Non-Toxic & Natural Deodorant Brands (Women, Men, & Gender-Neutral)

Switching to a non-toxic deodorant can be a tough one. It’s gotta work! 😅

Part of the problem is that everyone’s body is different. And there are a lot of factors that go into whether or not we smell bad… Stress levels, diet, genetics, hormones, weather, exercise, caffeine intake, etc.

Point is: what works for me might not work for you. And what works for you might not work for your best friend.

That’s why, for this guide, I’m not only giving you my thoughts on the various aluminum-free deodorants I’ve tried, but I also asked The Filtery contributors and readers to share their thoughts as well.

I’ve also included a lot of different brands. That way, if one doesn’t work for you, you can move on to the next. AND I’ll tell you which brands are kind of greenwashing. 😬

Lastly, at the end, I give you some tips on how to transition to natural deodorant.

Do you have a favorite natural deodorant brand? Any brands you tried and HATED? Let us know in the comments so we can continue crowdsourcing and help others make the switch!

What this guide covers:

Ingredients to Avoid in Deodorant & Antiperspirant

Safer Ingredients to Look For Instead

🍋 Join Thousands of Subscribers Reducing Toxic Chemicals

This guide contains product recommendations and we may receive compensation if you purchase through certain links. As always, we only make recommendations that are genuine!

First Things First: You Have To Know the Difference Between Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

Before we get into what to look for in healthier deodorant, let’s do a quick primer on the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant.

Antiperspirant actually works to stop you from sweating. Most of the time, aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirant, which is used to block your pores. (More on that below.)

Deodorant, on the other hand, works to prevent and get rid of smelliness by killing odor-causing bacteria and absorbing sweat (rather than stopping it).

A product can be both a deodorant and an antiperspirant, OR it can be just deodorant. Many conventional “deodorants” like Dove, Old Spice, etc., are actually both.

Natural and aluminum-free deodorants are not antiperspirants. While they are meant to prevent odor and absorb moisture, they will not prevent you from sweating.

That means if you’re used to using a conventional antiperspirant, you may have to get used to letting yourself sweat again.

Our Reviews of 9+ Non-Toxic and Natural Deodorants

Below are our recommendations for the best non-toxic deodorant brands. There is a wide variety of:

scented and unscented
baking soda and no baking soda
vegan and non-vegan
stick and jar
plastic-free and non
feminine, masculine, and gender-neutral scents.

Below all of the listed brands, I’ll talk about what ingredients to avoid and the healthier ones to look for instead (+ tips for making the switch!).

Now, without further ado, here are some of the best natural deodorant brands according to The Filtery contributors and readers!

Little Seed Farm

This is one of my favorite deodorant brands. It works, it’s gentle on the skin, and it’s low-waste.

It’s all-natural, aluminum-free, baking-soda-free, and family-owned (they’re based in Nashville!).

Application & Texture: It comes in a jar, not a regular stick, so you have to apply it with your fingers or the little bamboo applicator thing. (I just use my fingers; it’s easier.) It’s very smooth, though, so it goes on easily, dries relatively quickly, and isn’t tacky or greasy.

Odor Protection: It works! I have been using this deodorant for years now, and it always lasts me all day, even through workouts. It’s one of the best clean deodorants, if you ask me.

Scent: They have many different scents available. I’ve actually tried them all (via the Sample Pack), but I think my favorites are the Activated Charcoal, Lavender, and Grapefruit Lemon. There weren’t any that I didn’t like at all. They scents are definitely noticeable and pleasant, but they’re not overpowering by any means. (They also have an Unscented option.)

Packaging: The deodorant comes in a glass jar. You can get a silicone sleeve to go over the jar if you’re worried about it breaking. You cannot get refills from their website, but there are some refill shops around the country where you can refill your jar!

Clothing Stains? Nope.

Good Deodorant for Sensitive Skin? Yes—all of their varieties are free of baking soda

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? Not vegan (it contains beeswax), but it is Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free

Anything I don’t like? Since it’s not a stick, there may be some instances where it’s less convenient to apply it.

What a couple of The Filtery readers have to say:

“For deodorant, let me tell you, this was one of the hardest swaps for me. I sweat a lot, and every natural swap I made failed miserably, even after the detox period. Until a friend recommended Little Seed Farm. They have aluminum-free and baking soda-free deodorant creams in a variety of scents, and it’s been a game-changer for me. I particularly love the Rosemary Patchouli and Lavender options. The deodorant creams come in glass containers that you can refill at partner locations.”

“Deodorant recommendation: after YEARS of searching Little Seed Farm is the GOAT (also they have goats 🐐!!!). It works! Plastic free packaging! Scents that are lovely! Small-scale made in USA company! Low waste shipping option available at checkout.”

Order from Zero Waste Store

Primally Pure

This is definitely one of the most popular natural deodorant brands on the market right now.

Application & Texture: It definitely goes on smoothly. It has a bit of a creamy texture that feels nourishing to the skin. It dries well and there is very minimal tackiness.

Odor Protection: Mixed reviews on this. Celia found it to be very effective for odor protection, but I (Abbie) found it to be so-so. I’ve also gotten mixed reviews from readers on Primally Pure… Some have found it to be very functional in keep smells at bay all day long, while others have said it stops working after a while. So, you might have to just try it out for yourself to see if it works with your body!

