The Best Non-Toxic & Natural Deodorant For Teens & Kids
Give your maturing kid, tween, or teen a natural, non-toxic deodorant that actually works. I’ve found the best natural and non-toxic options for kids, tweens, and teens that keep them stink-free all day without any harmful chemicals.
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Is your child ready for non-toxic deodorant? Whether your child is a teenager, tween or maturing kid, body odor is an issue that most growing children will have to address at some point. With the onset of puberty, increased hormone levels cause the sweat glands to produce and secrete more sweat. When this sweat interacts with the bacteria found in the underarm area, it causes body odor.
There are tons of deodorant options on the market to keep your kids from stinking, but a large portion of them contain ingredients that may be harmful to your child’s health.
Because kids are developing and growing so rapidly, their bodies are especially vulnerable to toxic chemical exposure. Preventing exposure to toxic chemicals now will help to intercept any health issues your children might face in the future. Along with natural deodorant, keep your kids clean with non-toxic bath products and fluoride-free toothpaste.
What Causes Underarm Body Odor?
Our bodies sweat to cool down from heat, physical exertion (exercise) 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, but we also have a bacterial microbiome on our skin too. In the underarm area, bacteria break down sweat, and the byproducts are compounds called thioalcohols. Thioalcohols have a stinky smell that’s responsible for body odor. This stinky odor is what we’re all trying to avoid by using deodorant.
Antiperspirant Versus 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. For more information on ingredients to avoid, scroll to the end of this post.
- Deodorant doesn’t contain pore-plugging aluminum, so you’ll still sweat with deodorant. Deodorant is designed to kill the bacteria that cause odor. Deodorants contain ingredients that absorb sweat and balance underarm pH levels. They may also contain fragrance to mask smell. For more information on what ingredients to avoid, scroll to the end of this post for ingredients to avoid in your child’s deodorant.
Why Is Sweating Good For You?
- Sweating is good for regulating your body temperature, speeding recovery after exercise, promoting healthier skin, lowering stress hormones, and defeating harmful microbes.
- Sweating also rids the body of excess heavy metals and endocrine disruptors. A 2016 review summarized studies where the heavy metals arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury were detected in sweat, suggesting that sweat may be an important route for excretion of these heavy metals.
- Sweating has been shown to eliminate PCBs and the endocrine disruptor BPA from the body.
Tip For Super Stinky Kids
I’ve found that I sometimes need to come at underarm body odor from 2 different angles. Some deodorant contains mild acids that reduce the pH of the underarm and the bacteria that cause odor do not survive well in this environment. I will first use Kosas Sport Roll On Deodorant, which contains Shikimic acid, Mandelic acid and lactic acid, making it inhabitable for bacteria to thrive. I let this dry and then apply my regular deodorant. This combo works really well to stop odor (I’ve tested it at a party when I had to wear a sundress on a very muggy, humid day in the summer- I had zero issues with odor!)
I’ve rounded up 12 non-toxic & natural deodorant brands that don’t contain harmful chemicals and will keep your kids stink-free all day long. If you want to tame your child’s body odor, look below for the best non-toxic deodorant for growing kids, tweens and teens. From maximum protection to baking soda-free for sensitive skin, there’s a natural deodorant option for every growing child! Be sure to check out my simple tips for on-the-go hygiene to help them stay confident all day.
Tubby Toddy
Tubby Todd Deodorant
Cost: $14 for 1.8 oz ($8.33 per ounce)
Formulas: Baking Soda Free For Sensitive Skin
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential oils & botanical extracts
From the Tubby Todd website: This stick deodorant for kids is designed for sensitive underarms, helping little ones stay fresh with a baking soda-free, and aluminum-free formula that’s perfect for ages 6 and up. Tapioca starch absorbs wetness, while magnesium hydroxide helps minimize odor-causing bacteria.
Scents: Citrus Vanilla
Shop: Tubby Todd Deodorant
Primally Pure Deodorant
Primally Pure Deodorant
Cost: $16 for 1.7 oz ($9.41 per ounce) or $22 for 2.5 oz ($8.80 per ounce)
Formulas: Regular with Baking Soda, Charcoal and baking soda-free unscented
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential oils
From the Primally Pure website: Primally Pure non-toxic deodorants are made with simple, organic ingredients that are 100% natural and safe. They are formulated for sensitive skin, with a small amount of baking soda to keep you smelling naturally great (even after a workout). They now offer a baking soda-free formula too!
Scents: Bergamot + Eucalyptus, Charcoal, Blue Tansy, Geranium, Lavender, Vanilla + Citrus, Lemongrass, Unscented, Unscented baking soda-free, Tea Tree
Shop: Primally Pure Deodorant
Kosas
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
Humble
Humble Deodorant
Cost: $12 for 2.5 oz and 0.35 oz travel-sized ($4.80 per ounce)
Formulas: Original Formula With Baking Soda & Baking Soda Free For Vegan & Sensitive Skin
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential oils & botanical extracts
From the Humble website: Humble deodorant is a natural, non-toxic deodorant that uses pure essential oils and botanical extracts for scent and avoids synthetic fragrances while helping keep you fresh and odor-free.
