Natural deodorant: how it works and how to choose one

A natural deodorant works on odour, not sweat, so the first thing to decide is which of those two you actually want help with. If you're thinking of switching from antiperspirant, or your current deodorant doesn't agree with your skin, this guide walks you through the rest: baking soda or baking soda free, scented or fragrance free, and a cream, stick, crystal or roll-on.

Deodorant vs antiperspirant: what's the difference?

Sweat on its own has very little smell. Body odour comes from odour causing bacteria on the skin breaking sweat down. A deodorant works on that smell. An antiperspirant uses aluminum salts to temporarily block sweat glands, so less sweat reaches the skin in the first place. Most antiperspirants also contain a deodorant, so they do both jobs.

What's in a natural deodorant?

"Natural" on a label tells you about the maker's approach, not a set recipe. Most natural deodorant formulas are built from the same few parts: something to handle odour, something to absorb moisture, and oils, butters and waxes to hold it all together and help it glide.

Most of the natural deodorants we carry also leave out parabens and synthetic fragrances, and many are vegan or cruelty free. Read the full ingredient list, though, since even natural ingredients can bother very sensitive skin.

Baking soda or baking soda free?

Baking soda works well for a lot of people, but some underarms find it too much. If you've had redness or itching with a natural deodorant before, a baking soda free formula is the sensible next try. Most use magnesium hydroxide instead, and they're often sold as a gentle formula for sensitive skin.

Routine and No Pong also make the original baking soda versions of these, if your skin is happy with it. If your skin is very sensitive, a quick patch test is a good idea with any new deodorant.

Scented or fragrance free?

Essential oils give most natural deodorants their scent, from the tea tree, lavender and citrus you'd expect to woodsy blends of cedarwood and sage. Essential oils are still fragrance, though, and they can bother sensitive skin. If you want to smell fresh without smelling of anything in particular, or scent tends to irritate you, start with a fragrance free stick.

Cream, stick, crystal or roll-on?

The format changes how a deodorant feels on your skin every morning, and that's often what decides if you'll stick with it.

One thing to know about crystals: the mineral salt in them is potassium alum, which is an aluminum salt. It's a different compound from the aluminum chlorohydrate in antiperspirants, but a crystal isn't strictly aluminum free.

The best natural deodorant is the one that handles your odour, suits your skin and feels good enough that you'll keep using it.

How to switch to a natural deodorant

1. Decide what you need. If odour is the issue, any deodorant can do the job. If wetness bothers you most, you may still want an antiperspirant on some days.
2. Patch test first. Try a little on a small area of skin for a few days before using it on both underarms.
3. Start clean and dry. Apply to freshly washed, fully dry underarms, not damp skin straight out of the shower.
4. Use less than you think. A pea-sized amount of cream or two or three swipes of a stick is plenty. More product often means more residue, not better odour control.
5. Give it a minute. Let a cream or roll-on settle before you get dressed. It helps with marks on clothes too.

Paper tubes and refills

A lot of natural deodorants come in cardboard or paperboard tubes, including The Unscented Company and Humble, and ATTITUDE uses a plastic-free tube too. Keep them away from water and heat so the tube holds up. If you'd rather keep one case and buy refills, No Tox Life's SOLIDSILK system does that. The newer 2.1 oz refill capsule only fits the matching 2.1 oz outer tube, so check which one you have.

No Tox LifeSOLIDSILK Refillable, Pure AloeA fragrance free, extra-strength refillable stick. One swipe per underarm; not for sensitive skin.Shop →

Our zero waste personal care collection has more plastic-free picks for the bathroom shelf.

Questions we get a lot

Is it better to use antiperspirant or deodorant?

Neither is better for everyone. Choose a deodorant if your concern is body odour, and an antiperspirant if you want less wetness. Plenty of people use a natural deodorant most days and keep an antiperspirant for a big presentation or a wedding.

Do natural deodorants really work?

For odour, yes, for many people. They won't stop you sweating, because they aren't designed to. If one doesn't work for you after a fair try, a different active ingredient (baking soda instead of magnesium, or the reverse) often makes the difference.

Is aluminum free deodorant safe?

For most people, yes. Aluminum free deodorant simply means the formula doesn't use aluminum compounds, so you still sweat normally while it works on odour. Choose on comfort, scent and how well it controls odour for you.

Is there an aluminum free antiperspirant?

Green Beaver sells aluminum free sticks labelled as antiperspirant. They use corn starch to absorb sweat and zinc ricinoleate for odour, rated for 24 hours, rather than aluminum salts.

Green BeaverAntiperspirant, Vanilla BlissAluminum free, with a soft coconut and vanilla scent. Certified natural by Ecocert COSMOS.Shop →

What is the best natural deodorant in Canada?

There isn't one best natural deodorant for every body. Several of our favourites come from Canadian makers: Routine, started by sisters Neige and Pippa in Calgary; The Unscented Company, made in Quebec; and Green Beaver, founded in 2002 by scientists Karen Clark and Alain Ménard and made in Canada. Start with the formula (baking soda or not), then the format and scent you like.

What can I put on my armpits instead of deodorant?

Washing with soap and water and wearing breathable fabrics goes a long way. A crystal deodorant is about as simple as it gets if you want something light.

You'll find our full deodorant collection at both stores, 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford and 590 Portland Street in Dartmouth, and our deodorant page sorts it by format, scent and brand. Luminate Express delivers the same day across most of HRM, and we ship across Canada, free on orders over $80. If you're simplifying the rest of your bathroom shelf, our guides to natural toothpaste, natural shampoo and castile soap are good next reads.

For the rest of your personal care swaps, our organic pads and period care guide covers organic cotton and bamboo pads, cloth pads, cups and discs.

Sources: DermNet, antiperspirants; American Academy of Dermatology, sweating self-care; AAD, how to test skin care products; Cleveland Clinic, armpit detox; Routine, the Routeam; Green Beaver, About Us. This article is general information, not medical advice.