Natural deodorant? | Why sensitive? | How we chose | Our picks | Comparing products | Transitioning | Alternatives | Summary
What is natural deodorant and why would you use it?
Many people are looking for more natural products to replace the chemicals that are in their home – deodorants are an easy to swap to make!
Conventional deodorants can contain ingredients that have raised health concerns or ingredients that irritate sensitive skin.
Natural deodorants usually contain naturally derived ingredients and fragrances, so they are less likely to irritate skin. They don’t block sweat glands or reduce perspiration like antiperspirants do, so you will still sweat - you might like to try these to protect your clothes..
Natural deodorants can also be a good way to reduce the plastic content in your home and most are suitable for vegans and cruelty free.
Some products use ingredients such as cornstarch and tapioca starch to help absorb some of the sweat.
However, sweat itself doesn’t smell – it’s the bacteria that live on your skin that smell.
Many natural deodorants work by reducing the bacteria - some deodorants do this by changing the pH of your skin so that the bacteria don’t thrive there but the ingredients that alter the pH can be the ones that irritate your skin...
Why sensitive?
Your skin is in a delicate balance and highly alkaline (high pH) ingredients can disrupt this balance, strip away natural oils and kill bacteria that help keep our skin healthy.
Some natural deodorants cause skin irritation – some people react immediately while others might be OK until a few months later.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a common cause of irritation, some essential oils can be another cause and coconut oil can cause issues as it can block pores.
Although it’s a popular ingredient for absorbing odour and sweat absorption, sodium bicarbonate is alkaline (meaning it has a pH above 7) and your skin has a natural pH around 5, so sodium bicarbonate can cause dryness and irritation.
If you know you have really sensitive skin, you might not be able to use some products directly after shaving.
You could also try doing a patch test for a few days by swiping on a little deodorant on a small area of your inner upper arm, which is also a delicate area.
Tester pots or travel size products are great for this before you commit to a full size purchase, so we’ve mentioned where these are available.
How we chose
Fragrance: Some fragrances can be an irritant, either because of sensitivity to essential oils or because some strong smells can cause headaches and migraines, so we’ve selected deodorants that have a fragrance-free option.
How well it works: Many traditional antiperspirants now promise 24+hour protection but most natural deodorants don’t last that long…. but some do..
Some natural deodorants will need to be reapplied throughout the day and some might need to be re applied after a gym session.
Also some natural deodorants have ingredients that will help to absorb sweat but they won’t be as effective in this as a traditional anti perspirant – it just isn’t in the job description of most natural deodorants that they must stop people sweating!
Application: Natural deodorants come in a wide range of formats — crystal, stick, balm, roll-on, sprays – we’ve tried to include one of each of these.
Sticks, roll-ons and sprays are most similar to traditional deodorants so might be good products to try if you’re new to natural deodorants.
Some people struggle with balms and creams – you have to apply these with your fingers or a spatula and this can be messy but this does mean you are in control of how much you use.
What it’s made of: Natural deodorants use a range of ingredients to keep you smelling fresh and some have ingredients to help keep you as dry as possible (without an antiperspirant).
We’ve already looked at sodium bicarbonate and some brands often use other ingredients like arrowroot powder, corn starch, charcoal or tapioca starch, either on their own or alongside sodium bicarbonate.
We chose products without sodium bicarbonate or any of the main irritant ingredients.
Our picks
nuud natural cream deodorant
We hadn’t heard of nuud until we started these reviews, so this was exciting. The cream contains silver for its anti-bacterial properties and the tube is made from bioplastic sugarcane.
First of all, we liked the fun quirky website (there’s a video of the tubes being filled – we’re easily amused) and that this was a cream, so different to anything that we’d tried until then.
nuud also now make plastic free chewing gum, which we haven't tried yet.
When the package of deodorant arrived, our initial reaction was surprise – this was a very small tube (20ml) and not cheap.
nuud say that this tiny tube will last 8-10 weeks and you don’t need to use very much of the cream (the size of a pea for each underarm) and one application can last between 2 days and a week.. and it doesn’t wash off in the shower. … Wow… so this was worth trying out.
We also bought the special applicator (Magic Cap) to make this easier to apply - you screw the applicator on to the tube, to replace the cap - but we found it really difficult to squeeze any product out (it is quite thick) when the applicator was on, so we ended up just using the deodorant directly from the tube.
