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10 Best Natural Deodorants I Tested Day to Day (2025)

admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:42:58 +0000

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These Deodorants Are Just OK

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Kopari Performance Plus Deodorant for $20: This deodorant smells great—like a floral, beachy coconut. It’s more fresh than sweet, and I’d say it’s unisex-leaning-feminine. It goes on clear and smooth, and it didn’t stain my clothes at all. However, it didn’t last me through a workout without reapplying, unlike some other brands I tried. I think it’s fine, but I wouldn’t call it a “performance deodorant.” If you’re looking for a clear formula and you don’t mind reapplying, it might be worth a shot.

Fur Ingrown Deodorant for $19: My relationship with this deodorant is as complicated as my relationship with my underarm hair. Sometimes I don’t shave it for months; sometimes I shave it every other day. This deodorant contains ingredients like willow bark (to prevent ingrown hairs) and niacinamide (to brighten underarms). It did both of those things very well. But it didn’t do a great job at preventing odor throughout the day, and the smell is very green and earthy, which didn’t agree with my body chemistry. It might really appeal to some people though—online reviewers seem to love it or hate it—so I recommend smelling it in a store before purchasing.

Curie Clean Deodorant (two-pack) for $28: This formula smells good when first applied, but quickly fades away after an hour or two. It also stained my clothes more than some others I tried. During my second use, it caused some irritation, so I discontinued it. I didn’t notice myself sweating more or less compared to other kinds of natural deodorant. However, the brand does have a great Detox Mask that can help with the transitional period when switching to natural deodorant. It’ll be featured more prominently in an upcoming guide.

Dove Aluminum-Free Deodorant for $11: Dove’s deodorant is mostly fine, and I like how affordable it is. But the texture is really smooth and leaves my underarms feeling strangely sticky, even after letting them dry. The fragrances aren’t powerful or long-lasting enough for my own personal preference. They also all have a powdery undertone that I was not a fan of. I did notice some BO partway through the day during my testing. Since this is so subjective, your mileage may vary. The packaging also came taped shut, and the tape left behind sticky residue on the outside of my deodorant that was impossible to remove without rubbing alcohol.

Lume Whole Body Deodorant (three-pack) for $39: This pricey deodorant smelled terrible to me. I received the Invisible Cream formula in Minted Cucumber, which smelled like pool chlorine and hand soap. I refused to put it on my body. I also received the Clean Tangerine Smooth Solid formula, which initially smelled marginally better but still had a weird hand-soap element to it. It left white marks all over my clothes and oddly smelled like cheese once applied. I washed it off and called my testing done. Reader, I love you, but I’m not going to smell like cheese all day just to see if the smell magically transforms after a few hours. Senior commerce editor Kat Merck also tried the Lavender Sage Invisible Cream, and she said it reminded her of laundry that was left overnight in the washing machine—and that the deodorant made her smell worse than she would have had she not worn any in the first place. Lume does have many fans across the internet, so again, this may be something that can be boiled down to personal preference. I suggest smelling it in a store before purchasing.

Bite Refillable Deodorant for $44: I like the minimalist aesthetic of this refillable deodorant. The sleek metal case is almost miniature, and the entire setup is completely plastic-free. However, it’s easy to push the deodorant stick up too high, which can be messy if the temperatures are warm. In fact, I found the formula too soft in general, and it tended to get gunky and gummy throughout the day, both on my armpits and on the case. I also didn’t love the Neroli scent. I think this could work well if you want the most minimalist, nondescript natural deodorant possible, but there are other refillable options that smell better and last longer.

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Saltair AHA Deodorant for $12: I was initially really impressed by the scent I tried from Saltair. Pink Beach smells like a summer sunset on the ocean. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts to make it work, I couldn’t apply this formula without my armpits feeling sticky and irritated. I used it on clean, dry, hairless skin, and I let my armpits dry fully before lowering my arms. But I had this constant feeling of tacky, sweaty irritation that eventually led to a rash, so I discontinued testing.

How I Tested and What’s Up Next

I‘ve been wearing natural deodorant since 2020. I wore each of these deodorants at least three times—once during a calm day at home and twice during a workout at the gym. I also tested whether they stain by putting on a black T-shirt after application. I am currently testing deodorants from Jukebox and additional scents from Megababe, as well as various liquid AHA deodorants.

