2025 Safe Deodorant Guide

Maia James
2025 Safe Deodorant Guide
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Best Natural Deodorant Guide

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1. Schmidt’s

2. Soapwalla

3. FATCO

4. Earth Mama

5. Play Pits

6. Cleo+Coco

7. Attitude

8. Dr. Clark’s

9. Each & Every

10. EO

11. Green Tidings

12. Healthybaby

13. Noniko

14. Peach

15. Pretty Frank

16. Purelygreat

17. Primally Pure

18. Real Purity

19. Sam’s Natural

20. ThinkSport

21. Wellnesse

Let me start with the bad news: even the best natural deodorant isn’t going to work like Secret or any conventional antiperspirant you may be using now.

That said, the longer I’ve used natural deodorant, the better it works, and I actually seem to sweat less (a lot of you say this is the same for you).

Best Stuff

Attitude Deodorant

Attitude Deodorant is EWG-verfied and its odor-fighting ingredients include arrowroot, baking soda, and corn starch.

Ingredients: Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Root Powder, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Bicarbonate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Magnesium Hydroxide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Behenyl Behenate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract, 2,6-Dimethyl-7-Octen-2-Ol*, Linalyl Acetate*, Methyldihydrojasmonate*, Oxacycloheptadec-10-En-2-One*, Triethyl Citrate*, *fragrance (Parfum). 

Cost per ounce: $4.66

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Attitude Deodorant

Cleo+Coco

Cleo + Coco deodorants earn our Best Stuff rating thanks to their exceptionally clean ingredients and thoughtful formulations. They offer stick deodorants, spray deodorants, and powder deodorants. They use effective natural odor-fighters like magnesium hydroxide, charcoal, and baking soda, along with soothing botanicals like chamomile, aloe, and elderflower. They skip all the usual problem ingredients—there’s no synthetic fragrance, aluminum, or questionable preservatives, and they use gentle plant-based waxes instead of petroleum-derived ones. The spray formula also contains postbiotic and prebiotic ingredients to support a healthy skin microbiome. The powder, which can be used anywhere on the body, is talc-free, using arrowroot, kaolin clay, and corn starch to absorb moisture, with the same essential oils and detoxifying charcoal found in their other formulas.

Cost per ounce: $6.81

Ingredients (Lavender Vanilla): Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tapioca Starch, Ozokerite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Hydroxide, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder, Silica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Vanillin, Jojoba Esters, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Isopropyl Jojobate, Jojoba Alcohol, Charcoal Powder, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract, Caffeine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Mandelic Acid, Water, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract

Cleo+Coco

Dr. Clark’s Zinc Deo

Dr. Clark’s Zinc Deo is a roll-on deodorant that contains only two ingredients: water and zinc oxide. The zinc is non-nano and non-micronized. I haven’t personally tested this one for effectiveness, but I’m intrigued by the minimalist formula!

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Food Grade Zinc

Cost per ounce: $1.61

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Dr. Clark’s Zinc Deo

Earth Mama

Earth Mama is a great deodorant for anyone (it’s what I am using now), but it is formulated for pregnant and breastfeeding people, and free of aluminum, pthalates, and all hormone disruptors.

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder*, Tocopherol, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil* *Organic CONTAINS: Tree Nut (Coconut)

Cost per ounce: $3.66

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Earth Mama

Each & Every

Each & Every is EWG-verified, and contains only natural, safe ingredients in their many formulas.

Ingredients: caprylic/capric triglyceride, tapioca starch, ozokerite, magnesium hydroxide, juniperus virginiana oil, magnesium carbonate, piroctone olamine, citrus lemon (lemon) peeol oil, citrus aurantifolia (lime) il, juniperus communis fruite oil, menthe piperita (peppermint) oil

Cost per ounce: $6.12

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Each & Every

EO Organic Deodorant

EO Organic Deodorant is a simple alcohol-based spray formula scented only with pure essential oils.

Ingredients: Organic Ethanol, Purified Water, EO® Essential Oil Blend [Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Organic Lavandula Hybrida Oil]

Cost per ounce: $1.50

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EO Organic Deodorant

Fatco

FATCO’s Stank Stop® Natural Deodorant combines the antibacterial properties of Organic Coconut Oil with the odor-neutralizing power of Aluminum-Free Baking Soda to create this all-natural, Paleo-certified deodorant. 

