<p>Traditional deodorants sometimes contain ingredients that can be irritating to your skin. Some experts claim that antiperspirants can actually make you sweat more. Natural deodorants address these concerns by typically using naturally-derived ingredients, like probiotics and essential oils, to address odor and others, like tapioca starch and baking soda, to soak up wetness. (Be advised: some of these ingredients, particularly baking soda, can still cause irritation on your skin.) And just for the record, there is no such thing as a “natural” antiperspirant because to block sweat glands, it must include aluminum— which natural deodorants avoid. But if you’re concerned about what you put on your body affecting your health or have skin reactions to traditional deodorants, and are cool with still sweating a little, switching to a natural deodorant could be worthwhile.</p><p>What deodorant you use and how well it works for you is a question of personal taste and body chemistry. But whether you’re a natural deodorant newbie or have been on that tip for years, these best natural deodorants are worth trying.</p><p><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a43264697/mens-health-2023-grooming-awards/” target=”_blank”>Best Grooming Products for Men</a> | </strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g34789245/best-cologne-for-men/” target=”_blank”><strong>Best Colognes</strong></a> | <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g31134888/best-body-wash-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Body Washes</a></strong> | <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g26449934/best-body-lotion-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Body Lotions</a></strong> | <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g23306524/best-soap-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Bar Soaps</a></strong> | <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g37809523/best-face-washes-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Face Washes</a></strong></p>” />
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Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant Spray
Old Spice Aluminum-Free Deep Sea Dry Spray
Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant Spray
Old Spice Aluminum-Free Deep Sea Dry Spray
The dry spray formula of this aluminum-free deodorant is by far the easiest to apply on this list and the potent scent makes it great for heavy sweaters or those who need a bit of extra odor protection. It’s as close to a traditional deodorant as you can get without aluminum.
| Size | 4.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Scent | Marine |
| Ingredients | Alcohol Denat., Hydrofluorocarbon 152a, Fragrance |
Most Effective Natural Deodorant
Patricks ND1 High Performance Natural Deodorant
Most Effective Natural Deodorant
Patricks ND1 High Performance Natural Deodorant
Pros
- Groundbreaking green technology
- Natural and long-lasting odor control
Cons
- Expensive
This natural deodorant has one ingredient that sets it apart from all the rest: niodor. It naturally inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria for 24 hours. When combined with sustainable Amazonian brown clay, coconut oil, zinc and tapioca starch, this natural deodorant is your best defense against the dreaded stench of body odor.
Best Premium Deodorant
Corpus Third Rose Natural Plant-Based Deodorant
Best Premium Deodorant
Corpus Third Rose Natural Plant-Based Deodorant
Pros
- Sleek design
- Luxurious smell
Cons
- Choose another scent if you don’t like floral smells
The packaging and scent of this natural deodorant brand is more like something you’d find in a high-end cologne, ensuring that you won’t be embarrassed to leave it out on your bathroom sink. The natural formula leaves out all the things you would expect, like sulfates and parabens, but doesn’t compromise on efficacy.
| Size | 2.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Scent | Floral |
| Ingredients | Alcohol denat., diatomaceous earth, silica |
Best Luxury Deodorant
Helmm Compass NATURAL Deodorant Starter Kit
Best Luxury Deodorant
Helmm Compass NATURAL Deodorant Starter Kit
Pros
- Sport formula offers superior protection against foul odors
- Invigorating scent
Cons
- Recommended for moderate sweaters only
Helmm also provides a refillable container alongside a monthly subscription for refills, so you never have to worry about going to the store again. The stellar deodorant is formulated with natural ingredients and without talc, sulfates, parabens, and other bad stuff.
| Size | 2.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple options |
| Ingredients | Glycerin, Stearic acid, sodium hydroxide |
Best Sustainable Deodorant
Myro Refillable Deodorant for Men
Best Sustainable Deodorant
Myro Refillable Deodorant for Men
Pros
- Refillable case
- Refreshing bergamot, lavender, and vetiver scent
Cons
- Reviewers say it may irritate sensitive skin
What’s the point of going natural if you’re still creating waste from the packaging you have to throw away? Myro’s refillable containers allow you to buy recyclable refills in a variety of scents. As with most natural deodorants, the product is formulated without aluminum, parabens, or phthalates.
