*This post has been updated to include additional natural deodorant brands tried in 2021
Natural deodorant was really my first foray into natural skincare, but the road to finding the right deodorant was neither easy nor always particularly elegant. Throughout my teenage and early adulthood, I tended to use extra strength deodorant because I wanted to ensure I was always dry and non-stinky. However, my shirts were being ruined by the pit stains. I soon realized that it was the aluminum in most deodorants that caused those horrible yellow pit stains that never seemed to come out of your clothes and always had the ability to ruin your favorite silk shirt. So, I began to scour the internet for information on the “best aluminum-free deodorants.”
After reading countless articles, I noticed that most people seemed to have positive results from one brand, so during my next drugstore trip I picked it up. Epic, disastrous fail. I was re-applying deodorant every hour. It was a mess. I quickly returned to the arms of my trusted mainstream, aluminum full deodorant.
Not one to give up so easily, I decided that maybe I needed to do more research. But instead of starting with the internet, I started when Sephora. I knew that Sephora would sell travel sizes (so I could experiment without incurring a huge cost) plus it’s pretty easy to navigate the store. I went through the store looking for travel sized natural deodorant and finally purchased one that I thought would give me the results I desired. While it was definitely better than my initial foray, it still didn’t keep me fresh all day and required me to reapply three times a day. So, I decided that I needed to go someplace that had a ridiculously extensive amount of natural deodorants. Enter Whole Foods.
Since Whole Foods has always prided itself on having natural brands, I decided that my best bet was to walk down its deodorant aisle. I spotted my previous foe (oh how I scoured at it), as well as, a host of brands I had not paid much attention to. I carefully read through the ingredients of the various products and, simultaneously, looked that brand up on the internet. I must have spent an hour in the deodorant aisle at Whole Foods but I was determined. I finally picked out a brand that resonated with me, purchased it and headed home. Hello wonderful miracle product, how I love thee. It was a hit and I finally had exactly what I had been searching for — natural deodorant that kept me dry and odor free all day!
Natural Deodorant Newcomer Tips & Advice
As part of my search for the right natural deodorant I’ve learned a few things that you should keep in mind if you want to enter the wonderful world of no yellow pit stains:
Body chemistry is everything. What works for your friend may not work for you.
Even if the first brand you try doesn’t work for you, don’t give up. Every person’s body chemistry is different so one brand just may not work as well for you as it did someone else. Don’t give up, just try another brand.
You may have to reapply throughout the day, but find a brand that limits that to only twice
One thing I had to come to terms with is that you do need to reapply natural deodorants but if it’s really working for you, you should only have to reapply once (max twice) per day after your initial morning application. When I found a brand that would last nearly all day, it was heavenly and really showed me what I had been missing. Before reapplying, I’ve found it best to use a paper towel to dry any wetness you feel and then lather back on the deodorant.
Alternate between different brands so your body doesn’t develop a tolerance
Your body develops a tolerance to products after awhile so it is essential to vary things up. For example, I use different deodorant brands in the summer and the winter. I’ve had great results with both brands so it would literally break my heart if I had to stop using either!
Keep a travel size on you
Whether I’m running errands throughout the day or just sitting at work, I keep a travel sized container of natural deodorant on hand. This way, reapplication is never too big of an issue. Now, I’m not carrying around travel size deodorant in my tiny going out bag, but if I’m out and about and don’t anticipate getting home anytime soon, I’ll always have one in my trusty Longchamp.
Deodorant Recommendations
Below are my go-to natural deodorant brands (in no particular order):
Milk + Honey Regular Strength Deodorant
This is my favorite summer deodorant. Barely any residue, no odor and it definitely lasts all day. The regular strength version contains baking soda, however, some people can have reactions to baking soda-based deodorants. If you happen to fall in that category, they also have a baking soda free version which I have not tried. And, for those of you who need strong deodorant, they also make an extra-strength version. You can purchase this on the Milk + Honey website.
Update: Sometimes product cakes up on clothes and you have to scrub a bit. Also, if you sweat, it can leave a huge white stain on dark colors. So, think carefully about what you plan to wear before wearing it. I’ve taken to only using it when I’m wearing white or before working out.
