your oil to the rest of the ingredients whenever possible, to give it the best chances of prolonged success.

If you want to play with the consistency, add baking soda or oil. Place the mixture in a glass jar, and keep in a cool, dry place. To use, take some with your fingers and massage into the armpit. You’ll be able to tell relatively quickly if this recipe is good for you or not. Not all deodorants are created equal, after all.

Conclusion

“Natural” does not necessarily denote better quality. Even the most plant-based substances can be mismatched with some people’s skin. Genetics, diet, lifestyle – these all contribute to the success or failure of any cosmetics product. These natural deodorants are all well and good, but it’s not guaranteed success just because it’s more natural.

It’s not by chance that some of these ingredients have been used for thousands of years. There is a lot of power in them, and when used properly, they can be of great help. Obviously, some people will always prefer the security and comfort of an aluminum-based antiperspirant or an alcohol-based spray deodorant.

We use underarm products pretty much every single day, and the thought of using something natural is a welcome and positive one. Whether you go for a DIY solution or purchase a product online or at the drugstore, it may be just the thing that serves you best and helps you stay fresh.