Tried and Tested: The Best Natural Deodorants For Women To Keep You Fresh!

In this blog post, I've tested SO MANY natural deodorants and have written a review of some of the best to help you find one that works! 

What Makes a Deodorant "Natural"?

When we talk about switching up our underarm care, the term "natural deodorant" often pops up but what exactly qualifies a deodorant as "natural"?

At its core, natural deodorants are distinguished by their lack of aluminum, which is omnipresent in conventional antiperspirants designed to physically block sweat ducts.

Instead of halting sweat—a natural detoxifying process—natural deodorants aim to neutralize the body odor that comes when sweat meets the natural bacteria on our skin.

These earth-friendly alternatives swap out questionable substances found in traditional deodorants for simpler, often plant-based ingredients.

Unfortunately without antiperspirant power, you just can't expect the sweat blocking of traditional deodorant/anti-perspirant so while these deodorants will still allow some sweat, some are better than others! It's all about neutralising odor and reducing moisture.

Are Natural Deodorants Actually Safer and Healthier?

When it comes to our underarm care, the "natural deodorant vs. conventional deodorant" debate bubbles up frequently in health-conscious circles. The crux of the matter often comes down to personal preference and skin sensitivity.

Evidence suggests that traditional deodorants aren't necessarily the bad guys. In fact, there's no concrete proof that says they're worse for our health. 

However if you're wanting a more holistic approach to hygeine without interrupting your body's own detoxing processes then a natural deodorant might be the best way to go. 

Remember that even natural deodorants can lead to skin woes. They may still harbor irritants that can upset sensitive skin types, with ingredients like baking soda and essential oils often being the usual suspects.

Choose what aligns with your body's needs and your peace of mind – because the best deodorant is one that you'll use with confidence.

Our Top Picks for Natural Deodorants For Women:

Switching to natural deodorant can feel like stepping into a whole new hippie world and believe me its been a journey. I first started using a salt stick and have now worked my way through a whole host of women's natural deodorants to share which ones are the best!

Overall Winners:

Dove 0% Aluminium For Every Day Use & Affordability

A household name, affordable and a great daily choice to feel fresh!

Shop Here

Lume For A Trusty Deodorant That Holds Up All Day

Not quite as light but harder working! Better for workouts

Shop Here

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Review [7/10]

First off, let’s talk about the scent—it's divine! The combination of rose and vanilla is both soothing and luxurious. It feels like a mini spa treatment every time I apply it.

It worked well with my body chemistry. I only needed to apply it once in the morning, and it kept me fresh all day long, which was a big deal for me!

However, after about two weeks, I noticed my armpits started to get a bit dry and became irritated after workouts. Sadly, I decided it was time to stop using it.

I wouldn't say I had particularly sensitive skin but I think this is a better option for infrequent use when you need a little extra protection rather than a daily deodorant if you ever suffer with sensitive skin.

So it wins for being deodorizing but potentially isn't a great option for sensitive skin.

Shop Schmidt's Natural Deodorant

$4.95 Schmidt's

Native Deodorant Review [8/10]

Native prides itself on steering clear of aluminum and baking soda – a win for those with sensitive pits.

I immediately fell in love with the scent. It’s smooth and subtle, not overpowering at all.

The real test was to see if it kept me fresh, and it did not disappoint! It kept me feeling fresh all day. I was impressed by how effective it was at reducing odor.

I found it kept me much fresher than the Native Vanilla & Sandalwood so I think you should try a variety of their travel sizes to see which works best for you.

I can apply it in the morning and feel fresh throughout the day. One thing to note, though, is that like other Native deodorants, it may require reapplication after strenuous exercise.

Shop Native Deodorant

$12.97 Native

Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant Review [8/10]

Tom’s of Maine is almost a classic in the natural deodorant space. If you're looking for an easy entry into the natural deodorant world, Tom’s may just be your starting block.

It does go on a bit wetter than I usually prefer, but the good news is that it doesn't leave any marks on my clothes. Unlike some other brands, I haven’t noticed any oil stains on my shirts, which is a huge plus!

The Wild Lavender scent is absolutely lovely. It’s not overpowering, just a subtle hint that I catch throughout the day.

It does a good job of deodorizing and stood up a little better in a gym session but I'd definitely need to shower straight after.

Shop Aluminium Free Deodorant

$6 Tom's Of Maine

Primal Pit Paste Natural Deodorant Review [5/10]

Its original formula might reminds me of a more earthy approach to underarm care.

Applying it was a bit awkward because I had to use my fingertips, and avoiding getting it under my fingernails was easier said than done.

The paste has a thick, smooth consistency, which isn’t gritty at all. However, this thickness led to some product buildup under my arms.

I began exfoliating my armpits more thoroughly in the shower, which helped. Despite this fix, I’m not a fan of products that leave me feeling like I need to scrub my skin off.

It did an ok job of deodorizing but on hot days I didn't like the feeling under my arms.

Primal Pit Paste

$14.99 Pretty Frank

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant Review [7/10]

The Kopari Coconut Deodorant might just be a tropical getaway tucked within your toiletry bag. I love the smell!

