Feeling the heat? The best natural deodorants will use the power of plants to keep you fresh all day – and all night!
By Chere Di Boscio
There’s now a huge demand for natural deodorants, and no wonder. After all, it’s pretty scary when the the Environmental Working Group (EWG) consistently rates Axe, Old Spice, and other commercial body sprays and deodorants as moderate-to-high health hazards.
Far from transforming men into virile beasts as the ads for these products suggest, new research shows these sprays may impede men’s chances of reproducing. That’s due to the fact that they contain chemicals that can disrupt male hormones and damage sperm.
Teens Most Vulnerable
In fact, the EWG found that teenage boys and girls are particularly susceptible to hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates because of the ways the chemicals influence their rapidly developing reproductive systems.
But it’s not only teens whose health can suffer from commercial deodorants. Animal studies have found that male rats exposed to phthalates during puberty had more testicular problems. And a report from the Journal for Applied Toxicology has suggested that there may be a link between spraying the hormone-disrupting chemicals contained in deodorants and breast cancer, especially those tumours found in the outer quarter of the breast.
We here at Eluxe have concluded that we’d rather not get nerve damage, Alzheimer’s, skin irritation, or even cancer from some of the heavy metals and harmful chemicals that most commercial brands pack into their products.
Luckily, there are plenty of natural alternatives out there that really do work.
Whether you’re after a roll on, spray or cream, here’s our pick of the best natural deodorants on the market today.
12 Of The Best Natural Deodorants
1. AKT London
AKT London makes some of the best natural deodorants around! This vegan formula contains active botanicals and a unique Deo-Barrier Complex™ that keeps you feeling dry and confident all day.
It comes in a balm form that is perfect for taking with you on your travels. And the best part? You can use this on your feet, forehead, hands…anywhere you need to stop perspiration!
Best for:
Price: Around $20
2. AESOP Herbal Deodorant
This little guy gets top ratings as being one of the best natural deodorants from all who use it. The aluminium-free, botanically based formulation containing Zinc Ricinoleate to prevent bacterial build up and a highly considered blend of essential oils – including Rosemary, Sage, and Eucalyptus – to help mask disagreeable body odours.
Best for: Packaging. This looks great in the bathroom! We also love the scent.
Price: Around $35
3. Schmidt’s Vegan Deodorant
By eliminating underarm odour and wetness without the use of harmful chemicals, Schmidt’s vegan deodorant offers a no-guilt alternative to conventional brands. Free of aluminium, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, this Cedarwood + Juniper scent is a favourite among men and women alike.
This provocative blend offers a warm, woody fragrance that is irresistible, along with antiseptic & detoxifying benefits.
Best for: A refreshing scent.
Price: Around $12
4. Green People Quinoa & Probiotic Deodorant
Suitable for men and women, this naturally blended, chemical & aluminium free deodorant smells great and makes you alkalise – so you can socialise! Infused with vanilla bean and coconut extract, it not only neutralises natural odours but bestows you with a fresh, exotic scent.
Infused with a lively citrus aroma from Sweet Orange and Ginger essential oils, the long wearing formula is powered by important prebiotics that support healthy bacteria and restrict odour-forming bacteria. Zinc rincinoleate is another important ingredient here – it acts like a sweat sponge and will leave you feeling fresh and comfortable all day!
Best for: Combatting bacteria.
Price: Around $15
5. Dr Hauschka
Dr Hauschka makes several different kinds of natural deodorant, but if you ask us, their Floral variety smells particularly great for women and the Fresh works well on men. The ingredients are as pure as can be, and it’s amazingly effective compared to other so-called natural sticks and roll-ons (thanks to, they say, odor-reducing zinc ricinoleate).
Even the packaging is green – it comes in easily recyclable glass, not plastic.
Best for: The environment.
Price: Around $13
6. Weleda
Totally free of all harmful ingredients, these glass-bottled deodorant sprays come in three scents: rose, citrus and sage, for good reason. For example, rose is said to be a natural antibacterial. In a consumer trial, it seemed to be the most effective of the three Weleda offerings for those hot and sweaty summer days. Citrus is refreshing, of course, and the scent has been proven to have a positive effect on mood. Finally, sage is a woody, green fragrance, making it a great choice for guys.
