Written by Maia, President
Deodorant is probably the very toughest product for me to source for my clients. If you’re going to switch to safe, natural deodorant products, you’re going to have to accept the fact that none of them will work as well as Secret. I am not a big sweat-er, so natural deodorants work fine for me–I use baby wipes to freshen up once or twice throughout the day, after which I reapply whatever natural deodorant I’m trying (one big perk of this job is lots of product samples!).
At some point I will carve out the time to write a comprehensive Safe Product Guide for deodorants/antiperspirants, which will get into the nitty gritty on what to look for–and what to avoid–in natural deodorant, plus the usual list of Good, Bad, and Sneaky products. (One big issue is that the vast majority of natural deodorants contain potassium alum, which I believe carries the same risks as aluminum found in many mainstream deodorants).
For those of you who just can’t wait for the Safe Deodorant Guide, here’s a short list of the brands that I’ve vetted, tried, and liked–even if none of them compares to my 1990s favorite, Degree Shower Fresh.
Natural Deodorant Cheat Sheet
Lafes twist-stick deodorant is my current favorite.
-Alba Botanica Clear Enzyme Deodorant, Unscented
Stay sane,
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Alison D says
I recently made the switch from Secret Clinical Strength to natural deodorant. I tried Primal Pit Paste first and hated it because I sweat a lot and it made me feel sticky all the time. I am currently using Naturally Fresh and like it, although it’s very wet so you have to wait a bit for it to dry before putting clothes on. I definitely need to reapply several times a day (I’m breast feeding and it seems to make me more sweaty and smelly than usual). I also started using Lavanilla and really like it but am skeptical how “safe” it is. I can’t wait to read your full review!
Maia says
Hi Alison-
Yes, I also feel like the hormones involved with pregnancy/breastfeeding make me sweat more. We will be sure to include Naturally Fresh and Lavanilla in our review…I’ve already done cursory research on Lavanilla and I think it’s safe…but don’t quote me on that just yet since I have to do some more sleuthing!
Adi says
Hi
I also use Naturally Fresh, even though it has potassium alum. Why do you not trust this ingredient Maia? EWG scores it at 1.
Maia James says
Hi Adi-
This is a rare case where I disagree with EWG’s assessment. I am not convinced that potassium alum is harmless–I think it probably carries similar risks as regular aluminum. Here’s more: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/16/aluminum-lurks-in-crystal-deodorants.aspx
Adi says
Thanks for the feedback ☺️
Ian says
My wife is pregnant and with hormones raging and she uses James Natural Deodorant too! I had chronic BO & searched for a long time for an all natural deodorant, that really worked & I too use this deodorant. It works just like the website says! and the price is on point!
http://www.JamesNatural.com
Nora says
I went on a safer ingredient deodorant kick last summer and have tried maybe 5 different ones since then. I started with Crystal body deodorant roll on, a variation of those rock salt ones, and it worked ok. It kept the stink down for about a half a day, I’d say, maybe longer. None of them worked for over 24 hours like some conventional ones do. Then I tried Lafes Unscented Deodorant stick and I didn’t like the texture at all. It was kind of sticky and hard to put on. You pretty much have to melt it to get it to glide on. And I smelled kind of strange when it “wore off.” I also tried Alba Botanica clear enzyme Aloe scented deodorant stick, and it was even harder to apply than the Lafes was. It was almost like bad chapstick. And it made me smell even more strangely than the Lafes. Maybe it’s the enzymes? Finally, I just went back to one of the Tom’s of Maine ones. It works fairly well, spectacularly when compared to the Lafes and the Alba. But it probably fails some of the ingredient tests. I gave up on checking. Some day, I’ll take the leap and order some Herbal Magic. I wish you didn’t have to buy it in bulk.
Maia James says
Thank you, Nora! Your feedback is much appreciated. I actually have been using and really liking Lafe’s!
Anna says
I’ve been using Primal Pit Paste for a few years now and I love it. I wanted to say that their deodorant that comes in the jar are much better than their stick version. I think the stick version is harder to put on and feels waxier because of an extra ingredient. Also they have different strengths. I would suggest the STRONG jar version for heavy sweaters. Primal Pit Paste works better on me than any chemical laden deodorant out there. But like I said, the jar version is MUCH better than their stick.