This product wasn’t successful for our tester – they were a bit smelly towards the end of the second day and the cream definitely didn’t stay on through taking a shower, late on the second day, even though they were careful with just rinsing.
This just didn’t work for our tester and maybe they needed to try this for longer than a week but there are plenty of high rated reviews - it might be worth giving this a go yourself!
We’ve published a full review of the nuud deodorant, if you’d like to take a look
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply | Works out expensive if you need to use this every day |
| Unscented | Messy application (but you can use a Magic Cap or spatula) |
| Bioplastic sugarcane tube, cardboard box | |
| Very concentrated – a little goes a long way
1 tube lasts for 1-2 months |
|
| Family pack with different colour tubes - suitable for children |
Ethique have a great range of products for babies, pets, storage solutions, concentrated liquid products, with new items being introduced frequently – we like the look of the lip balm !
There's also trial packs of some products, so that you can test before you commit to a full size item, which is really useful.
The solid products are made with biodegradable, palm oil-free, naturally-derived and sustainably sourced ingredients.
We used a trial size of the unscented deodorant bar, which was perfect. It's a really cute heart shaped bar that just fits in your hand.
If you're a bit uncomfortable with handling the product directly, we found that you could hold the bar on the flat side with the paper it's wrapped in and then the curved front of the heart fits perfectly in to your armpit.
As this is a firmer, dryer bar (with a slight tendency to crumble), we found that this worked best by slowly moving the bar over the skin, allowing the product to warm and soften as we applied it.
ethique now have the deodorants in tubes, so this might be an option for you to try.
We loved this product - there's an unscented version, it worked well, it's easy to use, the eco credentials are excellent and there's lots of other similar products to try!
We’ve published a full review of the ethique deodorant, if you’d like to take a look.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply | The bar can be a little dry and crumbly to apply – take it slowly and let the product melt in to your skin |
| Unscented | Concern about sourcing a deodorant from the other side of the planet- products are sea freighted to UK warehouse though |
| Cardboard box or tube options | |
| Works very well | |
| Mini test versions available for some products | |
| BCorp |
The Natural Deodorant Co are based in the UK, all products are registered with The Vegan Society and cruelty free.
All products are balms/creams and are in glass jars, except the mini pots which are in a very cute tin.
There's three ranges:
Clean - suitable for most people, as an every day deodorant - this does contain sodium bicarbonate and essential oils
Gentle - the 'sensitive range' - does not contain sodium bicarbonate and the unscented product is in this range
Active - what a little extra help is needed, such as for the gyms or busy days - this does contain sodium bicarbonate and essential oils
We chose the unscented product from the Gentle range.
The product is quite firm, so carefully scoop a small amount out of the pot with your fingertip or a spatula.
Soften the product between your fingertips on both hands by rubbing your fingertips together – this way you can easily apply it to both underarms but don't rub too hard.
This does contain coconut oil so please take care if you’re sensitive to this but the unscented sensitive version worked well and there's 3 ranges and plenty of fragrances to choose from, including mini tester pots, so that you can try before you commit to a larger pot.
We’ve published a full review of the Natural Deodorant co deodorant, if you’d like to take a look.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply - soft and soothing | Messy application (if this sort of thing bothers you – but you can use a spatula) |
| Unscented option | Product can get runny in warm weather – keep it in the fridge or somewhere cool |
| Mini sample sizes | |
| Works very well | |
| Dried quickly | |
| Range of sodium bicarbonate free options |
Salt of the Earth Crystal was the very first natural deodorant that we tried, many years ago, so we thought we’d look at this again and what other options Salt of the Earth offer.
We chose the unscented version but a scented one is also available.
Balm, stick, roll-on and spray versions are also available, in different scents, so there's plenty to choose from !
The crystal is just potassium alum - this isn’t aluminium chlorohydrate but potassium alum does contain aluminium, so please bear this in mind if you’re trying to avoid all aluminium.
Potassium alum creates an invisible antibacterial layer on the skin’s surface that inhibits the growth of bacteria, preventing body odour.
The crystal is now available in a cardboard box - the ‘travel version' of the crystal is in a plastic container, so please check the version carefully if you wish to avoid plastic.
If you chose the crystal in the cardboard box, you could store this on a soap dish, so that it can dry out when you’ve used it.
