Be honest. If someone said they embraced their ‘natural scent’, you’d assume they are a little stinky. But what about natural deodorant? Do they work as well as other options, like antiperspirants?
In a nutshell, natural deodorants work by reducing the scent of your sweat, but not the amount of sweat your body naturally produces. So if you want to smell fresher and let your body do its natural thing, then yes, they work. But if you’re concerned about excessive sweating, you might not get the results you were hoping for.
You also need to consider what natural deodorants to go for - they’re not all created equally!
With the growing demand for eco-friendly beauty products, natural deodorants have become more popular with some options working better than others.
That said, there are many amazing reasons to choose a natural deodorant, whether it’s for the planet or your sensitive skin. To make your quest for sweet-smelling pits simple, in this guide, we’ve answered all your burning questions, and curated a list of 10 natural deodorants our customers love!
Contents
- What’s The Difference Between Deodorant And Antiperspirant?
- Will Natural Deodorant Stop Me From Sweating?
- How Do Natural Deodorants Work?
- Why Choose Natural Deodorant?
- 10 Natural Deodorants That Really Work
- Top Tips For Making The Switch
- The Bottom Line: Do Natural Deodorants Work?
What’s The Difference Between Deodorant And Antiperspirant?
Although the two words are often used interchangeably - and you’ll often find them on the same drug counter shelf - the products are about as similar as soap and lotion. Deodorant controls odor and freshness, and antiperspirant blocks sweat.
Natural deodorants usually contain baking soda or other alternative odor absorbers, moisture-absorbing powders like arrowroot powder or kaolin clay, and a soothing component like shea butter or aloe vera.
They often come in recyclable or refillable packaging.
Whereas, antiperspirants rely on aluminum compounds, which block your sweat ducts. There’s been a lot of controversy around this, particularly the concern that blocking sweat ducts could increase the chances of cancer, but there’s currently no evidence to confirm it.
They usually come in aerosol metal or plastic spray cans.
Another key difference is that deodorant is a personal care product, whereas antiperspirants are considered an over-the-counter drug. This might sound dramatic but it is actually a positive thing as it means they’re required to meet specific safety standards set by the FDA.
So in short, if you’ve been using antiperspirant up until now you don’t need to sweat it! But there are lots of benefits to switching to a natural deodorant instead.
Will Natural Deodorant Stop Me From Sweating?
Not completely - but that’s no bad thing!
Sweat is your body's natural way to regulate temperature, maintain homeostasis, eliminate certain toxins, and keep the balance of fluids and electrolytes. If we weren’t meant to sweat, we wouldn’t do it!
The problem most of us have with sweat is the odor that comes with it, which is not due to the sweat at all, but its interaction with the breakdown of bacteria on your skin.
The breakdown of this bacteria depends on a lot of factors like your hormones, diet, whether you wear breathable natural fabrics or synthetic ones, and, ironically, if you’ve been using antiperspirant for a long time, which might stimulate more odor-producing bacteria.
This is where natural deodorant comes in…
How Do Natural Deodorants Work?
Natural deodorants work by inhibiting the build-up of the bacteria that causes sweat to smell.
They tend to contain specific ingredients that alter the pH of your pits which creates an environment less hospitable for bacteria growth. They can also contain moisture-absorbing ingredients to reduce the appearance of ‘wet patches’ on your clothes, and essential oils to help mask any odor.
Overall, natural deodorants work with your body rather than against it - they let you sweat while controlling odor and moisture and avoiding potentially harmful chemicals.
Why Choose Natural Deodorant?
There are many benefits of natural deodorants for your health and the planet! they…
Keep Pores Unclogged
Without heavy-duty chemicals like aluminum, natural deodorants keep your pores free and clear. This means no more buildup, just fresh, breathable skin.
Minimize Odor
They use natural odor-fighting ingredients to neutralize unwanted smells.
Allow Natural Sweating
They let your body do what it does best - sweat! This regulates your temperature.
