Discover the best natural deodorant for women, designed to keep you fresh without compromising your health. We have been hearing all about the harmful ingredients in our deodorants like aluminum and how many of these ingredients are now linked to cancer. The beauty industry has minimal regulations when it comes to what is actually in the products we thought were supposed to help with keeping us fresh and odor-free throughout the day. Now, as more research and studies (backlink) have come out, many people are swapping out their previous products for cleaner, non-toxic alternatives to better support their health and well-being.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to choose the best natural deodorant, ingredients to avoid, and how to make the transition go smoothly. Plus we’ll share our top picks to keep you fresh and healthy!
You can use the quick list below to shop directly, or scroll down for more details about each product.
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When choosing a natural deodorant, it’s important to be aware of the harmful ingredients often found in conventional options. One of the most common is aluminum, used to block sweat glands and reduce perspiration, but it’s been linked to potential health risks, including breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Another ingredient to avoid is parabens, synthetic preservatives that can disrupt hormone function and have been detected in breast tissue. Phthalates, often used to enhance fragrance, are known endocrine disruptors that can affect reproductive health. Additionally, steer clear of triclosan, an antimicrobial agent that may contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt the thyroid. Artificial fragrances and colors can also cause skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin. By opting for deodorants without these chemicals, you can protect both your skin and overall health.
When it comes to clean beauty apps like YUKA, EWG, and Think Dirty, fragrance is often flagged as a high-level toxin, and for good reason. The term “fragrance” is unregulated and can refer to a complex cocktail of undisclosed chemicals. This vague labeling allows manufacturers to hide potentially harmful ingredients, including phthalates and synthetic compounds, under the guise of fragrance. For example, Curie, a trusted brand featured on Shark Tank, has taken steps to provide more transparency around what “fragrance” actually means in their products. They make it clear that not all fragrances are created equal and emphasize natural or non-toxic alternatives.
It’s crucial to do your own research and reach out to brands directly if you’re unsure about what’s in their products. Most companies making low-tox or natural products are more than willing to explain their ingredients and processes. Be cautious of brands that label themselves as “natural” or “clean,” but may have been acquired by larger corporations with different standards. For example, Tom’s of Maine, a popular natural brand, was bought by Colgate-Palmolive, which has raised concerns about potential ingredient changes.
When switching from traditional deodorants to a clean, non-toxic deodorant, it’s recommended to do an armpit detox for approximately 30 days. When I first made the transition, I used Beautycounter’s charcoal bar for the detox period. (Note: Beautycounter is undergoing a rebrand, so their products are not available currently.) During the detox, the goal is to draw out the toxic chemicals that have been absorbed through your skin. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and is highly porous, meaning it can absorb up to 60 percent of the chemicals it comes into contact with every day. Your armpits have a high concentration of sweat glands, specifically apocrine glands, which produce sweat in response to stress, heat, and hormones. This is why we tend to sweat so much in the underarm area, and why a detox can help your body adjust to natural deodorants more effectively.
Going without deodorant seems impossible, I know. I thought the same thing, but I was surprised that after about a week the body odor stink started to go away and was not potent. Cleaning my armpits frequently with a wet washcloth as needed throughout the day or after workouts helped to maintain freshness. I also live in a cooler climate and recommend doing this detox in cooler months when your chances of sweating are less. Additionally, it takes a lot for me to sweat, so during the detox I was a bit more mindful of avoiding things that would make me sweat more like HIIT workouts, cardio, and hot yoga and instead opting for lower impact workouts like walking and Pilates.
Maintaining the charcoal application in the shower after the 30-day detox from any deodorant will help maintain freshness and minimize body odor once you start applying your new non-toxic deodorant daily.
Finding a non-toxic deodorant that works can be a tricky process, often requiring trial and error. Unfortunately, natural deodorant sometimes gets a bad rap because people try it once, and if it doesn’t work right away, they assume it’s ineffective. But that’s not the case! Just like finding the right workout, it takes time to find a natural deodorant that aligns with your body’s needs. Personally, I tried eight different clean deodorant options before finding the best natural deodorant for me. Here are a few tips to help make the process easier:
Finding the best natural deodorant is a process, but with these tips, you’ll eventually discover the perfect fit!
If you find yourself needing to apply your natural deodorant more than three times a day, it might not be the best option for you. Typically, you shouldn’t need to apply more than twice a day unless you’re exercising or sweating heavily. Natural deodorants work differently than traditional antiperspirants because they don’t block sweat glands, but a well-formulated one should keep you fresh for several hours at a time. Be patient with the adjustment process, as your body might need a few weeks to adapt.
