It’s super simple. Human bodies sweat. Shocker! Why else would we have sweat glands for? Truth is, no one enjoys feeling sweaty. We all want to smell good.
Deodorants suppose to combat odor-causing bacteria. At least that’s the idea they have fed us since we were kids.
I’ve lost count of how many commercials tried to persuade me with the sexiest fresh scents, new bleaching techniques, and unrealistic longevity of 24 hrs (24 hrs, what?) They all had one goal: to make your armpits smell like a desert rose (or a smoking hot guy). That, my gorgeous, is how the unnatural becomes the new natural!
Nasties penetrating our lymphatic system and hormone receptors DO NOT make the cut for a sexy topic, but healthy armpits should. So grab yourself a snack and slide into your comfy pants. We’re diving deep into the importance of natural deodorant and going over how you can feel fresh all day long rocking deodorant free of aluminum.
What Goes On Behind The Scenes
Before we go any further, I’ll quickly explain the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant. While deodorant neutralizes odor, the antiperspirant reduces your sweat by blocking the glands with aluminum compounds. Apparently, there seems to be a link between antiperspirants and breast cancer. Wait, WHAT?
You’ve heard it right. The nasties found in aluminum and parabens can be absorbed by your skin and stored in fat cells and breast tissue.
According to Dr. Philippa Darbre, an oncologist at the University of Reading in the U.K, both parabens (used as a preservative) and aluminum are categorized as estrogenic chemicals. In case you didn’t know, excess estrogen plays a role in promoting the growth of cancer cells. That’s alarming, right?
Now, I’m not an expert in this, but it feels good to know that there are healthier options on the market. Are you with me on that? Going deodorant-free feels like going naked. We’ve all been there, driving the car in our finest summer dress and realizing we forgot to wear it.
Switching to natural deodorant is your next best shot. So, put your hands in the air and wave them like you…care a lot about what ingredients are going on in your body. Here are some alternatives, independently selected by me. Natural deodorant works y’all!
20 Natural (Yet Effective) Deodorants
Native Plastic Free Deodorant
Did you know that switching from plastic Deodorant can help eliminate 169 tons of landfill waste each year? Native designed a paperboard version of their regular deodorant. The products contain probiotics, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil.
I’ve tried many scents, but Coconut + Vanilla is by far my favorite. Odor protection is guaranteed! I loved it so much that I also got the matching body wash.
Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant
Founder Jaime Schmidt started making natural products in her own kitchen. All the products are labeled natural (not just natural-ish), vegan, ethical, and cruelty-free.
Although I’m not the biggest Rose Scent fanatic, I truly enjoy their Rose-Vanilla Deodorant. It’s delicate, easy to use, and keeps me fresh all day.
Malin+ Goetz Botanical Deodorant
This deodorant is a perfect merge of all-natural ingredients and advanced technology. It’s a vegan and cruelty-free product formulated with odor-neutralizing witch hazel and coconut oil. This one is an excellent scent option for both men and women.
Aesop Deodorant
For those of you not familiar with the Aussie skincare brand, Aesop, here’s a quick recap. The brand doesn’t believe in ‘anti’ products. For example, they won’t make any hyperbolic ‘anti-aging’ or ‘anti-acne’ claims. Instead, their products are all ‘pro’, focused on those who’re planning to be proud of the skin that they live in.
The Aesop Herbal deodorant can be found in a spray or roll-on version and it smells like a herbal garden
Pacifica Coconut Cream Clean Deodorant
Fresh coconuts with a tiny hint of vanilla, that’s the exact smell of this clean, vegan product. The brand also encourages you to detox your armpits with a matching scrub before you transition to natural deodorant. Your underarms can often sweat more in the beginning because of the clogged skin, hence the scrub.
Kopari Beauty Natural Aluminum-Free Coconut Deodorant
Free from any parabens or sulfates, Kopari harnesses its main ingredients from coconut milk. Besides keeping you fresh all day, this all-natural and therefore aluminum-free formula works brilliantly on sensitive skin. I found this to be the most gentle option on the list.
Weleda Sea Buckthorn 24h Roll-On Deodorant
The Weleda roll-on is your next best baking soda-free option. It also promotes the skin’s detoxification process. It’s overall one of my most loved natural beauty brands in the world.
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Caudalie offers its deodorant sticks in fully recyclable packaging. The product itself is formulated with grape water and organic eucalyptus and is therefore suitable for sensitive skin and pregnant women. Bonus points: it doesn’t leave a sticky residue or a white cast on your clothes.
Megababe The Geo Deo Multi-mineral daily Deodorant
Megababe might be the lesser know brand of the bunch, but therefore not less effective. Besides selling detoxifying armpit soaps, it carries a brilliant mineral deodorant stick. It is formulated with baking soda, shea butter, and essential oils, so my babes with plant allergies, be aware.
Sol De Janeiro Rio Deo
If you are just like me a big fan of the signature Cheirosa 62 scent, you will fall in love with this product. Besides smelling great, this aluminum and baking soda-free deodorant contains papaya enzymes that help with evening out your skin tone and avoiding ingrown hairs.
Dove 0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea Refillable Deodorant
Dove takes it even further with its refillable option. The aluminum-free deodorant stick has a refreshing green tea and cucumber scent. It claims to keep you smelling fresh for 48 hours. The stainless steel case the product comes in is not only stunning but also durable.
Alo Supernatural Deodorant
My favorite yoga brand has launched its own deodorant and I’m here for it! I found the formula to be very moisturizing and long-lasting. It contains tea-tree oil, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. The same message here, watch out if you’re sensitive to tea tree oil.
Kosas Chemistry Deodorant
Looking for a spa-like underarm treatment? This deodorant has your back. It contains a blend of Lactic, Mandelic, and Shikimic Acid. Ideal for those who lead an active, on-the-go lifestyle.
Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant
Swipe on for smell-good freshness. This powerhouse of a deodorant stick works with beta gluten technology, derived from oats and yeast. It absorbs and minimizes sweat molecules to effectively prevent any unwanted smells.
Glossier Deodorant
Glossier deodorants are smooth as butter and don’t contain ANY nasties. It’s good to mention that the scents are to die for. Trust me, orange blossom neroli with notes of pear, mandarin, and cypress can not be topped.
By Rosie Jane Calm The F*Ck Down Deodorant
Do you prefer to spray rather than rub? This spray formula makes application easier than ever. It contains lavender, citrus, and chamomile oil. Those of you sensitive to essential oils should keep that in mind.
Vichy 24-Hour Dry-Touch Aluminum And Salt-Free Deodorant
Sensitive or shaved skin will not sting with this dermatologically tested Vichy product powered with skin-strengthening French volcanic water.
Dr. Hauschka Sage Mint Deodorant
Dr. Hauschka’s products never use synthetic fragrance in any of her products. The ingredient list truly matches a herbal spa. Sage and witch hazel are the main two natural active ingredients that will help you with odor control.
Mario Badescu Deodorant
A botanical blend of magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, cleansing sage, cucumber, and ginger root oils will keep your armpits feeling fresh like a meadow with this deodorant stick.
Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Deodorant
A potent mix of tea tree, aloe juice, and eucalyptus neutralizes odor while nourishing your armpits. No baking soda, no aluminum, and no fuss with this product.
PS: If you’re just like me, on the hunt for the next best (natural) product, you might also like my article on natural, vegan skincare.
