Is Native Deodorant ACTUALLY Non-Toxic? (My Full Review.)

Deodorant is one product you can’t skimp on. With things like shampoo or mascara, for example, you can experiment with different low-tox options to see what suits you, and if it doesn’t 100% work, it’s okay! But deodorant? It has to do its job. 😬

Over the years, I’ve tested my fair share of natural and non-toxic deodorants, with mixed results. Native is one I get asked about a lot.

So in this article, I’ll break down whether it actually works, how “natural” or “non-toxic” it is, pros and cons, and whether it’s a good fit for sensitive skin or heavy sweaters.

I hope by the end of this, you’ll be able to decide for yourself if Native is a good fit for you.

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!

---

Ingredient Investigation: Is Native Deodorant Safe & Non-Toxic?

Although the specific ingredients vary slightly based on the specific scent and version (Regular or Sensitive), here is the general ingredient list for Native’s deodorant:

Alright, now let’s take a closer look at two sketchy ingredients Native uses.

Potentially Problematic Ingredients

1. Ozokerite

This 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.

2. Undisclosed “Fragrance”

I have one big bone to pick with Native, and that’s the fact that they don’t disclose the ingredients in their fragrances.

You can read about the “fragrance loophole” more right here, but here’s the gist: there is a loophole in the law which allows companies to hide over 3,500 different ingredients in their products WITHOUT disclosing them to consumers. Some of these 3,500+ chemicals are completely safe, while others include carcinogens, allergens, endocrine disruptors, and more. The problem is that since they aren’t disclosed, consumers simply have no way of knowing whether or not the fragrance ingredients are truly “non-toxic.”

I reached out to Native and requested the list of ingredients used in their fragrance products, but they gave me the runaround, saying things like “We use the term fragrance for proprietary reasons” and “All of our products are phthalate-free and paraben-free” and “Our ingredients have been reviewed by our internal regulatory & safety team, which abides by US Regulatory and FDA standards.”

I went back and forth with them several times, really trying to nicely pressure them to give me their list. I believe customers deserve to know what’s in the products they buy and use on a daily basis.

But alas, they wouldn’t give me the info.

While I’m glad that Native doesn’t use some of the worst offenders, like phthalates, they are not in the clear when it comes to ingredient transparency. Therefore, I unfortunately cannot say most of their products are really “non-toxic” since I don’t fully know what’s in them.

I really do hope Native decides to do the transparent thing and disclose their fragrance ingredients in the future. But until then, there are two varieties I can recommend: the Lavender & Rose, and the Unscented. These are the only two options that actually disclosed ALL of the ingredients.

What About Other Potentially Toxic Or Irritation Ingredients?

Here are some specific things you might be wondering about and whether or not Native deodorant has them:

Alcohol? No.

Aluminum? No.

Baking soda? Yes (for the regular versions) and No (for the Sensitive versions).

Benzene? Unknown (could be hidden under the fragrance loophole).

Parabens? No.

Phthalates? No.

Propylene Glycol? No.

Undisclosed Fragrance? Yes (except for the Lavender & Rose and Unscented versions).

Is Native Deodorant Natural and/or Organic?

Native is not organic. Although it does contain many natural and naturally-derived ingredients, it also contains several synthetics. So while it’s often put under the “natural deodorant” umbrella, it’s not technically “all-natural.”

My Review: Does Native Deodorant Actually Work?

The short answer is: yes.

I’ve actually been using Native’s Lavender & Rose off and on for several years now. I first tried it for the purposes of reviewing it for The Filtery, but now I buy it sometimes when I’m out of deodorant and I need to grab something quick at a store like Target. I’m literally always trying out new deodorant brands, but when I need to wear something I know is going to work (like a long day in the hot sun, or a group workout class), I can grab Native.

I would consider my armpits “average”… I definitely sweat (especially when I drink coffee and/or get stressed out, both of which happen frequently), but I don’t consider myself an “over-sweater.” Same goes for body odor: depending on my physical activity level, how hot it is outside, etc., I’ll start getting stinky after a day or so.

I should also say that I’ve been using aluminum-free deodorant for a long time now, so I’m used to letting my body sweat. When people first stop using aluminum antiperspirants (which actually stop your pits from sweating), there can be a bit of an adjustment period. But just remember that sweat does not always equal stink, so don’t be afraid to let yourself sweat.

