Beauty
I Tried the Top Natural Deodorants So You Don’t Have To
I Tried the Top Natural Deodorants So You Don’t Have To
Finding the right natural deodorant is a trial-and-error process. When I was on the hunt for natural alternatives, I tried several brands. Some were too abrasive, causing irritation. Others simply didn’t work, leaving me self-conscious about body odor. Primally Pure was a game-changer. Not only did it offer effective odor control, but it also felt great on my skin. The transition was smoother, and I didn’t experience the dreaded “detox phase” as intensely as with other brands. What works on me might not be right for your body, but I want to share what I think are the best natural deodorants on the market.
I used Primally Pure’s for almost a decade, but recently tried Megababe when the brand sent me a new deodorant to try. So I tried it, sure I’d never depart from Primally Pure, but there was no looking back. This stuff is amazing. And at the end of the day, I don’t smell and sweat less. So let’s talk explore the natural options I tried, and why I switched to Megababe over Primally Pure.
Why You Don’t Want to Use Traditional Anti-Perspirant
Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants often contain active ingredients like aluminum salts, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. The main ingredients are aluminum compounds, which temporarily block sweat glands and reduce perspiration. While the research isn’t conclusive, this ingredient has been linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. We know this isn’t the healthiest approach to managing body odor, yet so many use it in spite of the dangers associated with it. These products also contain artificial fragrances, parabens, and other chemicals that can irritate your skin.
Not sweating sounds great in theory, but we’re supposed to sweat. So this is really one of those times when natural options are really important. This is why so many of us are opting for natural or “clean” alternatives that allow the body to sweat while still offering some level of sweat protection as well as odor protection, without the harsh chemicals.
Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant
Let’s talk about the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. I am someone that needs both. I am someone who sweats more than I smell, and I want to stay dry as much as I don’t want to smell. Deodorant’s main job is to fight odor. It neutralizes the bacteria that cause you to smell bad. It doesn’t do much for sweat, though, so if you’re someone who sweats a lot, you might not get the dryness you’re after. That’s where antiperspirant usually comes in. It’s designed to reduce sweat by temporarily blocking the sweat glands with ingredients like aluminum compounds, which is not good for your body. So if you’re someone who, like me, needs both sweat control and odor protection – and isn’t that most of us? – there are clean products that do both. But clean deodorants don’t “block” sweat. They use ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, or magnesium to absorb moisture and help keep you feeling dry, without stopping sweat production. While clean products might not fully stop you from sweating, but you can get it pretty under control with the right product.
Why Natural Deodorant?
Finding a clean skincare routine, makeup, or hair products feels a lot easier than finding a deodorant that’s both truly natural and effective. It’s one thing to use a clean moisturizer or shampoo, but deodorant has to tackle a whole host of issues—odor, sweat, sensitivity—without compromising your health. For many of us, that’s where the struggle lies. Finding and choosing a product that’s toxin-free and powerful enough to keep you feeling fresh all day long. Not all clean beauty products live up to their promises, especially when it comes to balancing your unique body chemistry.
A natural antiperspirant works by addressing the odor-causing bacteria rather than stopping sweat. They use moisture-absorbing ingredients as opposed to stopping sweat, which is so much better for your body. These products remain clear of harmful ingredients and allow your sweat glands to function naturally, which is essential for your body’s detoxification process. If you’re looking for a good deodorant that’s clean, with clean, elevated scents you’ll actually enjoy, you’ve come to the right place.
Transitioning to a Natural Deodorant
Switching from a conventional deodorant to a natural one might feel like an adjustment. Your body needs time to expel the toxins accumulated from years of using antiperspirants. During this transition period, you might notice an increase in body odor, but don’t worry – it’s temporary. Drink plenty of water and maintain clean skin can help speed up the process.
When I first tried Primally Pure, I noticed a slight increase in sweat the first week. However, by the end of the second week, my body had adjusted, and I was experiencing the benefits of using a clean deodorant. The lemongrass smells amazing – the fresh scent did a great job of keeping me fresh throughout the day. It’s the only natural deodorant I used for years. I ended up trying others during that time because a friend would recommend something, or a new brand would pop up. But nothing seemed to compare.
Megababe
This natural product is new to me, but I loved it so much that I made the switch after years of using Primally Pure. I still think Primally Pure is great and worth trying, but this one is my personal preference – I think it’s better. It’s one of the most popular organic deodorants on the market for a reason. First, it smells amazing, and feels great going on. I’ve found it’s fantastic for my dry skin. I tried Sunny Pits and The Smoothie Deo and was shocked by how much I loved the latter.
Fruit Enzymes: pH-balancing acids reduce odor-causing microbes
Lactobacillus Ferment: A postbiotic that signals skin to produce & regulate healthy odor-fighting microbes
Magnesium Hydroxide: Balances pH & kills odor-causing bacteria
Zinc Ricinoleate: Breaks down & absorbs odor without interfering with skin’s natural flora
Arrowroot: Absorbs wetness
Xylityl Sesquicaprylate: A plant-derived natural ingredient with potent antimicrobial and deodorizing properties
Triethyl Citrate: Inhibits the sweat-producing bacteria enzyme
Coconut: A powerful moisturizer with antifungal properties
Megababe
The Smoothie Deo
Primally Pure
I used Primally Pure for almost a decade and loved it. The lemongrass is by far my favorite scent. It’s clean and fresh, and the essential oil not only smells refreshing but also has antibacterial properties, which makes it a powerful ally against odor-causing bacteria. Unlike artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin, natural essential oils provide a natural, gentle aroma that lasts all day. I love that I could smell clean and fresh while avoiding the harsh chemicals found in normal deodorants. The only downside was that the deodorant stick started to get a little gross after a few months. I also found that I started to have some breakthrough sweat the last few months, which was surprising after years of use. I still think it’s one of the best options on the market, and would recommend trying it since it worked for me for so long.
