Beauty

Making the Switch to Natural Deodorants? Check Out Our Editors’ Tried and True Picks

Stay fresh, minus the nasty chemicals.

By Tara Thompson Rasmus
natural_deodorant

Deodorant seems to be one of the last frontiers of natural beauty. Give us a toxin-free face cream or lip balm any day, but mess with our pits? Let’s just say we’re a little bit more particular (and discriminating) when it comes to the products that claim to keep body odor at bay. The stuff needs to work! So, rather than just round up a list of new deodorants, I consulted some of my savviest friends and the Camille Styles editorial team for their thoughts on the best natural deodorants.

These women don’t mess around, so you can be sure that you’re going to hear the true nitty-gritty on the best natural deodorants that do the trick, minus the nasty chemicals. Know that you may have to troubleshoot a few options when figuring out which formula works best for you. What works for one body doesn’t always work for another! But in the end, the search is always worth it. 

Keep reading for the definitive list of the best natural deodorants. These are the ones we rely on to stay fresh, even in the sweatiest of circumstances.

Featured image by Belathée Photography.

Megan Roup stretching in bed_best natural deodorants
Image by Michelle Nash

12 of the Best Natural Deodorants, According to Beauty and Wellness Editors

Dr. Hauschka Rose Deodorant

“Deodorant is typically one of those utilitarian products, like toothpaste, that are staples in your toiletry bag but not necessarily luxurious or exciting. Or, so I thought, until I discovered this heavenly-scented roll-on from Dr. Hauschka. The rose scent is pure and clean, like a charming French fragrance, and the soothing formula makes my pits feel downright pampered. If you’ve doubted whether your deodorant can make you happy, well, you haven’t tried this one.” — Tara Rasmus, beauty writer 

Schmidt’s Stick Bergamot & Lime Deodorant

“I took a chance on this deodorant after searching for a natural one that was effective and that I didn’t have to reapply during the day, especially because I was pregnant and then nursing (which, by the way, apparently causes body odor). I love that this one is totally natural, non-drying, non-greasy, and smells fresh.” — Liz Teich, fashion stylist and blogger at The New York Stylist

Schmidt’s Stick Bergamot u0026 Lime Deodorant

Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

“I started using this at the tail end of the summer after my boyfriend found it in our medicine cabinet, unopened. He liked it so much that he threw out his old deodorant and promptly made me switch, too. I love the fresh scent—and the fact that none of my t-shirts are stained yellow anymore.”— Lauren Caruso, fashion editor and creative consultant

I’m weirdly addicted to the scent of this deodorant. It’s a little medicinal smelling but in a lovely, soothing way. I’m a pretty sweaty person in general, so I struggle with natural deodorants feeling a little too moist (sorry) under my arms, but this one goes on smooth and stays that way. Unless I’m doing something seriously active, I don’t feel the need to reapply throughout the day, which I typically do with a natural deodorant.” — Caitlin Clark, contributing editor

Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

Herban Cowboy Natural Grooming Deodorant in Dusk

“This lightweight, gentle-on-skin deodorant is a perennial choice. Like all natural deodorants, it doesn’t keep me 100% dry, but it keeps me smelling fresh—and isn’t that what really counts?” — Annie Tomlin, writer and beauty editor

Herban Cowboy Natural Grooming Deodorant in Dusk

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream

“I’m not the kind of woman who perspires delicate dew drops. I’m a heavy sweater and I’ve got the yellow armpit stains to prove it. I’d been looking to switch to a natural deo because I’d heard that they eliminated the whole staining problem thanks to a lack of aluminum. Then this gorgeous little tube of magnesium-and-baking-soda deodorant arrived on my doorstep and everything changed. It not only controlled my sweat, but also smelled amazing and—as I had hoped—no more yellow. I’ve been wearing light-colored shirts with abandon ever since.” — Megan McIntyre, beauty writer