Scent: They have various scents available—some of which are more feminine and some are more masculine. The Blue Tansy is the most popular scent, but I personally am not a huge fan of it. (More about that below.)

Packaging: It comes in a twist-up stick that’s made of plastic. It’s easy to apply, like your typical deodorant. It would be nice if they had a low-plastic or refillable option though.

Clothing Stains? None that I’ve noticed.

Good for Sensitive Skin? Kind of. They do not have a baking-soda-free version, but all of their varieties are formulated with a small amount of baking soda so that they are suitable for most people with sensitive skin. I have not had any issues with irritation.

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? No; it contains tallow from grass-fed cows and beeswax

Celia’s Review: Natural deodorants have always been a struggle for me. I’ve tried so many of the brands that the non-toxic community raves about, only to find that by the end of the day, either my clothes are stained or I need a shower.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Primally Pure’s deodorant is both natural and effective. Don’t let the initial application scare you—it goes on feeling a little wet and leaves a blue-ish tint. However, the blue color immediately fades, and it dries quickly.

I used this deodorant all summer in North Carolina, and I felt clean and protected every day. (It even got me through some pretty intense hot yoga and pilates classes, which is more than I can say for some other deodorants that do have aluminum!) If you’re a natural deodorant skeptic, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

This is actually the only natural deodorant I’ve tried so far that I would repurchase. If you’re like me and finding non-toxic deodorants that agree with your body chemistry is a struggle, don’t write them off until you’ve tried this one.

Abbie’s Review: I was really curious to try this Blue Tansy scent too because it’s so unique! And I have to say: the scent is not for me. It’s really hard to describe what it smells like—it’s floral-y but also kind of earth-y?

This is honestly, just a personal preference. If you check out the reviews, a love of people love the scent, but a few other people said the scent wasn’t for them either. Again, you might just have to try it out for yourself and see!

The deodorant itself goes on well, feels really nice on my skin, and doesn’t leave any stains or marks on my shirt. While I found it to be relatively effective against stinkiness, there have been some days when I’ve had to re-apply it.

I think in the future I’m going to try a different scent to see if I like it better!

A review from a Filtery reader:

“Primally Pure deodorant (Vanilla+Citrus) is fantastic. It has lasted all day for me even in super hot, sweaty situations (like a recent trip to Tunisia)!”

You can check out our full Primally Pure review here.

And if you decide to make a purchase, use the code THEFILTERY for 10% off.

Shop Primally Pure

Native (Lavender & Rose or Unscented Only)

This is a controversial one! Native is one of those brands that is marketed as “natural” buuut isn’t really as “clean” as we’d like it to be.

I’m not going to go into the details here because I actually have an entire article that’s all about the pros & cons of Native deodorant.

But essentially, the key problem is that Native deodorant contains undisclosed fragrance. This means they are not completely transparent about all of their ingredients. Under the fragrance loophole, companies like Native can include over 3,500 different chemicals under the umbrella term “fragrance,” and some of those chemicals are linked with health concerns. I believe consumers deserve to know what’s actually in the products they’re buying.

There are, however, two Native varieties that I can recommend: the Lavender & Rose and the Unscented. These are two options that DO disclose ALL of the ingredients. I’ve actually used the Lavender & Rose many times over the years and I’m including it here because a) it always works well for me, and b) it’s pretty easy to find in big box stores, if you need to grab something quick.

(P.S. Native is also owned by P&G, and a lot of people don’t like supporting big corporations like that if they can help it.)

Application & Texture: If you’re switching from a conventional deodorant like Dove or something, then there will be no learning curve for you here. It goes on smoothly just like regular stick deo does, dries pretty quickly, and doesn’t leave any stickiness. The plastic-free tube is slightly more difficult to apply because you have to hold your finger in the tube in order to get the deodorant to stay at the top of the cylinder, but that’s not a big deal for me.

Odor Protection: It’s very effective. This is one aluminum-free deodorant I can trust will always get me through the whole day without B.O., even if I go to a sweaty group workout class or spend a hot day in the sun.

Scent: Again, the Lavender & Rose scent is the only one I use and would recommend. It’s nice, but definitely light. It kind of fades; I don’t really smell it throughout the day.

Packaging: They have both a regular plastic stick and a cardboard stick for a plastic-free option. Sometimes the plastic-free option isn’t available in stores or only comes in certain scents.

Clothing Stains? None.

Good for Sensitive Skin? Yes, they have two versions: “Classic,” which contains baking soda, and “Sensitive,” which does not.

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? Yes

From a Filtery Reader:

“Native deodorant (the unscented sensitive one) ended up being the best for me. They’re owned by P&G, so I doubt they’re using the best ingredients, but I’d love for you to include it in the ranking!”

Attitude

Attitude probably has the largest variety of options of all the brands listed here. They have a lot of different scents available. They have some plastic-free options and some that come in a standard plastic twist-tube. They also have a men’s deodorant line and a Sensitive collection.

Application & Texture: The application of this one is a little bit less smooth than some of the other brands. Sometimes little chunks of the deodorant can break off and then I have to rub them in with my fingers. Not a deal breaker for me, but it can be a bit inconvenient. Also, the top of the plastic-free tube can get a little greasy by the time you get to the bottom (which is common of plastic-free tubes in general).

Odor Protection: It works! I’ve been using Attitude’s deodorant for years and it’s always been effective at preventing odor. I’ve repurchased it several times over the years.

Scent: I’ve used both their Unscented and some of their fragranced options.

