7 best natural deodorants that will keep you fresh

Thought natural deodorants were less effective? These vegan deodorants will keep you feeling fresh all day long without harmful ingredients.

Read Time:   |  18th May 2023


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Thought natural deodorants were less effective? Think again! These vegan deodorants will keep you feeling fresh all day long without the need for harmful ingredients.

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Natural deodorants have not had the best reputation since they first started gaining steam and they probably deserved it.

The first natural deodorants to hit the market were not up to par in keeping us fresh and clean.

The first couple I tried went on clumpy and dried out my skin. They also left me stinky just hours later, even if I was just headed to the office.

However, as people continued to search for a healthier alternative from the aluminium-laden deodorants that filled the shelves, and our bathroom counters, brands stepped up to the task to bring us better options.

Now, natural deodorant is becoming the norm across the globe and the benefits are undeniable.

Jump to best natural deodorants

What are natural deodorants?

The biggest difference between traditional antiperspirants and the new wave of deodorants is the addition of aluminium.

Aluminium is an ingredient that is used to block the sweat ducts. It’s said to be linked to bad health side effects and possibly even linked to breast cancer, although there is no evidence to suggest a link between aluminium and cancer.

Natural deodorants prevent body odour and bacteria by using essential oils and other ingredients.

What are natural deodorants made from?

Common ingredients include coconut oil, tea tree oil, bamboo, and magnesium.

Ingredients such as baking soda, arrowroot, and cornstarch are usually present and they also often include essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood, or bergamot for a nice scent.

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Natural deodorants swap aluminium for all-natural ingredients to leave you smelling clean and fresh

Natural deodorants swap aluminium for all-natural ingredients to leave you smelling clean and fresh

What are the benefits of natural deodorants?

While it might sound odd, one of the biggest benefits of switching to a natural deodorant is that the product allows you to sweat.

Sweating is your body’s natural cooling mechanism and is how our bodies regulate temperature.

Our sweat leaves our skin through its pores and evaporates once outside the body, which helps to cool you down.

Natural deodorant also stops odour naturally. It is indeed not sweating that causes body odour, but rather sweat combined with bacteria on our skin.

As we mentioned above, coconut oil and tea tree oil are common ingredients in natural deodorants that help to combat bacteria and are natural disinfectants. They help to kill the bad bacteria on our skin to keep it from smelling.

Finally, natural deodorant is better for your skin and for your health. Using plant-based ingredients instead of traditional aluminium helps to keep your skin free of artificial fragrances and preservatives which have negative health side effects.

Do natural deodorants stain?

Unfortunately, some natural products such as coconut oil can cause stains when they interact with sweat. The residue is more likely to get on your clothes, especially if your deodorant wasn’t applied evenly.

To avoid stains, be sure to use a product that easily glides on your skin so that it is applied evenly. Additionally, when possible, allow the deodorant to fully dry before getting dressed.

Luckily, if you do happen to get stains from natural deodorant it is much easier to wash them out versus the traditional yellow pit stains we are used to from aluminium antiperspirants.

Many come right out in the laundry without any special scrubbing.

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Some natural products such as coconut oil can cause stains when they interact with sweat.

Some natural products such as coconut oil can cause stains when they interact with sweat.

Are natural deodorants suitable for sensitive skin?

Most natural deodorants are more gentle than their traditional aluminum-containing counterparts.

The one exception is some natural ingredients, like baking soda, can actually be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

If you have sensitive skin, opt for brands that use ingredients such as arrowroot instead of baking soda as it is much gentler on the skin.

Look for formulas with moisturizing ingredients as well like coconut oil or shea butter. Additionally, many natural deodorant brands have a regular and a sensitive formula for just these occasions.

Are natural deodorants ever not vegan?

Some brands do occasionally contain animal ingredients, most commonly beeswax. However, it is very easy to find brands that are 100% vegan.

Keep reading to find the best natural deodorants that are 100% vegan.

Best natural deodorants

1. Fussy  Refillable Deodorant
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Fussy deodorant

With sustainability being at the forefront of our minds, Fussy prides itself on being a sustainable deodorant which is backed by sciences.

As seen on Dragons’ Den, Fussy refills are plastic-free and come with a stylish case which comes in a range of colours to fit your style, with one plastic-free refill lasting between 4-8 weeks. Fussy’s unique probiotic deodorant neutralises bodily odours using 100% natural ingredients and contains no aluminium, parabens, or sulfates.