Here are some more of my thoughts on the specifics:

On the Application:

It goes on smoothly, the same way a more conventional deodorant like Dove does. (Some natural deodorants don’t have such a smooth application, they will get clumpy, and/or will require you to use your fingers to apply it.)

On the Scent & Odor-Protection:

Native smells good. It’s light and not overpowering. (Again, I only use the Lavender & Rose scent.)

It definitely protects against B.O. for me, even after a hard workout or a stressful day.

On Wetness Protection:

As mentioned above, Native is not an antiperspirant, which means it’s not meant to clog up your pores and prevent you from sweating. Instead, it absorbs moisture while allowing your body to sweat naturally.

Native uses ingredients like tapioca starch and baking soda to naturally absorb moisture. So you’re not likely to feel completely dry throughout the day, especially if during a workout or in a high-temperature environment. But I personally found that Native did a great job of absorbing enough of my sweat to keep me comfortable and to keep pit stains off of my shirts.

If you’re used to using an anti-perspirant, it might be a bit of an adjustment for you. That will be true when switching to any natural or non-toxic deodorant, not just Native.

On Skin Irritation (For Folks with Sensitive Skin):

Some natural deodorants can make my skin itchy, red, and irritated. Some people are sensitive to baking soda (it can throw off your pH), while others may react to certain natural ingredients like charcoal or tea tree oil, which can be a bit harsh.

I didn’t have any of these issues with the Native Lavender & Rose; my skin felt soft and moisturized and I didn’t have any problems with redness or itchiness.

But if you do have problems with Native’s regular deodorant formulations, they do make a sensitive skin option as well, which is free from both aluminum and baking soda.

My Pros & Cons in a Nutshell:

Related: Is Native Shampoo & Conditioner Non-Toxic? (& Does It Work Well?)

Here’s Where You Can You Buy Native Deodorant

In Stores and Online:

Nativecos.com (Online; ships to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Brazil)

Target (In-Store & Online)

Walmart (In-Store & Online)

Amazon (Online; BE CAREFUL if you choose to buy from Amazon, as many reviews state that customers received fake versions of the deodorant.)

Kroger (In-Store & Online)

Meijer (In-Store & Online)

Fresh Thyme (In-Store)

Walgreens (In-Store & Online)

Well.ca (Canada; Online)

Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada; In-Store & Online)

UBuy (U.K.; Online)

---

More FAQs About Native Deo

Why is Native Deodorant So Expensive?

A stick of conventional deodorant is usually around $5-9, whereas Native’s deodorant is $13. If you’re used to buying more conventional brands, that can be a pretty steep jump for your wallet.

Why is it more expensive? In short, conventional deodorant is less expensive because manufacturers use cheaper, often synthetic ingredients instead of higher-quality, natural, and responsibly sourced ingredients (like shea butter and coconut oil, for example).

Compared to other natural and non-toxic deos, Native is pretty middle-of-the-road. Some brands are a bit cheaper, while others can cost up to $20 or more per stick/jar.

Native Deo Packaging: Are There Plastic-Free Options?

Just like most conventional deodorant brands, Native’s standard deodorants come in a regular plastic tube with a twist-up stick for an easy, mess-free application. But they also have plastic-free options available, which come in a cardboard tube.

To apply the plastic-free deodorant, you have to push the stick up from the bottom and then hold it there with your finger while you apply it. So it’s not quite as easy to apply, but I personally didn’t really have an issue with it… especially considering it can help me decrease plastic use.

Can Men Use Native?

Yes. Men and women don’t really need different deodorant formulations. Underarm needs vary from person to person, regardless of gender. Individuals may be more or less sweaty and stinky based on a variety of different reasons, including genetics, diet, daily activity level, skin type, shaving habits, stress levels, and more.

So, if you’re wondering whether men can use Native deodorant (and other products), the answer is: yes. All of Native’s products are unisex and meant to be used by anyone and everyone.

Some More FAQS:

Is Native Deodorant Good for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)?

As mentioned above, Native is not an antiperspirant, so it will not prevent sweating. For this reason, it might not be the best fit for excessive sweaters. If you want to use an aluminum-free deodorant, I suggest asking your doctor or dermatologist to see if they have any recommendations.

