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.

Woman applying deodorant

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.

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 undisclosed fragrance and other chemicals that may adversely affect your health, so be sure to choose a non-toxic deodorant without undisclosed fragrance and other potential harmful chemicals.

How To Transition From Antiperspirant to Deodorant

There may be an adjustment period when you switch from antiperspirant to deodorant that lasts anywhere from 1 week to 1 month. Here are a few things to consider:

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.

Here are a few products to test out during this detox phase:

What Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Sensitive Skin

  • Baking soda is highly alkaline, and while it works to alter the pH under the arm and make the environment less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria, it can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and lead to irritation, chafing and redness.
  • If you experience any discomfort from using a natural deodorant with baking soda, look for a product that contains magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide, arrowroot powder, or diatomaceous earth to neutralize odor without disrupting skin balance.

If You’re Worried About Deodorant Staining Your Clothes

Oils in non-toxic deodorant may leave a stain in the underarm area of your shirts. We don’t really have too much trouble with this, but I know this is a problem for some people. My best advice would be to try a roll-on deodorant like Real Purity Roll On Deodorant or a spray deodorant like Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant Spray since both of these types of deodorant do not contain oils that may leave stains.

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

Humble Deodorant

Cost | $13.99 for 2.5 oz ($5.60 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | baking soda & non-GMO cornstarch formula (original) & magnesium hydroxide and non-GMO cornstarch formula (sensitive skin)
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils & botanical extracts
From the Humble website | Humble Deodorant is made with only the cleanest and simplest all natural ingredients so you can feel good about what goes on your body. Absolutely no aluminum, talc, parabens, or anything synthetic.
Tube | The full-size plastic containers are made with 75% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. They also carry plastic-free deodorant.
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Humble Original Formula Deodorant | This formula features 4 simple ingredients plus essential oils for scent. The Baking Soda Formula uses Non-GMO Corn Starch for dryness, baking soda for odor control, beeswax for texture, MCT Oil for hydration and essential oils & botanicals for scent.
Humble Vegan & Sensitive Skin Deodorant | If your underarm skin tends to be sensitive to baking soda, reacts easily, or you live a vegan lifestyle, try this vegan & sensitive skin formula. The Vegan & Sensitive Formula uses Non-GMO Corn Starch for dryness, magnesium hydroxide for odor control, wild candelilla wax for texture, MCT Oil for hydration and essential oils & botanicals for scent.

Primally Pure Deodorant

Cost | $22 for 2.6 oz ($8.46 per ounce) or $16 for 1.7 oz ($9.41 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Arrowroot powder, Baking soda (a small amount), Zinc oxide and Kaolin clay
Type of Fragrance Used | Essential oils
From the Primally Pure website | Primally Pure Deodorant is made with good-for-you organic ingredients including grass-fed tallow, fair trade coconut oil, arrowroot powder, beeswax and essential oils (except unscented).
Tube | Plastic
Note | If you’re vegan or vegetarian, this product won’t work for you since it contains grass-fed tallow.
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Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant | Primally Pure aluminum-free natural charcoal deodorant contains a small amount of baking soda to combat odor and is fortified with kaolin clay (powerful detoxifier) and non-nano zinc oxide (soothes irritation). Made with other good-for-you organic ingredients including grass-fed tallow, fair trade coconut oil, arrowroot powder, beeswax and essential oils. Activated coconut charcoal contains added detoxifying benefits while also deodorizing and disinfecting. Goes on virtually clear and doesn’t stain clothes.
Primally Pure Blue Tansy Deodorant | Blue Tansy Essential Oil powerfully combats inflammation, calms irritation and is potent in skin soothing properties. Goes on virtually clear and doesn’t stain clothes.
Primally Pure Unscented Deodorant | The unscented sensitive deodorant effectively protects against unwanted odor + soothes sensitive pits without any essential oils.
Primally Pure Pit Kit | These two powerhouse products work together to detoxify and purify, prevent unwanted odor and protect your delicate underarms. This is the most effective duo to support your transition to natural deodorant, refresh after a sweat session or to incorporate in your morning routine for all-day odor protection.

Attitude Deodorant

Cost | $12.99 for 3 oz ($4.33 per ounce)
From the Attitude website | All Attitude deodorants are plastic-free, aluminum-free, formulated with natural-based ingredients and optimized to perform.
Key Ingredients | Magnesium hydroxide, Kaolin clay
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils &/or EWG verified synthetic fragrance
Tube | Cardboard tube
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Attitude Super Leaves Deodorant: This plastic-free ATTITUDE leaves bar™ Deodorant is EWG VERIFIED™ and vegan, and it’s designed to provide long-lasting protection and a soothing sensation without the use of aluminum or baking soda. White clay and magnesium hydroxide absorb moisture and prevent bad smells, and it glides on easily!
Attitude Sensitive Skin Deodorant: Attitude deodorant for sensitive skin is designed to provide long-lasting protection and a soothing sensation without aluminum or baking soda. Easy to apply, this creamy EWG VERIFIED™ deodorant glides easily on the skin, provides maximum hydration, and contains soothing, calming oatmeal.

