UPDATED: January 2020
Let me start with the bad news: even the best natural deodorant isn’t going to work like Secret or any conventional antiperspirant you may be using now. That said, the longer I’ve used natural deodorant, the better it works, and I actually seem to sweat less (a lot of you say this is the same for you).
I now save my conventional, Bad Stuff antiperspirant for the occasional “emergency” situations when I’ll be nervous or hot and cannot afford to sweat at all. Like both of my appearance on Dr. Oz’s show—I was up there talking about the dangers of phthalates in food, and all I could smell was the phthalate-laden fragrance of the Degree Shower Fresh I was wearing!
The good news is that there are more safe, natural deodorants to choose from than ever. They come in sticks, jars, roll-ons and sprays. And, yes, many of them actually work.
My Top Pick for Best Natural Deodorant
Using Soapwalla has been nothing short of revelation for me. The application (with fingers) took a little getting used to, but I’ve yet to find another natural deodorant that is this effective.
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In general, I’m concerned about deodorant and antiperspirant because of exposure–we tend to apply these products every day and leave them on for long periods of time. Also, more of the product’s ingredients can penetrate the skin thanks to little nicks left behind after shaving.
Here are the common ingredients that I’m most worried about in conventional deodorants or antiperspirants:
Best Natural Deodorant for Men
For those of you seeking a more traditionally “manly” smell, my husband is a big fan of Schmidt’s Charcoal & Magnesium formula.
There is a lot of Sneaky Stuff being marketed as natural deodorant and antiperspirant. The most popular sneaky label is “aluminum-free,” because many of these deodorants still have bad stuff in them.
Rock deodorants are natural–and effective–but I do not consider potassium alum entirely safe.
These are the sneaky ingredients that worry me most in natural deodorants:
Body odor happens when sweat meets bacteria on the skin. Good natural deodorants combine a variety of ingredients to do one or all of the following: inhibit the growth of bacteria that makes sweat smelly; absorb some of the moisture from sweat; and reduce the amount of sweat by shrinking pores.
Good Stuff products do not act like conventional antiperspirants, which block sweat from leaving the body.
The Best of the Worst
If you really need to NOT sweat, Ban is the best of the Bad Stuff. The unscented variety of antiperspirant contains aluminum and the moderately concerning cyclopentasiloxane, but it’s much better than other Bad Stuff. Just save this for when you really, really need it, and try not to apply to freshly shaven armpits.
Here are some effective ingredients that you’ll find in the best natural deodorant brands:
I’ve learned a lot about using natural deodorants from my own trial-and-error and the experiences of my clients and readers. Here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls (pun intended!):
Are you overwhelmed with the length of the list of Good Stuff? My favorite cream is Soapwalla, spray is EO, and stick is the Schmidt’s.
Beautycounter’s new deodorant skips all toxins while also getting great reviews for its efficacy.
Fat and the Moon makes a deodorant cream that I haven’t tried, but that looks similar in ingredients to Soapwalla. This organic formula is totally safe!
I’m so pleased to move Green Beaver from Sneaky to Good Stuff, since they’ve removed the yucky ingredients from their formulations. I can’t say if this brand works well or not, so please comment below if you’ve used Green Beaver.
Green Tidings deodorant is the one very highly ranked on Amazon, so lots of you have tried it, though I haven’t. One of my best friends ordered it wasn’t impressed: “It kept the stink at bay, but was pretty messy to apply.”
Made with Love by Sama sent me sample deodorants and I liked them. However, when it’s warm they are reduced to a near-liquid form and require refrigeration to return to stick. This is common with oil-based deodorants. It wasn’t a huge deal for me, but it’s worth considering.
Naked Deodorant, by North Coast Organics, contains just five edible ingredients (like coconut oil and baking soda), and gets a big thumbs of from a few of our readers.
Nourish Organics makes stick deodorants that smell nice and don’t contain concerning ingredients, but don’t get great reviews for effectiveness.
A lot of you have asked about Lavanila. While many of the ingredients are “naturally-derived” rather than truly natural, nothing in these deodorants scores poorly on EWG’s hazard scale, so I call this Okay Stuff. Just don’t confuse it with Lanvilin, which is Sneaky (see below).
Piperwai was featured on Shark Tank and got a lot of attention. Some of you love it; others not so much. The only thing I don’t love is that it contains a proprietary blend of essential oils. I would rather know exactly what’s in any product I’m using.