Ursa Major No BS
One of my go-to summer deodorant. I love this stuff. No residue, no odor and it lasts almost all day. One thing I’ve taken to doing is combining my Ursa Major No BS with the Milk + Honey. The two of those combined leaves me smelling fresh all day with no odor! You can buy this at the Dermstore or on Ursa Major’s website.
Schmidt’s
The magnesium version works miracles for me and is my go to winter deodorant. The only downside is the magnesium can build up on your clothes, but I always wear a heat-retaining layer between my skin and my outfit for the day, so it’s fine for me. You can buy this at Whole Foods or on Schmidt’s website.
The Takesumi Detox
Another deodorant that works great for me that I also use in the winter. This is a charcoal based deodorant so, again, the only downside is that the charcoal can leave residue on your clothing. However, I usually only need to apply it once a day. This also comes in full size and trial size. The trial size is perfect for carrying around for any midday touchups. You can purchase this at Blush Skincare or on Takesum Detox’s website.
Lavanila (travel sized)
For me, I have to reapply this more than once so it is not my main deodorant. But I have found it to be excellent for the midday freshen up. I always have it in my bag. You can purchase this at Sephora.
Agent Nateur No. 4
It is a really great all year deodorant that does not stain your clothes and leaves you fresh and clean. It does need to be re-applied after vigorous activity, though. Also, it is small enough to travel easily. You can purchase this from Nordstrom.
Biossance Squalane + Bamboo Deodorant
This product does not leave any smell or stains on clothes, which I really appreciate. However, it does need to be re-applied repeatedly throughout the day on very hot days. During cooler days without much activity, it carries me through most of the day but I still need a touch up by the end of the day. You can purchase this from Biossance’s website.
Type A
This is one of my new favorite deodorant brands. My favorite scent is “ocean mint.” This does not leave residue on the clothes and will keep you completely fresh and dry all day. I have never needed an end-of-day touch-up when using this product. It is available to purchase from TypeA’s website or Target.
Kosasport
Kosas recently released their own non-toxic deodorant and I absolutely love it. The product is clear so definitely no residue and it really keeps you dry all day. The only problem is that it becomes a bit difficult to apply as you near the end of the tube. My hope is they will eventually fix this so you can use all the product without risk of overuse. Available on their website and with other online clean beauty retailers.
French Brands
I wanted to add a little section on French non-toxic deodorant brands that you may also consider trying. While some of the brands listed above are available in France – such as Kosas, Schmidt’s, and Agent Nateur – not all of them can be easily accessed from abroad so I’m adding some French brands to this list, as well.
Girl Smells
I purchased this deodorant at Galeries Lafayette and, I must be frank, it simply did not work with my body chemistry. I have to re-apply constantly throughout the day and, even when I do, it tends to leave an unpleasant odor. The plus about this brand is that the deodorant is completely refillable. So, you only buy the bottle once and then you buy the refills. Can be purchased from their website or at Oh My Cream.
Avril
I purchased this at a French drugstore and I really it. It keeps me smelling fresh all day, but it does not necessarily keep me dry. Even still, I would highly recommend it. It leaves no residue and does not need to be re-applied throughout the day.
Respire
This is one of the first natural deodorants I found after my move to Paris. The product leaves no residue on clothes and definitely keeps me fresh throughout the day. Only issue is that it does need to be re-applied and it does not always keep you dry. Nonetheless, it has a great formula and I would highly recommend.
We Love the Planet
You can grab this deodorant either in a tin or in a tube. The tube is made of cardboard and I found it hard to apply once the tube got a little low. Additionally, I found there was substantial product build-up on my clothes as the tube got even lower; it was simply hard to control the amount of deodorant applied.
I prefer the tin version of the product a bit more. Even though you have to put your finger into the tin and rub the product directly under your arms, I found that I wasted less product this way and also had substantially less build up on my clothes. Whether you opt for the tin or tube, I found the product lasts all day, without needing to be re-applied and keeps you fresh and dry