Beauty, Lifestyle, Reviews

11 Must-Try Natural Deodorants For the Summer

Choose from a variety of natural products that freshen and eliminate odor.

Sophia Connolly

August 10, 2022

Image: Shutterstock

Deodorant is an important part of most people’s hygiene routine, especially during the hot summer months. Whether working out or spending time outside, deodorant is a must. However, many can cause skin irritation and even pose serious health risks with the chemicals they contain. That is why many people are now switching to natural deodorants.

Here are the top three reasons you might want to make the switch, too.

Sweating

Did you know your body needs to sweat? It helps regulate body temperature and releases other toxins. Natural deodorant allows you to sweat the way your body needs to in order to stay healthy and cool while also preventing odor.

Ingredients

Natural deodorants are a healthier option, as they lack pore-blocking ingredients and other chemicals that may cause skin-related issues later down the road.

Keeping Pores Clear

Traditional deodorants often mask odor or rely on antimicrobial agents, including ethanol, to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Antiperspirants work to block sweat ducts, which minimizes body odor. Natural deodorants treat bacteria rather than blocking pores, which prevents odor.

There are many benefits to using natural deodorant, such as it’s better for your health and the environment. Natural deodorants stop odor by preventing naturally occurring bacteria from mixing with the salt and water in your skin. If you want to make the switch to a natural deodorant, here are some healthier options.

Primal Elements All Natural Deodorant ($15)

Available in nine scents, Primal Element's all-natural deodorant for men and women is free from sulfate, parabens, baking soda, and aluminum. Each fragrance blend is made of a unique mix of essential oils to leave you feeling fresher. Hand-poured in the U.S., it also comes in unscented.

Crystal Magnesium Enriched Deodorant Sticks ($8)

This mineral-enriched deodorant features magnesium, a natural ingredient that serves as an alternative to aluminum, baking soda, and other potentially irritating, ineffective, and harmful ingredients. For use by both women and men, it comes in seven scents, including Lavender + Rosemary, Coconut + Vanilla, and Sea Salt + Sage. This vegan formula offers 24-hour odor protection without leaving a greasy residue or white stains on the skin and clothing. It is also free of parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and colors.

Cleo + Coco Charcoal Deodorant (starting at $18)

A natural deodorant that works with your body to detoxify impurities and neutralize odor at its root, Cleo + Coco Charcoal Deodorant is free of aluminum and disruptive synthetics. The formulation of activated charcoal, plant-based powders, clay, and essential oils glides on clear. It is also scented with blissful botanicals, such as lavender and vanilla in Sweet Surrender and blue tansy in True Blue. Available in five scents and two unscented formulas, it provides all-day odor control.

Thrive Deodorant Spray ($14.95)

This natural spray deodorant from Thrive eliminates odor with a unique blend of regenerative, super-plant extracts. The non-irritating formula is made without aluminum, baking soda, or other synthetics. It targets perspiration, bacterial growth, sweat degradation, and bad odor. The non-aerosol spray can be used under arms and other areas odor develops.

Oyin Handmade Funk Butter ($9.99)

With a name to remember, this natural deodorant from Oyin Handmade comes in a buttery cream-to-powder formulation that is equally effective on underarms and feet. The odor-absorbing baking soda combines with microfine vegetable powders and kaolin clay to help absorb moisture and keep you cool. Coconut oil and shea butter also moisturize the skin for up to 24 hours. It is available in three formulas: Black Cedar Fig, Coco Mango, and Unscented.

Taos Aer Extra Strength Deodorant ($21)

Neutralizing odor-causing bacteria and absorbing moisture, this gel-to-powder plant-powered deodorant features a sensorial texture and elevated warm and woodsy scent profile. The long-lasting, heat-released essential oils in this extra-strength formula provide enhanced protection against odor-causing bacteria without the use of aluminum and parabens. Available in a Citrus Vetivert scent, the concentrated formula is made without water, making it more sustainable.

Kaia Naturals The Sweat Powder ($35)

Inspired by sweat-absorbing athletic chalk used by elite athletes, this sweat powder from Kaia Naturals is a talc-free, natural solution for everyday sweaty situations. With a refillable and mess-free brush applicator, it absorbs moisture and manages odor in a variety of areas, including underarms, bikini line, and more. The mattifying formula creates a moisture-absorbing barrier on the surface of the skin. It is also portable for discreet on-the-go touch-ups. The powder comes in two scents: Sakura Blossom and Crisp Linen.

Corpus Natural Deodorant ($26)

Available in nine scents, this vegan, cruelty-free natural deodorant from Corpus provides long-lasting protection. The water-based formula contains enzymes and plant extracts that help eliminate body odor. Made without aluminum, parabens, talc, baking soda, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, it is gentle on the underarms. A kit of three minis is also available for those who want to experience more than one scent.

Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant ($6.99)

Clinically proven 48-hour sweat and odor protection and dermatologist tested, Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant is gentle on the skin and includes no baking soda, dyes, or parabens. Instead, it features tea tree oil and shea butter. The packaging is also made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled material. A fragrance free option is also available as is a Clean + Fresh formula with charcoal.

Attitude Baking Soda Free Deodorant ($12.99)

This natural deodorant from Attitude contains no aluminum or baking soda, and the hypoallergenic formula naturally neutralizes unwanted odors due to its carefully chosen ingredients. The gentle formula contains oats, an ingredient known for soothing, and glycerin, an emollient ingredient. Ideal for sensitive skin, its creamy texture facilitates application while providing maximum hydration, thanks to the inclusion of shea butter and coconut oil.

Shankara Aura Essential Oil Deodorant ($16)

Made with pure essential oils, this unisex deodorant is free of chemicals, aluminum, and alcohol. It can be applied safely to the skin and features natural odor-eliminating properties. The extra-strength deodorant packs powerful antibacterial properties that neutralize odor-causing bacteria. It comes scented with essential oils: lavender and vetiver or geranium and ylang ylang. It also features an easy roll-on applicator.

Sophia Connolly

Sophia is an intern for Well Defined. She is passionate about journalism and has focused on writing stories covering adoption, sports, and other topics as a staff writer and copy editor for her high school yearbook staff. She has achieved several high school journalism awards for her writing and has aspirations for a successful professional writing career.