Primally Pure’s Key Ingredients:
Organic and Fair Trade Coconut Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, coconut oil helps to combat odor-causing bacteria while moisturizing the skin.
Baking Soda: Neutralizes odors effectively, although those with sensitive skin might prefer Primally Pure’s baking soda-free options.
Organic Arrowroot Powder: This natural starch absorbs moisture, keeping your underarms dry without blocking your sweat ducts.
Organic Beeswax: Provides a smooth, traditional stick formula that glides on easily and helps to lock in moisture.
Shea Butter: Moisturizes and soothes the skin, preventing irritation and ingrown hairs.
Organic Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows: This ingredient deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin while providing a natural, nutrient-rich base for the deodorant.
Non-nano Zinc Oxide: It acts as a gentle antibacterial agent and provides soothing benefits to the skin without being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Kaolin Clay: This natural clay helps to absorb excess moisture and toxins, keeping the underarms dry and fresh throughout the day.
Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil: Known for its refreshing scent and antibacterial properties, it helps to combat odor-causing bacteria naturally.
Organic Rosemary Extract: This powerful antioxidant helps to preserve the deodorant while providing additional antibacterial benefits.
Non-GMO Vitamin E: It acts as a natural preservative and skin conditioner, promoting healthy, smooth underarm skin.
Native Deodorant
Native deodorant is a popular choice for those seeking a cleaner, more natural alternative to conventional antiperspirants. Made with simple, non-toxic ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and shea butter, it’s free from all the bad stuff for those of us looking for a more skin-friendly option. The scents are refreshing and not overpowering, too. However, despite its clean and effective formulation, I didn’t love it. I found that I needed to reapply more frequently since it didn’t provide long-lasting protection against odor. Additionally, the texture can sometimes feel a bit too dry or gritty. Still worth a shot if you want to try it, but it wasn’t my favorite.
Native’s Key Ingredients:
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has natural antibacterial and moisturizing properties, helping to keep the skin hydrated and fight odor-causing bacteria.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is a rich, soothing moisturizer that softens and nourishes the skin, preventing irritation and providing lasting comfort.
Baking Soda: Baking soda neutralizes odors by balancing the pH of the skin and absorbing moisture, helping to keep you fresh throughout the day.
Tapioca Starch: A natural absorbent that helps to keep the skin dry by soaking up moisture without feeling heavy or sticky.
Probiotics: Probiotics help balance the skin’s natural microbiome, promoting healthy bacteria that can naturally reduce body odor.
Kopari
Kopari deodorant is a popular natural deodorant, and seems to be highly rated across other sites. This aluminum-free deodorant is paraben-free, phthalate-free, non-toxic, sulfate-free, and only uses natural ingredients. While it sounds great on paper, I sweat way more with this compared to other natural products. Given the reviews, it’s worth a shot if you want to try it, but I don’t recommend it.
Kopari’s Key Ingredients:
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a hydrating and antimicrobial ingredient that helps moisturize the skin while providing antibacterial properties to keep odor at bay.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer, absorbing excess moisture and keeping you feeling fresh by balancing body odors without irritating the skin.
Arrowroot Powder: A natural absorbent that helps to keep the skin dry and smooth, absorbing moisture without clogging pores.
Magnesium Hydroxide: This ingredient neutralizes odor-causing acids on the skin, making it a natural and non-toxic alternative to aluminum-based ingredients.
Shea Butter: A rich, nourishing moisturizer that helps soothe and hydrate the skin, preventing dryness and irritation from daily deodorant use.
Tapioca Starch: This absorbs excess moisture and gives the deodorant a smooth, silky texture, ensuring that it glides on effortlessly without feeling sticky.
Lavender Oil: Lavender oil adds a calming, natural fragrance to the deodorant while also offering mild antimicrobial properties to help reduce bacteria and body odor.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is full of fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to nourish and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated after application.
Necessaire The Deodorant Gel
This is a product I was really hopeful of because I love Necessaire’s body wash, but it was a big no for me. I’ve been using the Eucalyptus scent for years, and it smells amazing. This smells good, but I didn’t love it. First, I don’t think I’m a fan of gel deodorants, or I’m not after using this one. I also found that I had to reapply in order for it to work, and at the end of the day, it still didn’t really do its job. I’m not going to bother listing the ingredients since I can’t recommend this one.
Switching to a natural deodorant is a step in the right direction for both your health and the environment. With a blend of natural ingredients and natural oils, they effectively combats body odor without the harmful effects of conventional deodorants. The refreshing lemongrass scent, combined with the product’s moisturizing properties, makes it a standout choice.
This post is not sponsored by or written in partnership with Primally Pure or Megababe. This post does contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