Common Ingredients, Explained

Here’s an explanation about some of the ingredients you may see in your research.

Aluminum: Natural deodorants (usually) mask odor and don’t emphasize sweat reduction. Antiperspirants (usually) mask odor and prevent sweat. The sweat prevention comes from aluminum salts, which block sweat ducts under your arms. There were a few studies that talked about elevated breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease risks from using aluminum, but there’s no definite link between them (according to the FDA, the American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute, among others). It’s probably fine to use antiperspirants with aluminum in them. Some people with kidney disease are advised to avoid aluminum, and others want to “play it safe” and avoid aluminum. As for me, I sort of feel better when I sweat? In any case, that’s the lowdown on aluminum. TL;DR: The science says it’s fine for most people.

Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that have been shown to mimic estrogen in the body, but at much lower rates than the body’s natural estrogen. Parabens are somewhat common ingredients in food, medicine, and beauty products, though they’re less common as more people try to avoid them. Some parabens are banned in the EU until more research can be done. The FDA has concluded that parabens are safe. It’s relatively easy to avoid parabens if you choose to. Most antiperspirants don’t contain parabens; most natural deodorants don’t, either.

Phthalates: Phthalates make plastic more flexible and durable, and they can also be used in some beauty products as stabilizers. Some studies have concluded that they’re safe; others suggest links between phthalates and skin irritation, cancer, or early death. But those links were not causal. Phthalates do have a California Proposition 65 warning. The recommended deodorants below are phthalate-free. Many antiperspirants do contain phthalates, but not all of them.

Baking soda: Some natural deodorants use baking soda as an absorptive agent to prevent sweat and as an antibacterial agent to prevent odor. Some people can develop a rash from using baking-soda-based formulas, due to the reaction between the baking soda and their body’s natural pH balance. It’s hard to tell whether or not you’re sensitive to baking soda until you try it, but if you typically have sensitive skin, you may want to try a formula without baking soda. We have some recommendations below.

The Transition Period, Explained

When you make the switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, you might go through a transition period lasting from one to four weeks. Long story short, after years of not sweating while using antiperspirants, you might find yourself sweating a whole lot more as your body adjusts when switching to natural deodorant. It’ll level out eventually, but for me personally, I smelled like a gym full of teenage boys for two weeks. Some people don’t have a transition phase at all. I also developed a heat rash from sweating so much during the middle of summer—my skin was irritated, which meant I couldn’t use deodorant at all, therefore raising the Stink Factor. Now, though, I sweat less than I ever did while using antiperspirants.

Be prepared to stick it out. I have an issue with the term “detox,” because our bodies already have a detoxifying process (called the kidneys). However, a clay mask like the Curie Detox Mask can be helpful in drawing out excess moisture and calming down irritated skin that you might experience during the transition period. Otherwise, just keep your underarms dry and be gentle on your skin. It won’t last forever.

It’s hard to empirically test deodorant. Scent preferences vary from person to person, and they can change based on your body chemistry. Some people might prefer a different formula, some people shave and some don’t, and some people care more about sweat absorption than scent. Do you shower every single day? Do you work out frequently? Do you naturally sweat a lot or a little? All of these things can factor in to whether or not you’ll like a deodorant. Here’s what the tables below mean.

Available scents: How many scents you can choose from as of press time.

Free from: These ingredients are not in the deodorant.

Scent strength: “Strong” lasts all day. “Medium” fades halfway through the day. “Faint” means it faded fast or was barely noticeable in the first place.

Sweat level: “Low” means I didn’t notice any sweat. “Medium” means I noticed some sweat but didn’t feel the need to reapply the deodorant. “High” means I sweat a lot and felt the need to reapply throughout the day.

Clothing stains: “None” means it didn’t stain my clothes. “Few” means it might show up on a black T-shirt. “High” means it will absolutely show up on your clothes, regardless of color.

Functional ingredients: A list of the main ingredients that help absorb sweat and prevent odor.

Formula details: Is it vegan? Is it a stick, cream, or roll-on? I’ll let you know here.