Ingredients: Coconut Oil*, Arrowroot Powder*, Shea Butter*, Tallow from Grass-fed Cows, Baking Soda, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, Lavender Essential Oil, Clary Sage Essential oil. *Denotes An Organic Ingredient.

Cost per ounce $10.50

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Fatco

Green Tidings

Green Tidings is highly ranked on Amazon, so lots of you have tried it, though I haven’t. One of my best friends ordered it and wasn’t impressed: “It kept the stink at bay, but was pretty messy to apply.”

Ingredients: Virgin Coconut Oil, Shea Butter (Unrefined, Fair Trade), Magnesium Oil, Manuhot Esculenta (Tapioca) Starch, Aluminum-Free Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate), Wildcrafted Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia Cerifera).

Cost per ounce: $5.92

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Green Tidings

Healthybaby

Healthynest is plastic-free, EWG-verified, and formulated specifically for pregnant and nursing people. It contains pre-and probiotics, organic tapioca starch, and manuka honey, and comes in a pleasant calming scent.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride*, Tapioca Starch*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Magnesium Hydroxide, Zinc Ricinoleate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Honey (Mel), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides (Vetiver) Root Oil*, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Lactobacillus, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Maltodextrin, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice.

Cost per ounce: $6.40

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Healthybaby

Noniko

Noniko makes a refillable, plastic-free deodorant stick that contains no concerning ingredients. The deodorant is produced in the United States, although the stainless steel container is manufactured in China.

Ingredients: Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil*, Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea) Powder*, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) Essential Oil, Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) Essential Oil, Noni Fruit (Morinda Citrifolia) Seed Oil, Vitamin E (Tocopherol). 

Cost per ounce: $8.70, plus $40 for the first order, which includes the container.

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Noniko

Peach

Peach is the only plastic-free, refillable deodorant that has EWG verification. It contains only natural essentials oils for fragrance, and claims to provide 48 hours of odor protection.

Ingredients: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, manihot esculenta (arrowroot) powder,* cocos nucifera (coconut) oil,* magnesium hydroxide, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, natural fragrance,** simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, triethyl citrate, behenyl alcohol, polyglyceryl-3 stearate, glycine soja (soybean) oil, jojoba esters, zinc ricinoleate, aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract, lactobacillus ferment, tocopherol, xylityl sesquicaprylate, anhydroxylitol, maltodextrin. *Organic **Fragranced with essential oils and plant extracts Fragrance ingredients: Triethyl citrate, phenethyl alcohol, heliotropine, linalyl acetate, alpha ionone, 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, vanillin, gamma octalactone, beta ionone, anisaldehyde, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, camphor, benzyl acetate, isoamyl phenyl acetate, gamma-nonalactone, dodecahydro-tetramethyl naphthofuran, vetiveria zizanoides root oil, zinc ricinoleate, fusanus spicatus (sandalwood) oil, acetoin, geranyl acetate, pentanedione, benzyl acetate Packaging: 100% aluminum.

Cost per ounce: $6.74, plus $20 for the first stick which includes the case.

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Peach

Pretty Frank

Pretty Frank (formerly Primal Pit Paste) contains only safe ingredients and comes in a tub that you apply with fingers or a standard stick formula.

Ingredients: Organic Arrowroot Powder, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Hydroxide, Organic Coconut Oil, Brassica Alcohol, Organic Shea Butter, Candelilla Wax, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E 

Cost per ounce: $5.55

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Pretty Frank

Purelygreat

Purelygreat deodorant creams are EWG-verified, and contain only a handful of natural ingredients. I haven’t tested any of them so I cannot promise that they work.

Ingredients: (natural soda) sodium Bicarbonate U.S.P., vegetable glycerin, corn starch (Non-GMO), Essential oils: (grapefruit) citrus paradisi oil, (orange) citrus sinensis oil, (cypress) cupressus sempervirens oil, (coriander) coriandrum sativum oil, (geranium) pelargonium graveolens oil, (lime) citrus aurantifolia oil, limonene*, linalool*, citronellol*, geraniol* *a natural component of essential oils

Cost per ounce: $6.81

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Purelygreat

Primally Pure Deodorant

Primally Pure Deodorant is a unique formula because it contains beef tallow–along with other natural ingredients like baking soda, kaolin clay, and zinc oxide.

