Is natural deodorant better for you?

Some people consider natural deodorants "better" because they're usually free from parabens, sulfates, and harmful chemicals. They also don't include aluminum—an ingredient that sparks controversy. "It's thought that [natural deodorants] might reduce the risk of cancer and Alzheimer's—diseases associated with standard deodorant," says Dr. Mariwalla. She reiterates that there is no concrete proof behind the point, so to say that it's "better" may be inaccurate. Instead, she says that it's just another alternative.

Does natural deodorant work and how do I transition to natural deodorant?

Some first-time natural deodorant users say that natural products don't work or make their odor worse. Dr. Mariwalla explains that most antiperspirants do a good job at masking sweat and odor, so the transition might take time. “Whenever you switch products in the underarm area it can alter the bacterial milieu of the skin temporarily which can result in more odor or at least an odor you may not be used to," she said. She recommends testing the product for two to four weeks before deciding if natural deodorant is a good fit. Dr. Brown agrees, saying that your body might need an adjustment period to natural ingredients, along with time to release the buildup from standard deodorant. "During that time, pay attention to the way your skin is reacting to the ingredients in the deodorant," she advises. If you start to experience itching, a rash, or tenderness, stop using the product and seek counsel from a dermatologist.

Does natural deodorant expire?

Like all skincare products, natural deodorants have a shelf life, but the exact amount of time will depend on your particular product. A good rule of thumb is that many natural deodorants last between six and 12 months once opened.

Why do natural deodorants sometimes give me a rash?

Natural deodorants are often formulated with baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, and essentials oils for fragrance. “While baking soda and sodium bicarbonate will neutralize body odor, the formulation is alkaline and the skin’s natural pH is neutral, which can cause skin irritation,” explains Dr. Brown, noting that essential oils can also cause irritation for sensitive skin.

The 13 Best Natural Deodorants of 2023

Natural deodorants are gaining popularity for a variety of reasons, including their aluminum- and paraben-free ingredient list. While research is still being done on the subject, these harmful additions are thought to be linked to hormonal changes as well as breast cancer. Natural deodorants won't clog your pores, are safe to use on sensitive skin, and, according to Alia Sampson Brown, MD, board-certified dermatologist, and co-managing partner at Georgia Dermatology Partners "they allow the body to detoxify, releasing bacteria and chemicals like BPA through sweating."

Reviewed & Approved

A top choice that is free of aluminum, parabens, dyes, and talc is Secret's Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Women with Essential Oils. With 11 different scents to choose from, Native Natural Vegan Deodorant with shea butter is a good pick.

Despite the benefits, natural deodorants aren't for everyone. Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mariwalla Dermatology, says that, unlike antiperspirants, they don't effectively control sweat. “So, if you need sweat protection, all-natural deodorants may not be your best option," she added.

If you're considering switching your deodorant, look for products with ingredients that moisturize, and eliminate odor rather than just mask it. We reviewed products for this roundup based on style—spray, roll-on, or lotion, ingredients, fragrance, and how long-lasting they are.

Here are the best natural deodorants on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Secret Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Women with Essential Oils at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Overall for Men:

Jack Black Pit CTRL Aluminum-Free Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Unisex:

Native Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Antiperspirant:

Tom’s of Maine Natural Charcoal Deodorant for Women at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Spray:

Ursa Major Sublime Sage Natural Spray Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Working Out:

Malin + Goetz Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Women's Sensitive Skin:

Each & Every Aluminum Free Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Men's Sensitive Skin:

Bevel Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Men at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Serum:

Kosas Chemistry Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.5

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

No aluminum, parabens, dyes, or talc
Peta-certified cruelty-free
24-hour protection

Cons

Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin

If you want a clean alternative to your go-to Secret deodorant, the brand has an aluminum-free version—getting rid of harmful ingredients like talc, dyes, and parabens which makes it a top choice.

Formulated with magnesium hydroxide, the deodorant provides 24-hour protection from perspiration. It's also scented with essential oils that will leave you feeling fresh throughout the day.

Price at time of publication: $19

Application: Solid stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Magnesium hydroxide and essential oils

Courtesy of Jack Black

Pros

Free of aluminum
Vegan

Cons

Baking soda may irritate some

This aluminum-free deodorant combines baking soda, cornstarch, and enzymes for triple-threat protection from smells and sweat. Formulated for men, it uses Jack Black’s signature Turbo scent, which features eucalyptus, spearmint, and rosemary.

Price at time of publication: $21

Application: Solid stick | Size: 2.75 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Baking soda, cornstarch, and enzymes

4.9

Amazon

Pros

No aluminum, parabens, or talc
Comes in 11 scents
Moisturizing shea butter

Cons

Baking soda may irritate some

A combination of baking soda and magnesium hydroxide helps keep odors at bay, while tapioca starch eliminates excess moisture. It excludes controversial ingredients like aluminum, talc, and parabens, making it a favorite among dermatologists.

You can also choose one of the 11 scents—from coconut and vanilla to cucumber and mint.

