The 7 Best Natural Deodorants, According to Dermatologists

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The best natural deodorants have effective odor-fighting ingredients and no aluminum or chemicals.
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You probably have at least one friend who talks about how they ‌only‌ use natural deodorant. But what is natural deodorant, exactly, and how is it different from regular deodorant?

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There's no exact definition, but all of these products avoid using one key ingredient: "A natural deodorant is one which lacks aluminum, an ingredient used to block sweat production," says Donna Hart, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.

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Instead of blocking the actual production of sweat — the way a regular antiperspirant does — a natural deodorant aims to block the odor caused when sweat mixes with the natural bacteria on your skin.

"Some consumers may not want to alter their natural sweat production, but instead focus on controlling unwanted odor associated with sweating," Dr. Hart says. "Natural deodorants focus on using ingredients that have natural antibiotic properties to fight odor-producing bacteria that thrive in these sweaty environments."

Purvisha Patel, MD, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee, believes the best natural deodorants "decrease microbe growth as well as smell great."

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Here are their recommendations when it comes to the best natural deodorants.

The Best Natural Deodorants

How We Chose

We asked Dr. Hart and Dr. Patel for their top picks based on criteria including:

  • Odor-fighting ingredients
  • No aluminum
  • Good customer reviews

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Find more info on how we choose and cover products.

1. Best Overall: Native Deodorant

Made with coconut oil, shea butter and probiotics, this deodorant sounds good enough to eat!

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Dr. Hart recommends this deodorant because it feels light, isn't sticky, has a wide range of scents and is paraben-free. It's also cruelty-free, having never been tested on animals.

One Amazon user who has tried many deodorants raves that this brand is the best because "it smells good, it doesn't leave oil stains on my clothes, and it glides on without feeling like it's ripping my underarm skin." What else could you ask for?

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Buy it‌: Amazon (From $11.67); Native ($13; $11 with subscription)

2. Best on a Budget: Tom's of Maine

You've probably seen this deodorant before, because it's pretty much everywhere, which is why Dr. Patel recommends it. Starting at $5.99 for some single sticks, it's also extremely budget-friendly.

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This deodorant is aluminum-free and cruelty-free, with no artificial colors, fragrances or preservatives. If you prefer unscented, you can get three sticks for under $24. You can't beat a classic!

Buy it:Amazon (From $5.99); Walmart ($9.80 for 1)

3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Dr. Hart says this one is "great for super-sensitive skin types, as it is free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasers."

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It's also baking soda-free, alcohol-free, talc-free and gluten-free, and it contains no botanical extracts, all of which is good for people who's skin is on the sensitive side.

Buy it:Amazon; ‌Price:‌ $9.36

4. Best Spray: Visha Skincare Cheek 2 Feet

Dr. Patel (who is the founder of Visha Skincare) recommends this deodorant because "it contains zinc, tea tree oil and witch hazel to naturally deodorize, but can be used on the scalp and body as well."

Indeed, this 4-in-1 gentle and nourishing spray can be used on your entire body to help decrease pore blockage that comes from sweat and friction.

One Amazon user says it has really helped with her daughter's acne and "worked right away."

Buy it:Amazon ($24.99); Visha Skincare ($25)

5. Best Solid: Schmidt's

This all-natural deodorant is third-party tested by Ecocert, so you know it's the real deal. It's vegan and contains no aluminum salts, artificial fragrance, filler ingredients, propylene glycol, phthalates or parabens.

The scent is a fresh yet spicy blend of oak, fir and citrus, and it contains coconut oil to help nourish your skin and magnesium hydroxide to keep you smelling fresh.

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Buy it:Amazon; ‌Price:‌ $14.97

6. Best Cream: PiperWai Natural Activated Charcoal Deodorant

This creamy deodorant is made with activated charcoal, coconut oil and shea butter, creating a soothing moisturizer that's heaven to your skin.

It's vegan and cruelty-free, and the packaging is produced from recycled ocean waste plastic and post-consumer recycled material, so you know it's eco-friendly.

Dr. Patel recommends this one because it's "good for the hard-to-reach areas, like in between your toes!"

Buy it:Amazon ($20); Piper Wai ($18)

7. Best Unscented: Lume Natural Deodorant

Lume has been clinically proven to block odor and promises as many as 72 hours of odor-free protection.

It's phthalate-free, sulfate-free, baking soda-free, aluminum-free and paraben-free. Dr. Patel recommends this one because it's specifically designed for sensitive areas, such as your armpits and private parts.

Buy it:Amazon ($26.98 for 2); Lume Deodorant ($14.99 for 1)

What to Look for in a Natural Deodorant

Keep in mind there's no official definition when it comes to natural deodorant, and there's no research to show that a product with "natural" on the label is better or healthier than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant.

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1. No Aluminum

Natural deodorants contain no aluminum. You may have heard that the aluminum in antiperspirant is bad for you, but claims that it's linked to breast cancer or Alzheimer's have been debunked.

With that said, there's nothing wrong with going for a natural deodorant, as long as you have the right expectations.

2. Odor-Blocking and Sweat-Absorbing Ingredients

"Technically, the only FDA-approved antiperspirant (or sweat-blocking) ingredients are aluminum salts," Dr. Hart says. "So, aluminum-free products focus on absorbing sweat with ingredients such as baking soda, arrowroot powder and charcoal."

These can be effective, but Dr. Hart cautions that they might be no match for heavy sweating.

3. A Smell You Like

This one is a personal choice, but keep in mind that something you'll be wearing all day should have a smell you enjoy or can at least tolerate for that long.

Pro tip: If you have sensitive skin, consider opting for an unscented stick to avoid possible irritation.

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.