Scents: Simply Unscented, Mountain Lavender, Black Spruce, Bergamot & Ginger, Lavender & Holy Basil, Lemongrass & Sage, Palo Santo & Frankincense, Patchouli & Copal, Moroccan Rose, Rosemary & Mint, Texas Cedarwood & Grapefruit
Shop: Humble Deodorant
The Hygiene Lab
The Hygiene Lab Deodorant
Cost: $26 for 2.7 oz ($9.63 per ounce)
Formulas: With Baking Soda
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential oils
From The Hygiene Lab website: This clean, natural, aluminum-free deodorant delivers 24+ hour protection with a smooth glide. *This formula has the best glide of all of the natural deodorants that I’ve tried. EWG verified.
Scents: Unscented, Cedar Drift, Sandalwood (contains patchouli- I personally find this one to smell too much like “hippie”)
Shop: The Hygiene Lab Unscented Deodorant, The Hygiene Lab Cedar Drift Deodorant
Cleo + Coco
Cleo + Coco Deodorant
Cost: $11.99 for 1.7 oz ($7.05 per ounce)
Formulas: Extra Strength, Sensitive
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential oils
From the Cleo + Coco website: 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.
Scents: super strength: grapefruit bergamot, Brave Heart, Sweet Surrender, Free To Be sensitive: Cocoa Beach, True Blue, Free To Be
Shop: Cleo + Coco Deodorant
Pretty Frank
Pretty Frank Deodorant
Cost: $14.99 for 2.7 oz ($5.55 per ounce)
Formulas: With Baking Soda & Baking Soda Free
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential Oils
From the Pretty Frank website: All Natural and Organic Ingredients. Pretty Frank natural deodorant provides around the clock protection from odor and wetness. This deodorant stick can be used on all body parts in any situation. The natural formula has been athlete tested and parent approved. Leaping Bunny Certified and Cruelty-Free.
Scents: Unscented, Charcoal Seaside, Lavender, Woodlands, Jasmine, Orange Vanilla
Shop: Pretty Frank Deodorant
Attitude
Attitude Deodorant
Cost: $12.99 for 3 oz ($4.33 per ounce)
Formulas: Original Formula With Baking Soda & Sensitive Baking Soda Free
Type of Fragrance used: Essential oils &/or EWG verified synthetic fragrance
From the Attitude Living website: This clean, aluminum-free deodorant made with plant- and mineral-derived ingredients (like baking soda or magnesium hydroxide plus absorbent powders, depending on the formula) that neutralizes odor naturally while staying gentle and skin-friendly.
Scents: Baking Soda Free (Avocado Oil, Argan Oil, Chamomile, Unscented); With Baking Soda (Unscented, Fresh, Olive Leaves, Lemon Leaves, Red Vine Leaves, White Tea Leaves)
Shop: Attitude Deodorant
Play Pits
Play Pits Deodorant
Cost: $13 for 2.65 oz ($4.91 per ounce)
Formulas: Regular formula with Baking Soda
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential oils
From the Play Pits website: Created with gentle skin and skin sensitivities in mind, this 100% all-natural deodorant uses non-toxic ingredients that are safe for everyone. This deodorant works with your body to absorb moisture and fight odors to keep you fresh all day and night, and the long-lasting formula keeps you protected throughout your most active days. Perfect for the entire family!
Scents: Suga (lemon, grapefruit & lemongrass), Happy (lavender), and Sunshine (orange & peppermint)
Shop: Play Pits Deodorant
Mona
Mona Deodorant
Cost: $13.98 for 1.76 oz ($7.94 per ounce)
Formula: Baking Soda Free
Type of Fragrance used: Essential oils
From the Mona website: This 100% natural aluminum-free deodorant for kids was developed by a doctor and parent and designed especially for young and growing pre-teens and teens. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and is a natural way to neutralize odor and keep armpits dry, healthy, fresh, and smelling good all day!
Scents: Orange, Honeydew, Vanilla Spice, Unscented
Shop: Mona Deodorant
Prep U
Prep U Deodorant
Cost: $9.99 for 2.5 oz ($4.00 per ounce)
Formula: With baking soda
Type of Fragrance used: Essential oils
From the Prep U website: This all-natural, aluminum-free deodorant combines the power of essential oils, the moisture of Jojoba oil, the hydration of Coconut oil, and the nourishment of Vitamin E to prevent odors without harming skin. This aluminum and baking soda-free formula is EWG verified.
Scent: Citrus Mint
Shop: Prep U Deodorant
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant
Cost: $14 for 1.8 oz ($7.78 per ounce)
Formulas: Original Formula With Baking Soda & Baking Soda Free
Type of Fragrance Used: Essential oils
From the Meow Meow Tweet website: This vegan all-natural deodorant stick blends potent plants and minerals together in a convenient biodegradable paper tube.