| Size | 2 oz |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple options |
| Ingredients | Aloe leaf juice, sodium stearate, silica |
Pros
- Fresh, long-lasting scent
- Contains naturally derived fragrance
Cons
- Won’t keep you from sweating
This deodorant is just as much about what it leaves out (aluminum, baking soda, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances) as what it includes in the formula. The bergamot extract paired with probiotic enzymes block odor and the corn starch helps to absorb moisture, keeping your pits fresh without aluminum.
| Size | 2.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Scent | Fresh |
| Ingredients | Propylene glycol, sodium stearate, sodium hydroxide |
Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Unlike other natural deodorants that can stain your clothes or leave an oily residue, this Men’s Health Grooming Awards winner is a gel that goes on clear and stays that way. The innovative formula uses a blend of alpha hydroxy acids to neutralize odor through your body’s own chemistry. The soothing spa-like scent is fresh but not in your face.
| Size | 2.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple options including unscented |
| Ingredients | Aloe juice, sodium hydroxide, AHA complex, hyaluronic acid |
What’s The Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?
Put simply, a deodorant is used to de-odor your pits and help curb the smelliness that can accompany underarm sweat. Antiperspirants actually block the underarm sweat glands causing them to sweat less. The only FDA-approved ingredient to block sweat glands in antiperspirant is aluminum.
Why Does Armpit Sweat Stink?
By itself, sweat from under your arms doesn’t have a smell. But when it’s released, it mixes with bacteria that lives in your armpit which feeds off the moisture and releases a smell. This could be why people’s sweat smells different or why some people tend to smell more than others. It’s also why many natural deodorants include pre- or probiotics to help manage the variety of bacteria that live in the area.
Are Natural Deodorants Better for You?
The most common argument that natural deodorants are better for you is centered around aluminum. Some experts claim that aluminum is linked with Alzheimer’s disease, but older studies have been discredited and there has been no discernable link found between aluminum and Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s also often claimed that aluminum can increase your risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer in women. Research has been conflicted and the general consensus among experts is that more research is needed to determine a link between the two.
There is also usually conversation around preservative parabens, which some claim are linked to cancer as well, and other “chemical” ingredients that natural deodorants often omit from their formulas. While, again, no studies have proven that these ingredients are directly linked to illnesses like cancer, many people like to err on the side of caution. Apart from all this, traditional deodorants often contain ingredients that can irritate skin, like certain kinds of alcohol. Most natural deodorants seek to solve this problem by using naturally-derived ingredients that may be more gentle on the skin. The bottom line is that there is no evidence that natural deodorants are better for you than traditional deodorants or antiperspirants, but it is a personal choice.
Are There Ingredients in Natural Deodorants That I Should Avoid?
Many natural deodorants include baking soda which is used to help absorb moisture and curb sweating. However, baking soda can be irritating on the skin for many people, especially if they have sensitive skin. If you’ve noticed a reaction under your arms when using natural deodorant, try a baking soda-free formula. These often use ingredients like tapioca starch, clay and silica to help absorb moisture instead.
Is There Really a Purging Stage When I Switch to Natural Deodorant?
If you’ve been a habitual antiperspirant user your whole life and then switch to natural deodorant, then you’ll likely notice a period where you may feel like you sweat or stink more (or both!). This is mostly because your body is releasing the plugs in the sweat glands created by the aluminum in antiperspirant. Your body naturally releases the aluminum and tries to flush it out by increasing sweat production, which could temporarily make you smell worse. The good news is that it should only last a couple of weeks.
How We Selected
For the past three years, we consulted with Men’s Health’s Grooming editors and writers on the best-performing natural deodorants for men. Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of men’s natural deodorants to the test and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and price point. We also considered top-reviewed men’s natural deodorants that had over 100 five-star ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.
Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.
Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and journalist living in Austin, Texas, covering beauty, grooming, style, and culture. Her work has appeared in Very Good Light, BRIDES, Elite Daily, among others.
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