Quick note! The way Attitude labels its fragrance ingredients is kind of confusing. They do list “*fragrance (Parfum)” on the ingredient list, which leads some folks to think their products contain undisclosed fragrance. But in fact, they do list all of their fragrance ingredients above that with an *asterisk.* They’ve said EWG has asked them to label their products this way to make the EWG Verification process easier. Here you can see what I mean:

Packaging: They have plastic-free tubes and conventional plastic twist-up tubes.

Clothing Stains? I have experienced some mild oil stains from some of their deodorant.

Good for Sensitive Skin? Yes. They have classic and sensitive options (baking-soda-free).

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? Yes

Shop Attitude

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PiperWai

This was actually one of the first non-toxic deodorants I tried back in the day!

Application & Texture: This one comes in a jar or a stick, so you can decide how you want to put it on. I’ve only ever used the jar, so I apply it with my fingers. One of The Filtery readers (below) said that the stick was actually more difficult to use than the jar!

The texture is nice overall. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t come with any sticky or tacky feeling.

Odor Protection: I found it to be very effective in preventing odor throughout the day, without having to reapply.

Scent: It’s nice—it’s light and refreshing, but not overpowering. The eucalyptus and peppermint are the most noticeable.

Packaging: When I first used PiperWai, it came in a glass jar. Now, it’s available in either a plastic jar or a plastic twist-up tube. (It’s a little disappointing they went from glass to plastic!)

Clothing Stains? None that I’ve noticed.

Good for Sensitive Skin? Depends. They say it’s formulated for sensitive skin (it contains soothing & anti-inflammatory ingredients like shea butter), but it’s not baking-soda-free. You’ll probably have to try it out for yourself to see if it bothers your skin or not.

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? Yes

A review from a Filtery reader:

“I have been using PiperWai Deodorant ever since its launch on Shark Tank. I used the jar v. the stick, as the stick is quite rough/difficult to use. I’m highly sensitive to scents, and PiperWai is great. It smells good but doesn’t make me sick; its very subtle. The problem I do have with PiperWai is that we camp, and despite being in my bathroom bag which is housed in the camper van’s cabinet, it freezes at night. I have to set it in the sun in the morning to allow it to thaw before I can use it. 😁 I tried using a different deodorant for awhile, and I happily went back to PiperWai. I can’t seem to live without it.”

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Christopher’s Organics

This one isn’t my favorite when it comes to performance, but the ingredients are top-notch. This small business uses fair trade and organic ingredients. It’s certified USDA Organic and EWG Verified.

Application & Texture: I don’t love the texture of this one if I’m being honest. It has a bit of a tacky feel to it. It doesn’t really dry all the way, so it leaves my pits feeling kind of sticky or greasy.

Odor Protection: It’s so-so. It definitely works for a while, but there have been some days when I have gotten stinky and had to re-apply it. Not the worst I’ve tried, but not the best either.

Scent: The scents are pretty strong and very refreshing. Whenever I’m wearing the Peppermint one, I can smell it the entire time I’m wearing it, through my workouts and everything.

Packaging: It comes in a typical plastic twist-up tube.

Clothing Stains? Yes, unfortunately, this one does leave oil stains on my clothing.

Good for Sensitive Skin? Depends. It does have a small amount of baking soda, and I haven’t had an issue with it. It depends on how sensitive you are.

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? Yes, it’s cruelty-free. It’s not explicitly vegan/cruelty-free, but I don’t see any animal-based ingredients.

Use code THEFILTERY for 10% off.

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Papr

Application & Texture: This one has more of a creamy texture than your typical powdery white deodorant. This means it goes on very smoothly and doesn’t leave white marks on my clothes.

Odor Protection: I can say this one definitely works against odor! I’ve had no issues with it lasting throughout the whole day.

Scent: So far I’ve only tried the Coastal Forests scent, and I love it! Very nature vibes. It’s really gender-neutral too, so I think the guys would like it as well.

They have several other scents available, but note that some of them contain undisclosed fragrance! So, I would stay away from The Deep Blue, Vanilla Sky, Green Machine, and So Hot Right Now. The other scents are all-natural.

Packaging: It’s only available in a plastic-free paper tube. The edges of the tube can get greasy and worn down by the end, but they call it out directly, which I think is kind of funny!

Clothing Stains? Nope.

Good for Sensitive Skin? Not for me, unfortunately. This one definitely irritated my skin after using it several days in a row, especially if I used it right after shaving. Which is really disappointing because of how effectively it worked. It don’t really know if it’s because of the baking soda or because of one of the essential oils used in the scent I tried, so I may try a different one in the future. If you don’t have very sensitive skin, you might still want to try it out for yourself, though!

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? Yes.

Lauren P‘s Review:

I tried the From Dusk Til Dawn one and really liked it. The smell was really nice, but it wasn’t overpowering. I’m usually sensitive to baking soda, but this one didn’t bother me at all (even though it does contain baking soda). It worked well in keeping me stink-free, too!

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Fat & The Moon

Application & Texture: This is another one that comes in a glass jar, so you have to apply it with your fingers. It goes on very smoothly and feels nourishing on my skin. Just be careful not to use too much (only a pea-sized amount!) or it can feel too greasy.

Odor Protection: Unfortunately, this one was not very effective for me personally—it didn’t last all day. So now, I just use it during instances when I don’t really need very strong odor-protection, like when I’m working from home or sleeping at night.