We would recommend a 'dish shaped' soap dish rather than a flat one, so that the crystal doesn't fall out, as it could break and would then be unusable, as it will have rough edges (ouch).
Here's some ideas for plastic free soap dishes that would be suitable.
This is the one deodorant where your skin needs to be wet when applying !
You can either wet your skin and then apply the crystal or we prefer to dampen the crystal lightly first and then apply it. If the crystal is dragging on your skin, then it isn't wet enough.
Make sure that you dry the crystal after use as this will prolong the life of the stone – we just leave it to air dry on a soap dish. Be careful - as the crystal contains mineral salt, it could mark some household surfaces.
This is unscented, super effective and still our favourite natural deodorant after many years. These don't leave any marks on your clothing and are suitable for children. The travel size is great for holidays and the gym bag and you can use them straight after shaving.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply | Contains potassium alum - be careful if you are sensitive to aluminium |
| Unscented option | Some plastic packaging – pick your version carefully |
| Sodium bicarbonate free | Need to keep it dry when not in use, otherwise it dissolves |
| Works very well | Some people find this tricky to use as it is so different to anything else |
| Dries quickly | |
| Cardboard and paper packaging option |
Scence are based in the UK, all products are vegan, with ethically sourced ingredients and 100% compostable packaging.
They produce deodorants, face and lip balms, hand and body balms and sunscreens.
The Pure deodorant (previously called Natural) contains organic coconut oil, organic arrowroot, magnesium hydroxide, mango butter and sunflower wax - so no fragrance, no essential oils and no sodium bicarbonate.
There are fragranced versions which do have essential oil but these don't contain sodium bicarbonate.
This deodorant is in a tube and you push the product up the tube - unlike some other deodorants of this type, if you sharply tap the bottom of the tube on a work surface, the product moves back down the tube, which means no wasted deodorant stuck to the cap - brilliant !
Scence worked really well, it glides on super easily and we would definitely recommend the Pure unscented option. It's quickly becoming one of our favourite unscented deodorants.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply | Product can get runny in warm weather – keep it in the fridge or somewhere cool |
| Unscented option | Tube packaging can get a little messy as deodorant absorbs in to cardboard |
| Sodium bicarbonate free | |
| Product slips back in to tube |
Simply Effective are based in the UK and all products are vegan and cruelty free.
All products are in glass jars with a bamboo lid, except the mini pots which are in a very cute tin.
There's a range of fragrances, an unscented option (which we tested), sodium bicarbonate free version , refill bars (which you press in to your existing jar) and mini pots, so that you can try before you commit to a full sized pot.
The product is quite firm, so carefully scoop a small amount out of the pot with your fingertip or a spatula.
Soften the product between your fingertips on both hands by rubbing your fingertips together - this way you can easily apply it to both underarms but don't rub too hard.
If the product gets too soft, give it a good stir and pop it in the refrigerator for an hour or so to harden
We’ve published a full review of the Simply Effective deodorant, if you’d like to take a look.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply - soft and soothing | Messy application (if this sort of thing bothers you – but you can use a spatula) |
| Unscented option | Product can get runny in warm weather – keep it in the fridge or somewhere cool |
| Mini sample sizes | |
| Works very well | |
| Subscription service | |
| Sodium bicarbonate free option |
This version below doesn't contain sodium bicarbonate but it does contain essential oils
Comparing products
Here’s the products side by side that we recommend for sensitive skin:
| nuud | ethique | The Natural Deodorant co | Salt of the Earth crystal | Scence | Simply Effective | |
| Cruelty free | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Vegetarian /vegan | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Fragrance free option | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Suitable for sensitive skin | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Plastic free option | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Palm oil free | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| SLS and paraben free | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Aluminium chlorohydrate free | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Sodium bicarbonate free option | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Subscription service | √ | √ | √ | √ |
Transitioning to natural deodorant
Some people report experiencing a “transition period” as their body adjusts to natural deodorant, where they sweat (and smell) more than usual. This can last from days or weeks to months...
You might experience this transition period when you move from aluminum based deodorant, including alternative ones such as crystal sticks, alum sticks and mineral salt sticks.
If you think you might benefit from detoxing your underarms, Pacifica Underarm Detox Scrub has good reviews but it does smell of coconut, so please bear this in mind if you're sensitive to strong smells.
