CLEAN DEOS

17 Best Natural Deodorants That'll Make You Smell Oh-So-Fresh

These are the aluminum-free formulas our beauty editors reach for time and time again.
Best Natural Deodorants a collage of Caudalie Evolvetogether and Kosas deodorants on a pale pink background
Wesley Hall for Allure / Courtesy of brands

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, ozokerite | Fragrance-Free: Yes, available in Unscented

Best for Sensitive Skin: Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant Gel

Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant Gel light pink stick of deodorant on light gray background

Salt and Stone

Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant Gel

Why It's Worth It: Salt & Stone's Natural Deodorant Gel is purposefully formulated without baking soda so people with sensitive skin can minimize the chances of irritation. (Keep in mind: Baking soda is only one potential cause of irritation. The more likely culprit is fragrance, which this particular formula has.) It has gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe, saccharomyces ferment, and seaweed and kelp extracts. What it doesn't have is aluminum, a common irritant. The gel texture may take some getting used to if you've never used a deodorant like this, but we think you won't want to go back to your old drugstore pick once you've gotten a whiff of this.

Editor Tip: If you can't get enough of these deodorant scents like Santal & Vetiver or Bergamot & Hinoki, they're also available as candles.

Key Ingredients: Saccharomyces ferment, glycerin, aloe, hyaluronic acid, cornstarch, seaweed extract, arrowroot powder | Fragrance-Free: No (available in Bergamot & Hinoki, Santal & Vetiver)

Best Fragrance: Glossier Deodorant

Glossier Deodorant red and white twist up stick of deodorant with cap to the side on light gray background

Glossier

Glossier Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Watch out: Glossier's body-care collection is growing. The brand's debut baking soda-free Deodorant is available in four scents: Sandstone, Glossier You (yes, like the famous fragrance), Orange Blossom, and Unscented. Behind each scent is a blend of superfruit elderberry extract and coconut oil to keep skin conditioned and odor at bay. Potato starch does some heavy lifting absorbing moisture, so your pits feel drier as the day goes by.

Editor Tip: Glossier notes that if you've been using deodorants with aluminum, it may take up to four weeks for your armpits to adjust to an aluminum-free formula. That means you might experience excess sweating while your body adjusts, but don't stress – it's temporary! Plus, you can buy refill sticks for $18 a pop, saving you a cool $5.

Key Ingredients: Superfruit elderberry extract, coconut oil, potato starch, safflower seed oil, sage oil | Fragrance-Free: Yes, available in Unscented

Editor-Approved: Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant

Megababe Rosypits Daily Deodorant white deodorant stick with light pink cap on light gray background

Megababe

Megababe Rosypits Daily Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Megababe's Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant is beloved by many Allure editors because it's as effective as it is adorably packaged. Infused with powerhouse ingredients like saccharomyces ferment filtrate, aloe vera, sage, green tea, and cornstarch, the rose-scented deo prevents odor-inducing bacteria from forming on the skin — thanks to antimicrobial coconut oil.

Editor Tip: Board-certified dermatologists, including Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, have previously recommended this formula. Standout ingredients include antimicrobial, friction-reducing coconut oil, sensitivity-soothing colloidal oatmeal, and cornstarch to absorb underarm wetness.

Key Ingredients: Cornstarch, coconut oil willow bark extract, green tea leaf extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sage leaf extract | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Exfoliating Deodorant: Billie AHA Deodorant

Billie AHA Deodorant teal bottle on light gray background

Billie

Billie AHA Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: ICYMI, Billie is making big strides in body care. The AHA deodorant is great for anyone who deals with ingrown hairs or pigmentation in the underarm area. This aluminum-free and baking soda-free formula infuses your skin with a 5% blend of AHA and BHA to lower the underarms' pH levels and thus it a lot harder for odor-causing bacteria to thrive, as Hadley King, MD, another board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained. Of course, we all know acids help exfoliate the skin, and in the case of hair-growing regions, help alleviate and prevent ingrown hairs.

Editor Tip: Despite the benefits of AHA and BHA we just mentioned, lower pH levels can also cause initial skin irritation. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might not take too well to acid-laced deodorants at first or use them as frequently as you'd like — or you might want to avoid them altogether. To minimize irritation, seek out soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera (which this Billie option has!) and rosewater.