This is disappointing because I otherwise really like what Fat & The Moon is about. They are very intentional with their “recipes”, using a lot of organic and ethically-sourced ingredients. They use a very minimal amount of plastic across their entire collection, everything is hand-crafted, and their whole brand feels very connected to nature. (It was started by an herbalist who formulates all of their products!)

Scent: The Deodorant Cream only comes in one scent. It’s pleasant, but pretty light. I like it though! The scent of the Sensitive Pit Cream is even lighter.

Packaging: Fat & The Moon says that “packaging is an ingredient,” and I agree! Their packaging is plastic-free: the deodorant comes in a glass jar with an aluminum tin that can be reused or recycled, and the ink on the paper label is compostable.

Clothing Stains? None that I’ve noticed.

Good for Sensitive Skin? Yes, they have two versions: The regular Deodorant Cream has baking soda in it, and the Sensitive Pit Cream does not.

Vegan/Cruelty-Free? No (it contains beeswax)

Use code THEFILTERY for 15% off.

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What About Crystal Deodorant?

I got a lot of replies from folks who love the Crystal deodorant.

But crystal deodorant is in a category all on its own, and many people wonder if it’s really “non-toxic” or not.

(Side note: There is an actual BRAND of crystal deodorant called Crystal, and then “crystal deodorant” can be used in a generic way, too, like it’s used here.)

Okay, so here’s the deal:

People in Southeast Asia have been using crystal deodorant for hundreds of years, but they’ve only become popular in the west in the past couple of decades.

Crystal deodorant is made of potassium alum. Even though it’s not the same as the aluminum found in conventional antiperspirants, it is NOT technically aluminum-free.

The main differences in the aluminum used in conventional antiperspirants and crystal deodorants are:

the type of aluminum
the solubility
the size

Type: The types of aluminum usually used in conventional antiperspirants are aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum hydroxybromide, aluminum chloride, or aluminum zirconium. Again, the kind that’s used in crystal deo is potassium alum.

Solubility: The type of aluminum that’s used in conventional deodorant is a soluble compound. It dissolves in sweat and forms a gel-like plug inside your sweat ducts to block perspiration.

However, the aluminum in potassium alum is much less soluble than conventional antiperspirant salts, so it does not form plugs in sweat ducts or block pores. Rather, it sits on the surface of the skin, creating an environment that’s less friendly to odor-causing bacteria.

This is why crystal deodorant is not an antiperspirant, despite the fact that it contains aluminum.

Size: The aluminum molecules in conventional antiperspirants are smaller and more reactive, which allows them to interact with sweat duct proteins and block sweat.

The claim made by crystal deodorant manufacturers is that because potassium alum molecules are large, they cannot absorb into the skin and are therefore safer.

But here’s the unfortunate truth: we have very little direct data on how much potassium alum is absorbed through the skin (although so far, evidence suggests it’s minimal).

For example, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which usually has the most up-to-date info on these types of things, mostly addresses aluminum chlorohydrate (the type of aluminum used in conventional antiperspirant), not potassium alum.

Other major reviews on aluminum safety—like from WHO and ATSDR—have focused on dietary and occupational exposure; not on skin absorption from deodorant.

So, here’s the TL;DR from my perspective:

Is crystal deodorant safer than conventional anti-perspirant? Probably. But we need more research.
Although crystal deodorant contains a different type of aluminum than conventional antiperspirants, it is not completely aluminum-free. So if you’d prefer to completely stay away from aluminum, you’ll want to skip the crystal.

Reviews of Crystal Deodorant:

Lauren P’s review:

“I’ve been using the crystal deodorant for a couple of years now. (I got a refillable one from a local eco-friendly shop.) I love it. I will say that I’ve been using ‘natural’ deodorant for years now, so I don’t know if some people will need to ‘detox’ if they’re switching right from conventional antiperspirant. I’ll also say that I don’t have a huge need for deodorant in general (I barely wore it all winter!). I eat gluten-free, dairy-free, and I think that might make a difference in how I smell (or don’t smell). I also have an oregano oil my mom made me that I put on my armpits before the crystal, and that helps with the smell too. The only time it didn’t work super well for me was when I was in Europe and I was walking around for like 14 hours a day in a synthetic turtleneck. But other than that, I’m a huge fan.”

Here are some reviews from Filtery readers:

