15 Best Natural Deodorants That Actually Work

We've rounded up our favorite natural deodorants to help you sort the actually-worth-it sticks, sprays, and roll-ons from the questionable. Some have won Allure Best of Beauty Awards—both clean and non-clean categories—and Readers' Choice Awards. Happy swiping.

Best Natural Deodorant Overall: Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant Gel

Why It's Worth It: Salt & Stone's Natural Deodorant Gel is purposefully formulated without baking soda so people with sensitive skin can minimize the chances of irritation. (Keep in mind: Baking soda is only one potential cause of irritation. The more likely culprit is fragrance, which this particular formula has.) It has gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, saccharomyces ferment, seaweed extract, and kelp extract. What it doesn't have is aluminum, a common irritant. The gel texture may take some getting used to if you've never used a deodorant like this, but we think you won't want to go back to your old drugstore pick once you've gotten a whiff.

Editor Tip: If you can't get enough of these deodorant scents like Santal & Vetiver or Bergamot & Hinoki, they're also available as candles.

Key Ingredients: Saccharomyces ferment, glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid, cornstarch, seaweed extract, arrowroot powder | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 1-4 depending on scent | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Bergamot & Hinoki, Santal & Vetiver

Best Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: The probiotic enzymes and hops in Ursa Major's Base Layer Deodorant absorb and dampen odors while also not emitting any scents of its own—so this fragrance-free formula is great for people with sensitive skin who may find synthetic fragrances and/or baking soda (which it also excludes) irritating. Besides odor, excess moisture is also on the no list. Silica, tapioca starch, and diatomaceous earth work hard to absorb said moisture and guard your clothes from midday stains.

Editor Tip: If you aren't sensitive to scents and are interested in a deodorant with a refreshing, cooling effect, Ursa Major's Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant is infused with peppermint and eucalyptus for the best kind of wake-up call.

Key Ingredients: Tapioca starch, silica, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, diatomaceous earth, shea butter, probiotic enzymes, hops, aloe vera | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Baking Soda-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 2 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Scents: N/A

Best Natural Deodorant for Working Out: Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Kosas's Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant goes the extra mile and does more than simply mask odors. A blend of alpha hydroxy acids (shikimic, mandelic, and lactic) gently exfoliates your underarms, both brightening those regions and preventing ingrown hairs from sprouting. They also lower the pH in those regions so less odor-causing bacteria can take up residence in the first place. The cooling rollerball applicator is especially soothing for hot summer days and workouts.

Editor Tip: There are three versions of the roll-on deodorant to choose from: Fragrance-Free (for those sensitive to scents), Serene Clean (a spa-like scent pictured above), and Beachy Clean (for tropical vibes).

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, shikimic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, citric acid | Fragrance-Free: Yes, available in fragrance-free and scented options | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 3 | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Serene Clean, Beachy Clean, Fragrance-Free

Best Scented Natural Deodorant: Glossier You Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Watch out: Glossier's body-care collection is growing. The brand's debut baking soda-free Deodorant is available in four scents: Sandstone, Glossier You (yes, like the famous fragrance), Orange Blossom, and Unscented. Behind each scent is a blend of superfruit elderberry extract and coconut oil to keep skin conditioned and odor at bay. Potato starch does some heavy lifting absorbing moisture, so your pits feel drier as the day goes by.

Editor Tip: Glossier notes that if you've been using deodorants with aluminum, it may take up to four weeks for your armpits to adjust to an aluminum-free formula. That means you might experience excess sweating while your body adjusts, but don't stress—it's temporary! Plus, you can buy refill sticks for $18 a pop, saving you a cool $5.

Key Ingredients: Superfruit elderberry extract, coconut oil, potato starch, safflower seed oil, sage oil | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: Not rated | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Unscented, Sandstone, Glossier You, Orange Blossom

Readers' Favorite Natural Deodorant: Native Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Native Deodorant has won an impressive four Allure Readers' Choice Awards—the latest in 2023—because it's packed with coconut oil and shea butter, antioxidants that keep the underarms moisturized, and tapioca starch to keep them dry all day long. The brand releases seasonal scents—we're big fans of the Girls Scouts collab at the moment—but Coconut & Vanilla is a constant favorite that will sings in Taylor Swift voice never go out of style.

Editor Tip: This long-lasting deodorant also comes in a quick-drying body spray, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award, that dries upon contact and lends sweet smells (and vibes) to everywhere you want 'em—not just your armpits.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, ozokerite | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 2 | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Unscented, Cucumber & Mint, Grapefruit & Bergamot, Sweet Peach & Nectar, and more

Best Natural Deodorant for Post-Shave Irritation: Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Megababe's Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant is beloved by many Allure editors because it's as effective as it is adorably packaged. Infused with powerhouse ingredients like saccharomyces ferment filtrate, aloe vera, sage, green tea, and cornstarch, the rose-scented deo prevents odor-inducing bacteria from forming on the skin, thanks to antimicrobial coconut oil. Another highlight? Vitamin E, which soothes irritated pits post-shave.

