Struggling To Find A Natural Deodorant That Works? Try These Editor-Tested Options (2025)

If you ask me, deodorant isn't a sexy beauty product—I'm much more likely to find myself in a rabbit hole researching things like LED face masks or laser hair removal devices—but there's no doubt it's a daily necessity. And with so many new and more natural deodorants popping up, I started to think about ditching the conventional deodorant I'd been using since my teen years (true story!) for a cleaner alternative.

After extensive research, I'm not necessarily convinced traditional deodorants and antiperspirants are bad for me. The overwhelming majority of scientists and doctors tell Women's Health that, although there is some small and flawed research pointing to cancer risks, the evidence from nearly 1,500 scientific studies mostly shows no conclusive link between aluminum-based antiperspirants and health risks.

While comforting, I find the simpler formulas more appealing... just in case—particularly since these aluminum-free options have come such a long way in recent years. Today, there are tons of solids, sprays, and pastes to help banish any daily stink, some of which come with another big draw for me: more sustainable manufacturing processes and environmentally-friendly packaging.

To help you find the best natural deodorants—the ones that really do stop the sweat and keep any smells at bay—I extensively researched a dozen of the top-rated options on the market and even put a handful to the test. Whether you’re looking to try something gentler on your skin or make the switch to a more eco-friendly option, I'm confident these are the best natural deodorants to keep you feeling fresh.

Best Natural Deodorants

The tricky thing? "Natural" isn't a federally-regulated buzz word, so it's important to look at the ingredient list to really understand what you're putting on your skin. Efficacy is, of course, another huge concern—as is scent for many. So here's what you should think about before shopping for one.

What to consider

Ingredients

"A natural deodorant is one that contains ingredients derived from nature rather than synthesized in a lab," says Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York. When switching to a natural deodorant, you may worry about sweating to much and being able smell odor, but ingredients like arrowroot powder, magnesium, baking soda, and charcoal can help absorb moisture, says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. Tea tree oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E can also help with moisture control, plus address odor, since they're natural antibacterial agents and antifungals, she says.

Type

There are several types of natural deodorants available, each suited to different preferences and lifestyles. If you like to carry your deodorant with you or travel often, a stick might be the best option since it’s less likely to open or leak in your bag. For those with sensitive skin, a cream or a paste may cause less irritation because it doesn’t require as much friction to apply. And finally, if you're someone who wants a fast-drying option, a gel might be the perfect fit.

Scent

Like their conventional counterparts, natural deodorants come in all different scents—from more woodsy, masculine scents to more floral fragrances. Choose the one that's most pleasing to you. "Just make sure the deodorant doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances, as these can be irritating to sensitive skin," says Kopelman, suggesting plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and essential oils. Lavender, tea tree, and citrus oils are popular choices, but personal preference reigns here.

How we selected

To find the best natural deodorant, I consulted four board-certified dermatologists, plus personally tested a half-dozen formulas. I also polled other WH editors and contributors to find out what products they use and love. This final list includes something for everyone, from charcoal options to sweet-smelling floral picks. Read on for our guide to the best natural deodorants.

1. Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

After testing over a dozen natural deodorants, we found cult-favorite Native deserved the best overall spot on this list for its hydrating ingredients, wide range of scent preferences, and affordable price point.

A favorite of Dr. Kopelman's, this deodorant is free from aluminum, parabens, and sulfates. "Instead, it includes ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which are gentle on the skin," she says. "I love the wide variety of scents, all derived from natural sources, making it easy to find one that suits my preference."

Lifestyle director Lindsay Geller is also a big fan of the brand and says it's been a staple in her routine for years. "I love all the scents—they're fresh, light, and the aroma lasts for hours," says Geller, who often relies on the natural fragrance from the deodorant to double as perfume.

During my own evaluation, I did note some transfer—particularly noticeable on darker clothing—but found the deodorant did a great job keeping moisture at bay. I exercise for an hour every day, and this one kept me mostly dry even during 4-mile runs. I got even more mileage out of the deodorant during regular daily use. On days I didn't workout, I still smelled nice and fresh by the late afternoon.

2. Kopari Natural Deodorant

This deodorant is everything a natural deodorant should be. It's free from aluminum, parabens, and sulfates. It doesn't contain baking soda, either, which is ideal for those with especially sensitive skin. While baking soda is used in a lot of natural deodorant formulas to help soak up moisture, Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, warns that because of its alkaline pH level, it can be irritating to some.

Editors who use this formula say it glides on easily, feels silky on skin, and has ingredients like coconut and sage oils to keep the skin moisturized. Because my skin skews very dry, I tend to experience excess friction when applying many natural deodorants—they always seem thicker and chalkier than the conventional formulas in my rotation. But this formula glides on smoothly without that cooling sensation that can send a shiver up your spine.

Amanda Woerner, executive digital director for WH, agrees, though she also says it doesn't last all day. "Personally, I found this to be a ‘plan to reapply’ product—although honestly kind of worth it, because of how smooth it goes on, and how hydrating it is for the skin," Woerner explains. "Sometimes my underarms get irritated but this formula was so gentle and soothing that it cleared up any previous redness or bumps."