Alternatives
Rather than buying a ready made deodorant product, you can 'swipe' Apple Cider Vinegar under your arms - here's a great article on how to do this.
You will smell vinegary for a short while - it has to be a 'raw' vinegar (not the malt vinegar we put on chips in the UK) - Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar is definitely the best for this, as well as many other things !
You can also use lemons and limes for this – use a squeeze of juice on a cotton pad and swipe under your arms.
Aloe vera is a great option for natural alternatives to deodorant and is especially good for those with sensitive skin. It is very soothing and gentle and prevents/reduces odour because it has has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
You can use Aloe vera straight from the plant or try aloe vera gel - this is also great for treating sunburn
Summary
There’s so many natural deodorants to choose from but some of these do contain ingredients that might cause irritation to sensitive skin and noses!
We hope we’ve give you some ideas of the options easily available – so go on, try a natural deodorant – you’ve got nothing to lose and your skin (and possibly the environment) might be a better place for you ‘going natural’ !
I’m an affiliate.
I hope you love the products and services I recommend on Just Pure Calm.
So you know, there is the possibility I will collect a commission should you make a purchase via any of my links. This will in no way affect the price you pay.
This also means that you could be taken to another website (such as Amazon or a product website) when you click a link - please don't be surprised by this.
I really appreciate your support and it helps me to continue with reviews and blogs.
Best food subscription boxes for vegetarians and vegans
Best food boxes for vegetarians and vegans How we chose| Ingredient and recipe subscription boxes | Ready meal delivery service | Online supermarkets Do any of these sound like you? Are you: looking to add to your vegetarian or vegan mid-week meal repertoire trying to incorporate more vegetarian or vegan meals into […]
Read More
Best electric food preparation equipment
Best electric food preparation equipment Blenders | Choppers and graters | Food mixers | Food processors Do I really need all of these? Most kitchen equipment has very specific functions for example, a small hand blender is great for whizzing up small portions of soup but a large food processor can […]
Read More
Best gifts for crocheters, knitters and yarn lovers
Do you know someone who loves all things yarny and you struggle for gift ideas for them? Here’s some great ideas for gifts for beginners and more experienced yarnists! Crochet hook set | Beginner crochet set | Knitting needle set | Small yarn bundle | Project storage bag | Yarn bowl | […]
Read More
Best lip balms suitable for vegans
Best vegan lip balms Why all lip balms aren’t vegan | Ingredients | Homemade lip balm | How we chose | Our Picks Why all lip balms aren’t vegan I was surprised that not all lip balms are vegan as I hadn’t really looked at ingredients of all products too closely. When […]
Read More
Best vegan cookbooks for a healthy lifestyle
Best healthy vegan cookbooks I’ve been vegetarian for many decades – in fact I’ve never cooked a non-vegetarian meal – and I’m cooking more vegan meals, so I thought it would be useful to share some vegan cookbooks where the focus is on healthy eating. Read on to find out! Appetite for Reduction by Isa […]
Read More
Best vegan cookbooks for adventurous cooks
Best vegan cookbooks for adventurous cooks I’ve been vegetarian for many decades – in fact I’ve never cooked a non-vegetarian meal – and I’m cooking more vegan meals so I thought it would be useful to share some vegan cookbooks that might have more challenging recipes, ingredients or techniques. Read on to find out […]
Read More
Best vegan cookbooks for anyone cooking on a budget
Best budget conscious vegan cookbooks I’ve been vegetarian for many decades – in fact I’ve never cooked a non-vegetarian meal – and I’m cooking more vegan meals, so I thought it would be useful to share some vegan cookbooks to suit anyone cooking on a budget – no fancy ingredients or equipment needed. Read […]
Read More
Best vegan cookbooks recommended for beginners
Best vegan cookbooks for beginners I’ve been vegetarian for many decades – in fact I’ve never cooked a non-vegetarian meal – and I’m cooking more vegan meals so I thought it would be useful to share some vegan cookbooks suitable for beginners – whether you’re new to cooking or new to vegan lifestyle. So […]
Read More
Best vegetarian cookbooks suitable for beginners
Best vegetarian cookbooks for beginners I’ve been vegetarian for many decades – in fact I’ve never cooked a non-vegetarian meal ! This was so long ago that ‘the internet’ didn’t exist, so you either learnt to cook from handed down recipes (none of these in my carnivore family), from television programmes (definitely no vegetarian […]
Read More