Own Your Confidence And Smell Like A Goddess With These Natural Deodorants

By Tess Aurore

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As a dancer, I was practically addicted to antiperspirants. Running from dance to extracurriculars without time to change in between, I had to look presentable and not like I was just jumping around for two hours. (Maybe I shouldn’t have been so self-conscious, but social media can be a b*tch, ammirite?)

Years later, antiperspirant doesn’t help anymore. (Is antiperspirant a thing you outgrow? Asking for a friend.) Plus, I’ve become more conscious of what my body is absorbing on a daily basis. So, I’ve decided to look into natural deodorant – something that blocks the odor without the chemicals and clogged pores.

The Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant Debate

Before we compare the differences between “natural” and “regular” deodorant, let’s quickly review the differences between antiperspirant and deodorant.

people on tiktok lecturing me as if i don’t know the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant 😑

— boby mango II (@boby_mango) May 1, 2021

Basically: deodorants are used to limit BO, and they don’t stop you from sweating. Think of deodorant as a breathable film. The base, typically made with alcohol, mixes with your skin’s pH, scaring away any bad bacteria that causes that kinda smell.

Antiperspirants, on the other hand, eliminate smell and stop the sweating. This is due to aluminum-based compounds which block your pores. For most, OTC antiperspirants are enough, but those who sweat excessively might require a prescription.

Please know the difference from deodorant vs antiperspirant. it’s getting hot out.

— pedro armani (@chillll_son) May 15, 2020

The pros of antiperspirant: exactly what drew me to them in the first place. I liked being able to hide my sweat, and nothing was more unappealing than pit stains. (Goodbye, beautiful white shirts. I’ll miss you.) Add the bonus of not smelling? Sold.

On the flip side, there are pros to deodorant, too. Aluminum and paraben allergies can cause itching and rashes, while the fragrances can mess with skin sensitivity. And clogged pores may be uncomfortable, especially with the friction from movement. Finally: while not sweating is great, it does help maintain even body heat, acting as a cooling mechanism.

I have a *really* bad rash in my armpits and I can’t tell if it’s the weather, my switch in deodorant, the body scrub I used, my shirt irritating it…etc.

Existence is pain.

— Quirino (@quirinoabby) May 3, 2021

One main concern behind using deodorant over antiperspirants is the presence – or lack thereof – of aluminum. While there are skeptics out there that believe aluminum is the worst, the science jury is still out on whether or not there is a strong link between aluminum and its negative implications (like cancer). Many studies show that there’s no cause and effect, but more testing is needed before a conclusive answer is declared.

Natural vs. Your Go-To Deodorant

Good morning I’d like to annoyingly inform you that I switched from regular deodorant to natural deodorant without a single problem which apparently doesn’t happen very often GO ME AND MY ARMPITS 🤷🏼‍♀️

— Patti Murin (@PattiMurin) March 14, 2019

Now that we have the above out of the way, it’s time to dive into the difference between your usual Secret deodorant and the fancy ~natural~ deodorants.

For starters, some regular deodorants can mimic antiperspirants and clog pores, meaning you can’t sweat it out and regulate body heat. Then there’s the fragrance, which is irritating to some simply looking to eradicate the stink. And of course, some deodorants come with parabens, baking soda, and alcohol, which your skin may have an allergic reaction or be sensitive to.

I found a natural deodorant that works and doesn’t give me a rash and I want to scream it’s name from the rooftops.

— s.m. (@dreamwastoid) May 6, 2021

Because of these issues, I looked into the best natural deodorants that won’t irritate, won’t stain, and won’t smell. Shop them below!

Native Deodorant

Native is straightforward about their ingredients, which I always appreciate in a brand. For example, they use tapioca starch to help keep you dry — without the clogged pores — and cyclodextrin to release a natural scent. You’re correct: I did NOT say aluminum, so no worries about itching away.

SHOP – $11.97

Each & Every Natural Deodorant

You won’t find any aluminum, baking soda, or gluten in this deodorant, but you will find coconut oil and lavandin oil. Meaning: kiss irritation goodbye. The scent is made from essential oils (we like the lavender and lemon), and the packaging is derived from sugarcane, making it carbon negative. Save the world and smell good.

SHOP – $15

Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Your pits are the perfect place for bacteria to disrupt your pH balance. Shikimic (which fights bacteria), mandelic (for gentle exfoliation), and lactic acids combine in this deodorant to fight these bacteria, erase odor, and avoid stains. Aloe vera juice for soothing and hyaluronic acid for hydrating are just bonuses.

SHOP – $15

Fragrance Free Deodorant with Shea Butter

This one is for all of you who prefer no scent. This deodorant is free of irritants such as baking soda and aluminum, instead using ingredients like tea tree oil and shea butter. It’s also 100% recyclable, so you don’t have to worry about harming the planet when you run out.

SHOP – $6.99

Hug Me Deodorant

We mention Blume a lot, and for totally legit reasons: their products are amazingly effective. Hug Me Deodorant fights bacteria for 24 hours, so you can take your other deodorant out of your carry-me-everywhere category. The magic ingredients are probiotics, which fight odor off.

SHOP – $14

CRYSTAL Deodorant Stick

Unique from the rest, this stick is made from natural mineral salt. It’s hypoallergenic and free of irritating chemicals like aluminum and parabens. Just wet the top and roll on this deodorant for instant protection. The best part: it creates a barrier on your pits so bacteria can’t seep through and make you smell.

SHOP – $6.99