Poofy’s line of Max Deo deodorants are free of all the Bad Stuff, and many of my readers say they are super effective. Like many Poofy products, these deodorants do contain the non-specific “natural flavors,” but it’s the last ingredient, so it doesn’t concern me. Poofy even makes a deodorant for kids!
Primal Pit Paste makes popular jarred deodorants and stick deodorants. They’ve been really annoying about getting back to me (in that, they haven’t, and I’ve been trying to get in touch with them for literally years!), and I have not personally tried their products. Still, the ingredients completely check out as Good Stuff, so I’m giving them my stamp of approval. Note that a few of you have complained that this stained your clothing or darkened the skin of your underarms.
Purelygreat deodorant creams contain a handful of natural ingredients, but I haven’t tested any of them so I cannot promise that they work.
Real Purity is another brand that several readers asked about—you say you use it and like it, so good news: I’d call it Good Stuff! I should mention, however, that it does contain potassium sorbate, a food-grade preservative that I am not personally worried about, but which EWG ranks a 3.
Sam’s Natural is another brand that a bunch of you asked about. I haven’t tried it, but with ingredients that include only things like baking soda, shea butter, and a variety of essential oils, it’s definitely Good Stuff!
Schmidt’s makes a popular jarred deodorant, and recently launched a stick version as well. There’s nothing but the Good Stuff in both. My friend once brought over a tub of this stuff for me to check out after she bought it at Urban Outfitters. I was surprised by the legitimately clean ingredients, as Urban Outfitters (and Anthropologie, too) are FULL of Sneaky products well-packaged to look natural. Schmidt’s is a happy exception! We now sell the sticks in our store. Oh, and for those of you who DO find the baking soda variety irritating, Schmidt’s now offers a sensitive formula.
Soapwalla has quickly developed a cult following, and is my go-to and current favorite. At first it’s a little odd to apply deodorant with your fingers, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I love that Soapwalla is a small operation. They’re located near my home in Brooklyn, so I was able to go meet Rachel (the owner), pick up the products, and see their small-scale production. These factors bring Soapwalla to the head of the Good Stuff pack.
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All the obvious ones–Secret, Sure, Soft & Dri, Mitchum, Suave, Degree, etc.–are bad, mostly because of the phthalates/synthetic fragrance, but also because of butane in the aerosol versions, plus a variety of PEG chemicals (organ system toxicants), BHT, talc, and other really Bad Stuff.As I mentioned above, if you really need a conventional antiperspirant or deodorant, the unscented Ban is your best option.
Alba Botanica UNSCENTED Clear Enzyme Deodorant is a glycerin-based stick deodorant that I consider Good Stuff. However, you’ll want to avoid the scented varieties of Alba’s line, as the fragrances are not natural.
Arm & Hammer Natural Deodorant contains triclosan, propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrance. This is the Sneakiest of the Sneaky!
Aubrey Organics isn’t terrible, but does contain sodium benzoate.
I used to love Crystal Essence deodorant and used it for years, but it turns out that it’s so effective because it contains potassium alum. The same is true of those crystal deodorants (as in, the ones that are just an actual rock.)
Dr. Hauschka’s line of deodorants come with the same issues as their other products, which is natural but still unsafe ingredients, like geraniol, linalool, and limonene. I don’t like that their fragrance blend is “proprietary,” although they do say it’s only essential oils.
Every Man Jack deodorants are “naturally derived,” but contain sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, and a bunch of other chemicals on my Bad/Sneaky Stuff list.
I long considered Herbal Magic to be Good Stuff, but they recently changed their formula, and the fragrance is now synthetic. However, their unscented deodorant is still Good Stuff.
Herban Cowboy deodorants contain synthetic fragrance. Enough said.
Jason Natural deodorants contain synthetic fragrance, citral, eugenol, linalool, limonene, and other concerning ingredients.
Kiss My Face deodorants contain propylene glycol, synthetic fragrance, and—in the case of their roll-on deodorants—potassium alum.
Lanvilin deodorants are free of phthalates, but the fragrance is not natural, so I am suspicious of the undisclosed chemicals likely lurking! (Note: Don’t confuse this products with Lavanila, which is Good Stuff.)
Lume I’m not a fan of Lume. I like that they don’t use synthetic fragrances, but they do use a ton of other synthetics ingredient, and some other Bad Stuff, such as phenoxyethanol, PEG chemicals, and polysorbate 60.
Malin & Goetz works well and has the nicest packaging of any deodorant I’ve seen. Unfortunately, it’s got a bunch of problematic ingredients, including phenoxyethanol and propylene glycol.
