The 31 Best Natural Deodorants to Keep You Fresh and Non-Stinky
There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking for the best natural deodorant. Most importantly of course, it has to actually work. A great natural deodorant needs to effectively mask and neutralize body odor without causing any irritation on your sensitive pits. Bonus points for nixing sweat, too. But all of that is much easier said than done.
What is natural deodorant?
For starters, know that the term “natural” is not FDA-regulated, so a brand could really slap it on any product (womp, womp). In the world of deodorants, though, it generally means that, at the very least, a product is aluminum-free or doesn't contain any other antiperspirant ingredients. Why? Because products with those ingredients are regulated as drugs rather than cosmetics. Normally, those ingredients work by actually plugging your sweat glands and preventing sweating, thereby also preventing the bacteria that cause B.O. from accumulating in your pits.
There is no definitive research proving that aluminum in antiperspirants is harmful, as SELF explained previously, but the ingredient has still fallen out of favor with some consumers.
What makes natural deodorant effective?
Without those ingredients, deodorants rely on fragrances—often from essential oils—to mask the smell of body odors rather than to prevent them from appearing. Some products might also contain ingredients that soak up oil and neutralize the smell, like kaolin clay, charcoal, or sodium chloride (salt). Others contain ingredients like tea tree oil, which has some antibacterial properties, according to recent research. Ultimately, there’s nothing inherently better or worse about this approach than that of an antiperspirant, so really, your choice comes down to personal preference.
It’s also important to remember, though, that “natural” does not automatically mean safe—especially for those with sensitive skin. In fact, botanical extracts and essential oils are some of the most common skin irritants out there, SELF explained previously. Baking soda, another common deodorant ingredient used to neutralize body odor, is also a common irritant. So know that choosing a deodorant over an antiperspirant isn’t a guarantee that you won’t have a bad reaction.
And, of course, just take one look at the reviews for any deodorant and you’ll realize how individual people’s preferences are. Finding the best natural deodorant for your skin will probably take some trial and error. But, in general, take a look at the ingredients, especially keeping an eye out for potential irritants, ingredients that can neutralize odor or bacteria (like kaolin clay, charcoal, or tea tree oil), moisturizing ingredients, and a fragrance you’ll actually enjoy wearing (or none at all, if that’s your thing).
To help you narrow down your options, here are our picks that range from pastes to sticks to sprays. Some come recommended by current and former SELF staffers, and the rest are highly rated, outstanding deodorants we've covered before.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1
Crystal Deodorant Stick
“I used this throughout the pandemic, because no one was around me to smell me as I tried it. My body did take about a week to adjust, so I did smell for a little while, but now I love it. It's a crystal so it feels kind of rough on the skin until you get used to it. It works very well and hides the stink. Unless someone has their face in your armpit, they won't smell your natural body odor. The two downsides: It can get messy, because you have to use water to activate it, and you have to apply it a few times throughout the day (which is pretty normal for aluminum-free formulas). If you really want to make the switch, this is a great deodorant to start with. Pro tip: If you're not digging the unscented vibe, my suggestion is to apply lotion, perfume, body spray, etc. on your pits afterwards." —Jenifer Calle, senior commerce editor
- 2
Lululemon Black Pepper Sandalwood Anti-Stink Deodorant
“I have long been on the lookout for a more traditionally “masculine” scented deodorant. I've tried a lot of products “for men,” but everything I've tried is either too strong or too reminiscent of pungent frat bro body sprays. So I love this SELF-approved Lululemon spray—the black pepper and sandalwood scents are subtle and clean. I'm typically an unscented deodorant fan, but this doesn't smell “deodoranty” (you know what I mean!) and it's my go-to.” —Anna Borges, former senior health editor
- 3
Megababe The Geo Deo
“Megababe’s Geo Deo is formulated with baking soda (some people are sensitive to this ingredient, so always do a patch test) and kaolin clay to soak up moisture without aluminum. It’s fragranced with eucalyptus, cedarwood, and mint oils, which comes off a little strong at first, but it fades once the deo soaks in. Since I received this product to test a month ago, I’ve worn it before all of my workouts and even swiped it on before wearing my toastiest sweaters, and while I do still sweat (The Geo Deo is not an antiperspirant or miracle worker, after all), you can bet there is not a single waft of B.O. I am, honestly, floored. Though this deo leaves a white cast, I hereby declare that we can collectively look past it. Why? Because you won’t be smelly. And that, my friends, is enough.” —Sarah Madaus, commerce writer
