It’s hard to say just how many people make the switch to natural deodorants every year. But if the growing list of new of new brands in the space is any indication, it’s not a small few. For many, the reason is health-related, and the slew of synthetic ingredients in drugstore deodorants don’t align with a healthy grooming routine. To prevent sweating, antiperspirants use aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium, products that may cause adverse health effects. Synthetic fragrances used in many deodorants may also lead to health issues, and are a major reason that people go natural.
While there are many products marketed under the natural deodorant umbrella, the list of ingredients that qualify as natural varies widely from brand to brand. But the one thing every producer seems to agree on is that aluminum is a no-go. So if you want to make the switch and you’ve been using traditional antiperspirants, your body may take a few weeks to adjust to the change. To manage odor, brands rely on different products including baking soda, alcohol, essential oils, and Arrowroot powder, among others — all of which have antibacterial properties.
We explored the range of natural deodorants available for men and divided the best of what we found into the scented, unscented and sprayable options you’ll find below. No matter your needs and preferences, there’s a healthier deodorant for you.
Scented Deodorants
Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant
This cult-classic deodorant manages odor with antiseptic eucalyptus leaf oil and citronellyl. It leaves out aluminum and alcohol (which can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin). The fragrance and color are both natural and the deodorant is non-staining. This product does contain propylene glycol, which is somewhat contentious in the natural deodorant world — it’s worth reading more about the pros and cons before you add this one to your cart.
Kaia Naturals Takesumi Detox Deodorant
Toronto-based Kaia Naturals makes this deodorant with activated charcoal, an ingredient which draws toxins from your pores and fights odor. With a black oak and bourbon scent, the Takesumi Detox deodorant is free of baking soda (which may cause irritation for some because of its higher pH), parabens, aluminum, propylene gycol and synthetic fragrances. The arrowroot powder used in this deodorant is both drying and anti-microbial, and though the deodorant uses charcoal, it doesn’t stain clothing. Learn more about the stages of detoxing with charcoal deodorant here.
Schmidt’s Cedarwood + Juniper Natural Deodorant
Free of aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrance, this deodorant uses arrowroot powder and baking soda to fight odor. It is scented with Himilayan cedar and juniper essential oils and comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Unscented Deodorants
Ursa Major No B.S. Deodorant
This deodorant uses hops extract and a probiotic enzyme to manage odors, and keeps excess moisture at bay with Kaolin clay. The ingredients are free of baking soda, synthetic fragrance, aluminum, petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, glycols, silicones and PEGs.
Green Tidings Organic All Natural Deodorant
This may be one of the most natural deodorants available. It uses baking soda, magnesium oil and coconut oil to manage odors and comes in a BPA-free tube that is fully recyclable. It’s also free of parabens, aluminum, propylene glycol, petroleum, phthalates, salicylic acid, gluten and soy (no really, some deodorants do contain gluten and soy), among other things.
Sam’s Natural Unscented Deodorant
Packaged in a recyclable tube, this deodorant uses baking soda to fight odor and coconut oil to stem bacterial growth. Like others on this list, this deodorant includes arrowroot powder to absorb excess moisture. And it doesn’t use artificial colors, aluminum, alcohol, heavy metals, parabens and sulfurs.
Spray Deodorants
Aesop Déodorant
This aluminum-free spray deodorant uses zinc ricinoleate and a bevy of essential oils to counter underarm odor. It has a natural fragrance that is woody, green and earthy. Like other spray deodorants, alcohol is the main ingredient in the formula.
EO Organic Deodorants
Scented with vetiver, this spray deodorant uses organic sugar cane ethanol and a number of essential oils to keep you fresh through the day. It is free of aluminum, phthalates, propylene glycol, parabens and gluten. What’s more, the 4 oz. bottle is a great value compared to others on the market.