“I use CRYSTAL brand – the unscented Mineral Deodorant stone for daily use (had a detox of a bit but now works perfectly!). And for travel, group exercise classes, or social events just in case, I use Crystal Magnesium – Coconut + Vanilla. Since it is coconut oil based, this does leave some oil pit stains, so it isn’t my daily deodorant.”
- Quick clarifying note! The Coconut + Vanilla one mentioned here is made by the Crystal brand, but it is free from potassium alum. (Kind of confusing!)
“I have used Lafe’s Citrus and bergamot roll on deodorant for 5 years and am very happy with how well it works.”
“I’ve been using nakd Thai Crystal Deodorant. This is the first one I’ve found where I get a good 12+ hours stink-free! It’s weird though because it’s unscented. You just smell like nothing. So I pair it with one of Beautycounter’s roll on perfumes.”
“Potassium alum is the best at keeping my smell at bay for 24 hours. Plus one crystal lasts for about 18 months-2 years—a huge savings compared to pricey nontoxic deodorants or even standard deos. It isn’t perfect—if I’m sweating heavily on a hot day, I’ll still have a noticeable ripe human smell. Those are days that I’ll plan to take a quick shower to wash my body before re-applying another layer. But in the wintertime, I literally forget what my sweat even smells like. In the last 8 years, it is still the most effective deo I’ve tried. Here’s a pro/con list I wrote for a friend who wanted to try it!
- Pros
  - It’s effective at preventing body odor (at least it does for many people; body chemistry varies)
  - It’s low-waste. You can buy brands that come in cork packaging or no packaging at all. I use the brand BioRock — I like the cork case for traveling.
  - It’s cost effective—one stone lasts 1-2 years
  - You could even dissolve any broken or leftover pieces and make it into a spray / roll-on deodorant (I personally haven’t had as much luck with this method—it isn’t as effective)
- Cons
  - Must be applied on freshly washed armpits—you can’t just swipe some on after a run and carry on. If you do this, it will absorb your sweat stink and develop a funky smell
  - Some people find it works better on shaved armpits, which could be an issue for those who do not shave
  - Must be applied wet
  - Most effective if it fully dries before putting a shirt on (takes a couple minutes)
  - Armpits still feel wet when you sweat (not antiperspirant)
  - It can be slippery to hold when it’s wet & if you drop it hard enough, it can shatter
  - Can develop cracks where moisture pools & mold may grow (to prevent this, let it air dry completely before storing in the packaging)
  - Mold can grow in the plastic Crystal brand base over time
  - The cork can get moldy if you store the stone inside while it’s still damp
  - It isn’t always easy/affordable to find plastic-free options (rarely in physical stores; product availability fluctuates online)

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Even More Non-Toxic Deodorant Brands

Acure: Baking-soda-free, plastic-free tube, vegan.

Chagrin Valley: Plastic-free (glass jar or paper tube). USDA Certified organic. It’s not baking soda free, but they only use a little bit. Not vegan (uses beeswax). | Amazon

Curie: All of their scented options contain synthetic fragrance, but they do list out all of the ingredients on their website. (Or you could just go with the Unscented option.) | Amazon | Target | Walmart

Earth Mama Organics: All of their scents are baking-soda-free. Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free. Regular plastic tubes. | Amazon

Filtery Reader Review: “My replacement choice for now is Earth Mama’s Simply Non-Scents Deodorant. I don’t love it. While it does seem effective, it’s not nice to use. It has a grainy texture and doesn’t go on smoothly. It usually causes some redness for me upon application because it is so rough on the skin. (I would definitely not want to put it on right after shaving my underarms.) Because it doesn’t rub in very well, it’s also more likely to get on clothes. I’ll keep using it until it’s gone, but I would like to find something better!”

Humble: They have various options: plastic and non-plastic, vegan and non-vegan (beeswax), scented and unscented, sensitive and regular. | Amazon | Walmart

Just Ingredients: If you’re looking for the best non-toxic deodorant for men, you might want to give this one a try. (My husband is currently trying the Just Ingredient’s Men’s Deodorant, but I haven’t gotten a review from him yet!) I can tell you that it smells really good though! One Filtery reader says she uses and likes the Coconut Vanilla deodorant, but our Contributor, Lauren, doesn’t (see below). Comes in a regular twist-up plastic tube. Aluminum-free. They do not list the full list of essential oils used in the formulations. | Amazon

Lauren A’s Review: “Unfortunately, I found it left residue on my shirts that I couldn’t remove with stain remover in the wash – so this is a no for me. It did a good job preventing underarm smell throughout the day, but I can’t sacrifice my clothes for that!”

Kinfield: Free of baking soda and aluminum. Vegan & cruetly-free. Comes in a plastic tube.

Meow Meow Tweet: Plastic-free tube. Classic and baking-soda-free options.

Necessaire (Fragrance-free only): This is another really popular brand that I wish I could more confidently recommend because a lot of people like it. But unfortunately, their scented options all contain undisclosed fragrance. This is really the only problematic ingredient though, so the Fragrance-Free versions are fine. They have a regular deodorant and a gel, both of which come in regular plastic tubes. Aluminum-free, vegan, and baking soda free. | Amazon

One Filtery reader said, “Necessaire is my current favorite but I live in Houston and it’s June so nothing is perfect.”

Real Purity: Aluminum-free, all-natural. Appears to be vegan (although it doesn’t explicitly say that). | Amazon | Walmart

This one was recommend by several Filtery readers who said:
“I use Real Purity Roll on deodorant… It works really well and doesn’t leave that gummy white crap on my clothes like most of the natural other brands.”
“I LOVE Real Purity’s roll on deodorant. I’m really sensitive, and this works INCREDIBLY well!”
“I’ve used Real Purity deodorant for years. 🙂”

Soapwalla: Glass jar, vegan, regular and classic options.| Amazon

Ursa Major: Here’s another good option for men. I gave my husband the Forest Fix one to try, but he hasn’t given me his review on the effectiveness yet. I can tell you that it smells really good though! It’s baking soda-free and rubs on clear. It comes in a plastic twist-up tube. They’re not vegan (they contain royal jelly extract). | Amazon

VanMan: Plastic-free tube or jar. Aluminum-free and low in baking soda. Scented and unscented options. Not vegan (uses beeswax and tallow). | Amazon | Walmart

Wild: Here’s another plastic-free, refillable one. They do list “fragrance” as an ingredient on the main product page, but they actually do list all of the fragrance ingredients on this page, which is good. They have regular and sensitive versions. They’re based in the UK but have a US store. Vegan & aluminum-free. | Amazon | Target

These Deodorant Brands Are Kinda Greenwashed

The biggest problem with this next set of aluminum-free deodorant is undisclosed fragrance. (See more about that below.) These brands can generally be considered “semi-clean.” They’re not the worst, but they’re definitely not my top choices either.

