Natural Deodorants That Actually Work

There are some healthy natural deodorants that actually work really well. Deodorant is one of the first products people want to switch to when starting on a toxin-free lifestyle. The thing is, no one wants the nasty chemicals in conventional deodorant but no one wants to be stinky either. I have been using natural deodorants for over 20 years. There have been brands that come and go and ones that have been around. Some natural deodorants still might have some questionable ingredients so it's important to always read labels.

Conventional Deodorant Ingredients to Avoid

Aluminum

Aluminum chlorohydrate is a salt that prevents sweating. This may sound harmless but it's not. First off, it adds to the number of chemicals your body must eliminate which causes added stress on your body. Years ago there was a claim that aluminum had a link to cancer (breast cancer specifically). Although in 2002, the the National Cancer Institute said there was no link. It is well proven that aluminum is a neuro-toxin that can alter the function of the blood-brain barrier but we don't know if using it in antiperspirant is a risk for this (surely applies to cookware).

Parabens

Parabens are used as preservatives with anti-microbial properties. Parabens have a clear link to cancer, they mimic estrogen in the body, and have been found inside breast cancer tumors. These preservatives are widely used in conventional products which makes them all the more dangerous. The more products you use that contain them, the higher your risk.

Phthalates

Phthalates are used in plastics and personal care products to create the desired texture. They have been found to be endocrine disruptors which means that these chemicals that can affect your hormones.

Talc

Talc acts as an absorbent in deodorants. The problem is talc is a known carcinogen so it's an absolute must to avoid it.

The Problem with Baking Soda

One of the biggest problems with many natural deodorants is that they contain baking soda. Baking soda is not necessarily a bad or toxic ingredient but it does irritate delicate skin. If it doesn't bother you, you're lucky (I'm not one of those people unfortunately!). I know I'm not alone here because there are many brands that have made a baking soda free version of their deodorant. Even though it's a safe ingredient and perfectly healthy, many people can't use it.

Experiment Criteria

When I was searching for natural deodorants that actually work I came up with a few criteria. The things that matter to me most when choosing a natural deodorant are…

How long will it last without being re-applied?
How does it feel? –> Is it sticky? Does it absorb moisture?
How does it smell? –> Good? Over-powering? Not enough fragrance?

The Natural Deodorant Showdown

Natural Deodorants that Actually Work

All the deodorants in this list I have tested and worn myself. There are many different products I have used that are not listed here because they did not make the cut. The deodorants in this list are all:

Baking soda free
Aluminum free
Paraben free
Talc free

# 1 – Schmidt's Sensitive Natural Deodorant

There are two versions of Schmidt's deodorant – regular and sensitive. I prefer the Schmidt's sensitive deodorant because it does not have baking soda.

How long did it last? This deodorant lasts all day for me on most occasions! I really just smell the scent of the deodorant.
How did it feel? I do notice that I'm wearing it but it is not slimy or uncomfortable.
How does it smell? I love the scent options of this deodorant. The Rose vanilla is wonderful.

# 2 – Clay Dry Natural Deodorant

Clay Dry deodorant is my second go-to deodorant. I particularly like the texture of this one, it feels dry and not sticky. Here's the breakdown:

How long did it last? Most days this one lasts me the whole day without re-applying.
How did it feel? It feels really nice on. I certainly still sweat but it does absorb some moisture and its not sticky or slimy. It has a really nice dry consistency.
How does it smell? I really like the smell of this one. It's a light fruity and citrus sent that smells fresh but not overpowering.

# 3 – Primal Life Natural Deodorant

I have used other products from this company and have really like them. My son uses the toothpowder so I thought I'd give this Primal Life deodorant a try.

How long did it last? Most days I used this deodorant it would last through dinner time, which is great!
How did it feel? There's no gross sticky or slimy feeling although you do notice it's there.
How does it smell? The smell is much different then other choices, it's not fruity or floral. It's is not very strong and it has a slight tropical coconut scent.

# 4 – Nubian Naturals African Black Soap 24 Hour Natural Deodorant

I found this Nubian Naturals deodorant while doing one of my product demos for The Holistic Mama Skin Care in Whole Foods years ago when I used to sell there. I was pretty excited about it because I used to buy soap from these guys when they sold them on the street in Harlem, NY and I always loved their stuff.

How long did it last? The label on this says it will last 24 hours but that wasn't it didn't last all day for me,
How did it feel? I like the feel of this product. It goes on smooth and you don't feel a film on your skin.
How does it smell? This deodorant has a really nice smell, it has a subtle fresh soap sort of smell.

Dr. Haushka Rose Deodorant

I read about this Rose deodorant on another blog. I've used some of Dr. Haushka products in the past and was always very happy with them so I thought this was promising. I actually LOVE the rose face cream they make. Unfortunately, the deodorant didn't stack up well against the others. I do love the smell though!

How long did it last? On a hot summer day this only lasted me a couple of hours. I don't think it really stopped any odor it was really just covering it up.
How did it feel? This is a liquid roll on and after it dries it does feel pretty good, no film.
How does it smell? The smell is the best part of this deodorant. The rose scent is so nice! Sometimes I'd use the crystal deodorant and then put this on afterwards to give me some scent.

Magnesium Butter

I have heard from some people that straight magnesium oil was one of the natural deodorants that actually work for them. Straight magnesium oil can be irritating to the skin if you are not used it. You can also use a magnesium butter for trans-dermal magnesium absorption so I decided to try this as a deodorant. This was also a no-go for me! Didn't work at all.

Are there other natural deodorants that actually work for you? Let me know about it in the comments section!

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