Price at time of publication: $15

Application: Solid stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Baking soda and Magnesium Hydroxide

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

No aluminum, artificial fragrance, or phthalates
Vegan
Certified cruelty-free
Not formulated with baking soda

Cons

May clump under arms with wear

If your pits need some help staying fresh but you don't want to break the bank when shopping for a solution, this aluminum-free deodorant is your best bet. It will protect against odor, thanks to magnesium hydroxide, along with bergamot and lime essential oils.

Formulated with jojoba seed oil, shea moisture butter, and vitamin E, this option from Schmidt's is also moisturizing and cruelty-free.

Price at time of publication: $13

Application: Solid stick | Size: 3.25 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Bergamot and Lime essential oils and Magnesium Hydroxide

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

24-hour protection
No petrochemicals or artificial fragrances
Charity bonus

Cons

Made with recycled aluminum

Charcoal has the ability to draw out skin impurities, and this creamy-textured antiperspirant relies on it to absorb odor-causing bacteria. The activated charcoal, in addition to recycled aluminum, wards off wetness for 24 hours.

Additionally, the company donates 10 percent of its profits to charities committed to children's health, education, and the environment.

Price at time of publication: $20

Application: Solid stick | Size: 2.25 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Charcoal

Amazon

Pros

Non-staining formula
No aluminum, baking soda, parabens, or synthetic fragrance

Cons

Expensive for the size

This earthy, sage-scented deodorant is formulated with natural ingredients, including lemon, myrtle, Saccharomyces ferment, and triethyl citrate—keeping perspiration at bay.

While effective at stopping heavy sweating, your body might take three weeks to adjust to the vegan and aluminum-free formula.

Price at time of publication: $20

Application: Spray | Size: 1.79 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Saccharomyces ferment, lemon myrtle, and triethyl citrate

4.7

Courtesy by Amazon

Pros

No aluminum, alcohol, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone, or talc

Cons

Not the best for heavy sweaters

A swipe of this silky invisible solid leaves your underarms tingling— in the best possible way—thanks to refreshing and soothing eucalyptus oil.

Paired with citronellyl, it helps fight odor without drying out your skin. The corn starch acts as a natural antiperspirant and because it's free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and silicone, it won't cause irritation.

Price at time of publication: $22

Application: Solid stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Citronellyl and eucalyptus

Pros

No aluminum, parabens, or alcohol
Not formulated with baking soda
No phthalates or synthetic fragrances

Cons

Uses coconut oil (a comedogenic)

Using magnesium hydroxide, this smooth-feeling deodorant exfoliates and eliminates bacteria-causing odors. The tapioca starch fends off sweat, and the essential oils offer you all-day freshness.

You can find Each and Every's sustainable deodorant in rose and vanilla, citrus and vetiver, cannabis and green tea, and more.

Price at time of publication: $17

Application: Solid stick | Size: 2.5 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Dead sea salt

Courtesy of Twitter

Pros

No aluminum, parabens, sulfates, alcohol talc, or synthetic fragrances

Cons

Fragrances may be irritating
Uses coconut oil (a comedogenic)

This deodorant is formulated without aluminum, and instead, relies on magnesium hydroxide to prevent body odor.

The tapioca starch acts as an antiperspirant and can prevent excessive sweating for 48 hours. With the addition of shea butter and coconut oil, the formula hydrates and moisturizes with use.

Price at time of publication: $11

Application: Solid stick | Size: 2.5 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Magnesium hydroxide

4.8

Sephora

Pros

No aluminum or baking soda
Super hydrating
Won’t stain clothes

Cons

AHAs can cause irritation or redness

This roll-on serum, which offers scented and unscented versions, powers up protection through a blend of three AHAs— shikimic, mandelic, and lactic acids.

The combination neutralizes odor and exfoliates to brighten dull-looking skin. Plus, it incorporates aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid, which offer hydrating and soothing benefits to your underarms.

Price at time of publication: $16

Application: Roll-on serum | Size: 2.4 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Shikimic, mandelic, and lactic acids

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Biodegradable
No aluminum, parabens, or phthalates

Cons

Fragrances may be irritating

These cleansing wipes are the perfect companion for on-the-go deodorant needs. Each rose-scented wipe contains Saccharomyces ferment to defend against odor, and the formula contains antioxidants, such as green tea and vitamin E, that reduce skin irritation.

Coconut water and aloe soothe and moisturize skin.

Price at time of publication: $25

Application: Wipes | Size: 18 8 x 5-inch individually-wrapped wipes | Odor-eliminating ingredients: Saccharomyces ferment, coconut, vitamin E, and sage

Amazon

Pros

Free from aluminum, alcohol, dyes, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, artificial colors
Hypoallergenic
Gluten free

Cons

Baking soda may irritate some

Teaching kids to wear deodorant can be tough, but this natural option—free from harsh chemicals—will help them get into the habit.