Native Deodorant is probably the one we are are asked about most, and I know you guys are big fans. Although we previously considered this Good Stuff, Native is now using “a proprietary blend of oils” for their fragrance blend. They specify that they are phthalate-free, but unless they disclose specific oils–and most importantly clarify that only essential oils are used–we will keep Native Deodorant listed as Sneaky Stuff. And for those of you who have asked: the reason that EWG’s Skin Deep gives Native a score of just 1 is because they have an incorrect ingredients list, which doesn’t include “fragrance.”
Naturally Fresh crystal deodorant contains only two ingredients, but both are types of “alum” and should therefore be avoided.
Nature’s Gate deodorants contain propylene glycol and synthetic fragrance, although they recently went paraben- and phthalate-free.
Tisserand does contain tea tree oil and other natural ingredients, but it’s also got loads of synthetics, including benzyl alcohol and methylchloroisothiazolinone.
Tom’s of Maine antiperspirants and deodorants contain propylene glycol and glyceryl laurate (which causes enhanced skin absorption of other chemicals), but all fragrances are natural—so it’s perhaps the best of the Sneaky.
Weleda deodorants contain a number of natural ingredients that are nonetheless potential immunotoxins, including geraniol, linalool, limonene, and coumarin. It also contains benzyl salicylate, which EWG ranks a 7 on their hazard scale due to its potential as a hormone disruptor.
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View Comments
Just wondering if you've ever reviewed any Poofy Organics products? I definitely think they are good stuff!
Yes, see above under Good Stuff!
What about Dessert Essence? I buy their Tropical Breeze deodorant at Whole Foods and would love to know how you would rate that brand!
Have you looked into Earth Mama deodorant?
My favorite is Ussal natural deodorant. I think the pH is the only natural deodorant balanced. And I don't really prefer cream deodorant. I prefer roll-on or Stik deodorants.
If you want to change your actual deodorant, because it´s not long lasting, makes your sweat smell even worse, ruins your clothes, causes a large red rash or its fine as long as you don't do much of physical activity. Then deodorant with Aloe vera gel and BIO Cotton extract will provide you an excellent replacement.
Take a look what other women spoke about it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0179QPGVK?ref=myi_title_dp
Please Do NOT recommend, I implore you, Primal pit paste to any of your readers. While not all, so many people are reactive to their baking soda essential combination After about a month, itching and darkening of the underarm skin appears. The company has neither the decency to warn you this may happen nor the integrity to refund you. These side effects happen so frequently (see reviews in Amazon w/pics -also 5 out of 6 of my family members experienced them) that warrants them being transparent with this fact and offering at that time ways to troubleshoot. Rather, they, in my opinion, act oblivious when you inform, send out a pre-written script of how to possibly deal with it(doesn't work) along with another script telling you why they can not refund you. It hurts me that they don't honor their customers mitre. Note they will offer you a different scent in their line but the scent is not the problem. Stay away from primal pit paste.
They DO warn consumers about this (I did extensive research before buying) and the darkness goes away, if that's how your skin reacts, if you discontinue use. Suggesting she not recommend them doesn't make sense. You could say that about any product! Not every product works the same way for everybody. In fact, Primal's sage scented deodorant doesn't work force, but the lavender and creamsicle Keep me odor free. I'm not going to suggest she not recommend them to people just because they didn't work for ME. People, make your own choices. There are so many good stuff products you should try it out and see what works best for YOU! Good luck!
I completely agree with everything you said. It's absolutely ridiculous to tell someone not to recommend a product because it didn't work for them or caused irritation. If they find out that this product is actually dangerous then by all means post away but until then it's not fair to scare other consumers with your "opinions and experiences". I've personally seen their warnings on their site about discoloration and baking soda sensitivities. I for one tried their lavender scented and I love it. Been using for about a year now w no issues.
My husband and I LOVE Primal Pit Paste and have been using it for a few years now without any problems. The only thing that has happened is that our shirts get stained from the coconut oil. Other than that, my husband is a fire fighter and sweats and gets super smelly from wearing his fire gear, and it keeps him stink free, even the unscented. I'm not a particularly smelly person, only after I had my son. I became stinky from the hormones, but the PPP kept that stink away. Like Janelle said, I wouldn't tell her not to recommend it, because it is a great product. Everyone's body chemistry is different.
