It Can Be Hard to Find a Natural Deodorant That Works. These Are the Exceptions.

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Quick Overview

SUMMER HEAT MAY be gone, but you still need deodorant. While soaps and body wash rinse away sweat and grime, deodorant keeps odor at bay throughout the day by masking funky smells and killing odor-causing bacteria. So, it’s a crucial part of the defense—no matter the season. If you have sensitive skin or prefer eco-conscious products, natural deodorant is your best bet.

Best Natural Deodorants

Traditional deodorants use ingredients that may irritate skin or disrupt your body’s natural sweat response, like parabens, phthalates, or, most notably, aluminum. While the FDA does list aluminum as a safe ingredient to be used in deodorants or antiperspirants, to be clear, those with sensitive skin can still find it irritating.

This is because the ingredient can cause inflammation leading to itchiness and rash, as well as worsening dry skin conditions like eczema, says dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD. Not to mention, aluminum can inhibit the body’s natural sweat response by actively plugging pores with heavy metals that stop sweat from being excreted, she says.

Still, there is also a lot of noise out there regarding aluminum contributing to Alzheimer’s disease or cancer, but none have been substantiated. Still, natural alternatives skip this risk and instead rely on plant-based ingredients like essential oils, probiotics, and starches to combat odor and moisture.

Quick reminder: Deodorants do not block sweat; they mask body odor. Only an antiperspirant will do this, but there are no natural antiperspirants, as aluminum is required to plug sweat glands. So, natural deodorants are used as an alternative to both. Plus, they tend to be better for the environment by often using biodegradable ingredients or eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste and plastic pollution.

With all of this in mind, it’s fair to wonder why natural deodorants aren’t the norm. Well, these products have a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to their ability to last as long as traditional aluminum-filled options. While this does hold true for many natural deodorants, there are options on this list that last just as long, and in the case of Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Natural Deodorant, which lasts well over 24 hours, outperforms most traditional deodorants.

Salt and Stone Santal and Vetiver Natural Deodorant

Florence Sulivan

Salt and Stone incorporates hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract in its natural deodorant to eliminate bad odor, prevent underarm darkening, and deliver intense hydration, which is crucial for preventing funky smells, maintaining health skin, and ensuring proper sweat gland functioning. Not to mention, these ingredients will keep you smelling fresh from morning to night.

While most deodorants (natural and otherwise) have alcohol, which can cause blocked pores, irritation, and dryness, this vegan option leaves it out of the formula. But what really separates Salt and Stone from other brands is its killer natural fragrances.

The santal and vetiver scent smells so good; I’ve often worn it in lieu of cologne. This fresh, subtle sandalwood smell lasts too—all day. The lightweight formula glides on smoothly and soothes my skin. It’s the only natural deodorant I’ve tried that straight up outperforms many of my go-to standard sticks.

It never stains, never aggravates my skin, and rarely needs to be reapplied (only after working out or something especially sweaty). Whether you’re looking for a natural deodorant that smells great or one that’ll keep you protected from odor, Salt and Stone is the best option.

Read More: Best Deodorants for Men

Pros

Great, cologne quality scent
Long lasting, up to 24 hours
Sensitive skin friendly formula
Smooth application

Cons

One of the few options on this list over$20

Schmidt’s Sandalwood and Citrus Natural Deodorant

Florence Sullivan

Schmidt’s is a natural deodorant that skips the common bacteria-absorbing and odor-neutralizing baking soda, but still delivers. Packed with skin-friendly ingredients like magnesium and charcoal, it glides on smoothly, dries to a matte finish, and works for virtually all skin types, including sensitive. I have sensitive pits and have faced zero irritation when using this stuff.

The crisp citrus and spearmint scent feels fresh without being overpowering. With just a couple of swipes, you get all-day odor control. I’ll put this on after a pre-work shower and still smell it the next morning when I wake up. Pro tip: Warm the stick briefly against your skin before applying for a smoother glide. While it won’t block sweat, arrowroot and magnesium help absorb moisture and fight funk.

