What you use to keep body odor at bay is a highly personal choice, whether you’ve been using the same antiperspirant for years or have been experimenting with natural deodorants. And if you’ve been leaning towards the latter for peace of mind, you’re not alone. Aluminum-free deodorants are newly popular as people have become increasingly concerned with the ingredients in their personal- and skin-care products (although the American Cancer Society has debunked the claim that aluminum in antiperspirants is linked to breast cancer) and it can be a worthwhile option if you’d rather be safe than sorry—or just looking for more natural ingredients for odor protection.
That said, it’s not as easy as swapping out your usual antiperspirant for a natural deo and getting the same, all-day freshness in the armpits. According to Dr. Kristin Baird, a board-certified dermatologist in Longmont, Colorado, it takes approximately 30 days for most people’s bodies to adjust to natural deodorant. “When we start using natural deodorant, the bacteria in the underarms changes,” she says. “It’s common to notice an increase in sweat and body odor while the bacteria on the skin adjusts.”
Aluminum-based antiperspirants work by plugging the pores in the underarms, which prevents sweat from coming out—and the less you sweat, the less you smell, Dr. Baird explains, since B.O. is caused by sweat interacting with odor-causing bacteria on the skin. Those of us who have come to depend on aluminum as an antiperspirant will need some time to detox from the compound and allow the pores and sweat glands to open up and breathe, says Dr. Baird.
But natural deodorant isn’t for everyone. “Just because a product claims to be ‘all-natural’ does not mean it contains no chemicals and will not cause skin irritation,” says Dr. Baird. “People with sensitive skin can experience redness and inflammation from some ingredients in natural deodorant.” (If that’s you, avoid applying right after shaving and trying dabbing the deodorant on versus swiping.) She adds that those with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, likely won’t find natural options to be effective either.
To make the 30 days more bearable—for both yourself and those around you—Dr. Baird recommends using a natural antibacterial soap in the shower, drinking lots of water, and regularly sweating through exercise. With that in mind, these are the best natural deodorants that made the cut.
Best texture: Myro Plant-Powered Deodorant in Chill Wave ($10)
The texture of this refillable deodorant stick is the closest to that of an invisible gel antiperspirant; it glides on like silk and leaves no white marks or clumps, which can’t be said of the others. Aloe vera allows for extra comfort, while essential oils power its scents—which are sophisticated without being overpowering—instead of the usual synthetic fragrance. Chill Wave is a blend of cucumber, jasmine, and spearmint that feels refreshing even in the summer.
Best baking soda alternative: Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant ($16)
This gel deodorant harnesses the power of alpha hydroxy acids to control bacteria; AHAs create an acidic environment that’s inhospitable to bacteria. Plus, they also have a mild exfoliating effect, which can help visibly brighten dark underarms and keep ingrown hairs from forming. If that sounds irritating, no sweat: it also has hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to hydrate and calm.
Best for sweat control: Nécessaire The Deodorant in Eucalyptus ($20)
If you’re working out, reach for this deodorant from cool-kid brand Nécessaire. Thanks to its AHA (lactic and mandelic) and multi-mineral (silica, kaolin clay, zinc) formula, it outperforms the others in terms of keeping underarms dry and B.O.-free all day long.
Best for nourishing: Primally Pure Deodorant in Geranium ($22)
While some antiperspirants can leave underarm skin dry and red, this stick—made with coconut oil and beeswax—feels like skin care for the area, rinsing off easily and leaving skin soft and calm. However, avoid wearing it with silky fabrics, as it can leave a bit of a gritty residue behind on clothes. It also contains baking soda, which can be irritating to some people, so do a test patch first if you’re concerned.
Best for on-the-go: Ursa Major Sublime Sage Deodorant Spray ($18)
Creamier stick formulas aren’t always the most appealing deodorant option for those who live in humidity. If that sounds familiar, stash this lightweight spray, which uses a blend of minerals and enzymes to counteract bacteria, in your bag for instant refreshment throughout the day.
Best scent: Corpus Natural Deodorant in California ($22)
Corpus’ fragrances smell so expensive that you can skip your perfume entirely. California is a beachy, floral blend of sea salt, bergamot, white musk, and jasmine; the formula itself goes on smoothly and invisibly, but doesn’t last as long as the others, so you may need to reapply.
Best drugstore: Love Beauty & Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose Pampering Deodorant ($6.99)
Price can be a big hurdle to get over when it comes to “clean” beauty, but don’t count out the drugstore. This stick has corn starch and silica to keep you dry, coconut oil to nourish, and a Bulgarian rose scent that could compete with the $20 options.
Best fragrance-free: Kopari Coconut Deodorant ($14)
This baking soda-free formula relies on an active ingredient unique to the underarms: activated charcoal. That purportedly helps draw toxins out of the pores, while coconut oil has a hydrating effect. The unscented formula also features a secret, plant-based active that keeps bacteria—and therefore its various scents—at a minimum.
Best range of scents: Native Deodorant ($13)
The combo of shea butter and tapioca starch in this deodorant helps the underarms stay dry via absorption—versus plugging up the sweat glands, as antiperspirants do. (That said, it does contain baking soda, too.) You’ll also find probiotics (a.k.a. “good” bacteria) in here, which join the mini-microbiome under your arms to crowd out the odor-causing culprits. Plus, the brand offers a huge range of scents, such as Rosé, Sea Salt & Cedar, Lilac & White Tea, and beyond.
Best for sensitive armpits: Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant ($14)
You’ll find the usual suspects in this deodorant stick, such as corn starch (to keep you feeling dry) and coconut. However, it’s also supplemented with green tea and vitamin E, which are two anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help soothe and calm skin irritated from either razor burn or everyday friction—making it ideal for more sensitive skin types.
Best on Amazon: Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant Sensitive Skin Formula in Jasmine Tea ($28 for three)
Formulated without artificial fragrance, phthalates, and parabens, this baking soda-free deodorant stick instead uses magnesium, arrowroot powder, and various plant-based ingredients for all-day odor control without irritation. And, if you want your 30-day transition period to start ASAP, you can get it to your door in a matter of days, since Schmidt’s is sold on Amazon.