But remember: sweat does not always equal stink! Depending on your situation (what kind of job you have, etc.), you might want to just let yourself sweat on most days, and then just use an antiperspirant on the days when you really need to.

Is Native Deodorant Good for Working Out?

Everyone is different, but for me, Native continued to work well, even throughout hard workouts. There are also countless online reviews from customers stating that it’s workout-approved for them as well.

Does Native Deodorant Stain Your Clothes or Leave White Marks?

Although there were some light marks on the inside of my shirt after a full day of wearing Native’s deo, they weren’t noticeable and washed out in the laundry. So stains or white marks have not been an issue for me.

Is Native Deodorant Cruelty-Free and/or Vegan?

Native is vegan and does not test on animals (although the products do not carry any third-party certifications verifying this).

Which Native Scent is Best?

As I said, I will only be using the Lavender & Rose or Unscented, since those are the only varieties where the full ingredient lists are disclosed. Even though Native says their scents are free from phthalates, parabens, I personally just don’t want to use products where the ingredients aren’t completely disclosed if I don’t have to.

Who Owns Native Deodorant?

While Native began as an independent, direct-to-consumer startup (founded by Moiz Ali), it was acquired by P&G in 2017.

I’ll be honest: I don’t really like the fact that Native is now owned by a big corporation like P&G. Not only does P&G use toxic ingredients in their other products, but they’ve also done a significant amount of greenwashing, they lack overall transparency, and more. (In December 2021, the company recalled 32 of its dry shampoo products because they contained potentially dangerous amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen.)

Will Native be able to maintain their original vision and quality sourcing of ingredients even though they’re now owned by such a huge corporation? It’s tough to say, and you’ll have to decide if you’re comfortable buying from them considering this.

What if Native Deodorant Doesn’t Work for You?

Not all Native reviews are positive. As I said, everyone’s biochemistry is different. Some people need stronger deodorant than others, while others don’t need to wear deodorant at all. (Yes, I have several friends who rarely wear it, and they literally don’t smell!)

If Native doesn’t work for you, here are a few tips you can play around with:

• Do a pit detox mask. I use this bentonite clay powder (mixed with either water or apple cider vinegar) or this charcoal clay face mask from Birch Babe. Even though I switched to natural deo a long time ago, I still do a pit mask every few months. This helps to “unplug” pores and get rid of any built-up aluminum and/or bacteria (which is what actually makes you smell bad). I swear it works!
• Try a different non-toxic or natural deodorant. Different brands work for different people.
• Try decreasing caffeine intake (especially coffee). I have found that on the days when I drink more coffee, I get stinky faster.
• Try to decrease stress when possible. Stress sweat actually smells different than normal sweat, and for a lot of people, it’s smellier. I know—much easier said than done!
• Consider switching up your diet. Factors like the amount of processed food you eat as well as your veggie to meat ratio can affect your body odor. (Of course, make sure you check with your doctor before making any changes, especially if you have any diagnosed health conditions.)

What About Native’s Other Products?

Native also makes other personal care products, including haircare (which I reviewed here), body wash, and sunscreen. They used to make toothpaste, but they’ve discontinued it.

In Summary: Is Native Deodorant Worth It?

Native deodorant does have some good things going for it… It works well to protect against odors, it’s easy to find in big box stores, it doesn’t leave stains or residue on your clothes, and they have unscented and plastic-free options.

But the issue of undisclosed “fragrance” ingredients is a real problem for those who are trying to cut toxins out of their personal care products. While almost all of the ingredients in Native’s deodorant are non-toxic, most of the scents contain undisclosed “fragrance” ingredients, which they refused to share with me when I asked.

Therefore, the only ones I can confidently say are “non-toxic” are the Lavender & Rose and and Unscented (since these are the only varieties where all of the ingredients are actually listed).

Have you tried Native deodorant? Did it work for you? What is your favorite natural or non-toxic deodorant? Let me know in the comments!

🍋 Join Thousands of Subscribers Reducing Toxic Chemicals

If you found this guide helpful, sign up for my (free) weekly newsletter. You’ll get product picks, the latest news about toxic chemicals, and other exclusive content I don’t share anywhere else.

Sign up

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.