"I feel like most natural deodorants claim to reduce sweat but don’t actually work"
Does this sound like you? While many would love to go all-naturalé, finding a natural underarm deodorant that actually works can be a challenge. We surveyed 49 natural-deo-lovin’ millennials about their underarm care to compile a hit list of favorite brands and tips for making sure your pits stay fresh all day.
Tips for Finding the Best All-Natural Deodorant
Finding a natural deodorant that works for you may require some trial and error. Check out our top two recommendations for finding a natural deodorant you'll actually love:
Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands, scents, and formulations to find the perfect fit for your body chemistry and lifestyle.
To enhance the effectiveness of your natural deodorant, try using an exfoliating toning solution beforehand. It helps with odors and *bonus* reduces darkness in the underarm area. This is particularly helpful for those struggling to find a natural deodorant for warmer climates. Our group recommends applying Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution on your underarms after showers or before you reapply at midday.
Reapplication tip: When reapplying deodorant, it's essential not to do so on sweaty armpits, as this can transfer bacteria onto your stick and cause odor. Instead, have two sticks - one for post-shower use and one you keep in your bag for reapplication when you're out and about.
Best Natural Deodorant for Men
Bravo Sierra: A popular choice for men (or anyone) who need serious odor control. Their formula is more natural than options with aluminum but not quite a baking soda essential oil for those of us that need a little extra power. Their gender-neutral scents and effective stick and spray options make this brand a favorite among those with an active lifestyle.
Best Natural Long-lasting Natural Deodorant
Salt & Stone: A popular choice for those looking for a natural deodorant that masks odor effectively, Salt & Stone is a bit on the pricey side but worth it. The scent lasts all day, even after dancing or exercising. However, it's essential to experiment with different scents to find the best one for your body chemistry. We've heard great things about the scent “Santal”.
Another fan-favorite is Lume, which comes in both a cream and a stick. One respondent in our survey said, "Lasts for 72+ hours and smells great. It's gotten me through every late-night party smelling like a fresh baby".
Best Plastic-free Natural Deodorant
For those of us obsessed with living green, Native is a go-to for a convenient, plastic-free option. However, if you're transitioning from chemical deodorants, be prepared for an adjustment period. Using benzoyl peroxide wash in the shower or glycolic acid before applying deodorant can help neutralize odors during this time.
Another eco-friendly and convenient option is hello, made with 100% recycled materials. Hello is popular for its traditional stick deodorant feel and low cost. It lasts reasonably well, but reapplication may be necessary throughout the day. Great excuse to get the double pack!
Most Affordable Natural Deodorant
If you're on a budget, try brands like Tom's and Schmidt's. These are more affordable options that still offer decent odor control. Your body may adapt to the deodorant over time, so it's best to switch up the scent or change the brand occasionally.
Last but not least...
Some other brands that received positive feedback include Nuud, ClayDry, and Weleda spray. Each has unique features, so it's worth trying different options to find the best one.
We love the recommendations on this list because many also feature environmentally-friendly packaging options like plastic-free, 100% recycled, and never tested on animals.
While a recent New York Times article, Are Natural Deodrants Really Better For You?, concluded that "Natural deodorant is not better or worse for your health than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant." There is still a huge demand to find chemical-less and chemical-free options for our underarms, and hopefully, this recommendations list helps you find your new favorite stick!
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