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, gluconolactone, salicylic acid, citric acid, panthenol | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Clear Deodorant: Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant

Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant light green deodorant stick on light gray background

Caudalie

Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Hailing from France is Caudalie's Vinofresh Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant. The buttery formula swipes on without blocking pores or leaving any residue, including stickiness or white cast). It relies chiefly on organic prebiotic grape water, which hydrates the sensitive underarm skin, and eucalyptus, which leaves a minty-cool sensation once applied.

Editor Tip: If you've been the victim of deodorant stains on your favorite top, it's time to switch to a clear formula like this one.

Key Ingredients: Organic grape water, organic eucalyptus, mineral oil, citric acid, sodium benzoate | Fragrance-Free: No, but it's free of synthetic fragrance

Best Deodorant Spray: By Rosie Jane Calm the F*ck Down Deodorant

By Rosie Jane Calm the F*ck Down Deodorant clear spray bottle of deodorant on light gray background

By Rosie Jane

By Rosie Jane Calm the F*ck Down Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: By Rosie Jane Calm the F*ck Down Deodorant won a 2022 Best of Beauty Award in the clean beauty category, and for good reason. The spray formula makes reapplication a breeze and doesn't leave streaks on your clothes. White residue, who? Lavender, neroli, chamomile, and yuzu essential oils create an irresistible combo you'll be reaching for without even thinking — like your favorite perfume before you rush out the door.

Editor Tip: This compact bottle is easy to take on the go if you need a refresh.

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel water, lavender oil, citrus neroli oil, chamomile oil, yuzu oil | Fragrance-Free: No

Best-Smelling Deodorant: Donna Karan Aluminum-Free Cashmere Mist Deodorant

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Aluminum-Free Deodorant beige deodorant stick on light gray background

Donna Karan

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Made with luxurious, powdery-floral notes of lily of the valley, Moroccan jasmine, and sandalwood, you might mistake Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist Deodorant for a fragrance. Don't be fooled because this deodorant, which now comes in an aluminum-free formula, deploys corn starch, magnesium hydroxide, and coconut oil to keep your underarms feeling dry and fresh all day.

Editor Tip: Trust us (and tons of reviewers): This feels and smells far more luxurious than your standard drugstore deodorant.

Key Ingredients: Corn starch, magnesium hydroxide, synthetic wax, silica, coconut oil | Fragrance-Free: No

Best for Entire Body: Lume Whole Body Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Deodorant sticks are just not for your pits. Lume's Whole Body Deodorant is meant to be applied anywhere you want it to go — including, but not limited to, armpits, private areas, underboobs, belly buttons, butt cracks, tummy folds, feet, and the list goes on. Choose from yummy scents like Clean Tangerine (pictured here), Toasted Coconut, Fresh Alpine, and Lavender Sage — but, if none of those float your float, there's also an Unscented option.

Editor Tip: Headed on a run or to an intense workout class? Rub a little bit of this between your thighs to prevent chafing and thank us later. 

Key Ingredients: Corn starch, arrowroot powder, mandelic acid, caffeine, fragrance | Fragrance-Free: Yes, unscented option available

Nice Cooling Effect: Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant

Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant white tube of deodorant with a mountain scape on it on light gray background

Ursa Major

Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: This refreshing deodorant is made with kaolin clay, which effectively absorbs moisture – no sweaty underarms here. It's also made with baking soda and hops, both of which help neutralize odors. The texture is smooth, not gritty as you might expect for a baking soda and clay product, and reviewers love the fresh, unisex scent. 

Editor Tip: Because it's formulated with peppermint and eucalyptus, Ursa Major's Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant has a cooling effect when you swipe it on your pits. The smell is refreshing and uplifting, so you'll look forward to putting it on in the A.M. 

Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, hops, aloe vera, baking soda, eucalyptus | Fragrance-Free: No

Allure Best of Beauty Winner: Evolvetogether Natural Deodorant

Evolvetogether Natural Deodorant ivory tube of deodorant on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

Evolvetogether

Evolvetogether Natural Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Evolvetogether's plant-based Natural Deodorant smells like a heavenly rose garden, spiked with notes of oud, patchouli, and mandarin. But that's not the only reason it earned itself a 2023 Best of Beauty Award. Tapioca starch is the main sweat- and moisture-absorbing agent while hydrating glycerin and vitamin B5 smooth pits and curb irritation. As far as odor is concerned, DeoPlex, which is made up of sugarcane-derived fermented enyzmes, won't let that ruin your day.

Editor Tip: The brand suggests doing an "underarm detox" for one to two weeks before using by exfoliating daily with a natural fiber scrubber and going bare (no antiperspirant or deodorant) to remove buildup from your pores.

Key Ingredients: Tapioca starch, glycerin, vitamin B5, deoplex, citric acid | Fragrance-Free: No

A Reader Favorite: Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant light green tube on light gray background

Kosas

Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Kosas's Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant goes the extra mile and does more than simply mask odors. A blend of alpha hydroxy acids (shikimic, mandelic, and lactic) gently exfoliates your underarms, both brightening those regions and preventing ingrown hairs from sprouting. They also lower the pH in those regions, so less odor-causing bacteria can take up residence in the first place. The cooling rollerball applicator is especially soothing for hot summer days and workouts.

Editor Tip: There are three versions of the roll-on deodorant to choose from: Fragrance Free (for those sensitive to scents), Serene Clean (a spa-like scent pictured above), and Beachy Clean (for tropical vibes).

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, shikimic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, citric acid | Fragrance-Free: Yes, available in fragrance-free and scented options

For Vacation-y Vibes: Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant Cheirosa '62 yellow stick of deodorant with white cap on light gray background

Sol de Janeiro

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant Cheirosa '62

Why It's Worth It: Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo is an aluminum-free deodorant that smells like the brand's iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. This formula features citrus acid ester that prevents body odor, papaya enzymes to exfoliate, and tapioca starch that helps absorb excess moisture so pits stay dry all day.

Editor Tip: This can be used on any external body part where you want a little scent boost, like your bikini line, inner thighs, or even feet.

Key Ingredients: Citrus acid ester, papaya enzymes, tapioca starch, coconut oil, papaya seed oil | Fragrance-Free: No

For a Fast-Drying Gel: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel light green bottle of deodorant gel on light gray background

Necessaire

Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

Why It's Worth It: Necessaire's The Deodorant Gel goes on clear and won't stain your clothes, plus, the eucalyptus scent smells exactly like a five-star spa. The quick-drying formula goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel wet or slimy, as you might imagine, at all. The star ingredient in this roll-on deodorant is 5% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which gently exfoliates skin, minimizes odor, and smooths out bumps. Additionally, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and chamomile extract soothes any sensitive areas.

Editor Tip: In addition to deodorizing, it also evens out your skin tone and smooths visible bumps.

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, witch hazel water, lactic acid, niacinamide, glycerin | Fragrance-Free: Yes, available in fragrance-free and eucalyptus

Best Drugstore Classic: Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant

Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant blue stick of deodorant on light gray background

Secret

Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Consider dropping the 2022 Best of Beauty-winning Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant into your basket during your next drugstore run (online or IRL). This paraben- and talc-free formula comes in eight vibrant scents (like Real Coconut pictured here, and Cherry Blossom) that mask odor, even during the sweatiest workouts, for up to 48 hours.

Editor Tip: Thanks to coconut oil and castor oil, your pits stay soft and moisturized.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, magnesium hydroxide, mineral oil, hydrogenated castor oil, corn starch | Fragrance-Free: No

Best Unisex Scent: Agent Nateur Holi(stick) N3 Natural Deodorant

Agent Nateur Holi(stick) N3 Natural Deodorant white deodorant stick on light gray background

Agent Nateur

Agent Nateur Holi(stick) N3 Natural Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Agent Nateur's Holi(Stick) N3 deodorant was developed in the founder's quest to eliminate heavy metals from her beauty routine. Rest assured the ingredient list is 100% organic with hydrators like coconut oil, which contains fatty acids that restore the skin's natural bacteria levels, and castor oil, which reduces odor-causing bacteria. It also has two forms of French-sourced lavender that smell much more pleasant than your average deodorant and will last all day.

