Make The Switch To Natural Deodorant

The Best Natural, Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Swap out your antiperspirant for natural deodorant without aluminum and other harmful chemicals. I’m sharing my favorite aluminum-free natural deodorant brands that are effective at controlling odor without blocking your pores.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I have a general rule of thumb for beauty and skin products that I use daily. I switch to a natural, clean, non-toxic version if it’s a product I’m applying every day.

Skin is our biggest organ, and most of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. So why take chances?  Since I apply deodorant daily, usually to freshly shaven armpits, I don’t want to expose my body to any unnecessary or harmful chemicals.

I’ve tested quite a few natural, aluminum-free deodorant brands, and I’m sharing my favorites. I’ve tested all of the brands below and they keep me odor-free and dry most or all of the time. Below the list of my favorite natural deodorant brands, I’ve got a Frequently Asked Questions section with an overview of body odor, what’s wrong with conventional antiperspirant, ingredients to avoid and how to make the switch to natural deodorant, along with some other helpful questions and answers.

The Best Natural, Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Deodorant

What Causes Underarm Body Odor?

Our bodies sweat when we exercise, to cool down from heat and when we’re nervous or stressed. But sweat alone isn’t what produces body odor. It’s the interaction of sweat and bacteria on our skin that causes body odor. You’ve probably heard about the gut microbiome. We also have a bacterial microbiome on our skin.

In the underarm area, bacteria break down sweat, and the byproducts are compounds called thioalcohols. Thioalcohols produce body odor. We all try to avoid this stinky smell by using deodorant.

What’s The Difference Between Antiperspirant & Deodorant?

Antiperspirant works by blocking sweat from leaving your body. The aluminum compounds in antiperspirant physically plug up the pores in your underarm so sweat can’t escape. Without any sweat, bacteria have nothing to break down, so there’s no odor.

Deodorant doesn’t contain aluminum, so you’ll still sweat with deodorant. It’s designed to kill the bacteria that cause odor. It may also contain fragrance to mask smell. Deodorants also contain ingredients that absorb sweat and balance underarm pH levels. Conventional, non-natural deodorants contain synthetic fragrance and other chemicals that may adversely affect your health (see ingredient list below).

This is the perfect time to start using a natural deodorant with gentle yet effective ingredients.

How Does Natural Deodorant Work?

Instead of plugging up your pores, natural deodorant works to kill the bacteria present in your armpits. In a natural deodorant, look for:

• Antibacterial ingredients: baking soda, coconut oil, hops extract and essential oils with antibacterial qualities (tea tree oil, lemongrass and rosemary are a few)
• Sweat-absorbing ingredients: baking soda, arrowroot powder, cornstarch, kaolin clay and activated charcoal
• Natural fragrance (essential oil blends): jasmine, bergamot, sandalwood, lavender, lemon, mint and rosemary are some examples.
• pH altering ingredients: baking soda and cornstarch make the environment more hostile to bacterial growth.
• Binder ingredients (common in stick deodorants): vegetable glycerin and natural waxes (like beeswax and candelilla wax)
• Natural preservative ingredients: Vitamin E (tocopherol)

What Ingredients Should I Worry About In Conventional Antiperspirant & Deodorant?