Pros

Sensitive skin friendlyy
Long lasting (up to 24 hours)
Baking soda free

Cons

A bit crumbly if you apply too fast

Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Natural Deodorant

Florence Sullivan

Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Natural Deodorant is one of the most reliable natural options out there. It goes on smooth, never stains, and keeps me smelling fresh with its crisp peppermint eucalyptus scent. The formula does use baking soda, so those with sensitive skin may want to look elsewhere. However, it also includes kaolin clay, which absorbs sweat, and hops—just like your favorite beer—to fight odor by neutralizing the growth of odor-causing bacteria (but not sweat, to be clear).

When I use this stick, my skin stays calm and clear. I’ve found that it can ward off odor in the midst of the sweatiest, stickiest summer outings, like a long run or a day at the beach. Plus, I’ve had a Hoppin’ Fresh stick last over three months. This thing’s a legit money saver.

Pros

Lasts well over a day
One stick lasts months
Can withstand heavy sweat sessions and heat

Hume Supernatural Fragrance Free Deodorant (2-Pack)

Florence Sullivan

Most natural deodorants, understandably, use a lot of fragrance to help mask odor. Somehow, this fragrance-free version neutralizes stink without the aid of added scent. It could be the probiotics in the formula that help to maintain good (non-stinky) bacteria. Or it could be voodoo, who knows? This Hume helped keep B.O. at bay during even the hottest days outside. While it doesn’t stop sweat like an antiperspirant, of course, the fragrance-free formula does keep you smelling fresh and clean, somehow. It’s just more like that fresh-out-of-the-shower clean, rather than cologned-up clean.

Pros

Fragrance free
Does not contain baking soda
Smooth roller design

Cons

Not ideal for heavy sweating

Native Vanilla and Sandalwood Deodorant

Florence Sullivan

Some natural deodorants ask you to change your routine—they don’t apply as easily as the traditional ones you’re used to. Native, however, goes on smoothly and doesn’t need to be warmed up or applied with your fingers. This clean vanilla and sandalwood scent is fresh without smelling fake.

The warm, woodsy fragrance is clean and masculine without being overpowering. It goes on cleanly, without any residue, thanks to the twist-up stick. Often natural deodorants, they have a looser texture, but this is the closest to the feel of a traditional stick.

So, if you’re going natural for the first time, it’s the perfect place to start. The included arrowroot and tea tree oil will leave you feeling fresh, and I’ve had one stick last about two months with daily use. This is another one with baking soda, however, so those sensitive might see a reaction (though I didn’t!).

Pros

Easy to apply
Subtle scent
One of the more traditional feeling natural deodorants

Cons

Most traditional feeling stick on this list

Malin and Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

Florence Sullivan

Fighting tough stains can be, well, tough. Enter Malin and Goetz’s natural deodorant. With a unique combination of citronellyl and eucalyptus extract, this transparent formula won’t leave any traces of residue on your favorite garments. It’s not the strongest deodorant, to be clear, as it will start to fade around the 12-hour mark.

But the cooling scent lasts longer than others that need to be reapplied often. Plus, the lightweight application goes on clear and seemingly evaporates in seconds. I’ve worn black T-shirts at the same time as wearing this deodorant without a trace.

Pros

Fresh, long-lasting scent
Contains naturally derived fragrance
Free of aluminum, baking soda and residue

Cons

The most expensive option on this list at $24

HUMBLE SIMPLE AND TRUE. Humble Brands Mountain Lavender Plastic-Free Deodorant

Florence Sullivan

Humble Brands Plastic-Free deodorant is made with just four clean ingredients plus essential oils, and it skips all the junk: no aluminum, parabens, dyes, or synthetic fragrances. The Mountain Lavender scent is earthy and calming, though it may be a bit too strong for those who don’t love an essential oil scent.

What really sold me, however, is the packaging—completely plastic-free, biodegradable, and even the ink is plant-based. Sure, it keeps me dry and odor-free all day, but I also feel good knowing it’s as gentle on my skin as it is on the planet. It’s no wonder Jason Momoa chose Humble to help launch his first deodorant.

