HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT NATURAL DEODORANT FOR YOUR NEEDS.

What is the most effective natural deodorant? How do you choose the best aluminum free deodorant for your needs? Are natural deodorants for women different than those for men?

Nowadays many of us want to avoid the aluminum and preservatives that come with most traditional antiperspirants and are taking a closer look at clean beauty brands. If you’ve thought about using natural deodorant (or tried them in the past), before you assume they don’t work, you should know this —it’s personal.

Deodorants are not “one-size-fits-all”. Your skin and body chemistry are one of a kind. The right formula delivers the odor protection you need. The wrong formula can leave you smelling funky or irritate those with sensitive skin.

This simple guide provides tips on choosing the right formula for your needs with recommendations for men, women, teens and even those with sensitive skin.

How to use this guide.

Because your needs are unique and what works for us might not work for you, we decided not to provide specific ratings for each deodorant. Instead, we provide tips and guidance based on our own experience and that of our customers to help you narrow down your choices.

But first…

5 THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT SWITCHING TO NATURAL DEODORANT

1. You'll need to make peace with a little perspiration.

No natural deodorant will fully substitute for antiperspirant. Clean deodorant is formulated to keep you feeling and smelling fresh. While many contain ingredients to absorb wetness, they won’t stop you sweating – and that’s kind of the point. 

2. Deodorants are not "one-size-fits-all".

What works for me might not be right for you. Some blends just work better with your body chemistry than others. 

3. Your deodorant doesn't care if you are male or female.

Just find a scent you love that works with your body chemistry.

4. Some brands just work better than others.

Each deodorant formula is unique and has a combination of ingredients to tackle odor and wetness. Some just mask odors, while others (like our best selling Axilla) completely eliminate it. If you sweat a lot, look for a deodorant with clay which is soothing and extra absorbent.  

5. There might be an adjustment period 

Making the switch to a natural deodorant is simple for most people. But each body is different and just occasionally some armpits need a week or so to adjust.

Having trouble giving your antiperspirant?

Don’t sweat it. There are some special occasions when we just don't want to sweat. Just try and replace your anti-perspirant on regular days to allow your body to work properly and avoid potentially harmful chemicals.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DEODORANT FOR YOUR NEEDS

What causes body odor?

Like sweat, body odor is natural and normal. It is caused when sweat mixes with the microscopic bacteria, which live naturally on our skin. The bacteria can multiply quickly causing the dreaded funky smell we all want to avoid.

The problem with many natural deodorants is they do a poor job neutralizing this odor causing bacteria. Some just temporarily mask odors and you end up smelling like you haven't showered in a week or, just as frustrating, they stop working part way through your day. 

Because each of our needs are different, we provide an overview based on customer feedback and of how well each deodorant worked for us in terms of odor control, moisture control and wear (staying power). Please keep in mind this is just a guide and it sometimes takes a bit of trial and error to find out which deodorant works best with your body chemistry.

Only deodorants made with natural and organic ingredient and formulated without harmful chemicals or additives make our shelves. All of our deodorants are aluminum free and free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petroleum, phosphates, DEA, or dyes.

Scroll down to see our favorites for women, men and anyone with sensitive skin. All of our deodorants are also safe for kids.

Strange but true: If you have dry earwax (as opposed to wet & sticky) you might not need any deodorant. Turns out you might be missing the gene which causes sweating and BO. Apparently a small change in a gene know as ABCC11 is connected to both underarm odor production and whether or not a person as wet or dry earwax.

THE BEST NATURAL DEODORANT FOR WOMEN, MEN & TEENS

1. Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste, $18

Suitable for women, men and teens.

Odor Control: Excellent

Moisture Control: Better than average

Wear: Excellent. No need to re-apply even after exercising.

This award winning deodorant has a cult following for good reason. It’s a brilliant blend of pure essential oils and botanical extracts, which effectively neutralize odor and absorb sweat – all without harmful chemicals or plugging your sweat glands. It has a mild, uplifting scent from essential oils of Peppermint, Lime, Clove and Lavender that appeals equally to men and women. It’s suitable for virtually all skin types, and is completely invisible, rapidly absorbed and won't stain your clothes. There is no need to re-apply Axilla Deodorant Paste during the day, even if heading to the gym. Seriously!

