From roll-ons to sprays and sticks, unearth your perfect match here…
Looking to go au naturel in the deodorant department? With the rise of new and improved formulas, making the switch has never been easier. From sprays to sticks, fragranced to scent-free, there’s a kinder-to-skin deodorant to suit everyone.
Although natural deodorants have been making waves for some time, many of us have been reluctant to give them a go and sticking to our trusted antiperspirants instead to keep us BO-free. Effective, yes, but for some these ‘traditional’ options can leave their underarms feeling sore, dry or itchy due to their pore-clogging formulas.
If this sounds familiar, it might well be time to make the switch and ditch the antiperspirant. Here we break down everything you need to know about natural deodorants – including our top 10 picks.
What is natural deodorant?
As with most ‘natural’ products, there’s no official certification of what makes a deodorant natural. According to Clive Birnie, co-owner and director at PitRok, ‘They contain naturally derived ingredients in place of the more commonly used chemicals.’
Common chemicals found in traditional antiperspirants include aluminium chlorohydrate and aluminium zirconium – which work by plugging the sweat glands to prevent perspiring. ‘It’s the blocking and swelling of pores that contributes to underarm skin irritation,’ says Clive.
In their place, natural deodorants use antibacterial agents, natural fragrance and essential oils that keep underarms smelling fresh without plugging sweat glands. And while this means they won’t prevent sweat per se, many contain powders (like arrowroot and bamboo powder) to help absorb moisture.
Does natural deodorant clog pores?
Several natural deodorants, like PitRok and Salt of the Earth, rely on pure mineral salts (including ammonium alum) to help prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria. ‘Because the size of the salt molecule is too large to enter the skin, the formula does not block pores,’ says Clive.
Other deodorising tech used by natural ingredient-based brands include essential oils for odour protection, coconut oil to moisturise and nourish skin, tapioca starch or cornstarch to help your pits stay dry and sodium bicarbonate to reduce underarm bacteria.
What to expect when switching to natural deodorant
There can be an initial adjustment period where it takes our bodies a little while to get used to the change in underarm care. ‘If you’ve been a long-term user of antiperspirant, your body will take some time to purge the residue,’ explains Clive.
This can lead to a period (of around two weeks) where armpits may smell unpleasant before the natural deodorant kicks in. Once it does, expect fresh underarms and, as many users report, reduced natural sweating over time.
Is natural deodorant safe?
‘All natural deodorants that are sold by reputable retailers like Boots are subject to the same product safety requirements of the UK and EU cosmetic regulations as the big brands,’ explains Clive. They have been through the rigorous product safety assessments required by UK law and are safe to use.
Does natural deodorant expire?
Yes, it does. ‘Like all cosmetic products, natural deodorants have an open jarsymbol on the label which indicates the shelf life of the product once opened,’ says Clive. For many, this is 12 months.
Does natural deodorant work?
Judging from the review section of some of our bestselling and top-rated natural deodorants, it looks like a definitive ‘yes’. You just have to pick the right one for your needs and skin type. From roll-ons to sprays, here’s 10 of the best natural deodorants that don’t sacrifice on performance…
Our top picks for the best natural deodorants
Best for sensitive skin
Try: PitROK Crystal Natural Deodorant Stick
• Size: 100g
• Alcohol & fragrance-free
• Suitable for vegans^
• Dermatologically tested
The ideal stick for sensitive skin, PitROK’s fragrance-free deodorant has been keeping underarms fresh since 1995. Powered by pure natural mineral salts, the dermatologically-tested formula provides day-long protection by preventing odour-causing bacteria from growing under arms. Simply swipe the deodorant onto wet skin, immediately after showering or bathing, or dampen the crystal first.
Best for winning awards
Try: Salt of the Earth Classic Natural Crystal Stick Deodorant
• Size: 90g
• Alcohol & fragrance-free
• Suitable for vegans^
Arguably one of the best natural deodorants available, this scent-free stick has attained star status with four beauty awards under its belt. Made from potassium alum (a natural mineral salt), this hero ingredient creates an invisible antibacterial layer on the skin’s surface to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria. The results? Effective, long-lasting protection that (thanks to zero synthetic additives) never suffocates pores – instead, skin can breathe easy.