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream

Arm & Hammer Essentials Deodorant

“I hate to say it, but I’ve tried a lot of cutely-branded natural deodorants and found that none of them work for me. In fact, I felt like they made me smell worse… ew! When a friend recommended Arm & Hammer Essentials Deodorant, I was skeptical, but willing to give it a try. To my surprise, it works! Literally love this stuff, and I feel like it offers the right amount of protection, but with no aluminum or parabens. Yay!” — Chanel Dror, writer and editor

Arm u0026 Hammer Essentials Deodorant

Corpus Naturals Third Rose Deodorant

This is the only natural deodorant (and I’ve tried almost all of them) that actually works, as in I don’t get sweaty under my armpits (and thus not smelly either) when I use it. Don’t just take my word for it, read the 93 reviews for Third Rose (my fave scent) because they also say the same thing! The other bonus is that it doesn’t run down my arm after sweating during a workout (yes, a lot of other brands have done this and even stained my clothes!), it doesn’t burn my skin, and it doesn’t have an overwhelming scent either.

“My husband and teenage son are also huge fans and that’s saying something! My favorite scent is Third Rose with rose, Italian mandarin, violet, and cedar root but my husband prefers the Cedar Flora scent with cedar, white musk, jasmine, and guaiac wood. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it lasts a long time and if it works, it’s worth it. It’s also one of the prettiest on the market IMO.”  — Sacha Strebe, deputy editor

Corpus Naturals Third Rose Deodorant

Crystal Mineral Deodorant

“When my sister first recommended this old-school drugstore brand years ago, I was skeptical, to say the least. I had been through the entire natural deodorant roller coaster and found myself with few viable options (thanks to a baking soda and arrowroot powder sensitivity.) But this affordable roll-on deodorant has become my daily go-to. I love the lavender scent, how gentle it is on my skin, and the fact that it actually works. I’ll do a second application midday on a hot and humid summer afternoon, but otherwise, it’s got me covered.” — Lourdes Avila Uribe, contributing editor

Crystal Mineral Deodorant

Cowshed Deodorant Spray 

“If you don’t yet know about Soho House’s apothecary line, allow me to introduce you to your new fave, Cowshed. Years ago, during a stay at Soho Beach House in Miami, it was love at first scent. Ever since, I’ve coveted everything from Cowshed’s collection, from body lotions to shower gels. One of my personal faves is their gender-neutral deodorant, which features organic aloe vera, peppermint, and lemongrass for a fresh feeling that lasts for hours.” — Anne Campbell, contributing editor

Cowshed Deodorant Spray 

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant Spray

“If you’re generally averse to deodorant sprays, then you’ll have to give this one a shot. It smells like perfume without being too overpowering and does an incredible job at keeping BO at bay. I love how accessible it is. I usually just snag it during my Whole Foods run, and that it uses essential oils to rebalance your natural musk. If your skin can tolerate oil-based fragrances, then give this baby a try. And don’t worry, it has never stained my clothes. I usually keep one tucked away in my bag and another in my desk for a quick spritz on especially gross days.” — Lourdes Avila Uribe, contributing editor

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant Spray

Fat and the Moon Sensitive Pit Cream

“I have very sensitive skin and in the summer when I’m shaving my underarms frequently, other natural deodorants have caused crazy outbreaks and rashes. Eep! This cream is lightly scented with vetiver and basil (which I love) and doesn’t have baking soda which can be a big culprit for breakouts with natural deo. It’s moisturizing and never leaves white marks—I’ve tried so many others but always come back to this one. Love!” — Lauren Zielinski, contributing editor

Fat and the Moon Sensitive Pit Cream

Primally Pure Lavender Deodorant

I have tried countless non-toxic deodorants, and this is my tried-and-true. Not only does it last all day, but the scent is subtle and the ingredients are gentle (and organic!). I only have to apply this once, and it lasts all day—even in the summer.” — Edie Horstman, contributing wellness editor

Primally Pure Lavender Deodorant