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The 10 Best Deodorants for Sensitive Skin of 2025

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 07:26:27 +0000

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We often focus on sensitive skin care for the face, but your underarms deserve just as much attention. Shaving, tight clothing, and harsh deodorants can easily lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort. That’s why choosing a gentle, effective formula (and natural deodorants) is key, especially since common ingredients like fragrance, aluminum, and baking soda can trigger reactions.

To help you narrow down the ones that work, we extensively researched top contenders, considering their ingredients, formulas, application, and effectiveness. We then consulted two board-certified dermatologists—Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., and Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan, M.D.,—to get to the heart (er, pit) of the matter on all things deodorant and sensitive skin.

Credit: Target

What We Like

Moisturizing
Long-lasting
Doesn’t sting

Key Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY, natural oil | Size: 2.6 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Made with one-quarter moisturizing ingredients, this formula glides on seamlessly and will leave your armpits feeling smooth. Since it is a true antiperspirant, it does contain aluminum (which can be pore-clogging and has been linked to developing breast cancer though that’s not supported by medical data) but it lasts up to 48 hours making it a choice pick for those who simply don’t want to deal with sweat. Plus, because it’s alcohol-free, it won’t sting going on if you’re already dealing with underarm irritation. The bottom line: If you’re looking for a soothing, effective, lasting formula and don’t mind deodorants that contain aluminum, this option is for you. We think it’s ideal for those who are active but don’t want a formula that’s so strong that it’ll burn or irritate your skin.

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

Aluminum-free
Long-lasting
Affordable

Key Ingredients: Magnesium, coconut oil | Size: 3.25 oz | Scent: Charcoal and Magnesium | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A long list of Byrdie editors are fans of the brand, which offers an impressive line-up of scents and formulas. But we love this one for people with sensitive skin because it’s baking-soda-free (baking soda can be irritating on the skin) and instead relies on charcoal and magnesium for all-day odor protection. (Speaking of, those essential oils also give it a lovely floral scent.) Pro tip: Hold it against your skin for a second to allow the natural oil and wax base to warm up and soften slightly so that it glides on smoother.

Credit: Net-a-Porter

What We Like

Has a clear, quick-dry, and no-residue gel formula
Smells good
Clear formula doesn’t transfer onto clothing

Key Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acid, silica, kaolin, zinc | Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Eucalyptus, unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The ingredients this formula doesn’t contain are noteworthy: aluminum, parabens, baking soda, synthetic fragrance, and phthalates, just to name a few—all ingredients that can cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. But what it does contain is equally as exciting. Namely, a blend of mandelic and lactic alpha-hydroxy acids, which help smooth skin. There are also wetness-absorbing silica, zinc, and clay in the mix, and while the eucalyptus scent is a fave among Byrdie team members, there’s a fragrance-free version for those whose skin is super sensitive.

Credit: Ulta

Key Ingredients: Coconut, green tea, vitamin E, sage, sandalwood, horsetail plant | Size: 2.6 oz | Scent: Fresh, rosy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We love this option, for its lovely and fresh rosy scent and smooth formula. Despite the cutesy name and packaging, the formula is still totally hardcore when it comes to keeping odor-causing bacteria at bay, thanks to ingredients like green tea and sage.

Credit: Courtesy by Amazon

What We Like

Unscented
Long-lasting
Nongreasy

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter | Size: 2.65 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We totally get wanting a deodorant that smells good, but if your armpits are really beaten up, avoiding any kind of fragrance (even if it’s naturally derived) can be a good move, at least for a little while. In the meantime, reach for this formula. Paraben-, aluminum-, and baking soda-free, it boasts a simple and straightforward ingredient list containing shea butter, tapioca starch, and coconut oil that ward off odor and moisture, while simultaneously soothing skin.

Credit: Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, tapioca starch | Size: 2.6 oz | Scent: Bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom, cardamom | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Our editors rave about this luxe pick for its sophisticated scent combinations and its buttery smooth application (which is not always the case with natural deodorants). It’s on the pricier side, for sure, but the soft formula and chic, display-worthy packaging, and again, those scents, make it well worth the price tag. Plus, we appreciate that it’s free from common irritants, like synthetic fragrances, aluminum, and baking soda. Our only gripe is that it doesn’t last as long as some others that we tested.