Ingredients: Coconut Oil*, Arrowroot Powder*, Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows*, Baking Soda, Beeswax*, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Kaolin Clay, Essential Oils of Geranium* and Blue Tansy*, Rosemary Extract*, Non-Gmo Vitamin E

Cost per ounce: $8.80 to $9.41, depending on which size you choose. Use code GIMMETHEGOODSTUF10 for 10% off

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Primally Pure Deodorant

Schmidt’s Deodorant

About ten years ago, a friend brought over a tub of Schmidt’s Deodorant for me to check out after she bought it at Urban Outfitters. I was surprised by the legitimately clean ingredients, as Urban Outfitters is FULL of Sneaky products well-packaged to look natural. Schmidt’s is a happy exception!

Ingredients: Magnesium Hydroxide, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E, Sunflower Derived).

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Schmidt’s Deodorant

Real Purity

Real Purity is another brand that several readers asked about—you say you use it and like it, so good news: I’d call it Best Stuff! They even removed the potassium sorbate since the last time we updated this guide two years ago.

Ingredients: Purified Aqua (Water), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin (Palm), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cleavers Extract, Magnesium Stearate, Potassium Sorbate (Potassium), Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Pelargonium Roseum Asperum (Geranium) Essential Oil, Salvia Lavandulaefolia (Sage) Essential Oil, Aniba Parviflora (Rosewood) Essential Oil, Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), Prunus Armeniacae (Apricot) Kernel Oil.

Cost per ounce $6.17

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Real Purity

Sam’s Natural

Sam’s Natural is yet another brand that a bunch of you asked about. I haven’t tried it, but with ingredients that include only things like baking soda, shea butter, and a variety of essential oils, it qualifies as Best Stuff.

Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, coconut oil, candelilla wax, arrowroot powder, MCT oil, pumpkinseed oil, shea butter, rosemary leaf extract, carrot seed essential oil, tea tree essential oil, aloe vera leaf extract, vitamin e, aspen bark extract, mandarin essential oil.

Cost per ounce $3.32

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Sam’s Natural

Soapwalla

Soapwalla has quickly developed a cult following, and is my go-to and current favorite. At first it’s a little odd to apply deodorant with your fingers, but I got used to it quickly. I love that Soapwalla is a small operation. They’re located near my home in Brooklyn, so I was able to go meet Rachel (the owner), pick up the products, and see their small-scale production. Soapwalla now offers a sensitive skin formula without baking soda.

Ingredients: (*: certified organic, +: food-grade) Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*; Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*; Rosehip Seed Oil*; Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Butter; Corn Starch*+; Sodium Bicarbonate+; Kaolin Clay; Vegan Kosher Glycerin*+; a custom blend of essential oils, including: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender)*; Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree)*; Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange); Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)*; Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergaptene-free Bergamot)*; Non-GMO Soy lecithin*+; Non-GMO Vitamin E*+.

Cost per ounce $9.00

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Soapwalla

ThinkSport

ThinkSport makes an original stick deodorant as well as a magnesium blend–both of these are really effective, completely safe, and EWG-verified.

Ingredients: CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, ZEA MAYS (CORN STARCH)*, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX, MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL* LAURYL LAURATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER*, TRIETHYL CITRATE, JOJOBA ESTERS, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL, TOCOPHEROL, CITRONELLOL, PHENETHYL ALCOHOL, CITRIC ACID 
*CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENT(S)

Cost per ounce: $2.63

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ThinkSport

Wellnesse Mineral Deodorant

Wellnesse Mineral Deodorant has a squeaky clean ingredients list, including the baking soda and aloe. It gets great reviews from users, and after Wellenesse sent me a sample, I see why! This is one of the best natural deodorants I’ve tried.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Stearyl Alcohol, Tapioca Starch, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Bicarbonate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Jojoba Esters, Triethyl Citrate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Bisabolol, Bursera Graveolens Wood Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol

Cost per ounce: $5.09

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Wellnesse Mineral Deodorant

What’s Wrong with Conventional Antiperspirant and Deodorant

In general, I’m concerned about deodorant and antiperspirant because of exposure. We tend to apply these products every day and leave them on for long periods of time.

Also, more of the product’s ingredients can penetrate the skin thanks to little nicks left behind from a razor. If you’re a person who shaves your armpits, you should be careful to choose the best natural deodorant.