Yes, natural deodorants do work! Once you complete the transition period—often called a charcoal detox, where your body adjusts to sweating naturally—you’ll find the right option for you. It’s true that natural deodorants aren’t antiperspirants, so they don’t stop sweating entirely, but they help neutralize odor and can leave you feeling fresh. The key is finding a formulation that aligns with your body chemistry. Remember, the health benefits of avoiding toxins outweigh the slight differences in performance.
Some natural deodorants can stain clothing, especially those with a coconut oil base. In my experience, oil-based formulas are more likely to leave marks, especially on light-colored clothes. That said, once I found my go-to products, I no longer had issues with staining. Look for deodorants that specify they are non-staining or free from oils if this is a concern.
This depends on the formulation of the deodorant. Liquid-based or roll-on deodorants tend to have a wetter or stickier feel, which some people find uncomfortable. If you prefer a dry, powdery finish, avoid ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera, which contribute to that moist sensation. Instead, look for deodorants made with arrowroot powder or baking soda, as these tend to absorb moisture better.
The safest non-toxic deodorant is one free from harmful ingredients like aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. Brands such as Native, Schmidt’s, and Curie (featured on Shark Tank) offer clean, effective formulas that are transparent about their ingredients. Apps like YUKA, EWG, and Think Dirty are great resources for verifying the safety of your deodorant before making a purchase.
Want a quick and easy way to shop? We’ve listed all of the products below and then keep scrolling for details of each!
Curie clean and natural deodorant provides effective and long-lasting odor protection without the use of aluminum, parabens, or toxic ingredients, making it a safe and healthy choice for your daily routine. Curie’s unisex deodorant is non-irritating and contains skin-loving ingredients like coconut oil, aloe, and prickly pear extract to soothe and moisturize all skin types. Plus, they use 100% post consumer recycled packaging.
Clean ingredients: baking soda, arrowroot powder, chamomile, shea butter, cocoa butter
Scents: a variety of signature scents such as White Tea, Orange Neroli, Coconut Nectar, Grapefruit Cassis, and Juniper Eucalyptus
Native Deodorant contains naturally derived ingredients and is made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and talc. Strong enough for both men and women, it feels light and fresh under your arms, but provides you with effective, all-day protection against odor. Native uses both safe, synthetic, sustainable fragrances (free of phthalates) and natural fragrances. My favorite scent is coconut & vanilla!
Clean ingredients: baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, probiotics, tapioca
Scents: Lavender & Rose, Coconut & Vanilla, Cucumber & Mint
Specially made for those with sensitive skin, Primal Pit Paste is baking soda-free and instead uses zinc and magnesium to fight odor naturally, as well as organic arrowroot powder to absorb moisture to keep you dry and fresh. All you need is a pea-sized amount! It’s pure enough to put anywhere you need odor protection. No aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrance, or petroleum. Primal Pit Paste is gluten free, non-GMO, and cruelty free certified, and uses 100% recyclable and eco-friendly packaging and shipping materials. Additionally, Primal Pit Paste uses either water-free or water-less formulas and has saved over 40k gallons of water!
Clean ingredients: arrowroot powder, coconut oil, magnesium, essential oils, candelilla wax
Scents: unscented
This award-winning natural deodorant breaks down odor and absorbs wetness, all in one swipe. No baking soda, no white residue, and no iffy ingredients! Cult favorite scent Rosy Pits is dermatologist approved, ensuring it is safe and gentle on even the most sensitive pits. Its plant-powered formula contains enzymes and extracts to stop the stink and fight wetness. Antioxidant-rich botanicals work to protect delicate underarm skin. This formulation is free of aluminum, baking soda, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. Willow bark, oatmeal, and amino acids combine to restore, soothe, and hydrate.
Clean ingredients: willow bark extract, oatmeal, amino acids
Scents: Rosy Pits
Tom’s of Maine Mountain Spring natural deodorant is aluminum-free with naturally sourced and derived, moisture-locking ingredients. Underarm deodorant for women and men that offers odor and wetness protection, keeping you fresh and confident throughout the day. Dermatologist tested, Tom’s of Maine natural deodorant is made with aloe vera, and free from artificial fragrances, dyes, preservatives and baking soda. This vegan deodorant is not tested on animals.
Clean ingredients: aloe vera
Scents: Mountain Spring
Hume Supernatural non-toxic deodorant absorbs moisture with nature’s super-absorbers, trapping and binding odor before it forms. It protects and nourishes the skin using prebiotics and probiotics to support the skin’s microbiome. Hume’s clean, plant- and mineral-based formulas are safe for all skin types, cruelty free, and free from aluminum, phthalates, parabens, triclosan, baking soda, and gluten. Each deodorant is microbiome approved and filled with botanicals known to prosper in the harshest environments. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t leave any white marks.
