Surprise, Surprise—These Natural Deodorants Actually Work
I don't even have an anti-perspirant on standby.
Instead of telling me I smelled bad, my fiancé once asked whether I was "testing natural deodorants for work." I wasn't (that week, anyway), which made the commentary all the more painful. But it was a fair question: my career means I have to test many products that don't perform as advertised, and anyone who has been burned by a natural deodorant knows there's a lot of trial and error involved in finding the one that works for you.
If you've ever switched from your favorite antiperspirant (which stops sweat and odor) to a natural deodorant (which is supposed to stop odor), you might understand why people are cautious about the label. It's tough to find a formula—whether it's a paste, a stick, a cream, or a spray—that actually does its job. "Natural deodorants do not block sweat as effectively as aluminum-based antiperspirants do," explains Kseniya Kobets, MD, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore. "Instead, they allow normal sweating and focus on reducing bacteria, lowering pH, absorbing some moisture, and/or neutralizing odor molecules using mild acids, botanical extracts, mineral powders, and starches."
Board-certified dermatologist Alexandra Bowles, DO, adds that it's important to remember "natural" isn't a regulated term. "Formulations can vary widely between brands," she notes. "Reading ingredient labels can help you understand how a product works and whether it's a good match for your skin."
Ahead, discover the best natural deodorants I've found in my years (and years and years) of testing, as well as all the dermatological insight on natural deodorants. And by the way, not once during my testing of these options did I receive any feedback from the aforementioned beau. For all he knows, this was a story about solid perfume.
The Best Natural Deodorants
- The Best Natural Deodorant Overall: HUME Aluminum Free Deodorant
- The Best Natural Deodorant For an Easy Swap: Salt & Stone Aluminum-Free Deodorant
- The Most Luxurious Natural Deodorant: AKT The Deodorant Balm
- The Best Whole-Body Natural Deodorant: Lume Whole Body Deodorant
- The Most Innovative Natural Deodorant: Tronque Natural Deodorant - Axilla Orb
My personal favorite deodorant, Hume's gel sticks, comes loaded with prebiotics and probiotics that work with your skin's microbiome to target the bacteria that cause bad smells—while fossilized algae and tapioca starch absorb any wetness that comes along.
Type: Gel stick
Size: 2 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Vanilla Daze, Desert Bloom, Coconut Coast, After Rain, Wild Coral, Amber Woods, Out West, Fragrance Free
What I Love: Applies smooth and clear; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "I've already written extensively about my love for Hume, but I'll happily share again. This deodorant has been my go-to for a long time. As much as I might fall in love with another (and there are many on this list!), I return to its smooth glide and soft scents. There's comfort in knowing exactly how it's going to work every time, and by work I mean really, really work. I literally went from two hours of shoveling to a birthday dinner yesterday with zero worry about stink. And yes, I asked my sister to confirm I didn't smell terrible. She'd tell me if I did." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
A crowd favorite for its fabulous scents (the brand has partnered with brands like Aritzia and Cherry Los Angeles for fun special-edition versions) and its power, Salt & Stone's Aluminum-Free Deodorant is an extra-strength balm that features microbiome-balancing probiotics, soothing spirulina, and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Type: Powder stick
Size: 2.6 oz
Baking Soda: Yes
Scent Options: Santal and Vetiver, Bergamot and Hinoki, Saffron and Cedar, Neroli and Basil, Lily and Yuzu, Black Rose and Oud
What I Love: Feels like good old-fashioned powder deodorant; Lovely scents; Available in a sensitive formula, if you have trouble with baking soda
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "Though I've been wearing natural deodorant for my whole deodorant-wearing career, I've borrowed my friend's locker-room antiperspirants a time or two. With its powdery feel and impressive ability to tackle odor, this special stick is the closest experience I've ever had to the 'real thing.' I love all of the scents (grab the multi-pack if you're having trouble deciding!) and that it feels like a product that works, because it is." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
"[I've received] far more compliments from wearing just deodorant than I ever did wearing Santal 33 from Le Labo, Byredo, or Aesop," said AKT London co-founder Ed Currie while speaking to Marie Claire about the boom of luxury fragrances in deodorant. These balms (you work a pea-size amount into your underarms to apply) really are that delicious-smelling, with intriguing scents like Halcyon Summers (mint, pomelo, tomato vine) and Columbia Road (amber, violet, and tonka). They also work, obviously.