• Aluminum- Aluminum salt is the active ingredient in antiperspirant. You may see it listed as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium chlorohydrate. Unsubstantiated reports have linked aluminum in antiperspirant with breast cancer. A 2003 study of 437 females with a positive breast cancer diagnosis found that underarm shaving followed by antiperspirant use may play a role in breast cancer (1). Although this study was flawed due to lack of a control group and the American Cancer Society claims that there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of antiperspirant to an increased risk of breast cancer (2), However, increasing evidence, including a 2021 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, strongly suggests an association between aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Phthalates- Phthalates are used to increase the flexibility and transparency in plastics. They’re also found in beauty products, and they enhance product absorption, help products stick to your skin and keep fragrance smelling fresh. Researchers speculate that phthalates mimic hormones (3), interrupting hormone production. A 2018 review found that current human exposure to phthalates may have adverse effects on the male reproductive system (4).
• Triclosan- Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent, and the FDA has classified it as a pesticide. Triclosan is found in household products like sanitizing hand soap, dish detergent, body wash, cosmetics, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant and antiperspirant. It’s meant to kill bacteria on contact. The overuse of products containing Triclosan has been blamed for bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Triclosan is a known endocrine disruptor and a suspected carcinogen. Studies show Triclosan impacts thyroid hormone concentrations and is associated with abnormal endocrine system signaling (5). Triclosan has also been linked with an increase in in vivo breast cancer cell growth (6).
• Parabens- Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of deodorants, lotions, and beauty products. The most commonly used are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens disrupt hormone function and are linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. A 2004 study found high concentrations of parabens in breast tumor samples (7). The European Union banned the use parabens in cosmetics in 2012.
• Propylene glycol- Propylene glycol is a petroleum-based ingredient used to give deodorant a slick consistency. It has been linked with central nervous system toxicity and skin irritation (8).
• Synthetic fragrance- Beauty products can list fragrance as one ingredient and don’t have to disclose the fact that these formulations may contain hundreds of ingredients. Synthetic Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals (9). Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption (10). Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates (see above).

Is There A Detox Phase?

I’ve been wearing natural deodorant for so long that I don’t remember a detox phase, but from everything I’ve researched, it takes between 2-4 weeks to transition from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant. Why? Aluminum compounds in antiperspirant act as plugs in each of the pores in your armpit. This gel-like plug literally stops you from sweating by blocking your pores.

Once you stop using antiperspirant, you’ll start to sweat again, maybe even more than usual. Don’t worry—this is just a phase and it won’t last forever! Our bodies are designed to sweat as a means of cooling down and detoxing, and sweating is a necessary bodily function! Your system will balance out after a few weeks.

During the detox phase, there are many products that claim to detox the armpit, draw aluminum out of the pores, and remove bad bacteria. These products usually contain absorbent clay or charcoal. I’ve never tried a detox mask under my arm, but if you’re experiencing intense body odor during the detox phase, it wouldn’t hurt to try it.

You may also need to refresh with deodorant wipes throughout the day if you notice odor. Reapply deodorant after using a wipe.

IF you’ve been using a non-natural deodorant (not antiperspirant), the switch to a more natural brand is easier.

Will My Shirts Turn Yellow Under The Arms?

Most likely no. I have never experienced the yellowing of fabric in all my years of using natural and organic deodorants. One reason that fabric in the underarm area can yellow is from the reaction of antiperspirant, underarm sweat and skin bacteria.

Yellowing of fabric can occur from stress sweat too. Stress sweat produces a potent, milky kind of sweat that may cause yellow stains on certain fabric (yuck).

Wash shirts with sweat stains right away! Don’t leave sweaty shirts at the bottom of your hamper. Make sure to launder as soon as possible and the stains should come out.

Does Natural Deodorant Rub Off On Clothing?

I put on a tight fitting black t-shirt right after applying a few swipes of Native unscented stick deodorant. The stick is a solid white color, and my black shirt was not covered in white smears. At most all I could see was a very faint, small white smudge on the side of the shirt. I actually had to look for it.

I dampened a washcloth, making sure to squeeze out most of the moisture, and dabbed at the white smudge. That was enough to remove it.

Can People With Sensitive Skin Use Natural Deodorant?

I have the most sensitive skin on my face, so I was worried that I’d have a bad reaction to natural deodorant. But for me, I’ve personally had no problems with natural deodorant. Baking soda is a big culprit in causing skin rashes, irritation and redness on sensitive underarm skin.

Essential oils are also a common culprit in causing allergic reactions on underarm skin. Either choose an unscented deodorant or try chamomile or calendula essential oils, which are safer for sensitive skin types.

Native Deodorant has a line of deodorant for sensitive skin. Meow Meow Tweet has a stick deodorant for sensitive skin with arrowroot powder- it’s what I’m using now and I’m loving it!

Does Natural Deodorant Ever Stop Working?

Yes, and this has happened to me with the Primally Pure deodorant. I had ZERO odor for 4 months, and then I noticed that I was starting to smell. Not horribly, but enough that my own body odor was occasionally wafting by my nose. So I did some research to find out why this was happening. I had just gotten my period and was also going through a really stressful time.

