What makes a deodorant “natural”? Most deodorants that we grew up using have chemicals in them that, if we’re being honest with ourselves, probably shouldn’t enter our bodies. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum; it clogs the sweat ducts in our underarms to prevent us from soaking through. Most deodorants contain parabens and Propylene Glycol—both of which have appeared in studies linking them to higher risks of cancer and respiratory issues.
Not trying to scare anyone, but little changes can make a big difference, so maybe it’s time to consider a natural deodorant. Hell, if nothing else, they won’t ruin your shirts. Here are 9 natural deodorants that work.
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
Ursa Major has quite the catalog of cosmetic and hygienic products. In fact, you could absolutely replace nearly every product you currently use with an Ursa Major one. One of their best products is their “Hoppin’ Fresh” deodorant. It’s packed with peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, grapefruit, chamomile and lemon, and it’s subtle enough to not irritate sensitive skin. Buy
Baxter of California Deodorant
The Baxter of California natural deodorant is similar to others—in that its alcohol and aluminum free—but this one is made from a careful recipe that involves tea tree, witch hazel, chamomile, yarrow, and comfrey, and it leaves a light coating on the skin whereas others can swamp it up. Buy
Native Deodorant
The Native natural deodorant comes in four different scents—three constants and a rotating seasonal one—that range widely in aroma but offer the same protection, comfort, and relief that you aren’t harming yourself slowly with your deodorant. Buy
Brothers Artisan Oil Natural Deodorant
The Brothers Artisan Oil deodorant is an intricate blend of charcoal to refresh and absorb, magnesium to prevent unwanted odor, arrowroot to absorb, and kaolin to purify. Yes, those are a lot of things you may or not have ever heard of. But, they do the same job the chemicals do—without being potentially harmful. Buy
Every Man Jack Deodorant
Not 100% sure about natural deodorant and need something you can grab on a whim the next time you’re out? Well, Target’s Every Man Jack deodorant is aluminum free, smells like cedarwood, and is cheaper than most of the other deodorants on the shelf. Buy
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Deodorant
Taylor of Old Bond Street’s natural deodorant is masculine, British luxury. It’s not cheap—$18 a stick—but it smells great, feels fresh, and lasts well beyond the first test. Though it’s coming from the U.K., it’s usually in the air, and to the United States, within a day. Buy
Real Purity Natural Stick Deodorant
The Real Purity deodorant is made from beeswax, coconut oil, and jojoba, and smells like lavender and bergamot. It’s delicate—but it’s still manly enough to withstand the sweatiest pits. While not the cheapest, it is worth every penny. Buy
Misc. Goods Co.
Misc. Goods Co. identified a problem in the modern men’s hygiene market. Natural deodorants, to them, don’t smell good. So, they set up a Kickstarter, sought out some crowdfunding, and decided on two scents that will go into production once they reach their funding goal. No, you shouldn’t just wait out this testing period and buy a stick when it hits the market. Misc. Goods Co. is genuinely trying to make a deodorant that smells damn good—and we have faith they’ve done it. Buy
North Forest
North Forest deodorant is made from sunflower oil, shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, cornstarch, non-aluminum baking soda, and essential oils of cedar and balsam fir. It’s homemade—yes, you’ll notice the difference—and it’ll detox the toxins from your armpits. Yes, be wary of, but not surprised to see, any black substances seeping from your sweat ducts. It sounds disgusting, but it’s the first step in freeing your body from the toxins of traditional deodorants. Buy