Clean ingredients: prickly pear, cactus flower, coconut, aloe
Scents: After Rain
Thai Crystal Deodorant products are 100% natural, containing only crystallized natural mineral salts that kill the odor-causing bacteria on your body. This product contains no aluminum and does not prevent perspiration, so it will not clog pores! It’s also free from harmful chemicals, oils, perfumes, or emulsifiers. Thai Deodorant products are recommended by both Walter Reed Army Hospital and the Mayo Clinic for patients with dermatitis as well as post-operative cancer patients.
Clean ingredients: crystallized natural mineral salts
Scents: unscented
Dr. Squatch Men’s natural deodorant offers a powerful, aluminum-free solution designed specifically for men. Infused with postbiotics and activated charcoal, this deodorant effectively neutralizes odor while allowing skin to breathe. Available in naturally derived scents, it combines natural ingredients such as arrowroot powder and coconut oil to provide moisture and comfort. With a commitment to clean formulations, Dr. Squatch ensures that their deodorant is free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe choice for your daily routine. Experience all-day freshness and confidence with this high-performance natural deodorant.
Clean ingredients: arrowroot powder, postbiotics, charcoal, coconut oil, shea butter
Scents: Coconut Castaway, Fresh Falls
Specifically crafted for athletes, Art of Sport natural deodorant uses high performance ingredients to ensure confidence and freshness throughout the day. Infused with tea tree soap, matcha, and moisture-wicking arrowroot, it keeps your skin smooth and hydrated while delivering a refreshing sensation. The clean formula is free from aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, perfect for those with sensitive skin, providing reliable odor protection without irritation.
Clean ingredients: matcha, arrowroot, green tea extract
Scents: Cool Eucalyptus
Mando men’s natural deodorant offers effective odor control for the entire body, targeting areas like underarms, groin, feet, and other problem spots. This high-performance formula is clinically proven to block body odor for up to 72 hours, using a pH-optimized approach to prevent odor before it starts. Developed by doctors, Mando is free from harsh chemicals like aluminum, baking soda, dyes, and parabens, making it safe and hypoallergenic for even the most sensitive skin.
Clean ingredients: corn starch
Scents: Bourbon Leather
Pacifica’s coconut and charcoal scrub makes transitioning to natural deodorant easier by helping to remove pore-clogging products so your pits can get back to their natural state. The detox scrub eliminates underarm odors, leaving your armpits feeling clean and renewed, while enhancing the scent of your natural deodorant and keeping unwelcome scents away.
Clean ingredients: charcoal, coconut, green tea
Scents: Watermelon Rainbow, Coconut Cream, Sandalwood Incense
Megababe’s Space Bar Detoxifying Charcoal Underarm Bar offers a powerful 60-second detox for your underarms, effectively cleansing and eliminating stubborn odor. This dermatologist-approved soap combines activated charcoal to draw out toxins and impurities with hydrating avocado, sunflower, and olive oils to keep skin soft. The addition of glycolic acid provides gentle exfoliation for smoother, brighter underarms, while tea tree oil lends a light, natural scent. Designed to enhance the performance of natural deodorants, this eco-friendly bar is formulated without palm oil and packaged in 100% recycled paper wrap, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an effective and environmentally conscious underarm care solution.
Clean ingredients: avocado, sunflower, olive oil
Scents: Tea Tree
Curie Detox Mask is a powerful wash-off treatment designed to deeply cleanse and purify your underarms, making it an essential part of your transition to natural deodorant. Formulated with bentonite and kaolin clays, along with activated charcoal, this mask effectively draws out impurities and toxins, leaving your skin refreshed and revitalized. Committed to sustainability, Curie’s packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for your skincare routine.
Clean ingredients: aloe vera
Scents: White Tea + Pit Mask
Share your experiences with natural deodorant below in the comment section, and let us know which one is your favorite!
Your Friend & Pilates Expert,
Kayla Brugger
Founder of PILATESBODY by Kayla
Founder of PILATESBODY On-Demand
Hi, I'm Kayla Brugger. Certified Pilates Instructor & Minnesota Mama of 2.
Currently using Curie and then switch to Just Ingeedients! Also have Lumi. Will switch each week to a different brand. All brands have a similar smell. I like vanilla 🙂 thanks for posting this ♥️
I appreciate you sharing brands and scents that work for you!