The best natural deodorant depends on your skin: if baking soda irritates you, start with a baking soda-free cream or a magnesium formula; if it doesn't, a classic baking soda stick is the strongest odor fighter for the price. We compare 13 aluminum-free deodorants we stock, picked by use from each brand's own details.
Key takeaways
- Natural deodorants control odor; they don't stop sweat. Products that reduce sweat are antiperspirants, which the FDA regulates as drugs.
- Baking soda is a common cause of underarm irritation with natural deodorants, so sensitive skin usually does better without it.
- Our picks: Kokoa Botanics cream for sensitive skin, Velvet Cow for tallow fans, Kokoa Botanics Caribbean Coconut for plastic-free.
Best natural deodorant by use
Best for sensitive skin: Kokoa Botanics Tahitian Vanilla Deodorant Cream
A baking soda-free, aluminum-free cream made for sensitive skin, from $10. Unscented and fragrance-free fans can try Natural Embrace Unscented Roll-on.
Best tallow deodorant: Velvet Cow Tallow Deodorant
Grass-fed beef tallow, baking soda-free and aluminum-free, at $15. For a cheaper try-out, Tallow Skin Co.'s travel size is $8. More in tallow deodorant.
Best magnesium deodorant: Naturallow Natural Deodorant
Powered by magnesium hydroxide, with no baking soda, at $12.99. Luna Bliss pairs magnesium with charcoal.
Best plastic-free: Kokoa Botanics Caribbean Coconut
A stick in a plastic-free tube, from $12. Other scents include Woods Sport.
Best refillable: UpCircle Deodorant Refills
A pack of three baking soda-free deodorant refills from UpCircle, $25.50.
Best classic formula: KLÄ’NR Natural Deodorant
A coconut oil and baking soda stick with essential oils, $15.99. Good if baking soda doesn't bother you.
Best for men: Blu Atlas 48-Hour Natural Deodorant
An aluminum-free men's stick, $20. Also see men's grooming.
Best pharmacy brand: Uriage Gentle Deodorant
A French pharmacy formula without aluminum salts or alcohol, $14.99.
All 13 picks compared
Details come from each brand's listing; "Not stated" means the brand doesn't say. We haven't hand-tested these products.
| Deodorant | Type | Baking soda | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velvet Cow Tallow Deodorant | Tallow | Free | Stick | $15.00 |
| Tallow Skin Co. Tallow Magnesium Deodorant (travel) | Tallow + magnesium | Not stated | Stick | $8.00 |
| Kokoa Botanics Tahitian Vanilla Deodorant Cream | Cream | Free | Cream | from $10.00 |
| Kokoa Botanics Zinc & Charcoal Deodorant | Zinc + charcoal | Free | Stick | from $12.00 |
| Kokoa Botanics Caribbean Coconut Deodorant | Plastic-free tube | Not stated | Stick | from $12.00 |
| Kokoa Botanics Woods Sport Deodorant | Plastic-free tube | Not stated | Stick | from $12.00 |
| Naturallow Natural Deodorant | Magnesium hydroxide | Free | Stick | $12.99 |
| UpCircle Deodorant Refills (3x) | Refills | Free | Stick refill | $25.50 |
| Natural Embrace Unscented Roll-on | Fragrance-free | Not stated | Roll-on | $16.99 |
| Luna Bliss Natural Deodorant | Charcoal + magnesium | Not stated | Stick | $16.00 |
| KLÄ’NR Natural Deodorant | Classic | Contains | Stick | $15.99 |
| Blu Atlas 48-Hour Natural Deodorant | Men's | Not stated | Stick | $20.00 |
| Uriage Gentle Deodorant | Pharmacy brand, alcohol-free | Not stated | Roll-on | $14.99 |
Shop every option in natural deodorant and baking soda-free deodorant. Switching from antiperspirant? Read how to switch to natural deodorant and natural deodorant for sensitive skin.
How to choose
- Sensitive skin? Start baking soda-free.
- Pick a format: creams are gentlest to apply, sticks are easiest, roll-ons dry fastest.
- Patch test a new formula on a small area first.
- Apply to clean, dry skin, and reapply on long or active days.
FAQ
Do natural deodorants stop sweating?
No. They target odor. Only antiperspirants reduce sweat.
Why does natural deodorant make my armpits red?
Baking soda is a common cause. Try a baking soda-free formula and stop using any product that irritates your skin.
What is the best natural deodorant for sensitive skin?
From our range, Kokoa Botanics' baking soda-free creams or a fragrance-free option like Natural Embrace Unscented.
Is tallow deodorant good?
Tallow gives a balm-like texture many people like. See tallow deodorant for every option we stock.
Sources: FDA, Is it a cosmetic, a drug, or both?
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and ask a dermatologist or doctor about skin or health concerns.