Here’s what I learned: hormonal fluctuations caused by your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and stress can change your body odor. The sweat caused by stress creates a stinkier sweat than exercise sweat.

Stress sweat, as well as sweat produced by hormonal changes, is excreted by the apocrine glands, which are located near hair follicles found in the armpits and groin area. The sweat excreted from the apocrine glands contains proteins and fat. When this sweat reacts with the bacteria that naturally lives on the skin, the byproduct really smells.

Medication has been known to change your body odor. If you are on antibiotics, certain allergy medications, antidepressants and even Tylenol, this can cause your body odor to change.

Change in diet can also affect body odor. Are you eating more highly processed foods, red meat, or drinking more alcohol?

What did I do about it? I switched brands. You can try to switch back and see if the original brand works again after giving it some time.

Other Tips For Keeping Body Odor At Bay

• Start with an unscented natural deodorant. You’ll get a better idea of what brands work and don’t work on you without masking underlying odor with essential oils.
• Bathe on a regular basis. Washing regulates the bacterial count on your skin and helps keep unpleasant smells in check.
• Worried about smell on-the-go? Stash a pack of EO Lavender Deodorant Wipes and a travel size Native deodorant in your bag before heading out. If you start to notice body odor, head into a bathroom and wipe your underarms with deodorant wipes, then apply travel sized deodorant to keep odor under control.
• If you have sensitive skin, shave at night and apply deodorant in the morning. Make sure the deodorant is warm to prevent friction and dab instead of swipe if your skin is super sensitive. Switch to a sensitive formula without baking soda if a rash persists.
• Diet-induced body odor is a real thing. Alcohol, red meat, fish, highly processed foods, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, onions & garlic and spices like curry can increase your body odor. Eat plenty of leafy greens!
• Different people have different bacteria making a home on their skin—your body odor is unique to you. Managing body odor is equally individualized, so what works for one person may not work for another.

Does Natural Deodorant Dry Clear?

It’s dries more like a translucent white. I swipe with an up and down stroke and I’m done (no need to apply a ton). When I wear a tank top, my underarms never have a white cast from deodorant. You can always use your fingers to rub the deodorant in if you’re concerned.

More Clean Skincare Inspiration

• 5 Brands Of Natural Deodorant + Skincare For Men 
• Natural Deodorant For Kids & Teens
• Natural Body Lotion For Dry Skin
• The Best Clean Lip Balm For Chapped Lips

References

1. McGrath, K.G. An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving. European Journal of Cancer Prevention: December 2003 – Volume 12 – Issue 6 – p 479-485.
   https://journals.lww.com/eurjcancerprev/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2003&issue=12000&article=00006&type=abstract
2. Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk. American Cancer Society.
   https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html
3. Patisaul, H.B. and Adawele, H.B. Long-Term Effects of Environmental Endocrine Disruptors on Reproductive Physiology and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci. 2009; 3: 10.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2706654/
4. Radke, E.G. et al. Phthalate exposure and male reproductive outcomes: A systematic review of the human epidemiological evidence. Environ Int. 2018 Dec;121(Pt 1):764-793.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30336412
5. Zorrilla, L.M. et al. The effects of triclosan on puberty and thyroid hormones in male Wistar rats. Toxicol Sci. 2009 Jan;107(1):56-64.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18940961
6. Lee, H. et al. Octylphenol and triclosan induced proliferation of human breast cancer cells via an estrogen receptor-mediated signaling in vitro. Endocrine Abstracts (2012) 29 P749.
   https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0029/ea0029p749
7. Darbre, P.D. et al. Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours. J Appl Toxicol. 2004 Jan-Feb;24(1):5-13.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14745841
8. Lim, T.Y. et al. Propylene Glycol Toxicity in Children. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2014 Oct-Dec; 19(4): 277–282.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4341412/
9. Nudelman, J. and Engel, C. Right To Know. Exposing toxic fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care and cleaning products. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. Sept. 2018.
   https://d124kohvtzl951.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/26092837/BCPP_Right-To-Know-Report_Secret-Toxic-Fragrance-Ingredients_9_26_2018.pdf
10. Synthetic Musks. Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. A Project of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.
    http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/synthetic-musks/