Editor Tip: Board-certified dermatologists, including Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, have previously recommended this formula. Standout ingredients include antimicrobial, friction-reducing coconut oil, sensitivity-soothing colloidal oatmeal, and cornstarch to absorb underarm wetness.

Key Ingredients: Cornstarch, coconut oil willow bark extract, green tea leaf extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sage leaf extract | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 4 | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Rosy Pits

Best Stain-Free Deodorant: Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Hailing from France is Caudalie's Vinofresh Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant. The buttery formula swipes on without blocking pores or leaving any residue, including stickiness or white cast). It relies chiefly on organic prebiotic grape water, which hydrates the sensitive underarm skin, and eucalyptus, which leaves a minty-cool sensation once applied. If you've been the victim of deodorant stains on your favorite top, it's time to switch to a clear formula like this one.

Key Ingredients: Organic grape water, organic eucalyptus, mineral oil, citric acid, sodium benzoate | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 2 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Scents: N/A

Best Deodorant Spray: By Rosie Jane Calm the F*ck Down Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: By Rosie Jane Calm the F*ck Down Deodorant won a 2022 Best of Beauty Award in the clean beauty category, and for good reason. The spray formula makes reapplication a breeze and doesn't leave streaks on your clothes. White residue, who? Lavender, neroli, chamomile, and yuzu essential oils create an irresistible combo you'll be reaching for without even thinking—like your favorite perfume before you rush out the door.

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel water, lavender oil, citrus neroli oil, chamomile oil, yuzu oil | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: Not rated | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Calm the F*ck Down, Wake the F*ck Up

Best Luxury Natural Deodorant: Donna Karan Aluminum-Free Cashmere Mist Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Made with luxurious, powdery-floral notes of lily of the valley, Moroccan jasmine, and sandalwood, you might mistake Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist Deodorant for a fragrance. Don't be fooled because this deodorant, which now comes in an aluminum-free formula, deploys corn starch, magnesium hydroxide, and coconut oil to keep your underarms feeling dry and fresh all day. Trust us (and tons of reviewers): This feels and smells far more luxurious than your standard drugstore deodorant.

Key Ingredients: Corn starch, magnesium hydroxide, synthetic wax, silica, coconut oil | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: Not rated | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: N/A

Best Natural Deodorant for Body: Lume Whole Body Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Deodorant sticks are just not for your pits. Lume's Whole Body Deodorant is meant to be applied anywhere you want it to go—including, but not limited to, armpits, private areas, underboobs, belly buttons, butt cracks, tummy folds, feet, and the list goes on. Choose from yummy scents like Clean Tangerine (pictured here), Toasted Coconut, Fresh Alpine, and Lavender Sage—but, if none of those float your float, there's also an Unscented option.

Editor Tip: Headed on a run or to an intense workout class? Rub a little bit of this between your thighs to prevent chafing and thank us later. 

Key Ingredients: Corn starch, arrowroot powder, mandelic acid, caffeine, fragrance | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 2-4, depending on scent | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Clean Tangerine, Lavender Sage, Toasted Coconut, and more

Allure Best of Beauty Winner: Evolvetogether Natural Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Evolvetogether's plant-based Natural Deodorant smells like a heavenly rose garden, spiked with oud, patchouli, and mandarin. But that's not the only reason it earned itself a 2023 Best of Beauty Award. Tapioca starch is the main sweat- and moisture-absorbing agent while hydrating glycerin and vitamin B5 smooth pits and minimize irritation. As far as odor is concerned, DeoPlex, which is made up of sugarcane-derived fermented enzymes, won't let that ruin your day.

Editor Tip: The brand suggests doing an "underarm detox" for one to two weeks before using by exfoliating daily with a natural fiber scrubber and going bare (no antiperspirant or deodorant) to remove buildup from your pores.

Key Ingredients: Tapioca starch, glycerin, vitamin B5, deoplex, citric acid | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: Not rated | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Monaco, Tulum, Havana, Taormina

For Vacation-y Vibes: Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo

Why It's Worth It: Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo is an aluminum-free deodorant that smells like the brand's iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. This formula features citrus acid ester that prevents body odor, papaya enzymes to exfoliate, and tapioca starch that helps absorb excess moisture so pits stay dry all day. Spread the scent-boosting love by swiping this stick on any external body part, like your bikini line, inner thighs, or feet.

Key Ingredients: Citrus acid ester, papaya enzymes, tapioca starch, coconut oil, papaya seed oil | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 3 | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Cheirosa '40, Cheirosa '62, Cheirosa '68

For a Fast-Drying Gel: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

Why It's Worth It: Necessaire's The Deodorant Gel goes on clear and won't stain your clothes, plus, the eucalyptus scent smells exactly like a five-star spa. The quick-drying formula goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel wet or slimy, as you might imagine. The star ingredient in this roll-on deodorant is 5% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which gently exfoliates the skin, minimizes odor, and smooths out bumps. Additionally, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and chamomile extract soothes sensitive areas.