It features a lightweight, water-based formula that goes on without feeling greasy. It also swipes on clear, preventing unwanted clothing stains.

Price at time of publication: $17

Application: Roll-on | Size: 2.53 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Baking soda and arrowroot

Courtesy of Oyin Handmade

Pros

No aluminum chloride or hydroxide

Cons

Uses coconut oil (a comedogenic)
Essential oils may irritate skin
Baking soda may irritate some

The cream-to-powder Oyin Funk Butter Natural Deodorant stops stink for up to 24 hours—combining baking soda, vegetable powders, and kaolin clay to naturally fight odor.

Cornstarch and flour powders are used as an antiperspirant, and you can choose from a few scent varieties, including mango, black cedar fig, and unscented.

Price at time of publication: $10

Application: Jar | Size: 3 ounces | Odor-eliminating Ingredients: Baking soda, vegetable powders, and kaolin clay

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a natural deodorant that can work for everyone in your household, Native Natural, Vegan Deodorant (view at Amazon) is a good option. It also comes in plenty of scents and is cruelty-free.

If you're always on the go, the Megababe Rosy Pits Deodorant Wipes (view at Amazon) are a great, portable option for when you're finishing up a gym session, going straight from work to a dinner date, or simply refreshing on a humid day spent outdoors.

What to Look for in Natural Deodorant

Ingredients

Deodorant is designed to eliminate armpit odor, so the one you choose should include natural ingredients like hops, kaolin, eucalyptus, Saccharomyces ferment, or baking soda—neutralizing odor on contact. If you're also looking for an antiperspirant, take note of additions such as cornstarch, which naturally absorb excess moisture.

While not necessary for everyone, ingredients that moisturize and hydrate, like shea butter and aloe, could also be good to note. Most importantly, natural deodorants should exclusively include natural ingredients, so steer clear of ones with aluminum, propylene glycol, and parabens.

Application

Deodorants come in many forms including spray, roll-on, and lotion versions. There's no single application method that works best, so find one that fits your lifestyle.

Type

Deodorants don't stop sweat—antiperspirants do. So, if you’re a heavy sweater, you’ll want the latter, which means ingredients that help handle wetness, including baking soda, arrowroot, and tapioca starch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is natural deodorant better for you?

Some people consider natural deodorants "better" because they're usually free from parabens, sulfates, and harmful chemicals. They also don't include aluminum—an ingredient that sparks controversy. "It's thought that [natural deodorants] might reduce the risk of cancer and Alzheimer's—diseases associated with standard deodorant," says Dr. Mariwalla.
She reiterates that there is no concrete proof behind the point, so to say that it's "better" may be inaccurate. Instead, she says that it's just another alternative.
Does natural deodorant work and how do I transition to natural deodorant?

Some first-time natural deodorant users say that natural products don't work or make their odor worse. Dr. Mariwalla explains that most antiperspirants do a good job at masking sweat and odor, so the transition might take time. “Whenever you switch products in the underarm area it can alter the bacterial milieu of the skin temporarily which can result in more odor or at least an odor you may not be used to," she said. She recommends testing the product for two to four weeks before deciding if natural deodorant is a good fit.
Dr. Brown agrees, saying that your body might need an adjustment period to natural ingredients, along with time to release the buildup from standard deodorant. "During that time, pay attention to the way your skin is reacting to the ingredients in the deodorant," she advises. If you start to experience itching, a rash, or tenderness, stop using the product and seek counsel from a dermatologist.
Does natural deodorant expire?

Like all skincare products, natural deodorants have a shelf life, but the exact amount of time will depend on your particular product. A good rule of thumb is that many natural deodorants last between six and 12 months once opened.
Why do natural deodorants sometimes give me a rash?

Natural deodorants are often formulated with baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, and essentials oils for fragrance. “While baking soda and sodium bicarbonate will neutralize body odor, the formulation is alkaline and the skin’s natural pH is neutral, which can cause skin irritation,” explains Dr. Brown, noting that essential oils can also cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Rozalynn S. Frazier is an award-winning, multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser, who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help access which products are worthy of praise. She has created content for SELF, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Health, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Livestrong.com, among others.

Best Overall for Women

Secret Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Women with Essential Oils

Best Overall for Men

Jack Black Pit CTRL Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Best Unisex

Native Deodorant

Best Budget

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant

Best Antiperspirant

Tom’s of Maine Natural Charcoal Deodorant for Women

Best Spray

Ursa Major Sublime Sage Natural Spray Deodorant

Best for Working Out

Malin + Goetz Deodorant

Best for Women's Sensitive Skin

Each & Every Aluminum Free Deodorant

Best for Men's Sensitive Skin

Bevel Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Men

Best Serum

Kosas Chemistry Deodorant

Best Wipe

Megababe Rosy Pits Deodorant Wipes

Best for Kids

FoodGradeOrganic KIDS 100% Natural Roll-On Deodorant

Best in a Jar

Oyin Funk Butter Natural Deodorant