- 4
Type:A Clean Crisp Citron Aluminum-Free Deodorant
"I've been loving Type:A. It's "sweat-activated," and while I'm not sure if the science checks out, I know it keeps me drier than most brands I've tried (even during intense workouts). It also has a pleasant smell, it doesn't irritate my skin (maybe it's the aloe?), and the cream formula is easy to squeeze out and doesn't leave my underarms feeling wet—a problem I've experienced with other natural deos." —Cathryne Keller, associate wellness director
- 5
Tom’s of Maine Long-Lasting Deodorant in Wild Lavender
“I have a soft spot for Tom's of Maine products, and I'm a sucker for anything lavender-scented, so this is pretty much my ideal deodorant. It hits the sweet spot between granola and effective. The lavender is intense but not overpowering, and lingers just enough. It's also super-duper gentle, seems to last all day, and never leaves a white cast.” —Carolyn Todd, news writer
- 6
Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant
“I've tried many different natural deodorants over the years, but nothing hid my pit stink (which bothers me the most of all), especially in the hottest months of summer. A very patient friend listened to me complain about this problem and suggested Native deodorant—specifically the one scented with coconut and vanilla. Within hours, I'd popped into a drug store and picked up a tube, and it's now my favorite. I like how its texture is consistent and not slippery like some deodorants. Its scent reminds me of tropical paradises and is strong enough to hide my smell without being too strong. Plus, it lasts for hours. Sometimes, I find myself even applying it before bed.” —Malia Griggs, commerce editor
- 7
Kosas Sport Chemistry Deodorant
“I saw a lot of buzz about this deodorant from beauty editors on Instagram. I went to Sephora and scooped it up as soon as I could because I love the idea of using AHAs in deodorant to fight odor rather than aluminum. Kosas Sport is also formulated with brightening mandelic and lactic acids and has a really nice unisex orange, lavender, and ylang-ylang scent (there's a fragrance free version, too). It has a wet, roll-on feel which I don't love at first, but it soaks in pretty quickly. For high-sweat days, I need a few applications throughout the day to keep B.O. at bay, but for normal days, a few swipes in the morning is just fine.” —S.M.
- 8
HIKI Tangerine Deodorant
Hiki is a genderless lineup of full-body sweat products that aims to de-stigmatize everyday bodily functions. Writer Ali Francis previously reviewed the line and raved about the brand's tangerine-scented deodorant, saying that it “lets summer live on in my pits while cutting their stank (and notably skips baking soda for a silica and zinc base).”
- 9
Schmidt’s Sage + Vetiver Hemp Seed Oil Enriched Natural Deodorant
“This has quickly become my go-to daily deodorant. It warms up quickly so that it’s easily spreadable, feels moisturizing on my underarms, and has an elevated-yet-earthy scent I find really pleasant. The fragrance goes on strong at first (almost a little too strong for me), but fades over the course of the day. When I’m just working from home, I only need to apply it once a day.” —Sarah Jacoby, former associate news director
- 10
Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda-Free Deodorant Cream
“I've been out of the natural deodorant game for a while now (the summers in New York are too intense for anything less than antiperspirant, in my humble opinion), but back in the day when I was dabbling, my absolute favorite was this one from Meow Meow Tweet. Not only is the packaging adorable, but the lemony grapefruit scent is also long-lasting, a huge plus for anyone who worries about getting fusty by midday. It smells like a delicious cake batter, and since my underarms are sensitive, I appreciate that there's no baking soda in it. Knowing how personal deodorants are, Meow Meow Tweet also offers this in a twist-up stick form, and in baking soda varieties (lavender and tea tree scents), but I find that the stick is kind of hard to use effectively. Once you get over the hurdle of having to scoop this paste out with your fingers, the jar is really the way to go.” —Lori Keong, commerce contributor
- 11
Secret Aluminum-Free Deodorant, Coconut Scent (3-Pack)
If you're a fan of Secret deodorants but hoping to go natural, the brand has this coconut-scented twist-up stick that is aluminum-free (and free of dyes and talc too). Reviewers love the sweet coconut fragrance, how it holds its own during sweaty workouts, its silky, smooth texture, and the low price point.