What I found to be weird is that for a small window of time, right after the detox phase, it worked well.

Shortly after that I noticed that some days it worked fine and many days it didn’t at all. I noticed that when I would sweat when wearing it would often turn to liquid (this is a very bad combination for white shirts). The feeling was almost like water dripping from under my arms.

So while it was pretty good for workouts, it wasn't great for days where I'm attending social occasions and dressed up.

Shop Aluminum Free Deodorant

$13 Kopari

Meow Meow Tweet Baking Soda-Free Deodorant Review [6/10]

For those sensitive souls, Meow Meow Tweet is a baking soda-free deodorant.

Honestly, I didn’t find the absence of baking soda made this deodorant cream more effective. My underarms felt moist throughout the day, likely due to the lack of baking soda, but the good news is that they didn’t smell bad and I wasn’t sweating excessively either.

I absolutely loved the grapefruit scent and even wished it was a bit stronger! 

While this one is baking soda-free, they have others that include baking soda in a variety of scents.

Shop Rose Geranium Deodorant

$14.00 Meow Meow Tweet

Lume Deodorant Review [10/10]

Oh, Lume, the deodorant that promises to keep you fresh from head-to-toe for 72 hours.

I’ve been using Lume deodorant consistently for the past two weeks, and I can’t stop checking to make sure it’s still working. Spoiler alert: it is!

It’s the only product I’ve tried that effectively tackles all areas and types of body odor.

I'm not mad on the scent where others smell much more like a real fragrance. But this makes it a better option for sensitive skin.

The trick to this I found was to apply it early enough in the day or straight after a shower. I apply it at night so I'm good to go in the morning.

Even after two weeks, I find myself sniffing my pits every five minutes to ensure I’m not imagining things. The results speak for themselves.

Shop Deodorant Cream Stick

$16 Lume

Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant [6/10]

I recently tried Ursa Major’s Base Layer Deodorant and this is honestly the smoothest natural deodorant formula I’ve tried so far.

One of the best parts is that it doesn’t need to be warmed up against your skin before application, which is a time-saver.

I can confirm that it doesn’t stain or transfer to clothing, which is a huge plus!

Unfortunately, this deodorant didn’t work well for me in terms of longevity and odor protection.

While I don’t expect completely dry underarms from an aluminum-free deodorant, I’ve used other formulas that offer better wetness protection.

I found myself needing to reapply it multiple times a day, which isn’t ideal.

Shop Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant

$18 Ursa Major

Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant [9/10]

I recently gave Dove’s aluminum-free deodorant a try, and here’s my honest take. First off, it’s super gentle—no stinging at all!

Many natural deodorants either use baking soda, which can irritate the skin, or alcohol, which can burn if you’ve just shaved. Dove avoids both, which I really appreciate.

The deodorant stick itself is white, but the creamy formula becomes invisible once applied—a huge bonus, especially during the summer.

During my yoga sessions, I could feel the sweat trickling down my arms. After an outdoor run, while I wasn’t drenched, I definitely needed a shower.

For everyday activities, this deodorant performs quite well.

After a full day, there’s a faint hint of odor, but it’s much milder compared to other aluminum-free options I’ve tried.

Overall, I’m really impressed with how well it deodorizes and how comfortable it feels. As long as I’m not doing anything too intense, it’s one of the best deodorants I’ve used.

Shop 0% Aluminum Deodorant Stick

$7 Dove

Consider Your Skin Type

Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, look for brands that offer unscented variants to avoid potential irritants like synthetic fragrances, which can provoke allergies or sensitivities. Essential oils, while natural, can also be tough on sensitive skin, so don't be swayed by 'all-natural' labels without checking for the specifics that suit your needs.

In the realm of solid sticks, keep an eye out for plant-based waxes like candelilla or carnauba. These are the secret to gliding on smoothly across your skin without dragging – because no one should start their day with an underarm tussle.

Excessive Moisture

For those combatting moisture as well as odor, natural ingredients like baking soda, cornstarch, arrowroot, or clay might be your saving grace. 

However, it's worth noting that baking soda can sometimes irritate the skin, so if you've experienced this before, seek out alternatives. Aloe vera and coconut oil are often included for their dual powers of soothing the skin and putting odor-causing bacteria in their place.

Check the Ingredients List

If you're on the hunt for the best natural deodorant, the first step is to become an ingredient detective. Here's a quick rundown on why this is key:

Natural Ingredients to Look For:

• Coconut Oil: A moisturizing base that has natural antimicrobial properties.
• Baking Soda: Neutralizes pH and minimizes underarm odor.
• Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural oils and nourishes the skin.
• Lavender Essential Oil: For a calming scent and additional antibacterial benefits.
• Candelilla Wax: A vegan alternative to beeswax used to solidify the deodorant.
• Litsea Cubeba: An essential oil for a fresh, lemon-like fragrance.

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Aluminum: Blocks sweat ducts and interferes with natural detoxification.
• Propylene Glycol: A synthetic compound that could irritate sensitive skin.
• Synthetic Fragrances: Can cause allergic reactions and may contain phthalates.

We're dedicated to finding and telling you more about the best women's lifestyle products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.