Cleo + Coco deodorant

Cleo + Coco Deodorant

Cost | $14.99 for 2.2 oz ($6.81 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | charcoal, magnesium hydroxide, mendalic acid
Type Of Fragrance Use | Essential oil
From the Cleo + Coco website | Cleo + Coco Deodorant has several formulas to keep you smelling fresh and staying dry. The super strength formula uses charcoal, baking soda, and magnesium to help eliminate odor, while plant powders absorb sweat and mood-boosting essential oils keep you smelling great, all day long. The sensitive formula uses charcoal and magnesium to eliminate odor. I keep coming back to this deodorant- it works really well and smells wonderful!
Tube | post-consumer recycled plastic
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Cleo + Coco Deodorant

Schmidt’s Deodorant

Cost | $9.84 for 2.65 oz ($3.71 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | baking soda, magnesium hydroxide & arrowroot formula (original) & magnesium hydroxide and arrowroot formula (sensitive skin)
Type of Fragrance Used | Essential oils & plant derived isolates
From the Schmidt’s website | Long-lasting, 48-hour odor protection made with essential oils — never artificial fragrance. Certified natural deodorant by EcoCert, Schmidt’s Deodorant is formulated to be gentle on skin and go on smooth, using certified 100% natural origin ingredients. Schmidt’s natural deodorant sticks help neutralize odor and keep you fresh with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils.
Tube | Plastic
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Schmidt’s Deodorant With Baking Soda | This natural deodorant formula helps neutralize odor and keep you fresh, enriched with magnesium, and offers all-day 24 hour odor protection while being gentle on skin.
Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Deodorant | Schmidt’s natural deodorant sticks made for sensitive skin help neutralize odor without baking soda and keep you fresh with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils.

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant

Cost | $14.00 for 1.8 oz ($7.78 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | arrowroot powder, magnesium hydroxide, baking soda (original formula)
Type Of Fragrance Used | Essential oil
From the Meow Meow Tweet website | Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant is a synergy of potent plant and mineral powders with essential oils that will keep you smelling oh-so fresh! Plus, it works to control odor!
Tube | Cardboard tube is 100% biodegradable and will compost in a year.
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Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant With Baking Soda | Meow Meow Tweet’s Deodorant Stick is a combination of sweet smelling essential oils and plant and mineral powders that effectively neutralize odor. Organic plant oils and butters hydrate and calm your sensitive underarm area, with only a touch of baking soda to kill stink-causing bacteria.
Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant For Sensitive Skin | This effective vegan all-natural deodorant stick is baking soda free for sensitive skin. A blend of potent plants and minerals comes together in a convenient biodegradable paper tube.

Agent Nateur Deodorant

Cost | $26 for 2.5 oz ($10.40 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Baking soda
Type of Fragrance Used | Essential oil and plant derived isolates
From the Agent Nateur website | Agent Nateur Deodorant is all natural, aluminum-free and contains no heavy metals. It prevents odor with a blend of essential oils and nourishes with coconut oil and avocado butter. Vegan, Non GMO, Gluten Free and Petrochemical Free. This deodorant contains baking soda, so those with super sensitive skin may want to avoid this.
Tube | Plastic
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Agent Nateur Deodorant

Sin Min Deodorant

Sin-Min Deodorant
Cost | $9.99 for 1.05 oz ($9.51 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Arrowroot powder, Kaolin clay and Baking soda
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils and plant derived isolates
From the Sin-Min website | This deodorant contains cinnamon oil, which has been found in studies to kill the enzyme C-T lyase, found in the bacterium Staphylococcus Hominis, which dwells in human armpits.
Review | We did not try this deodorant.
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Sin-Min Deodorant

Just Ingredients Deodorant
Cost | $13.99 for 3 oz ($4.66 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Magnesium hydroxide
Type of Fragrance Used | organic essential oils
Scents | Mountain Pine, Eucalyptus Clove, Cedarwood Spice
From the Just Ingredients website | This non-irritating formula provides long-lasting protection and confidence with every application, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed.
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Just Ingredients Deodorant

Roll-On Deodorant

Real Purity Roll On Deodorant
Cost | $20.39 for 3 oz ($6.80 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Magnesium stearate
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Real Purity website | This deodorant uses magnesium stearate for moisture control, potassium sorbate for antimicrobial action, and essential oils for their antibacterial and fragrance properties. I love that it’s a roll-on and won’t stain clothing.
Shop | Real Purity Roll On Deodorant

Kosas Sport Roll On Deodorant
Cost | $18 for 2.4 oz ($7.50 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Shikimic acid, Mandelic acid, lactic acid
Type of Fragrance Used | fragrance free
From the Kosas website | This deodorant works to change the pH balance of the underarm, making it inhabitable for bacteria to thrive.
Shop | Kosas Sport Roll On Deodorant

Necessaire Deodorant Gel
Cost | $20 for 1.7 oz ($11.76 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Potassium hydroxide, Witch hazel
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
Scents | Eucalyptus
From the Necessaire website | This serum-in-gel formula is infused with Mandelic Acid, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B5 for the best in clean odor control. This clear, quick-dry formula provides no residue and can be used underarm or all-over body.
Shop | Necessaire Deodorant Gel