Editor Tip: Ingredients like avocado butter, coconut oil, and honey make this deodorant feel positively luxurious.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, lavender essential oils, eucalyptus essential oils, beeswax, castor oil | Fragrance-Free: No

The OG: Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant white stick of deodorant with purple and brown floral pattern on light gray background

Lavanila Laboratories

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant

Why It's Worth It: Lavanila's The Healthy Deodorant has been on our radar since it first hit the market — believe it or not, it won an Allure Best of Beauty award back in 2013, so you know the love is real. The obsession is still going strong, too, and that's because it does exactly what it says it will: prevents and protects against odor while soothing the underarm skin.

Editor Tip: It also comes in a variety of lovely scents, such as lavender, grapefruit, and coconut, so if pure vanilla isn't your jam, you still have other options at your disposal.

Key Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, corn starch, vanilla oil, goji berry, lemon peel oil | Fragrance-Free: No


Frequently Asked Questions

What is natural deodorant, and does it work?

In short, there is no official definition. Much like "clean beauty" and "sustainable beauty," natural deodorant isn't a term regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so take any brand marketing lingo with a grain of salt. For what it's worth, aluminum salts are currently banned in Allure's (continuously evolving and updated) clean beauty standards.

That being said, the consensus is that natural deodorant is formulated without aluminum, which can cause skin sensitivity for some and leave annoying yellow stains on clothing. In its place, you'll find ingredients such as baking soda, cornstarch, tapioca starch, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and clay, to name a few. "These ingredients are effective at absorbing moisture, including sweat," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Lightsaver founder, confirms. "This reduction in sweat can disrupt the environment for bacteria to thrive and this, by extension, can reduce odor."

Some natural deodorants also opt out of including baking soda (usually listed as sodium bicarbonate) because it's been commonly associated with skin sensitivity. However, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, has previously told Allure that baking soda is not typically the deodorant ingredient that will cause redness or irritation. "Although there are various causes of rashes in the armpits, allergic contact dermatitis to a fragrance contained in the deodorant is one of the more common rashes dermatologists see in this location," she explained. But, because there are so many natural deodorants on the market, you're able to choose an aluminum-free and baking soda-free formula to test out what works best for your skin.

How does natural deodorant differ from antiperspirant?

As a refresher, antiperspirants are classified as over-the-counter drugs and inhibit the formation of sweat using their active ingredient, aluminum salts, says David Bank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westchester County, NY. In layman's terms, aluminum physically plugs/blocks the ducts that cause sweat. Natural deodorants, by comparison, do not block those ducts.

Now, we have to remind everyone that sweating is normal and necessary for your body! It's benign on its own and essential for temperature regulation, for one. The more common eccrine sweat glands are found across most of your body's surface, while your armpits (and any hair-bearing regions) are home to apocrine sweat glands — either kind, the sweat they produce does not smell. Sweat becomes, well, smelly when normal bacteria and fungi on the skin's surface feed on said sweat — and that interaction creates an odor, Hilary Reich, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City previously explained.

What are some concerns associated with natural deodorants?

Aluminum salts (including aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, and aluminum chlorohydrate) have been associated with breast cancer but research (although limited) hasn't revealed any direct association between aluminum and breast cancer, Dr. Kim says. (It's more likely that cancer develops in this area because there's just more tissue there.)

As for those who should avoid aluminum, Dr. Kim recommends those who are in any family planning stage, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg retrieval, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. "For now, I'd consider not using aluminum as there is insufficient data on the impact of aluminum on pregnancy and fetal development," he says.

Things to consider while using natural deodorant

We won't sugarcoat it: You may notice some unpleasant odor as your body adjusts to a natural deodorant — but it's totally normal and will fade over time. Whereas aluminum works immediately by "physically obstructing sweat gland ducts," Dr. Kim explains, ingredients such as baking soda and arrowroot absorb moisture without blocking said glands — and therefore take longer to do their thing. People who switch to natural deodorant often think they're producing more sweat, but Alyx Cali Rosen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, previously denied this and said that our bodies are simply producing an amount of sweat on par with not using an antiperspirant.

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of natural deodorants, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from doctors and dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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