Avoid Synthetic Fragrances, Parabens, and Harsh Chemicals
They usually skip the synthetic additives and preservatives that can irritate your skin.
Contain Soothing Natural Ingredients
Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, care for your skin while reducing irritation and dryness.
Often Come in Biodegradable or Recycled Packaging
Many natural deodorant brands prioritize natural and eco-friendly packaging options too, benefitting the environment.
Ready to put your money where your pits are and make the switch?
10 Natural Deodorants That Really Work
These 10 natural deodorants have been tried and tested by our (sweaty) team, and loved by you guys! Choose from stick, cream, spray, and refillable options.
Sticks
1. HiBar Zero Waste Deodorant
"Really works. I love the smell and am glad it didn’t come in plastic." - Roxy H, Verified Customer
2. Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Stick
"It's the best deodorant I've ever tried. The lavender smells so good. The packaging is 100% compostable." - Noura M., Verified Customer
3. Pit Stop Zero-Waste Deodorant
"After trying half a dozen different natural deodorant brands over the years, I finally found this brand and it's perfect. It stays on all day and keeps me smelling fresh, even during summertime in Georgia. The orange patchouli scent is my favorite!" - Julia S, Verified Customer
Creams
4. Sustain Yourself Sensitive Skin Deodorant
"I have very sensitive skin specifically on my under arms so I wanted a product that was nontoxic, but effective. I love how the grapefruit scent smells and love the ingredients because they are not harsh and do not cause rashes. I love this stuff!" - Jenna Parman, Verified Customer.
5. Fat & The Moon Deodorant Cream
"Been using for the past 10 months and it's great for all day use with just one application in the morning. I've survived lengthy commutes to work in the summer heat to and from the office without smelling like sweat and the wetness is reduced significantly as well." - K, Verified Customer.
6. Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream
"I am an athlete who sweats a ton! This deodorant has just enough strength to protect me during my workout." - Biminigal9, Verified Customer.
7. Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream
"Best deodorant I’ve ever used hands down (the charcoal one specifically)! It doesn’t stop sweating but it does prevent odor completely for me! And my skin is so sensitive but have been using it for two weeks and my skin is great!" - Jess, Verified Customer.
Spray
8. Circular Bodies Deodorant Spray
"Easy transition from an aluminum deodorant to this (I was super worried about the “detox period”). I’ve tried several natural deodorants and always end ok with a rash, but this spray has been a lifesaver!" - Erin Matsukane, Verified Customer.
Refillable
"We’re super excited to introduce two NEW refillable natural deodorants to EarthHero! These little beauties are all about circular, clean beauty, so you can stay fresh for longer, without creating waste. They’re kind to the earth and your skin - we can’t wait for you to try them!" - Sarah, Earth Hero CEO
9. Kinfield Refillable PH-Balancing Deodorant
10. UpCircle Refillable Natural Deodorant
Top Tips For Making The Switch
Wondering why you still smell after using a natural deodorant?
Don’t worry—it’s not that your new deodorant isn’t working! Your underarms might need a little time to adjust, especially if they’ve been used to antiperspirants for a while. At first, you might notice a bit more sweat and it could take one to two weeks for your body to find its balance.
Here are some quick tips to help make the switch:
Try an underarm detox to help clear out any old buildup and unclog your pores - we love this underarm detox bar!
Choose natural and breathable fabrics to help keep your underarms cool and dry.
Reapply as needed, which might be more often during the adjustment phase.
And you’re good to go!
The Bottom Line: Do Natural Deodorants Work?
Yes, but it depends on what job you’re asking them to do!
Natural deodorants effectively reduce odor and keep you feeling fresh without clogging your pores or disturbing your body’s natural processes. They might not completely eliminate sweat, but they’re great at controlling the build-up of bacteria and maintaining freshness.
With the right product, you can stay confident and comfortable throughout the day. Our top 10 picks should help you find the perfect match for your needs!
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