Scents: Grapefruit, Eucalyptus Lemon, Rose Geranium, Cedar Spruce and Lavender Bergamot
Shop: Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant
Natural Deodorant On-The-Go
Imagine this scenario: you pick your tween up from school and drive directly to the dance studio, where he or she has a lesson. In the car, you breathe in the awful stench of body odor and realize that your child stinks. What do you do?
I have an answer! Stash some EO Natural Deodorant Wipes in your child’s bag, along with a travel size deodorant, like Humble Deodorant. When your tween goes into the dance studio, have them head to the bathroom, wipe their underarms with the wipes, then apply more deodorant. This should do the trick and keep your child stink-free for the rest of the day!
- Cost: $7.44 for 6 wipes ($1.24 per wipe)
- From the EO website: Stay feeling fresh on the go with effective, natural, individually-wrapped wipes. The soothing scent of floral lavender calms your senses. No aluminum or other toxins.
- Shop: EO Natural Deodorant Wipes
- Cost: $13.99 for 2.5 oz and 0.35 oz travel-sized ($4.91 per ounce)
- From the Humble website: Humble deodorant is a natural, non-toxic deodorant that uses pure essential oils and botanical extracts for scent and avoids synthetic fragrances while helping keep you fresh and odor-free.
- Free From: Aluminum, alcohol, dyes, parabens or artificial fragrance. 100% Cruelty-Free.
- Shop: Humble Deodorant
Tips For Keeping Kids Stink-Free
- Start with an unscented natural deodorant. You’ll get a better idea of what brands work and what doesn’t work on your child without masking underlying odor with essential oils.
- Your child should shower 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 Deodorant wipes and a travel size deodorant in your bag before heading out. If your child notices body odor, have them head into a bathroom and wipe their underarms with deodorant wipes, then apply travel sized deodorant to keep odor under control.
- If your teen has sensitive skin, have them shave at night (if they shave) 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. Red meat, fish, highly processed foods, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, onions & garlic and spices like curry can increase body odor. Eat plenty of leafy greens!
- Different people have different bacteria making a home on their skin—your child’s body odor is unique. Managing body odor is equally individualized, so what works for one child may not work for another.
Avoid These Ingredients In Deodorant
- Aluminum- Aluminum salt is the active ingredient in antiperspirant. You may see it listed as aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium chlorohydrate. Although 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, this study was flawed due to lack of a control group. The American Cancer Society claims that there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of antiperspirant to an increased risk of breast cancer. Despite this lack of evidence, I still choose to use deodorant that doesn’t contain aluminum, and my teenagers also use deodorant that’s aluminum-free too (see the section on why it’s healthy to sweat).
- Triclosan- The FDA has classified Triclosan as a pesticide. Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent 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. Triclosan has also been linked with an increase in in vivo breast cancer cell growth.
- Parabens– Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of lip balm, deodorant, lotion, and other beauty products. The most commonly used are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Based on a study conducted at the University of California Berkeley, researchers found that parabens were able to stimulate breast cancer cell growth, even at concentrations 100 times lower than the natural growth factor heregulin. These findings suggest that paraben exposure doesn’t have to be high to lead to cancer growth. The European Union banned the use parabens in cosmetics in 2012.
- 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. Phthalates mimic hormones, interrupting hormone production. A 2018 review found that current human exposure to phthalates may have effects on the male reproductive system.
- Polyethylene glycol– Polyethylene glycol is used to make lotion thicker and better able to transport moisture to the skin. The manufacturing process and introduce impurities and by-products, such as ethylene oxides and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogenic materials.
- 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. Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption. Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors.
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References
- Sears ME, Kerr KJ, Bray RI. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sweat: a systematic review. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:184745. doi:10.1155/2012/184745
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312275/ - Stephen J. Genuis, Sanjay Beesoon, Detlef Birkholz, “Biomonitoring and Elimination of Perfluorinated Compounds and Polychlorinated Biphenyls through Perspiration: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study”, International Scholarly Research Notices, vol. 2013, Article ID 483832, 7 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/483832
- Genuis SJ, Beesoon S, Birkholz D, Lobo RA. Human excretion of bisphenol A: blood, urine, and sweat (BUS) study. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:185731. doi:10.1155/2012/185731
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3255175/ - Pan S, Yuan C, Tagmount A, Rudel RA, Ackerman JM, Yaswen P, Vulpe CD, Leitman DC. 2016. Parabens and human epidermal growth factor receptor ligand cross-talk in breast cancer cells. Environ Health Perspect 124:563–569; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409200
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1409200 - 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/ - Adke, 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 - Jang, H.J. et al. Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use. Toxicol Res. 2015 Jun; 31(2): 105–136.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4505343/ - 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 - 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/