Here are the common ingredients that I’m most worried about in conventional deodorants or antiperspirants:

  • Aluminum is the reason that most people are worried about antiperspirants. Aluminum-based compounds prevent us from sweating by temporarily plugging our sweat glands. They may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, although evidence for both is contradictory.
  • Fragrance is the ingredient I’m usually most concerned about in deodorants. (This is the case with many other skincare products, too.) Fragrances generally contain hormone-disrupting phthalates, which you won’t see listed on the label. Even “phthalate-free” deodorants often contain synthetic fragrances, which have unknown phthalate replacements in them, some of which may be just as bad. Always opt for unscented products or those made with only 100% natural fragrances (essential oils).
  • Triclosan, the antibacterial agent that forms carcinogenic chloroform when it comes in contact with water that contains trace amounts of chlorine, is found in many deodorants.
  • Many deodorants contain parabens (preservatives that mimic estrogen) and artificial colors, which may be neurotoxins.

What’s Wrong with Natural Antiperspirants & Deodorants?

There is a lot of Sneaky Stuff being marketed as natural deodorant and antiperspirant. The most popular sneaky label is “aluminum-free,” because many of these deodorants still have bad stuff in them.

These are the sneaky ingredients that worry me most in natural deodorants:

  • Many “aluminum-free” deodorants, such as natural crystal deodorants, contain potassium alum. Potassium alum is natural, but it’s still a type of aluminum and therefore may carry the same risks. I do not recommend these products to women because of possible breast cancer links.
  • Even many natural deodorants contain propylene glycol, a softening agent linked to cancer and reproductive damage.
  • Concerning fragrances and preservatives are rampant among supposedly natural deodorants.

Best Natural Deodorant for Kids

Play Pits has saved me from having to buy my 12-year-old Old Spice–he’s at an age where everyone is going heavy with deodorants, and these are very scented. Fortunately, what lends them their appealing fragrance is all 100% essential oils.

The Best Natural Deodorant Ingredients

Body odor happens when sweat meets bacteria on the skin. The best natural deodorants combine a variety of ingredients to do one or all of the following:

  • Inhibit the growth of bacteria that makes sweat smell bad;
  • Absorb some of the moisture from sweat;
  • Reduce the amount of sweat by shrinking pores.

Good Stuff products do not act like conventional antiperspirants, which block sweat from leaving the body.

Most Affordable Natural Deodorant

At $2.65 an ounce, ThinkSport makes the most affordable of the best natural deodorants on our list.

Here are some effective ingredients that you’ll find in the best natural deodorant brands:

  • Alcohol (sometimes listed as ethanol) inhibits bacteria. Note that alcohol will increase the penetration of other ingredients in the product, so if you’re using deodorant with alcohol, make sure it’s Good Stuff!
  • Aloe soothes and conditions skin.
  • Arrowroot powder absorbs moisture.
  • Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) helps neutralize odors and absorbs moisture.
  • Coconut oil and other vegetable oils and butters (shea, cocoa, mango, etc.) moisturize and soothe irritated skin (hello, shaving). Coconut oil is also anti-microbial.
  • Cornstarch absorbs moisture.
  • Essential oils are added for natural fragrance and other properties (like antimicrobial tea tree, lichen, and rosemary).
  • Hops extract (yes, as in hops from brewing beer) is antimicrobial.
  • Kaolin clay (aka white cosmetic clay) absorbs moisture.
  • Vegetable glycerin and natural waxes (like beeswax and candelilla wax) bind ingredients together and are most common in stick deodorants.
  • Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant, so it serves as a preservative.
  • Witch hazel and other astringent ingredients help shrink pores to reduce sweating.
  • Zinc oxide is anti-microbial. Just be sure that it’s non-nano zinc.

Pro Tips for Success with Natural Deodorant

I’ve learned a lot about using natural deodorants from my own trial-and-error and the experiences of my clients and readers. Here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls (pun intended!):

  • Time: If you’re making a big switch from conventional antiperspirants to natural deodorant, your body might need time to adjust before the natural stuff can be effective. Some even claim that your pits might have some detoxing to do.
  • Staining: A common complaint about natural deodorants made with oils like coconut is that they stain clothes. Avoid this by using only a small amount (read the label) and giving the product a couple of minutes to absorb before you put on your clothes.
  • Shaving: Some people also report that natural deodorants sting or cause irritation after shaving. An easy(ish) work-around is to shave at night and apply deodorant in the morning.
  • Baking soda: Many of the most popular natural deodorants are baking soda-based. Baking soda can irritate some people’s skin, at least at first. Luckily, there are lots of baking soda-free formulas among the Best Stuff.
  • Hormones: If you’ve given birth recently and/or are breastfeeding, you might be sweating more than usual—it’s not just your imagination, and you’re not alone! You might need to apply your deodorant more often. I’m a fan of freshening up a couple of times a day with baby wipes.