Spray Deodorant

Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant Spray
Cost | $20 for 1.7 oz ($11.76 er ounce)
Key Ingredients | Geranium, Lemon, Saccharomyces Ferment, Sage
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Ursa Major Website | This spray deodorant is an instantly-refreshing aluminum and baking soda-free natural herbal spray deodorant to keep you fresh and odor-free. It helps to neutralize odor-producing bacteria with a powerful blend of plants, minerals and enzymes, keeping you feeling and smelling fresh.
Review | This deodorant works really well and is easy to apply. I’d say it’s more of a 12 hour deodorant, so if you want it to last 24 hours, you need to re-apply every 12 hours. This deodorant does not stain clothes.
Shop | Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant Spray

EO Organic Spray Deodorant
Cost | $20 for 1.7 oz ($11.76 er ounce)
Key Ingredients | Essential Oil Blend
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the EO Website | This spray deodorant formula features just three ingredient elements: naturally-derived alcohol, water, and pure essential oils.
Shop | EO Organic Spray Deodorant

Deodorant For Pregnant & Nursing Mamas

Healthybaby Deodorant
Cost | $24 for 3.75 oz ($6.40 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Magnesium Hydroxide, Zinc Ricinoleate, baking soda, Lactobacillus, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
From the Healthybaby website | Healthybaby Deodorant was developed to be completely safe and effective for mom for during pregnancy and while nursing, when baby is exposed to the same chemicals as mom. Infused with pre-and-probiotics to support a healthy skin microbiome and manuka honey for its soothing, natural antibacterial properties, this deodorant is perfect for the whole family. EWG verified.
Tube | Plastic-Free cardboard tube
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Healthybaby Deodorant | Organic tapioca starch effectively absorbs moisture and reduces odor, and this formula is coconut oil free for stain-free application. 

Kaia Naturals Sweat Powder
Cost | $29
Key Ingredients | Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Root Powder, Diatomaceous Earth, Magnesium Carbonate, Tapioca Starch, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
Scents | Sakura Blossom, Crisp Linen
From the Kaia Naturals website | A refillable, ultra-absorbent sweat powder for moisture and odor.
Shop | Kaia Naturals Sweat Powder

The Black Stuff Wicklow Waterfalls Soap
Cost | $12.99 for 4.76 oz ($2.73 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Activated charcoal, kaolin clay
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From The Black Stuff website | A smooth and creamy soap with a tiny bit of texture from the activated charcoal. Use this soap to prep your underarms before applying deodorant.
Shop | The Black Stuff Wicklow Waterfalls Soap

Megababe Underarm Bar Soap
Cost | $7.97 for 3.5 oz ($2.28 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Activated charcoal
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Megababe website | Use daily to deeply cleanse & detoxify underarms while also eliminating stubborn odor. Leave on for 60 seconds before rinsing.
Shop | Megababe Underarm Bar Soap

Megababe Detoxifying Underarm Mask
Cost | $16 for 3 oz ($5.33 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Charcoal, Glycolic acid, Vitamin C
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Megababe website | Use when transitioning to aluminum-free deodorant to speed through the standard detox period, 1-2 times weekly to eliminate lingering odor, bacteria and residue. This mask gently clears pores, sheds dead skin cells, and reduces underarm bumps
Shop | Megababe Detoxifying Underarm Mask

EO Natural Deodorant Wipes
Cost | $59.88 for pack of 12 (these are often greatly reduced in price)
Key Ingredients | Organic ethanol from cane sugar, Lavender oil
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the EO website | These Deodorant Wipes combine organic ethanol from sugar cane to help eliminate odor at its source with organic glycerin leaving your skin clean, fresh, and soft.
Shop | EO Natural Deodorant Wipes

Pre Deodorant Underarm Prep

Glycolic acid and lactic acid both reduce the pH of the underarm and the bacteria that cause odor do not survive well in this environment. Soak a cotton round with acid and apply to the underarm area. Wait until this dries, then apply deodorant. Glycolic acid is stronger than lactic acid, so go with the lactic acid if you have super sensitive underarms.

Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner
Cost | $34.95 for 4 oz ($8.74 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Glycolic acid
How It Works | Glycolic acid reduces the pH of the underarm area, creating an environment where odor-causing bacteria struggle to survive. Since these bacteria thrive in a more neutral pH, lowering it helps prevent them from producing odor.
Shop | Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner

The Ordinary 5% Lactic Acid Toner
Cost | $8.10 for 1 oz ($8.10 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Lactic acid
How It Works | Unlike some harsher acids, lactic acid is hydrating, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. This lactic acid toner lowers the skin pH – Odor-causing bacteria thrive in a more neutral pH environment. Lactic acid lowers the pH of the underarm skin, making it harder for these bacteria to survive and multiply. Less bacteria = less odor!
Shop | The Ordinary 5% Lactic Acid Toner

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. If you’re worried, try Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant Spray.

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 (Primally Pure Deodorant has 1.7 oz size tube) 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. If you’re really worried about white stains, try Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant Spray.

More Clean Skincare Inspiration

Woman applying deodorant

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.
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