Type: Balm
Size: 1.76 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Orange Grove, After Thunder, The Onsen, Halcyon Summers, Columbia Road, Fragrance-Free
What I Love: Metal tube packaging feels luxurious; Long-lasting; The Applicator provides some lymphatic drainage action while applying
What I Don’t: Without The Applicator, the application method isn't ideal
Review for MC: "The first time I tried AKT London's deodorant balm, I was super impressed with the product but not-so impressed with the application method. Forgive me, but I don't want my morning routine to include an armpit massage and deodorant-covered fingers. Now, though? I'm actually thrilled. The heavy metal gua sha-inspired The Applicator makes applying feel less like a "smearing" situation and more like a spa moment. Then, I get to enjoy everything I already loved about the product—the fancy scents, how long it lasts, and how well it battles body odor." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
"Many patients do well with cream or balm-style deodorants because they apply smoothly and minimize friction. I like brands that offer fragrance-free options, as added scents, even natural ones, can sometimes be irritating," explains Dr. Bowles. This one checks all those boxes. Available in a number of great scents and formats (solid stick, spray, cream tube, cream stick), Lume is clinically proven to block body odor all day—and continue to control it for up to 72 hours.
Type: Balm
Size: 3 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Vanilla Bliss, Mint Cucumber, Soft Powder, Toasted Coconut, Clean Tangerine, Peony Rose, Lavender Sage, Fresh Alpine, Unscented
What I Love: Tube or stick application available; Safe to use anywhere; Long-lasting; A little goes a long way
What I Don’t: I don't love applying with my fingers (that's why I choose the stick!); The initial smell can be surprising, but it quickly goes away when it dries down.
Review for MC: "As mentioned, I've become brave enough to throw away my emergency antiperspirants. But when I'm still a little nervous my go-tos won't be enough? This is what I turn to. Lume's cream deodorants take a bit of getting used to—they smell a little funky right out of the tube, but as soon as they dry down on your skin (it happens quickly!) the smell disappears along with any other personal scent you've been worried about. The lasting time is impressive, too—I used this for another big day of shoveling (I tackled all my neighbors' driveways too, so nice) and felt no need to run to the shower immediately after finishing up. That's saying something." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
This deodorant uses multi-acid and multi-mineral ingredients to keep your underarms smelling like you just stepped out of the shower (and washed up with Nécessaire's Signature Body Wash). Perhaps most important is mandelic acid, which helps smooth and soothe sensitive skin. Important note: Marie Claire's Senior Fashion Editor Halie LeSavage put it to the ultimate test—supporting her during a trip to Copenhagen Fashion Week—and was entirely impressed.
Type: Gel stick
Size: 2.5 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Olibanum, Santal, Eucalyptus, Hinoki, Fragrance-Free
What I Love: It fits right in with one of my favorite body washes; Nice scents; Smooth application; Dries quickly
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "I made it through my first two days back on the runway grind with clean sleeves—even when some last-minute deadlines and between-show traffic sent my cortisol spiking. Still, no one at fashion week seemed to guess I was breaking a sweat." — Halie LeSavage, Senior Fashion Editor
Outfitted with a stainless steel ball applicator (the "orb" in question), this gentle, milky deodorant formula assists with lymphatic drainage when applied. The real draw here, though, is its special "deo-tox" ingredient: a muscle relaxant that inhibits the release of the muscle neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It reduces nerve signals that control sweat gland activity, mimicking the sweat reduction that comes along with armpit Botox. Unlike others on this list, it can be argued for actual antiperspirant effects.
Type: Liquid serum roll-on
Size: 1.7 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: None
What I Love: Moisturizing; Innovative ingredients; Feels luxe in the package and on your skin
What I Don’t: More expensive than other options
Review for MC: "I got Botox for the first time last month. It's nice but... I might be more impressed with "deo-tox"? This liquid serum deodorant feels nice to roll on and keeps my underarms feeling dry all day long. There's not even a trace of scent at the end of a long day, no matter how stressful, and the lack of intense scent means my favorite fragrances can do their job unencumbered by my deodorant." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Arm & Hammer is the baking soda company, so it makes sense they'd have a great baking soda-based natural deodorant on offer. You can find this cheap but effective stick anywhere and count on it to carry you through the day and then some with zero stink. Also: be sure to show your deal-loving grandpa that you packed it next time you're on a family camping trip—he'll approve.