Best for on a budget
Try: Sanex Natur Protect Fresh Efficacy Roll-On Deodorant
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologically tested
• Contains 0% aluminium salts
• Suitable for vegans^
A far cry from those wet, sticky deodorants of the past, this creamy roll-on effortlessly glides across skin, absorbing quickly for an ultra-comfortable feel. As for the formula, it contains natural bamboo powder to absorb wetness as well as a clean green scent to neutralise odour and provide all-day freshness. If you have sensitive skin, note that this deodorant does contain fragrance.
Best for spray deodorant
Try: Bulldog Bergamot & Sandalwood Natural Spray Deodorant
• Size: 125ml
• Dermatologically tested
• Suitable for vegans^
Don’t want to say goodbye to your spray deodorants? Bulldog gives you the best of both worlds, with 98% natural origin ingredients* that create a fresh but spicy, long-lasting scent. With up to 200 sprays (that’s about three months’ worth!) in a can, feel fresh for up to 24 hours.
Best for travel
Try: Mitchum Women Natural Power Coconut
• Size: 40g
• Creamy coconut fragrance
If you’re after a scented deodorant with good staying power, let us introduce you to Mitchum’s Natural Power. Laced with a creamy coconut fragrance blend, this deodorant stick seriously smells sublime – it’s crisp, light and lingers long after application. What’s more, the formula is aluminium-free and contains bamboo powder to absorb moisture and keep underarms fresh for hours (24, to be precise). Sold?
Best for sustainability
Try: Wild Pink Case & Cherry Blossom
• Size: 43g
• Aluminium-free
• Free from artificial fragrances
• Suitable for vegans^
Want to reduce your plastic use? Make the switch to this sustainable deodorant stick from Wild. Complete with a pink reusable aluminium case and a natural deodorant refill, this starter pack has everything you need to begin your plastic-free beauty regimen. Free from artificial fragrances and aluminium, the kind-to-skin formula contains tapioca starch to absorb moisture and natural floral notes to keep odour at bay.
Best for staying power
Try: Bulldog Original Natural Deodorant
• Size: 75ml
• Suitable for vegans^
• 100% natural fragrance
Protect against odour for up to 24 hours with Bulldog’s OG deodorant. With a blend of lemon, geranium and patchouli, the deodorant smells zesty but fresh – perfect for applying after using the matching Shower Gel.
Best for roll-on
Try: Salt of the Earth Lavender & Vanilla Natural Deodorant Roll-On
• Size: 75ml
• Suitable for vegans^
• Refillable case
Another top-rated roll-on from Salt of the Earth, this formula contains magnesium and soothing aloe vera, delivering long-lasting and effective protection from body odour. The deodorant itself can last up to six months – and once you’ve used it up, simply refill the roll-on for another six months of freshness!
Best for absorbing moisture
Try: Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant
• Size: 50g
• Suitable for sensitive skin
French skincare brand Caudalie has turned its attention to natural deodorants, with a gorgeously aromatic blend of eucalyptus and grape. The grape water-infused formula soothes and hydrates the skin while eliminating bacteria, leaving you feeling fresh all day long.
Best for a clean scent
Try: Wild Deodorant Refill Thunderstorm
• Size: 40g
• Refill for a Wild Deodorant case
• Suitable for vegans^
Wish you could bottle the scent of a thunderstorm, just after it’s passed? Wild achieves this fresh and exhilarating scent, using notes of fresh rain, green leaf and oakmoss. Simply pop this refill into your Wild deodorant case for effective protection against odour.
Natural deodorants: the verdict
If you’re looking to make the switch to natural deodorant, there’s never been a better time to try. Sensitive skin? Go for a fragrance-free formula. If you’re conscious about sweating, seek out sticks with drying mineral or plant powders. And for the sceptics – give Wild a whirl – it’s nothing short of an odour-busting miracle.