Agent Nateur: They use “a proprietary blend of essential oils and isolates.”

AKT: I wasn’t super familiar with this brand but I kept seeing it pop up on Amazon. It comes in an aluminum tube so minimal plastic packaging. It’s vegan and aluminum-free, but they do use undisclosed fragrance.

byHumankind: I actually used this deo way back in the day when I was less picky about ingredients. I liked that it was refillable! Unfortunately, they do use undisclosed fragrance… It is all-natural though, so that’s not terrible. They do use a few other ingredients that may be irritating for some folks, too. It is vegan and aluminum-free.

Corpus: Here’s another one that I wish I could recommend because people seem to love it. However, not only do they use undisclosed fragrance (and they do not have a fragrance-free option), but they also use several so-so ingredients, including propylene glycol, alcohol denat, ethoxylated ingredients, and sorbitan oleate decylglucoside crosspolymer. The good things are that they say all of the fragrance ingredients are natural, it’s vegan, aluminum-free, and baking-soda-free.

Dr Squatch: Dr. Squatch contains “naturally-derived fragrance”, but they don’t disclose all of the ingredients. I actually tried Dr. Squatch’s deodorant recently and I can tell you that it definitely works. And the scents are very manly. So if you’re a man (or you have a man) who is having a really hard time switching from Old Spice, Dr. Squatch is not the worst choice. Yes, I wish they disclosed all of the ingredients, but all things considered, this deodorant can compete with the conventional brands and I think it’s an okay compromise. It is aluminum-free but not vegan (it contains beeswax). Comes in a classic plastic twist-up tube. P.S. Dr. Squatch was just purchased by Unilever.

Each & Every: This is a tough one. I know a lot of people like this deodorant. And a lot of their scents are EWG Verified, which is good. But they don’t list all of their ingredients. They list “essential oils,” but they don’t say which ones. And they list things like “earth wax” and “dead sea minerals” and “antioxidant salt”, but none of those are specific ingredients. I need more info. It is aluminum-free and vegan. Comes in a plastic tube.

Hey Humans: They use undisclosed fragrance and do not have a fragrance-free option. They are phthalate-free, aluminum-free, and vegan.

Hume: They use undisclosed fragrance as well as propylene glycol as the first ingredient. It is aluminum-free, baking-soda-free, and vegan.

Kopari: This one contains undisclosed fragrance, and it also uses propylene glycol as the first ingredient. Propylene glycol isn’t the worst ingredient, but it can be irritating for some, and it can also be contaminated with carcinogens because of the way it’s manufactured. It is aluminum-free and vegan.

Lume/Mando: These brands are owned by the same company, but Lume is targeted more toward women and Mando is targeted more towards men. These brands have definitely become very popular in recent years, and I think Lume was one of the first brands to set the “whole body deodorant” trend. I got a few replies from The Filtery readers who say they’ve used Lume/Mando and that they work well. I have several friends who like it as well. Unfortunately, I don’t strongly recommend them though. Most of their products use undisclosed fragrance, and there is no indication that they are all-natural. They’re not all aluminum-free (all of the “Sweat Control” products contain aluminum.) They also use a few so-so ingredients, such as PEGs, ozokerite, and alpha hydroxy acid. They are all free from baking soda, talc, phthalates, parabens, and animal products though.

Salt + Stone: This is a very popular one! Unfortunately, however, I can’t recommend them because they use undisclosed fragrance. I reached out to Salt + Stone to see if they would tell me what the ingredients actually are, but they wouldn’t. The fragrance is phthalate-free, which is good. But it’s not all-natural. This is the only problematic ingredient I see. Their deo is aluminum-free, vegan, and gender-neutral. They have regular and sensitive options.

Schmidt’s: The last time I tried Schmidt’s it irritated me, but that was years ago now. They do use undisclosed fragrance, but they say it’s all-natural and free from synthetics. It’s vegan and cruelty-free. Comes in a plastic tube. Schmidt’s is owned by Unilever.

Tom’s: They might have been one of the OGs of aluminum-free deodorant, but we’ve moved on. Some of their options are aluminum-free, but others aren’t. They do disclose all of their fragrance ingredients, which is good (but they’re not all-natural). They also use a couple of ingredients that aren’t great for folks with sensitive skin, like propylene glycol. Also, Tom’s is now owned by Colgate-Palmolive.

What About Non-Toxic Whole Body Deodorant?

Whole body deodorant has become so popular in recent years.

Personally, I think it’s just a marketing ploy to get us to think we need yet another product! “Whole body deodorant” is really no different than regular deodorant. If you really needed help with odor or sweat control on other parts of your body, then you could just use regular deodorant.

That said, if you really want to use whole body deodorant, I’m not here to judge. Here are some natural & non-toxic options:

Fat & The Moon Bod Powder (code: THEFILTERY for 15% off)
Carina Organics (spray)
Native (unscented; stick)
Curie (spray; not all natural, but they do disclose all of their fragrance ingredients)

Got Irritated Pits? This Might Be Why.