Credit: Courtesy by Amazon

Key Ingredients: Zinc gluconate, perlite | Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: No

The active ingredient in this formula, zinc ricinoleate, combats odor-causing bacteria to keep you fresh for, you guessed it, 24 hours. It’s aluminum-, alcohol-, paraben-, and fragrance-free, so gentle that it can even go right onto freshly-shaved underarms, and has a clear formula that won’t leave behind any telltale residue. Just make sure you’re applying it onto totally dry skin for the best results.

Credit: Nordstrom

What We Like

Has an evaporative mist
Long-lasting
Doesn’t stain clothes

Key Ingredients: Vetiver Root, zinc ricinoleate, coriander seed | Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Woody, herbaceous, earthy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s no aluminum to be found in this spritz; instead, it relies on refreshing essential oils, such as sage, rosemary, and eucalyptus, that help neutralize odor. The naturally derived, unisex vetiver scent also helps to camouflage odors. Plus, it’s completely clear, meaning you won’t have to worry about staining your clothing when applying it.

Credit: Sephora

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, shea butter, marula oil, mongongo oil, baobab seed oil | Size: 2 oz | Scent: Sweet | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Cream deodorants have a big following but can be admittedly messy to apply, which is why we especially like that this has a twist-up applicator. (But if you want, you can still apply it with your fingertips.) It’s pH balanced and has protective and soothing shea butter, too. Meanwhile, other ingredients, such as mandelic acid and arrowroot powder, work to kill odor-causing bacteria and absorb any moisture. Also noteworthy: This is one of the few natural formulas that doesn’t contain essential oils, which can be problematic and irritating for those with especially sensitive skin.

Credit: Courtesy by Myro

Key Ingredients: Aloe, probiotics, sage | Size: 2 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Available in five unique scents, this Myro deodorant relies on plant-powered ingredients to keep odors to a minimum. The formula is packed with skin soothers like aloe vera, probiotics, and sage, and we love that the ingredient list is short and free from potential irritants, like essential oils and synthetic fragrances. What else makes it stand out? The fact that it comes in refillable packaging. Each time the stick runs out, you can get a new insert rather than needing to repurchase the product and the packaging all over again. Also nice: the minimal ingredient list is great for those who experience sensitivity on their underarms.

What to Look for in Deodorants for Sensitive Skin

Ingredients: The most important thing to consider when buying a deodorant for sensitive skin is the ingredients. Ingredients like aluminum, fragrance, baking soda, and alcohol can all contribute to skin irritation (especially if you already have sensitive skin), so finding a formula that’s free from these ingredients is key. Instead, it’s wise to choose formulas that lean on more nourishing and gentle ingredients that help to fight odor.
Format: Deodorant sticks are the most common format, but you’ve got other options, too. If you prefer lightweight formulas that you can spritz on, try a spray deodorant. If you prefer a roll-on formula, you’ve got options there, too.
Scent: Fragrance-free deodorants are great for people with sensitive skin because synthetic fragrances and fragrances derived from essential oils can be irritating. However, if you can tolerate fragranced deodorant and prefer that, finding a scent that you love will add to the user experience.

FAQ

“People with sensitive skin should avoid deodorants with fragrance as many people can find this reactive on the skin,” says Dr. Sitabkhan. “Parabens, which are preservatives often found in deodorants, can also cause contact rashes in some people.”

“Apply the deodorant to a small area of skin on the forearm and make sure no reaction occurs over the next 24 to 48 hours,” Dr. Sitabkhan says. “If anything happens, talk to a dermatologist.”

Meet Our Experts

For this story, Byrdie interviewed two experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when searching for a deodorant for sensitive skin.

Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist from U.S. Dermatology Partners North Dallas.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City.

Why Trust Byrdie

Samantha Leal is a lifestyle and beauty journalist with more than 13 years of experience. She was trained by Mark/Avon Cosmetics as a makeup artist under their college ambassador program, and has been writing, editing, and reviewing makeup and beauty products ever since.

Melanie Rud is a writer for Byrdie covering beauty and lifestyle product recommendations. She’s dedicated to learning the science behind products and personally vetting them herself.

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