I didn’t jump on the natural deodorant train right away because, like many of us, I tried a lot of options that just did. not. work.
But, after years of testing and giving my body time to adjust, I found several natural deodorants that actually work and they’ve now earned a permanent spot in my daily routine. If you’ve been wondering which aluminum-free deodorant to try or are frustrated by formulas that don’t deliver, I’ve got you covered.
Today, I’m sharing an update to my tried-and-true picks for the best natural and clean deodorants for women.
Why use a natural deodorant?
Switching to a natural, non-toxic deodorant means saying goodbye to questionable ingredients like aluminum, parabens and synthetic fragrances found in many deodorants. While recent research continues to evolve, I prefer to use clean deodorants that support my body’s natural detox process, especially since our underarms are so absorbent. Natural deodorants help your body do what it’s meant to do: release toxins and regulate temperature, all without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin.
Some ingredients commonly found in deodorants have been linked to diseases such as breast cancer but this has improved as the FDA has gotten better about what they don’t allow in consumer products.
Each of these deodorants prevent odor and are considered “clean beauty”.
The Best Natural Deodorants
How to Detox When Switching to Natural Deodorant
By the way, did you know that your body actually needs time to detox from conventional, chemical-forward deodorants? You have to give your system an adjustment period of 2-3 weeks to detox and adjust (i.e.; sweat out all the toxicity that’s been built up from run of the mill, drugstore deos) and it is not pleasant. So prepare yourself, take a lot of showers, wear breezy fabrics and know that it’ll be worth the effort to make the switch!
And I highly recommend using the MegaBabe Happy Pits Underarm Mask to help move the process along. It’s powered by charcoal and kaolin clay to draw out stubborn stink and impurities. Then, glycolic acid, willow bark and tea tree clear away dead skin cells and reduce underarm bumps, while vitamin C brightens.
Your armpits are left deeply cleansed, softer, smoother & brighter and I find myself reaching for this as a reset every quarter or so. I put it on before I get in the shower and let it work while I am in there and then rinse off. You can definitely use it more often though if you want!
Related: 24 of My Summer Necessities
Without further delay here are natural deodorants that actually work in my experience testing them.
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant Serene Clean, $18
If you prefer roller-ball deodorant this one is for you. It’s also great for workouts and that’s when I find myself reaching for it – before I do any sort of workout this is the deo I reach for. This one is designed to create a pH environment where it’s harder for odor-causing bacteria to survive.
The formula uses an acid blend to keep you from smelling. And I like that the serum isn’t sticky or hard to apply. It dries quickly and is non-staining.
My other use case is that it is lightweight and a great shape for travel. It isn’t as bulky as a stick deodorant so I always have one of these in my travel toiletries.
They have another scent, too “Beachy Clean” but I much prefer the OG.
Related: Kosas Cosmetics Review
evolvetogether Deodorant, $26
Credo Beauty always is introducing me to good brands and evolvetogether was one of the latest in the past year. I love, love, love this deo in scent Tulum.
This deodorant uses advanced enzyme technology to neutralize and absorb odors rather than simply masking them which is great if you tend to sweat a lot like me.
The product feels like a silky balm and glides on clear. Truly it’s the best sensorial experience! It doesn’t stain your skin or clothes and doesn’t leave any residue, build up, or white marks. Its heat-activated fragrance ensures you effuse scent, not sweat, and it smells like a fine fragrance (no, seriously!)
It’s been the winner of Allure’s “Best Deodorant Stick” (2023) and Marie Claire’s “Best Scented Deodorant” (2024) so others agree with how good this pricey yet performs well deodorant is. It’s also cuelty free, vegan and made responsibly.
This deodorant is made without talc, baking soda or aluminum and I love that it is housed in plastic-minimizing packaging. Dare I say it is a chic deodorant!?
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant, $20
This crisp, clean feeling deodorant has been in my rotation for a while. (The packaging has recently changed!)
It’s award-winning and I can understand why as it really works to keep underarm odor at bay while also effectively absorbing excess moisture. I think it is a great natural deodorant for sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a clean beauty deodorant that is aluminum-free and baking soda-free this is a solid option.
I like that this one has a cooling aroma on application and a super silky-smooth texture so gliding it on is no issue.
Necessaire Deodorant Gel, $20
I am a big fan of the Necessaire body products but I will admit that I didn’t like the Necessaire deodorants when I first tried it but I am so glad they have improved their formulas! I’ve been using both the Deodorant Gel and the Deodorant in solid stick form ever since they improved.
It comes in fragrance free but I prefer the eucalyptus scent for smelling fresh. This one gave good odor protection, it dries fast and the formula features mandelic acid to help combat odor and this ingredient also helps to brighten discoloration and smooth bumps under your arms.
Unlike other gel deodorants I have tried, there’s no residue and it is totally non sticky. If you’re not a fan of baking soda deodorants or are allergic to baking soda, this is a good option for you. It has no baking soda!
They have several scents available but I am a Eucalyptus gal through and through. Overall this deo checks a lot of boxes -it is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, EU compliant, certified vegan and cruelty-free.
Corpus California Natural Deodorant, $26
The award for best-smelling deo in my book goes to this one. This deo feels high end to me if that can even be a thing? It’s plant and mineral based and is formulated with naturally derived enzymes and plant extracts that have been clinically proved to help reduce body odor. It smells of sea salt, bergamot, white musk and jasmine. It easily glides on, doesn’t stain clothes and is long-lasting.
Corpus has several scents if you want to discover others but I highly recommend the California one.
Detox Mode Deodorant, $18
I haven’t used this one in a few years and it looks like the packaging has been updated but I trust Detox Market with their products and remember this being a good baking soda deo. It’s also formulated with skin-soothing cocoa butter and jojoba give you an effortless glide. And the scent is a warm one – that of citrus and cardamom.
. . .
Be sure to look at active ingredients in the ingredient list of deodorants as you shop. Ingredients like tea tree oil can help with body odor and natural ingredients like tapioca starch help absorb moisture.
I personally look for aluminum free deodorants as I don’t love the idea of applying aluminum to my body.
. . .
Shop the Edit of Best Natural Deodorants
Have you tried any of these deodorants? I’d love to hear if you have a favorite natural deo!
Two natural deodorants I didn’t like? Unfortunately despite all the hype I wasn’t a fan of Megababe’s or the Salt and Stone one people rave about. They both pilled immensely on me. (One even “shed” during a workout leaving little white deodorant pills all over my yoga mat…) Every body is different as we know, however! So what works for someone won’t work for all. This was just my personal experience with the various brands I’ve tested out over the last few years.
As mentioned above, I do love the Megababe Happy Pits Underarm Mask – definitely great for when you feel your underarm PH needs a reset!
You May Also Like:
This post contains affiliate links. Should you purchase something from an affiliate link, I may earn commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support of my work!
LOVE Ursa Major’s deodorant! It’s fantastic. I was a loyal Soapwalla user for years and it’s awesome, but I just got tired of having to worry about the consistency when I traveled. Ursa Major is the only natural roller one I’ve found to work well. I’ll have to give these other ones a shot at as well!
I just love how fresh it feels and the cooling affect! They really nailed the sensorial experience alongside the effectiveness. Let me know if you try the other two!
Caudalie’s is my fav!
I need to revisit it! I tried it years ago and it wasn’t strong enough working for me but I’m glad to know you love it!