Thoughts on the brand "Every Man Jack" fresh scent. The brand itself gets good ratings on EWG, I'm wondering what you happen to think of it. Thanks!
I actually don't love this brand. They use sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, and a bunch of other chemicals on my Bad Stuff list.
So what is mans brand that is safe? Herbal cowboy? I don't want to walk around smelling like powder or flowers.
Also, can you recommend mens body wash and shampoo along with a deodorant? My wife uses Acure which doesn't smell too feminine for me but I was hoping you could maybe recommend some mens? I really like how Every Man Jack smells and works but if they're sneaky I don't want to use them. My issue with deodorants is I sweat a lot and I have BO, none of the natural deos I've tried work at all. (Lafes, Toms)
My husband uses the Active scent of this one; it smells manly:). https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/lafes-natural-deodorant-twist-stick/
What are your thoughts on Burts Bees deodorants? Thank you
They are fine (don't have organic ingredients, but nothing alarming).
What are your thoughts on "DeodoMom"? I used it during my first pregnancy and have started using it again for my second. Thanks!
Don't know that brand, but will add to our research list!
What are your thoughts on Soapme With Nature Deodorants? Thank you!
I don't know that brand--will check it out!
Hi Maia, I am breastfeeding and have been using their unscented version that has these ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil,Arrowroot Powder,Baking Soda,Raw Unrefined Shea Butter,Raw Beeswax.
Do you think any of those ingredients are of concern for the milkl?
Thank you for your responses!
Nope, this looks like an entirely safe list of ingredients.
What brand (s) do you recommend for a breastfeeding mom? I heard that some essential oils and natural ingredients are not compatible with breastfeeding. Thanks
I personally don't worry about the small amounts of essential oils in any of the recommended brands (and I'm breastfeeding, too). But, it certainly wouldn't hurt to go with something with an extra short list of ingredients, like this: http://amzn.to/2aMpYUH
I was worried about this as well since I really like sage and it seems to be a bad choice for breastfeeding moms (it has been known to reduce milk supply when taken orally).
If you're totally freaked out about ruining a perfectly good milk supply there's a list here of safe and not-so-safe oils http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/using-essential-oils-safely-for-pregnant-nursing-mamas/
But I agree, that the small amounts may not be a problem (I've accidentally found some of these oils in my products, and nothing has affected my milk supply).
Have you ever looked into Native brand?
I haven't, but I will!
I'm curious about the brand Native also!
My sister and I have both switched over to Native deodorant - huge fan of their products now!
Have you looked into Native yet? I'm curious about them vd Schmidt's?
Yes, you must try. I started using it the beginning of July. I love it. I have not been using it long enough to know if it is effecting my clothing ( I don't think it is). I also try not to use it every day just to give my body a little rest. It does tell you to swipe once or twice and to rub in any excess. I do this and have (in the past) had the aversion to getting gunky deodorant on my fingers, but with Native being all natural, I just rub it into my hands and continue on with my morning. I can not wait to see your review. Thank you for checking it out.
I'm also interested in learning if the Native brand deodorant is good.
Have you researched this yet?
I am also interested in your assessment of Native. I used Routine a few times, and then my friend, who was also using it, got cysts and freaked out. So, I won't use that anymore... Native seems good, but now I'm honestly trying to figure out if I should just go native and not use anything... Here's what their website says:
We use caprylic/capric triglyceride (which is a fancy way of saying fractionated coconut oil), arrowroot powder, stearyl alcohol, baking soda, shea butter, coconut oil, hydrogenated castor oil, polyglycerol-3 beeswax (which is a fancy way of saying cera bellina wax), jojoba esters, tocopherol (which is a fancy way of saying Vitamin E), L. acidophilus (which is a natural bacteria found in your body already), maltodextrin, glyceryl caprylate, and glyceryl undecylenate. Our scented deodorants include oils. Due to FDA recommendations, we use the term “fragrance” to refer to these oils.
We've now reviewed Native--see above!
I think it's worth the mention that corn starch shouldn't used by those sensitive to yeast infections, and some EO's are best avoided as a regular use produce when hormone sensitive (i.e. most prevalent for women: lavender).
I have been a devoted Dove brand consumer for some years now. I have used only Dove deodorant for more then 10 years now. Thoughts on their deoderant/antiperspirants or other products?
I am so happy o found your site (only through a google search). This is my go-to place to decide what i am buying for my family.
I love you for being so obviously dedicated to informing us of your findings. Thank you!!
Sorry to say, but in my opinion, Dove is not Good Stuff.