We asked a team of dermatologists for the ingredients to look for, then tested the best options on the market.
Considering the switch to a natural deodorant? There’s good reason—and not because the synthetic options are subpar. (We love those ones, too.) But because there are so many natural moisture-absorbing and odor-fighting ingredients to be mined, that the best natural deodorant options offer something for everyone, even those of us who are dependent on aluminum-packed antiperspirant deodorants to counter sweat and stink.
But don’t just grab the first thing that promises to be “natural”: As you probably know, this term has become buzzier and buzzier over the years, and many brands are touting “naturally sourced ingredients” as opposed to naturals-only recipes. Again, it’s not that the non-naturals are bad, but it boils down to the consumer receiving something that he or she is promised, as opposed to being misled into believing. (After all, think of all the non-natural products out there, from face creams to medicines to sunscreens; there’s no need to point the finger at non-natural deodorants as a bad thing.)
Still, you should know what you’re buying: “When selecting a natural deodorant, I recommend reading the inactive ingredient list on the back,” advises board-certified dermatologist Milton Moore, co-founder of LIV Dermatology & Aesthetics in San Antonio, T.X., as well as Holly Hall Supply Co. skincare. There are several compounds to stay away from if you want a natural-only formula, he adds: The primary things to skip are aluminum, propylene glycol, phthalates, parabens, talc, and triclosan. “Always be aware of greenwashing, a type of false advertising and marketing used to mislead consumers into believing products are ‘all natural’ with words like ‘natural scent’ and ‘aluminum-free’,” he says, echoing our skeptical sentiments.
Read on for our pick for the best natural deodorants, along with insights into the best natural ingredients, from Moore and his LIV Dermatology co-founder, and board-certified dermatologist Tessa Cervantes. And remember, if you’re switching from synthetic to natural, there is a period where the skin needs to adjust to the new product, meaning you might feel like it’s not working at first—especially if switching from an antiperspirant. “The halting of aluminum-containing deodorants could cause an increase in sweat production as well as the release of an unfamiliar body odor,” says Moore. “As each person’s biology is different, the interim phase can last from a few days to three to four weeks [before the natural deodorant really feels effective].” So, stay patient.
The Best Ingredients to Look For in Natural Deodorants
There are two categories of active ingredients in natural deodorants: those that control stink (by fighting off odorous bacteria), and those that prevent moisture accumulation (not just for comfort’s sake, but because moisture also attracts the bacteria).
For controlling moisture: “It’s important to understand that natural deodorants wick excess moisture rather than decrease sweat and moisture altogether—ideally leaving the underarms dry,” says Moore. “Starches such as arrowroot powder, cornstarch, tapioca starch, and kaolin clay are great options that brands use to wick excess moisture. Charcoal is also a great option for absorbing moisture and detoxifying the skin.”
For odor control: Moore stresses the importance of understanding why our bodies produce a natural odor in the first place (and it’s more than just bacterial proliferation).
“There are two types of sweat glands, eccrine and apocrine,” he says. “Eccrine sweat glands occur over most of the body and open directly onto the skin’s surface while apocrine glands open into the hair follicles, leading to the surface of the skin. The latter, apocrine, becomes active during puberty and is associated with the underarm and groin areas of the body. These produce an odorless protein-rich sweat that gets broken down by bacteria which then causes an odor. To mitigate the odor, brands mask it with natural fragrances like an essential oil such as lavender, grapefruit, and tea tree.” Another common inclusion is pre- and probiotic ingredients, which will feed the good bacteria in the skin, and balance the microbiome in their favor while they squash the odorous bacteria.
There’s one controversial ingredient that makes skin inhospitable for the bacteria, too: Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate. Its highly alkaline pH level can lead to irritation. So, while it is technically natural, Moore notes that it’s difficult to find an ingredient that works quite as effectively. So, it might be worth testing out a deodorant with baking soda, just to see if your skin will tolerate it. (Truth be told, most people will be fine, or else these wouldn’t be on the market.) As for alternates to baking soda: “We have found that lauric acid content in unrefined coconut oil can reduce odor-causing bacteria in moist areas such as under the arm, and provides hydration and barrier protection for the skin,” Moore says.
Other Ways to Reduce Sweating
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to sweat and odor, then Cervantes recommends pairing adjunctive therapy with a natural deodorant. “To decrease the bacteria in the underarm, use a gentle wash that contains hypochlorous acid, which is created by white blood cells that naturally exist in the body,” she says. “Hypochlorous acid is safe and more effective as a disinfectant, often used to treat open wounds around the eyes and mouth. One brand of body wash that accomplishes this is CLn.”
And in severe cases, candidates can even consider destroying sweat glands in targeted areas altogether. “This can be done with Morpheus8 [radiofrequency/microneedling] or Miradry [thermal energy], both of which have a 90 to 92 percent reduction in the glands via delivery of heat to the area,” Cervantes explains. Ask your board-certified dermatologist about these procedures, and which might be right for you.
Not ready to haul out those big guns? Read on for the best natural deodorants we’ve tested and recommend.
Patricks squeezed a ton of good stuff into its natural deodorant, including Niodor. This vegan ingredient is derived from plant sources and works as effectively as sticks with aluminum salts. Plus, it smells like a long-lost Serge Lutens draft you wish you could spray on your puls points.