- 12
Dove 0% Aluminum Sensitive Skin Deodorant Stick
“When I was using antiperspirants, I was pretty loyal to Dove sticks because I knew they would always be gentle on my sensitive skin. So I’ve really enjoyed using this one as well, which is made with extra-moisturizing ingredients to keep my pits smooth and calm. This is the one I reach for when I’m working out because the scent is mild (I don’t really want to smell like perfume while boxing) but still effective.” —S.J.
- 13
Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant
Megababe’s original Rosy Pits aluminum-free deodorant quickly became a favorite in the world of natural beauty products—but floral scents aren’t for everyone! This take on the original has a citrusy fragrance as well as green tea, sage, and sandalwood oils. It also contains cornstarch to soak up sweat, and vitamin E, aloe, glycerin, and coconut oil to keep the pits hydrated and healthy.
- 14
Hatch Fresh Mama Deodorant
“I didn’t start using any ‘natural’ or aluminum-free deodorants until I got pregnant and, let me tell you, the switch was no walk in the park. I had a particularly bad run-in with a formula that contained baking soda which irritated my skin to no end, so I was extremely excited when Hatch launched this Mama-Safe option. It glides on smooth and actually works (as long as you reapply), and I love that it contains coconut oil, which provides some much-needed moisture to my underarms.” —Shanna Shippin, commerce managing editor
- 15
Aesop Herbal Deodorant
Aesop products are undoubtedly a personal care status symbol (we love the brand's Post Poo Drops), and this spray-on deodorant from the Certified Cool brand proves there's substance behind the style. It has a fresh (not floral) herbal scent derived from essential oils that promises to last all day long, even if you're prone to strong body odor. Plus, the spray formula doesn't get sticky or leave a white cast.
- 16
Saje Peaceful Warrior Deodorant
“I sweat. A lot. And unfortunately, my sweat can be pretty stinky to the point where the scent bothers me. I've tried so many kinds of deodorant, but this is the one I keep coming back to. I love that it's not overly scented like some other products, meaning it doesn't mask my stinky sweat with a cloying artificial fragrance, or worse, mix with my sweat to make an entirely new unpleasant odor. Instead, it neutralizes my B.O. and makes me feel much more refreshed throughout the entire day.” —Melissa Matthews, associate health director
- 17
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
This deodorant contains kaolin clay, baking soda, and tapioca starch to fight body odor, as well as moisturizing shea butter and royal jelly. This version comes in a refreshing eucalyptus scent with added peppermint, rosemary, and grapefruit oils.
- 18
Athena Club All Day Deo
Athena Club's products are free of harsh chemicals, additives, and dyes—including their aluminum-free deodorant, made of diatomaceous earth (fossilized phytoplankton), soothing chamomile extract, coconut oil, antibacterial sage oil, and absorbent tapioca starch in lieu of baking soda. Choose scent No. 1 for a beachy, floral fragrance with notes of bergamot zest, peaches, and cocoa butter, and No. 2 for a springier rose, sage, lime, vanilla, and cedarwood smell.
- 19
Lavanila the Healthy Deodorant Sports Luxe
“When I'm looking to take a break from antiperspirants, Lavanila's sport luxe solid-stick deodorant is one of the first products I reach for. I love how the deodorant feels silky smooth under my arms, plus it has a mild vanilla-tinged smell that isn't overpowering (and actually pretty delightful). It's even tough enough to last through more than a few "Yoga With Adriene" videos on YouTube.” —Tiffany Dodson, former associate market editor
- 20
Jason Purifying Tea Tree Deodorant Stick (3-Pack)
Tea tree oil may have some antibacterial effects, SELF explained previously, which makes it a good choice for neutralizing odor when the traditional antiperspirant ingredients aren’t an option. In this deodorant, tea tree oil is combined with cornstarch and baking soda to further soak up sweat and manage odor.