Choose from a variety of natural fragrances including floral, mint, and citrus.

2. Mitchum Women 24HR Natural Vegan Deodorant Stick
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Neutralise odour naturally with Mitchum Women 24HR Natural vegan deodorant stick. Made with 96% natural ingredients, this deodorant stick is free from aluminium (this is found in antiperspirants and is used to block your sweat duct to prevent perspiration), alcohol, and preservatives.

What’s more, its dermatologist-tested and non-irritating makes it perfect to use on your underarms even with sensitive skin. Enjoy the sweet smell of coconut with up to 24-hour odour protection.

3. Wild – Natural Refillable Deodorant
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Single-use plastic deodorant holders, which are often non-recyclable, generate a staggering amount of waste pollution.

Thankfully, Wild has created a reusable (and stylish) deodorant applicator and plastic-free deodorant refill which is made from bamboo pulp. With a mission to transform ‘throwaway’ culture, Wild’s simple refill system helps you to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste whilst and keep you feeling fresh.

Powered by plants, Its all-natural deodorants are chemical-free and prevent odour and bacteria and keep your underarms fresh for up to 24 hours. Choose from a range of divine-smelling refills including Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt.

4. Earth Conscious 100% Natural Solid Deodorant Bare Bar
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If you want to minimise your plastic usage, why not try Earth Conscious 100% Natural deodorant Bare Bar? Similar in appearance to a bar of soap, the Bare Bar is free from plastic, paraben, palm oil, and is 100% vegan. Enjoy natural fragrances such as Jasmine & Rose, and Lavender & Tea Tree.

Made in the Isle of Wight, Bare bar is expertly formulated using ethically sourced and organic ingredients that neutralise body odour, keeping you fresh all day. What’s more, a 90g can last up to 3-4 months with daily use.

With every sale, Earth Conscious will donate 10p to the Marine Conservation Society.

5. The Natural Deodorant Co
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Our biggest pet peeve is when some deodorants leave us with white marks on our underarms that often rub off onto our clothes.

Thankfully, The Natural Deodorant Co has developed an extra strength, natural clay-style deodorant that leaves no white marks or sticky feeling. The active formula absorbs instantly thanks to magnesium, the light powdered finish keeps you feeling dry all day.

According to The Natural Deodorant Co, stick deodorants which touch sweaty armpits every day can harbour germs, but the brand’s innovative packaging means you simply take a small amount with clean dry hands and apply to your underarms, leaving the remaining mixture clean. It’s also plastic free and made from recyclable materials.

6. Salt of the Earth Plastic Free Effective Natural Deodorant Crystal Stick
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One of the most popular natural deodorants, Salt of the Earth’s famous crystal stick is now available in an eco-friendly cardboard box instead of its signature plastic case.

Free from aluminium chlorohydrate, alcohol, and synthetic chemicals, Salt of the Earth is gentle on the sick and contains natural mineral salt.

This fragrance-free provides long-lasting protection and leaves no white marks.

7. Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Deodorant
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Dr.Organic deodorant

Famous for its organic skincare, Dr Organic’s Moroccan Argan Oil Deodorant is the perfect deodorant to help your underarms feel restored and hydrated whilst providing all-day protection, keeping you fresh.

Dr Organic’s deodorant is vegan and cruelty-free and is free from alcohol, aluminium, paraben, and SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate). If shaving your underarms is your thing, this product soothes chafed skin thanks to the moisturising Moroccan Argan oil.

Other natural ingredients include aloe vera and sunflower oil to give that smooth feeling.

How to make your own vegan deodorant

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Written by

Jackie Lutze

Jackie is a writer and fashion designer living in Colorado. She's dedicated to discovering the best in cruelty-free fashion, beauty, and food and sharing it with her readers. When she's not working you can find her at the golf course, in the mountains with her rescue pup, or in the kitchen.

Also written by

Molly Pickering

Molly is the Digital Executive and former podcast host at Anthem's Vegan Food & Living, she also works across other titles including Women's Running and Classic Pop to create affiliate content for the website. Starting out as a Digital Marketing Apprentice at Vegan Food & Living in 2021, within 14 months Molly was shortlisted for ‘Best Editorial Assistant’ at the BSME Talent Awards 2022 and won the BCS Special Recognition award for Digital Marketing Apprentice of the Year in 2022

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