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, witch hazel water, lactic acid, niacinamide, glycerin | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 5 | Fragrance-Free: Yes, available in fragrance-free | Scents: Eucalyptus, Unscented

Best Unisex Scent: Agent Nateur Holi(stick) N3 Natural Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Agent Nateur's Holi(Stick) N3 deodorant was developed in the founder's quest to eliminate heavy metals from her beauty routine. Rest assured the ingredient list is 100% organic with hydrators like coconut oil, which contains fatty acids that restore the skin's natural bacteria levels, and castor oil, which reduces odor-causing bacteria. It also has two forms of French-sourced lavender that smell much more pleasant than your average deodorant and will last all day.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, lavender essential oils, eucalyptus essential oils, beeswax, castor oil | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 2 | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Unisex, Rose, Sensitive

Best Drugstore Classic: Secret Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Consider dropping the 2022 Best of Beauty-winning Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant into your basket during your next drugstore run (online or IRL). This paraben- and talc-free formula comes in eight vibrant scents (like Real Coconut pictured here, and Cherry Blossom) that mask odor, even during the sweatiest workouts, for up to 48 hours. Thanks to coconut oil and castor oil, your pits stay soft and moisturized.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, magnesium hydroxide, mineral oil, hydrogenated castor oil, corn starch | Aluminum-Free: Yes | Paraben-Free: Yes | Talc-Free: Yes | EWG Rating: 3 | Fragrance-Free: No | Scents: Real Coconut, Cherry Blossom, Lavender, Real Rose, Vanilla, White Peach

Frequently Asked Questions

In short, there is no official definition. Much like "clean beauty" and "sustainable beauty," natural deodorant isn't a term regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so take any brand marketing lingo with a grain of salt. For what it's worth, aluminum salts are currently banned in Allure's (continuously evolving and updated) clean beauty standards.

That being said, the consensus is that natural deodorant is formulated without aluminum, which can cause skin sensitivity for some and leave annoying yellow stains on clothing. In its place, you'll find ingredients such as baking soda, cornstarch, tapioca starch, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and clay, to name a few. "These ingredients are effective at absorbing moisture, including sweat," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Lightsaver founder, confirms. "This reduction in sweat can disrupt the environment for bacteria to thrive and this, by extension, can reduce odor."

Some natural deodorants also opt out of including baking soda (usually listed as sodium bicarbonate) because it's been commonly associated with skin sensitivity. However, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, has previously told Allure that baking soda is not typically the deodorant ingredient that will cause redness or irritation. "Although there are various causes of rashes in the armpits, allergic contact dermatitis to a fragrance contained in the deodorant is one of the more common rashes dermatologists see in this location," she explained. But, because there are so many natural deodorants on the market, you're able to choose an aluminum-free and baking soda-free formula to test out what works best for your skin.

As a refresher, antiperspirants are classified as over-the-counter drugs and inhibit the formation of sweat using their active ingredient, aluminum salts, says David Bank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westchester County, NY. In layman's terms, aluminum physically plugs/blocks the ducts that cause sweat. Natural deodorants, by comparison, do not block those ducts.

Now, we have to remind everyone that sweating is normal and necessary for your body! It's benign on its own and essential for temperature regulation, for one. The more common eccrine sweat glands are found across most of your body's surface, while your armpits (and any hair-bearing regions) are home to apocrine sweat glands—either kind, the sweat they produce does not smell. Sweat becomes, well, smelly when normal bacteria and fungi on the skin's surface feed on said sweat — and that interaction creates an odor, Hilary Reich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City previously explained.

Aluminum salts (including aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, and aluminum chlorohydrate) have been associated with breast cancer but research (although limited) hasn't revealed any direct association between aluminum and breast cancer, Dr. Kim says. (It's more likely that cancer develops in this area because there's just more tissue there.)

As for those who should avoid aluminum, Dr. Kim recommends those who are in any family planning stage, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. "For now, I'd consider not using aluminum as there is insufficient data on the impact of aluminum on pregnancy and fetal development," he says.

We won't sugarcoat it: You may notice some unpleasant odor as your body adjusts to a natural deodorant—but it's totally normal and will fade over time. Whereas aluminum works immediately by "physically obstructing sweat gland ducts," Dr. Kim explains, ingredients such as baking soda and arrowroot absorb moisture without blocking said glands—and therefore take longer to do their thing. People who switch to natural deodorant often think they're producing more sweat, but Alyx Cali Rosen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, previously denied this and said that our bodies are simply producing an amount of sweat on par with not using an antiperspirant.

According to the Environmental Working Group's website, to earn an EWG Verified mark, any given product can't contain any ingredients on EWG's "unacceptable list" and the brand must be fully transparent about disclosing ingredients (especially fragrance ingredients) on consumer labels. From there, products receive a rating between 1 and 10: 1-2 (low hazard, green), 3-6 (moderate hazard, orange), or 7-10 (high hazard, red).

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of natural deodorants, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from doctors and dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

More body-care favorites to explore:

• 13 Best Body Sunscreens That Literally Have You Covered Against UV Rays
• Allure Best of Beauty Awards 2023: Body Care
• 12 Body-Care Products That Snagged 2024 Allure Readers' Choice Awards

Done reading? Now, watch Sabrina Carpenter's 10-minute makeup routine for natural light:

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