Read More: Inside Jason Momoa’s Humble Deodorant

Pros

Made with just four natural ingredients
Free of any parabens, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
100 percent biodegrable and plastic free

Cons

Essential oil scent may be overpowering for some

Dr. Squatch Pine Tar Natural Deodorant

Florence Sullivan

No brand nails masculine, earthy scents quite like Dr. Squatch, and its natural deodorant is no different. The pine tar-scented option, especially, nails the peaceful fragrance of woods at dawn. In fact, it’s the closest I’ve gotten to the indescribable smell of waking up after a night camping in the Sequoia National Forest.

That being said, the deodorant isn’t confirmed to be entirely 100 percent natural. While every ingredient listed could be naturally derived, the brand only confirms 98 percent natural. Still, I never had a reaction with my sensitive skin, and there certainly isn’t any aluminum in the formula. While the application is clean and lightweight, Dr. Squatch also packs one of the longest-lasting scents on this list (up to 48 hours, in my experience).

Pros

Incredible woodsy scent
Long lasting scent (up to 48 hours)
Smooth application

Cons

May not be 100% natural, only confirmed to be 98%

What to Consider

What are the best natural deodorant ingredients?

Again, natural deodorants will never contain aluminum to block sweat. Instead, they use sweat-absorbing ingredients like arrowroot powder, clay, or tapioca starch to manage moisture without stopping sweat entirely. If you see aluminum listed, it’s not truly natural.

Many natural formulas include baking soda to fight odor and absorb wetness, but it can also irritate sensitive skin, causing redness or itching. For those with sensitive skin, baking soda-free options are a safer choice. Natural deodorants also feature soothing moisturizers like coconut oil or other plant-based oils, plus fragrances from essential oils to keep you fresh.

How important is scent in a natural deodorant?

Most natural deodorants mask odor with either synthetic fragrances, like limonene (found in orange peels) and linalool (from plants like lavender and basil), or natural essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or lemon. Neither is inherently better, just comes down to what scent you’re into. But keep in mind that while stronger scents may last longer, there is no guarantee for better odor protection.

Many natural deodorants include extra ingredients to fight odor after the scent fades, including bacterial absorbents like arrowroot, cornstarch, potassium alum, or zinc. If you have sensitive skin, heavy fragrances can still cause irritation, so opt for lighter or unscented formulas.

Are all natural deodorants cruelty-free?

If you’re going the natural deodorant route for environmental reasons, you’ll probably also want to look for cruelty-free options, which means that the product was not tested on animals. While many grooming products are tested on animals, natural deodorants often prioritize more ethical practices, choosing not to test on animals as part of their commitment to a clean, conscious lifestyle, Dr. Chacon says.

How We Selected

As a grooming editor who was raised on The Grateful Dead not far from Woodstock, I’m intimately familiar with natural, eco-friendly alternatives. For this story, I considered personal favorites and options with high ratings on major e-commerce sites like Amazon. Ultimately, I landed on over 20 natural deodorants to test throughout the past year.

I wore each for at least a week, judging scent, staying power, the way it felt on my skin, and how well they held up through workouts, stress, and overall sweat. From that hands-on testing, these are the eight best natural deodorants for men that actually perform.

Are Natural Deodorants Better for You?

The most common argument that natural deodorants are better for you is centered around aluminum. Some claim that aluminum is linked with Alzheimer’s disease, but older studies have been discredited, and there has been no discernible link found between aluminum and Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

It’s also been suggested that aluminum can increase your risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer in women. Dr. Chacon says that more research to determine a concrete link between either is needed, but early studies showing greater aluminum buildup in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers is concerning.

There is also usually conversation around preservative parabens, which some claim are linked to cancer as well, and other chemical ingredients that natural deodorants omit from their formulas. While, again, no studies have proven that these ingredients are directly linked to illnesses like cancer, many people like to err on the side of caution.

Apart from all this, traditional deodorants often contain ingredients that can irritate skin, like certain kinds of alcohol or artificial fragrances. Most natural deodorants seek to solve this problem by using naturally derived ingredients that may be more gentle on the skin. The bottom line is that there is no evidence that natural deodorants are better for you than traditional deodorants or antiperspirants; some simply prefer them for their lifestyle and skin.

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Additional reporting by Joseph Cheatham and Garrett Munce

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