PATRICIA'S THOUGHTS: This is our #1 choice for working out and for anyone who needs a really strong deodorant. If you've found natural deodorants just don't work for you or don’t want to mess around testing natural deodorants, give this a try.

If you're one of those lucky people that just don’t need a strong deodorant – you’ll probably be fine with one of the other deodorants on this list.

* Please note, there's a small percentage of people who may react to baking soda in Black Chicken. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend trying the baking soda free version – Axilla Barrier Booster. 

2. TAOS AER Clean Deodorant, $19

Suitable for women, men and teens.

Odor Control: Good to Excellent

Moisture Control: Average

Wear: Good. Some may need to re-apply.

With three lovely light scents to choose from, Taos Aer deodorant is a terrific every day deodorant. The gel-to-powder formula uses potent plant actives and mineral powders — including Organic Tapioca, Non-GMO Cornstarch, a small amount of Natural Baking Soda, Organic Beeswax, and Pure Essential Oils to effectively neutralize odor-causing bacteria and absorb excess moisture. The silky gel texture glides on smoothly and dries clear with no sticky residue.

PATRICIA'S THOUGHTS: This is a newer brand and is well reviewed by most who have tried it. It is a great choice for those who want a stick deodorant that is gentle on the skin. It’s lightly scented and performs well with scents that appeal to both men and women. It’s a great option if you don't get much BO (or don’t mind reapplying), yet still want that fresh scent. 

It goes on wet so be sure to let it dry completely before dressing. 

3. Salt & Stone Lavender & Sage Natural Deodorant Stick, $18 

Suitable for women, men and teens.

Odor Control: Good to excellent

Moisture Control: Average

Wear: Good. May need to re-apply

Salt & Stone's Lavender & Sage Natural deodorant is a perfect swap for those who prefer a floral scent. Antimicrobial ingredients like lavender, rosemary and sage fight odor-causing bacteria, while arrowroot powder helps absorb wetness. Shea butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil soothe and hydrate skin. It glides on smoothly – no residue or staining.

PATRICIA’S THOUGHTS: This deodorant works well and has a fairly strong lavender scent. If you have sensitive skin or prefer a lighter scent, try the TAOS AER Lavender deodorant instead which has minimal baking soda and a lighter fragrance.

BEST NATURAL DEODORANT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN AND KIDS

If you have sensitive skin, you already know a lot of products can cause irritation, and deodorants with baking soda can be a major offender. I also recommend starting with a sensitive skin formula if your child is new to using deodorant to minimize any chance of irritation. However, if your child has BO - they can safely try a formula with baking soda. Just be sure to watch for any irritation.

4. Black Chicken Axilla Deodorant Paste Barrier Booster, $19

Suitable for women, men and teens.

Odor Control: Good to excellent

Moisture Control: Average

Wear: Good. May need to re-apply

Barrier Booster is designed specifically for sensitive skin, so it won’t cause irritations, even after shaving. It’s immediately soothing, easily absorbed, and clear when it’s applied, and it’s got a non-greasy, non-sticky feel.

Naturally anti-bacterial ingredients like coconut oil and magnesium hydroxide control odor while Diatomaceous Earth and candelilla wax provide a breathable layer helping prevent irritation. It’s rich in lipids and fatty acids (essential for healthy cells) that actually strengthen your sensitive skin.

PATRICIA’S THOUGHTS: Barrier Booster is a great option for anyone who has a reaction to baking soda in natural deodorants (or wants to apply deodorant after shaving). It is super easy to use and performs almost as well as the original strength formula.

Not sure if your skin is sensitive?

5. Axilla Natural Deodorant Twin Minis, $13.98

This two pack includes the original strength formula plus the barrier booster formula for sensitive skin so you can figure out which formula works best. Both offer all day protection, won’t mark or stain clothes and are handy for travel, but we created Barrier Booster with a formula that is not only a non irritant but actually strengthens sensitive skin.

 

¹ Identification of volatile organic compounds in human cerumen.

Katharine A. Prokop-Prigge, Erica Thaler, Charles J. Wysocki, George Preti