If you experience rashes, redness, or itchiness from deodorant, these are the most common culprits that you might want to look out for:

Baking soda: This is the most common irritating ingredient in natural deodorants. It’s why many brands either offer two options (one with baking soda and one without), or just formulate their deodorant with no or low amounts of baking soda.

Fragrances / Essential Oils: Many essential oils are irritating to people, and that irritation can be exacerbated if applied to freshly-shaved skin. If this is you, go with a different scent or fragrance-free.

Buildup: Over time, the pores on your armpit skin can experience a buildup not only of stuck deodorant ingredients (which we’ll talk about more in a minute) but also things like odor-causing bacteria and dead skin cells. This can lead to redness and itching, not to mention extra and unnecessary stink! Here are a few ways to get rid of and prevent buildup. You may want to combine several of these tips for the best results.

My Tips for Switching to Natural Deodorant

Some folks find the transition to aluminum-free deodorant to be no problem, while other folks have a really hard time finding something that works for them. Again: it just depends on so many factors!

But here are some things that have worked for me:

(If you have a skin condition, make sure you check with your doctor or dermatologist before doing any of these things.)

Exfoliate.

Using a dry brush and/or loofah before or in the shower makes a big difference for me. I don’t do it every day, but I use a dry brush like this one several times a week.

This is a gentle yet effective way to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, bacteria buildup, and product buildup. You may want to start with dry brushing your pits once a week, then move up to two to four times per week. Starting slow, using a soft brush, and moisturizing your pits after your shower with a skin-soothing oil like this one can help to prevent potential irritation and help with stink prevention.

Using a loofah in the shower can also help to exfoliate your skin in the same way dry brushing can. Using a loofah tends to be a gentler and more time-efficient option compared to dry brushing.

Do an armpit detox mask.

We can get product buildup in our pit pores, which can not only lead to more smelliness, but it can also prevent the fresh deodorant you put on from working as effectively.

So, doing a “pit detox” to pull some of that product out of your pores and neutralize odors can help. If you’re just starting the switch from conventional deodorant, you can do a mask 1-2 times a week for the first couple of weeks. Then after that, you can do one every month or so, or as-needed.

You don’t have to use a mask that’s specifically made for armpits—you can use a face mask instead. Here are some I’d recommend:

Birch Babe Charcoal Clay Mask (code THEFILTERYBB10 for 20% off)
No Tox Life Underarm Detox Bar
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (you can mix it with either water or apple cider vinegar)

Following up with a skin-soothing oil can help too.

Lower your expectations for how long it will last.

I haven’t worn conventional deodorant in many years, but I remember when I did, I could go like at least two days without re-applying it.

That’s just not the case with natural deodorant. I definitely have to apply it every day. Which is fine! But you may just want to adjust your expectations a little bit.

Try rotating your deodorant.

I don’t really know why this works for me; maybe my body just adjusts to the formulation of one type of deodorant. But I usually have a few in the rotation at once. Sometimes that means a few different brands, or sometimes it’s just different scents of the same brand.

I’ve found that sometimes when one specific product becomes less effective, I can switch to another one for a couple of weeks. I can usually go back to the first one a few weeks later and find that it works again.

Consider external factors—like diet, clothing, stress, and more.

I definitely notice a difference in how I smell when I’m really stressed out.

Or if I drink way too much coffee.

Or if I wear a non-breathable shirt out in the heat.

You get the idea. If you’re having a hard time finding a natural deodorant that works effectively for you, you may want to look at other factors you can tweak.

Things like caffeine, alcohol, certain spices, and some pharmaceuticals can cause an increase in sweat production and/or can change the smell of your sweat.

Not only that, but certain foods can change your body odor. Most of us know that garlic and onions can affect the smell of our sweat, but so can red meat, fish, cruciferous vegetables, and asparagus.

Lastly, there is a chance that a certain medical condition could be causing excessive sweat or body odor, so you can always check with your doctor to see if this is the case for you.

Ingredients to Avoid in Deodorant & Antiperspirant

There are quite a few ingredients used in deodorant and/or antiperspirant that come with potential health concerns. Here are the ones to be aware of:

Aluminum

These days, most people are at least somewhat familiar with the potential connection between aluminum (the active ingredient in many conventional deodorants/antiperspirants) and breast cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “[Aluminum] compounds form a temporary “plug” within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. Some research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects (3). Because estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells, some scientists have suggested that the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may contribute to the development of breast cancer (3).”

However, this connection is controversial. The National Cancer Institute goes on to say: “no studies to date have confirmed any substantial adverse effects of aluminum that could contribute to increased breast cancer risks. A 2014 review concluded there was no clear evidence showing that the use of aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increases the risk of breast cancer.”

In my opinion, we need more research on this topic. Either way—whether aluminum does or does not contribute to breast cancer—I want to see more data. Especially considering that breast cancer rates are rising among young people and that breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

Considering the concerning stats on breast cancer, this is an area where many people (including myself) are taking the precautionary principle. Many consumers would rather just play it safe and skip the aluminum until we have more solid information on this issue.

The cancer issue aside, however, aluminum has also been linked to contact dermatitis, meaning this ingredient could cause skin irritation as well.

Parabens

Parabens are most often used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of deodorants. They are associated with endocrine disruption and are linked to decreased fertility and cancer. Some studies have found that parabens cause skin irritation for some people as well.