Type: Solid stick
Size: 2.5 oz
Baking Soda: Yes
Scent Options: Fresh; Juniper Berry; Rosemary and Lavender
What I Love: Lasts all day; Great value—you can get a three-pack for less than other options on this list; Easily accessible; Formula doesn't feel "crumbly"
What I Don’t: No baking soda-free option
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this Arm & Hammer Essentials Deodorant for over 15 years now, and it’s still my absolute favorite. I love that it’s aluminum-free and made with natural ingredients, yet it still provides great odor protection all day long. It goes on smoothly, doesn’t leave residue, and keeps me feeling confident throughout the day. I’ve tried other brands over the years, but I always come back to this one because it just works." — Amazon
If you have sensitive skin, I'm sure you know how nice Dove is to you and your fellow irritation warriors. The brand's Aluminum Free Deodorant (previously known as Dove 0% Aluminum) features so many of the hydrating ingredients you'd find in a traditional moisturizer, which is just another plus.
Type: Solid stick
Size: 2.6 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Just sensitive, for this one!
What I Love: Moisturizing ingredients; New branding looks great; Glides right on; Affordable
What I Don’t: I don't find the 72-hour claim perfectly accurate, but it does last a long while.
Customer Review: "Love that this brand has aluminum free options. The scents are great and so is the coverage. I was buying more expensive brands and this is much better!" — Target
Though Native has plenty of great scents in their repertoire (they're constantly releasing new ones, too!) I want to give a shoutout to their oft-overlooked unscented version. Though they also have sensitive, baking-soda-free options available, this is their classic formula without fragrance—a wonder for those who don't love strong scents but love maximum B.O.-busting power.
Type: Solid stick
Size: 2.65 oz
Baking Soda: Yes
Scent Options: So many, but we're talking about unscented here
What I Love: Long-lasting; A go-to for many years
What I Don’t: I have had some issues with residue on clothes in the past, but it came off easily
Review for MC: "I don't know about it being 72-hour coverage, but I needed something without aluminum that would last through a gym session or volleyball game. This worked great! Unscented is perfect for those prone to headaches/migraines." — Amazon
Evolvetogether's delicious (an odd adjective for deodorant, but it's true!) clear gel deodorant sticks are activated by your body heat. The more you move and sweat, the more the scent is released...and the better you smell. The formula includes panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, to add moisture and a smooth feel under your arms, and glycerin to soften your skin and reduce irritation. And those scents? I want perfume versions, immediately.
Type: Gel stick
Size: 1.7 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Tulum (lemon, sage, patchouli); Havana (cardamom, vetiver, cedarwood); Monaco (rose, mandarin, oud, patchouli); Taormina (orange blossom, geranium, jasmine)
What I Love: Perfect scent variety; Neutralizes odors as opposed to masking them; Travel-size available; Soothing; Brand is conscious of environmental impact
What I Don’t: Nothing
Review for MC: "I’ve been using natural deodorants for over 10 years and while I’ve found some great ones, nothing compares to this. Other natural deodorants would smell nice, but I always found myself having a bit of underarm odor after a workout or toward the end of the day. Others I have tried that absorbed the scent, would purge a little too much and leave my underarms with a rash. But this one is just right!" — Nordstrom
What to Look For in a Natural Deodorant
- Ingredients
When choosing a natural deodorant, Dr. Kobets likes to focus less on marketing claims and more on the functional ingredients that actually control odor. She also avoids ingredients that may cause dermatitis or folliculitis.
"Many effective formulas include an antibacterial or microbiome-balancing agent—such as mandelic acid, piroctone olamine, or lactobacillus ferment—to reduce odor-causing bacteria. Odor neutralizers like charcoal and zinc ricinoleate can help trap odor molecules, while lightweight moisture absorbers such as tapioca or arrowroot starch reduce humidity without blocking sweat or clogging pores," she says. "Because the underarm area is prone to friction many deodorants add in conditioning emollients like glycerin, silicones and caprylic/capric triglyceride, but be cautious with heavy oils or pore clogging silicones if you’re acne-prone, folliculitis prone, or have extreme sweating."