Maia James says
Thanks Anna–great to know and will have to try their jar now!
Kate says
Like probably many of you, it all depends on the month and where I am in my cycle as to how stinky and sweaty I feel.
I’ve tried many deodorants over the years with the majority of them being Tom’s of Maine. Remember the honeysuckle scent? As a teenager my Mom wouldn’t allow Secret or TeenSpirit in the house, calling it “pure crap.” Oh how right she was but, it was hard to understand that at the time! 🙂 I remember interviewing in college and putting on Degree deodorant for “extra confidence” (haha)
I’ve used: Tom’s of Maine, Kiss My Face, Dove for Women, and Crystal Roll.
Right now I’m happy with:
Alba Botanica Clear Enzyme Deodorant Stick in Lavender
Primal Pit Paste (PPP) Lavender Natural Deodorant 2 oz.
I still have a few BO days every month but, it is what it is. Tis life.
In terms of Primal Pit Paste (PPP) I know they have many options depending on what you need and how sensitive your body is to baking soda, etc. They have: regular, light and strong versions of their products which is nice so you can find what works for you.
A few friends love the Ava Anderson non-toxic deodorant from Rhode Island. I haven’t tried it yet.
Any suggestion for men? My husband just fazed out his Trader Joes unscented aluminium-free sticks and now uses Alba Botanica tea tree or aloe deodorant.
I feel like the market is SO geared towards progressive women who are willing to take the time and make the investment but what about men? I feel that they are left out 🙂
Maia James says
Hi Kate-
I agree that men are often left out—95% of my website’s traffic is women, and Heather White of EWG told me last week that 80% of their contributors are female! Anyway, my husband now uses my deodorant and thinks it works fine. For men, Herbal Magic and Alba are both great!
Amy says
Any thoughts on zinc oxide as deodorant? I have been using Lavilin for years with much success but do wonder about some of the other ingredients (namely, whether or not the fragrance is natural). I think it is the zinc oxide that keeps me somewhat dry and relatively odor free. And surprisingly it doesn’t stay white on my skin or clothes. Oils and baking soda irritate my pits. So I have wondered about just straight zinc oxide, or other (unscented) zinc based deodorants. Any thoughts?
Maia James says
Hi there! Zinc oxide is fine safety wise, and if you think that’s what you like about the Lanvilin, you could try this one: http://amzn.to/1TgsujK.
While free of phthalates, the Lanvilin fragrance is not natural, so I would be suspicious.
Thanks!
Maia
Holly says
Make sure the zinc is non-nano particle! Also, if people are avoiding potassium alum, many Laffe’s products contain it. I try to stick with lines that I don’t have to pick and choose good and bad ingredients and so for deodorant I like Ava Anderson-stick and spray and EO spray. Both work for men as well. Deodorant is hard and takes lots of trial and error! Thanks for the tip about baby wipes!
Maia James says
Hi Holly! I did check with Lafe’s, and their zinc is indeed non-nano. I agree that the Lafe’s deodorants with potassium alum should be avoided. I pick and choose which products to carry in our store, and many times will not carry an entire product line for just that reason!
Shelby says
Why is the crystal bad?
Maia James says
Hi Shelby-
I don’t like that crystal deodorants typically contain potassium alum—more on that ingredient is in our glossary: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/glossary/
Shelia says
I love schmidt’s deodorants in unscented and lavender + sage! It’s an all natural, non-irritating formula and is free of aluminum. It comes in a jar, and you only need a pea size amount. It smooths easily since it contains shea butter. I heard that they are planning a stick version, so look forward to that. I sweat a lot and this deodorant does the trick in eliminating odors!
Have you checked out this one?
Shelia, Houston, TX
Maia James says
Several people have suggested Schmidt’s, so I’m going to check that one out. Thanks!
Allie says
Have you considered Schmidt’s deodorant as another natural option? They are akin to Primal Pit Paste I’d say.
https://schmidtsdeodorant.com//phone/index.html
Also, sometimes I just use a dime size of Coconut Oil with a drop of essential oil in it like Grapefruit or Cedarwood. Gets me through about 6-8 hours and I am pregnant and hormonal to boot, so extra stinky!!