While the need to reapply means you should probably plan to throw it in your bag if you're on-the-go, we love that it comes in three different scents: original, driftwood, and beach. It's also vegan and cruelty-free. And, if you decide you love the stuff, you can score a pretty decent discount by using the brand's "subscribe and save" feature on their website.

3. Schmidt's Vanilla + Oat Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, Schmidt’s natural deodorant is made without baking soda and is also free of propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. Kopelman says it gets its strong odor-neutralizing properties from ingredients like magnesium, arrowroot powder, and essential oils.

I'm a big fan of the scents available, particularly this vanilla and oat option, which is reminiscent of freshly baked cookies and gives off a really warm vibe. It glides on pretty smoothly—especially if you hold the stick close to your body for a few seconds to warm it up before swiping on. I did feel that I had to reapply a bit more often than some other formulas I tried, particularly when I traveled to a warm, sunny climate. But it's worth noting other WH testers who tried other scents like the lavender and sage said the brand's 24-hour guarantee was spot on.

4. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

It is pricier than some other options on the market, but this deodorant from Malin + Goetz is specifically formulated to be non-irritating and have superior odor protection all at once. In fact, the company created this product with one of their founders in mind—Matthew Malin suffers from multiple skin diseases like eczema, rosacea, and fragrance allergies—and says it's antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It's also free from alcohol, aluminum, parabens, and sulfates.

The eucalyptus scent, powered by odor-neutralizing eucalyptus extract and citronellal, is meant to be unisex. And though it is strong, I tend to gravitate towards the earthier scents (I sometimes even choose men's deodorant!) and found it highly refreshing. If you ask me, it gives off real "I just left the spa" vibes and will have your pits feeling nice and clean.

I did have to reapply more frequently than I would have liked, especially on days when I logged more steps, but other testers said the scent lingered all day. As a nice bonus, this pick is both vegan and cruelty-free.

5. Weleda Deodorant Spray

Unlike other natural deodorants, this pick comes in a spray and uses pure essential oils to mask odors. The spray is free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances, colorants, and raw materials derived from mineral oils. "It encompasses natural, plant-based ingredients that aren’t harsh on the skin," says Kiran Mian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, who also notes how effective and pleasantly-smelling the deodorant is. Even better, it's available at a budget-friendly price point.

Users say they love the option of a spray, particularly because so many natural deodorants can be chalky and leave residue in their wake. Not this one, which goes on entirely clear and won't stain clothes. On the downside, it does contain alcohol, which can lend a burning sensation, particularly if your skin is extra sensitive. Some users also note the need to reapply after a particularly long, hot day.

6. Shaklee Protect Deodorant

"This EWG-verified aluminum-free deodorant is a great option," says Dr. Zeichner. "The non-irritating formula is made with omega fatty acids and coconut fruit extract, and glides smoothly onto the skin." Shaklee's deodorant is packed with ingredients that naturally neutralize odors, too. "The formula combines antimicrobial zinc to minimize odor, and an amino acid derivative to regulate pH levels," he says.

The deodorant is also made with charcoal powder and arrowroot to absorb wetness without blocking pores.Users say it feels a bit wet when it goes on, which is a sensation that takes some getting used to, but dries quickly and offers solid odor protection throughout the day. And, though it isn't an antiperspirant, users say it really does work to keep the underarm area drier in hot weather, too.

7. Salt & Stone Santal and Vetiver Deodorant

Dr. Mian recommends this Salt and Stone deodorant for its potent ingredients. "It has a blend of probiotics, plant-based extracts, antioxidants, cornstarch for moisture absorption, and soothing ingredients to prevent irritation." The deodorant even contains hyaluronic acid to help keep the underarm area hydrated without feeling wet and sticky throughout the day.

I was impressed by the texture of this deodorant, which is almost like a body butter in stick form. It went on smoother than most of the other deodorants I tried—only second to the Kopari. It didn't leave any reside on the underarm or clothing either. As for the brand's 24-hour claim? While I wouldn't necessarily count on it for a full 24 hours, I did feel adequately protected for most of the day—even during lighter workouts.

8. Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant

Tom's is one of the longest-standing natural deodorants, but the brand recently reformulated. The new product not only has more attractive and modernized packaging, but also comes in five new and delicious scents like Wild Lavender, North Woods, and Mountain Spring.

After extensive testing, beauty editor Nicole Saunders said Tom's new deodorant, which promises to keep odor at bay for 48 hours, really did last longer than most natural deodorants and even some conventional formulas. "Tom's can keep with my daily activities," she said. "Think long daily commutes to the office, full work days, after work shenanigans, and so much more. To be frank, this level of protection isn't the norm for natural deodorants."

The stick also has conditioning ingredients like glycerin and aloe, both of which are hydrating and soothing. It's also free of artificial fragrances that can be potentially irritating. The one drawback we could find? It doesn't glide on as easily as other alternatives on this list, so you may experience some drag when you swipe it on—not ideal for the more sensitive.

Meet the Experts

• Hannah Kopelman is a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York.
• Joshua Zeichner, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
• Kiran Mian, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
• Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.

Shop more of our favorite deodorants

Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant | Best Deodorants for Women | Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin | Whole Body Deodorants