Best for: Killing the bacteria that cause bad odours.
Price: $14.50
7. Cowshed Spray Deodorant
Not all spray deodorants are full of nasty chemicals! This is another of the best natural deodorants we know of. It’s by Cowshed and it uses the power of essential oils to keep you smelling like an English meadow.
Aloe Vera and Shea Butter soothe and condition, while Peppermint, Spearmint and Lemongrass essential oils combine to ensure skin stays fresh smelling for hours! This is also an easy-to-use spray to pop into your purse for touch-ups during the day.
Best for: Taking with you on the go.
Price: $18
8. Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
This all-natural yet powerful deodorant cream is based on superfine vegetable powders, clays, and lavender, peppermint and tea tree essential oils. These work to absorb moisture, inhibit bacteria, and ensure a long-lasting and highly effective experience. The frosting-like consistency ensures effortless manual application and quick absorption.
Soapwalla’s Deodorant Cream is free from harmful chemicals, petroleum, or aluminium compounds found in commercial antiperspirants (linked to Alzheimer’s and breast cancer), is vegan, and is never ever tested on animals.
Best for: Those who appreciate a creamy deodorant.
Price: $18
9. Freedom Stick
After her friend was diagnosed with cancer, Ira, the founder of this brand was inspired when her friend’s oncologist advised she stop using chemical-filled antiperspirants to avoid overloading her lymph system. She decided to create a natural deodorant based on pure plant oils and baking soda, and Freedom Stick was born.
“Link or no link to breast cancer, I didn’t care. It just made sense,” says Ira. “Cindy and I searched and tested natural alternatives, but none of the deodorants we tried lasted all day, or they didn’t work at all.” Luckily, the two friends created a natural deodorant that does it all.
Best for: Those protecting their health
Price: From $12.99
10. Modern Botany
Oh, I love, love, LOVE this product! It’s both an anti-perspirant AND deodorant – and believe me, this stuff works! Free from all nasties, this formula contains only 100% natural, botanical ingredients, such as Witch Hazel, Lemon Tea Tree, Sandalwood and Frankincense oils.
Best for: This unique blend results in a delicious, citrusy scent that will appeal to both men and women. I even use it as a hair perfume, it smells so good!
Price: $19
11. PAPR
We use it daily, so we want our deodorant to work. What we don’t want? For it to stick around forever!
PAPR is a brand on a mission to create conscious beauty products that are kind to the planet. And not only do they care for mother Earth – they only use super clean ingredients that are kind to our skin, too!
All of their deodorants are fully recyclable thanks to their paper packaging. And what’s more, every time they take down a tree, they plant a new one! The vegan brand has 4 heavenly scented sticks to choose from, including a fragrance-free option for those with sensitive pits.
Best for: It’s light and it’s perfect for taking to festivals, camping or other outdoor events.
Price: $16
12. Sudtana
Looking for a deodorant that will give your pits a new lease of life? Sudtana’s bergamot and peppermint spray on is wonderfully refreshing!
It offers long-lasting protection and a gorgeous scent that will stick around long after application. This, another of the best natural deodorants, offers something special. Namely, natural healing using ancient Thai herbal medicine mixed with modern science.
This combo gently and safely prevents odour-causing bacteria from growing. Of course, it keeps you fresh without added chemicals that block pores.
Best for: Fresh scent. The formula smells SO good!
Price: $29
Main image: “Mike” Michael L. Baird via Wikimedia Commons
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Crystal Body Deodorant Stick eliminates the crystal problem of no packaging. And it can be taken through TSA!
Good point, Elayne!
What about Native brand of deodorant?
I have been using fresh lime slices for three years now. Completely eliminates odour ( and the ‘packaging’ goes into the kitchen compost)
Great idea Patricia!
I am surprised Meow Meow Tweet’s deodorant creams are not on this list. Their grapefruit deodorant cream is excellent.
Try a brand called Lavilin (I buy it on Amazon). It’s been rated one of the best all-natural deodorants in the industry. It is safe, free of parabens, and long-lasting. Perhaps most importantly it is great for people with sensitive skin!
Nope, does not work. Lavera makes the best one! 🙂