- 21
Kopari Beauty Original Coconut Deodorant
“Here's another of my favorites that I used to use and love. It has a coconut oil base that glides over skin and a really gentle coconut scent. I love how soft the texture is (so it doesn't get crumbly and sticky on your underarms), and how light it feels, without any baking soda in there to cause irritation. The only thing about this natural deodorant is that you do need to re-up every few hours, and I wouldn't recommend wearing it to mask your funk in summer. This is definitely sweater weather material.” —L.K.
- 22
By Humankind Deodorant
This vegan deodorant comes in a few scents, and is aluminum-free and moisturizing thanks to the addition of squalane and jojoba oils. It also comes in eco-conscious reusable packaging, so after your first order you can just buy refills. However, this one does contain baking soda, which can be irritating to some people.
- 23
Myro Big Dipper Deodorant
Myro’s aluminum- and paraben-free deodorants come in distinctive reusable cases, so you can just order refills after your first one—and switch up your scents as you go. They contain cornstarch to absorb sweat and aloe to calm irritation. The Big Dipper deodorant has a bergamot, lavender, and vetiver fragrance that's woodsy and genderless.
- 24
Taos Aer Citrus Vetivert Extra Strength Deodorant
What sets Taos' deo apart from the masses is its texture. It slides on like a gel, and dries as a powder to absorb sweat droplets (and B.O). It has a plant-based formula and smells luxuriously citrusy.
- 25
Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Deodorant
Black-owned beauty brand Briogeo is known for its high-performing hair-care products, but, with a tea tree and eucalyptus fragrance, aluminum- and talc-free formula, and a smooth consistency, its deodorant shouldn't be overlooked, either.
- 26
EO Organic Deodorant Spray, French Lavender
If you prefer a spray over a stick, this ultra-simple formula might be an ideal pick for you. It’s essentially just water and a fragrant essential oil, like lavender, which can mask (but not prevent) sweating or B.O.
- 27
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Deodorant
A deodorant that looks good enough that you'll want to display on your dresser is hard to find. Several reviewers were surprised at how long-lasting this Mason Louis Marie deodorant actually was, given the fact that it's natural. It has an earthy fragrance, is baking soda-free, and is made with grapeseed oil and coconut milk to soothe and moisturize.
- 28
Native Unscented Deodorant
"Sometimes I want my pits to smell like... nothing. Not sweat, but not flower gardens or tropical havens, either. This unscented Native deodorant does the trick. It has a warm, neutral, pleasant, barely-there natural scent owing to a combination of shea butter, coconut oil, and baking soda. The shea butter and coconut oil also make this stick feel smooth and moisturizing without being sticky. Love!" —C.T.
- 29
Each & Every Aluminum-Free Deodorant
“When these Each & Every deodorant launches came across my desk, I had my doubts, to say the least. I had just tweeted about how all aluminum-free deodorants claim to work and never do. And as a part-time cycling instructor and full-time sweaty person, I need underarm protection that’s going to do its job. I was pleasantly surprised by the Juniper & Mint scent, though; it’s like a gin and tonic for your pits. I tested it out on my rest day, and after the day was done, the only B.O. I smelled was from the guy next to me on the subway. I think I’ll actually keep this one around for all my low-sweat days.” —S.M.
- 30
Pacifica Watermelon Rainbow Clean Deodorant
Pacifica’s line of deodorants includes this juicy, sweet, fresh watermelon scent that’s perfect for warmer months. It’s baking soda-free but does include ingredients like tapioca starch and diatomaceous earth to reduce sweat, as well as moisturizing glycerin.
- 31
Lush the Greench
Some people find that powders work better for them than stick formulas, and Lush has a few great options to pick from. This one contains talc, tea tree oil, and baking soda to neutralize odor.
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