Maia James says
Thanks for this suggestion, Allie! Schmidt’s definitely looks like Good Stuff, so I’ll give it a try!
Laura says
Can’t wait for your full assessment! I love your site and have used many of your product recommendations w/ myself and my family. I completely agree that it’s SUPER hard to figure out this darn deodorant thing. I’ve tried primal pit paste and even a deodorant that my naturopath (who is even more extreme than you!) has made – – both created bumps under my arms. Unfortunately, I’m a big sweat-er w/ super sensitive skin and, I think, really small pores! I’m presently using a spray-on variety that I’ve made from witch hazel, aloe vera gel, a tiny bit of baking soda and some lavender essential oil. It’s fine but it definitely wears off quick. For now, it’s the safest that I’m comfortable with – and thankfully I work from home, ha! – but I’ll be anxious try look at a few more of your recommendations and like I said, I can’t wait for the full assessment!
Heather Hesch says
You may already be doing this, but a great tip to help avoid bumps when using natural deodorant is to shave at night and then apply the deodorant in the morning. I know I had a sensitivity to baking soda and this trick helped me! Great idea with the witch hazel! It helped me to soothe razor burn. 🙂
Heather Hesch says
We love Ava Anderson Non Toxic deodorant in our house! Works wonderfully and smells like mint chocolate chips! I’m so glad you are educating about avoiding aluminum, and I loved the comment about making sure the zinc oxide is non-nanoparticle. It’s such important information that everyone deserves to know! Thank you!
Maia James says
Thanks so much, Heather:).
Kat says
Hey there, love the site! I’ve definitely struggled with BO as a dancer and then as a pregnant momma and have tried all the varieties of natural deodorants with no luck. In fact, many seemed to make my stink WORSE. And then I discovered the power of simple lemon juice. Seriously the most amazing discovery, life-changing. I just squeeze a lemon into a little glass container and apply in the morning with a cotton pad. No smell all day. Incredible. I do have to refrigerate the juice to make sure it doesn’t go bad. I also use lemon juice on my face as an astringent – just be sure to avoid direct sun because it does make your skin more sensitive to burning. But yes, lemon juice is the best!
Maia James says
Thanks so much for this great tip!
Sarah says
Also, check CocoPits. It’s non-toxic, works great, and a jar lasts forever! I survived a southern summer using it and won’t go back to conventional deodorants ever again!
http://www.coco-pits.com
Liz says
What about Herban Cowboy?
Liz says
Every Man Jack for men?
Maia says
I don’t know either of these brands, but will add them to the list for research:).
Jack says
What do you think of propanediol in deodorant? Is it an ingredient to watch out for?
Maia says
Nope, I am fine with propanediol!
Jack says
The Herbal Magic Deodorant changed it’s formula
Water, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water (and) Alcohol, Sodium Bicarbonate, SD Alcohol 39-C (and) Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Fruit Extract (and) Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract (and) Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract (and) Viscum Album (Mistletoe) Leaf Extract (and) Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (and) Achillea Millefolium Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (cosmetic preservatives).
The original/clean formula is …
Algae (Seaweed) Extract, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Gel, Deionized Water, Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana), Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) (Baking Soda), Herbal Extracts of:, Fennel, Hops, Chamomila Recuita (Matricaria), Balm Mint (Melissa Officinalis), Mistletoe (Viscum Album), Yarrow, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Herbal Fragrance
Maia James says
Wow, Jack, I was unaware of this formula change! Thanks so much for your vigilance; I have deleted Herbal Magic from the recommended deodorants.
Delia M Arriola says
Hi,
Have you ever tried Native deodorant? What is your suggestion on this deodorant. It seems to be very clean. Can you give me some feedback?
Jen says
For me, the hardest thing about deodorants, natural or otherwise, is when you think you’ve found “the one” and then it just stops working! urgh! I’ve been using the natural deodorants from Lemongrass Spa for a while now and still loving it. They have several different scents and formulas – like some with baking soda, some with activated charcoal. Perfect price point, too. I feel like it’s the best natural deodorant for women out there!