Parabens include ingredients like methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben.

Fragrance

“Fragrance” and/or “Parfum” is a ubiquitous ingredient that’s found in so many consumer products. This is perhaps the sneakiest ingredient because it can actually include over 3,500 different chemicals.

Because of a loophole in the law, manufacturers can include any of these 3,500+ chemicals (some of which are healthy, and some of which are not) under the “fragrance” umbrella and are NOT required to actually list those chemicals on a product’s ingredient list.

Obviously, it really helps to have deodorant that smells good, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of our health.

Many natural deodorants are scented with natural and essential oils. However, as I mentioned before, even some natural fragrances (like tea tree oil, for example) can be irritating for some people. If that’s the case for you, just go for unscented.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be used in both conventional and natural deodorants. For some people, however, alcohol can be too drying, therefore causing the skin to become dry, cracked, red, and irritated.

Ethoxylated Ingredients

Ethoxylated ingredients (like PEGs, for example) can be contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals (ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane) due to the way they’re processed.

Ethoxylated ingredients are very common, and they can be difficult to avoid completely. But I usually recommend minimizing your exposure to them when possible.

Phthalates

This group of chemicals can also cause a disruption of proper hormone function, which can contribute to everything from ADHD to infertility.

Ingredients like dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), and diethylphthalate (DEP) are commonly used phthalates. Phthalates are commonly hidden under the “fragrance” umbrella and therefore aren’t legally required to be listed on your deodorant’s ingredient list.

Talc

Talc itself actually isn’t bad, but it’s often contaminated with asbestos, which can cause cancer and other long-term health problems.

Even “asbestos-free” talc has been found to be contaminated with asbestos, which is why I generally recommend avoiding it completely.

Triclosan

This ingredient is being phased out of deodorant, so it’s not as common as it used to be.

An endocrine disruptor, triclosan was used in deodorants because of its “antibacterial” and “antimicrobial” abilities.

It’s an asthmagen, is toxic to aquatic life, and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

In the United States, the FDA banned triclosan for use in hand soap in 2017, but it’s still allowed in other products like deodorant, toothpaste, body wash, hand sanitizer, and dish soap.

Safer Ingredients to Look For Instead

The ingredients below are the most common ingredients used in natural, non-toxic deodorant. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are natural ingredients that some people are still sensitive to; therefore, those with the MOST sensitive skin may want to avoid those as well.

Baking Soda*, Arrowroot Powder, & Corn Starch

These natural powders help to absorb moisture when you sweat.

However, some people are sensitive to baking soda (which is where arrowroot and corn starch come in). Keep in mind, though, that whether or not you have a negative reaction to baking soda will probably depend on various factors, like:

what is the ratio of baking soda to other ingredients?
what other skin-soothing ingredients are included in the formulation that might offset the irritation?
how often are you putting the deodorant on your skin? (For example, it might take a week of using a baking soda deo before you develop a rash.)

The list above includes many choices for both baking soda and baking-soda-free deodorants.

(P.S. Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate, so be sure to keep your eyes open for that on ingredient lists.)

Natural Oils, Butters, & Waxes: Coconut, Avocado, Shea, Castor Seed, Candelilla, Beeswax

These ingredients keep your skin moisturized, provide nourishment to prevent irritation, and provide essential vitamins and fatty acids.

Coconut oil also acts as a natural preservative and anti-bacterial, so it’s a safer replacement for toxic preservatives like parabens. (Although too much coconut oil can stain your clothes, so that’s a downside.)

Activated Charcoal*

If you’re in need of a more powerful non-toxic deodorant, try something with charcoal in it. It not only absorbs moisture but is powerful in neutralizing even really stinky odors.

Some people are still sensitive to charcoal when used daily on the skin for long periods of time, so if you’re still experiencing problems with your natural deodorant, try switching to a charcoal-free one and see if it helps.

Essential Oils*

You’ll find that most natural and aluminum-free deodorants are scented with plant-based essential oils instead of synthetics. For most people, these oils are completely safe for the skin. Some people, however, may have sensitivities to certain essential oils (tea tree and citrus are a couple of the most common ones). For the best EXTRA-sensitive skin option, go unscented!

What about Ozokerite?

Ozokerite is an ingredient used in some aluminum-free deodorants, and it can be an “iffy” one.

Ozokerite is a type of wax that can be derived from mineral sources or from petroleum. It’s considered generally safe in cosmetics, but not in food.

Some animal studies have found long-term ingestion of ozokerite to cause chronic inflammation and a slight increased risk of liver tumors.

Unrefined or under-refined ozokerite can be contaminated with mineral oils or polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic. However, this is not usually a problem in consumer products, since the ozokerite has been refined to remove them.

It’s definitely not one of the worst ingredients to be in a personal care product, but it’s not the most planet-friendly either.

All things considered, I’m not super concerned about ozokerite, especially if it’s in a deodorant that really works for you and doesn’t irritate your skin.

The last thing I’ll leave you with is this: One Filtery reader said she actually just uses one ingredient: baking soda! She says, “I use my finger tips or a powder brush to brush it on. With hormone positive cancer, my hormones are in a full blown identity crisis leaving me stinky as all get out! It’s the only thing that works for me.”

I haven’t tried this, but it might be worth it… It sure would save a lot of money!

Let me know in the comments which deodorant brands you love, and which ones just do NOT work for you.