- Fragrance
While fragrance can make the experiencing of wearing deodorant more pleasant, Dr. Kobets cautions that it's a common irritant. If you're eczema-prone or have sensitive skin, you might want to look for a fragrance or essential oil-free formula. Luckily, so many brands on the above list offer just the thing.
- Comfort
Alongside fragrance and ingredients, Dr. Bowles says comfort is key in the natural deodorant world. "I recommend paying attention to the texture; creamy or balm-style deodorants often glide on more comfortably and reduce friction," the expert says. "Most importantly, a natural deodorant should feel comfortable throughout the day and not cause burning or redness. Trial and error can be part of the process, so be patient with yourself as you find the right match."
Ultimately, my favorites are the ones that balance comfort, simplicity, and reliable odor control.
Natural Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants
As mentioned above, antiperspirants are formulated to actually block sweat while natural deodorants (most of them, anyway) only tackle odor.
"Natural deodorants may not be the best option for people with very heavy sweating who truly need antiperspirant-level sweat reduction, since natural formulas cannot block sweat ducts as well," says Dr. Kobets. "Those with a history of underarm dermatitis, fragrance allergy, or very reactive skin should also proceed cautiously, as essential oils and natural fragrance components like limonene can be irritating or allergenic. Individuals prone to folliculitis may need to avoid formulas heavy in silicones, coconut oil or other oils or heavy emollients which can be occlusive in warm, sweaty folds and potentially cause a rash or folliculitis."
Natural Deodorants For Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you can certainly find a natural deodorant that won't irritate you. It just might take a little extra digging. You'll want to strictly avoid unnecessary fragrances and likely have to ditch the baking soda.
"Brands that use magnesium or zinc instead of baking soda often work well for patients with sensitive skin because they neutralize odor without causing irritation," notes Dr. Bowles. "I also love formulas that incorporate moisturizing elements like shea butter or squalane, which help protect the delicate underarm barrier.
How We Tested
To compile this list of the best natural deodorants, MC Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky grabbed her personal favorites, then scoured the internet and combed through countless customer reviews to track down the top-rated options on the market. With samples in hand, she got to testing. Each option was given two swipes on each armpit and made to prove its worth through normal day-to-day activities, including sweaty workouts, shoveling, and sauna sessions. After picking out her favorites, she assessed each product based on formula, scent, application, and staying power.
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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Alexandra Bowles attended the University of Cincinnati for her undergraduate studies where she earned a bachelor of science in biology, with a minor in bioethics. She then attended medical school at Ohio University before completing her dermatology residency in Miami, Florida where she trained with some of the best medical and cosmetic dermatologists in the nation. While in residency, Dr. Bowles served as co-chief resident and chief of cosmetic training.
Dr. Kseniya Kobets’ clinical focus is on the cosmetic treatment of patients using cutting-edge modalities for rejuvenation, acne, rosacea, acne scarring and hair restoration. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from City University of New York in 2005, Dr. Kobets attended Yale University School of Medicine. There, she pursued a dual degree program, earning her Doctor of Medicine and Master of Health Science in 2011. Her postdoctoral training began with a yearlong internship at Yale New Haven Hospital. She then went to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, completing a three-year dermatology residency in 2015, followed by a cosmetic dermatologic surgery fellowship at the institution’s Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center in 2016. Dr. Kobets’ research focus is on the development of an institutional review board for evaluating hair restoration with non-ablative laser and topical growth factors. She has shared her research through peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, as well as oral presentations. A leading board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Kobets is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser, Medicine, and Surgery. Dr. Kobets practices at The Cosmetic Dermatology Center at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care Westchester, a cosmetic dermatology center setting a new standard for state-of-art skin care services. Here, she uses the latest tools and techniques, supported by advanced technologies and clinical research for personalized treatment plans for all patients with the goal of achieving a naturally beautiful appearance. Services range from acne scar treatment, injectables, chemical peels, hair restoration, laser treatments, microneedling, Photodynamic treatment, Platelet-rich plasma, thread lifts and other pro-aging and healthy skin therapies.