Are you overwhelmed with the length of the list of Best Stuff and Good Stuff below? If it’s helpful: my favorite cream is Soapwalla, spray is EO, and stick is the Earth Mama.

Deodorant

My Top Pick for Best Natural Deodorant

Sensitive Skin Deodorant Cream from Soapwalla

$24.00

Using Soapwalla has been nothing short of revelation for me. The application (with fingers) took a little getting used to, but this stuff really works.

My Top Pick for Best Natural Deodorant

The Best Natural Deodorants for Pregnant People

While all of the deodorants below are safe for to use during pregnancy, a few have been specially formulated with this life stage in mind. My top picks are healthybaby and Earth Mama.

The Best Natural Deodorants for Pregnant People

The Best Refillable Deodorant

I’m a big fan of Beautycounter’s Clean Deo, a refillable deodorant that is great for even the most sensitive skin.

The Best Refillable Deodorant

The Best of the Worst

If you really need to NOT sweat, Ban is the best of the Bad Stuff. The unscented variety of antiperspirant contains aluminum and the cyclopentasiloxane, but it’s much better than other Bad Stuff. Just save this for when you really need it, and try not to apply to freshly shaven armpits.

The Best of the Worst

Good Stuff

All Good Deodorant

  • aluminum-free and petroleum-free
  • soothing mineral deodorant that actually responds to your body

Cost per ounce: $4.80

Ingredients: Propanediol**, Water, Sodium Stearate, Saccharomyces Ferment, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Root Powder*, Diatomaceous Earth, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Glycerin*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower*, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil*, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Oil*, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Oil

*Certified organic to USDA/NOP standards
**Sourced from non-GMO sugar cane


Scent: Tea Tree & Basil, Cedarwood & Spruce, Rose Geranium & Jasmine, Unscented

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All Good Deodorant

Green Beaver

I’m pleased to move Green Beaver from Sneaky to Good Stuff, since they’ve removed most of the yucky ingredients from their formulations. I am not calling this one Best Stuff because it contains conditioning agent glyceryl laurate which is somewhat questionable.

Ingredients: Glycerin, aqua, sodium stearate, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, steareth-100, usnea barbata (lichen) extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, chamomilla rectita (matricaria) flower extract, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, sodium bicarbonate, ethylhexylglycerin, stearyl alcohol, bisabolol.

Cost per ounce: $4.94

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Green Beaver

Lafes Deodorant

Lafes Deodorant is is glycerin-based so it goes on clear. Lafe’s old formula contained potassium alum, but this new one gets our thumbs up. The only reason it’s in Good Stuff rather than Best Stuff is because of the grapefruit seed extract, which comes with some contamination concerns.

Ingredients: Propanediol, Glycerin, Water, Sodium Stearate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Silica, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Sucrose Cocoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract*, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Extract*, Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin Orange), Citrus Arantium Sub. Bergamia (Bergamot), Jasmin Grandiflorum (Jasmine) , Vetiveria Zizanoid (Vetiver), Allantoin

Cost per ounce: $3.60

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Lafes Deodorant

Little Seed

Little Seed is the brand you guys ask about all the time, and although EWG doesn’t like a few of the essential oils in these blends, I consider this a safe option.

Ingredients: organic arrowroot powder*,food grade magnesium hydroxide,organic coconut oil*, organic jojoba oil*,beeswax, organic vegetable glycerine*(non-gmo & kosher) organic geranium essential oil*,organic rosemary essential oil*,organic spearmint essential oil*activated charcoal powder*indicates a certified organic ingredient:

Cost per ounce: $6.00

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Little Seed

Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard produces a line of simple spray deodorants made with natural ingredients. Some of the essential oils in their blends score poorly on EWG, which is why we’ve put them in Good Stuff rather than Best Stuff.

Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Aqua/Water, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Glycerin, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil*, Sodium Usnate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*,Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Geraniol, Benzyl Salicylate, Farnesol, Eugenol.

Cost per ounce: $3.99

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Neal’s Yard

Poofy Organic

Ingredients: Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Organic Roman Chamomile Essential Oil.

Poofy’s line of Max Deo deodorants are free of all the Bad Stuff, and many of my readers say they are super effective. Like many Poofy products, these deodorants do contain the non-specific “natural flavors,” but it’s the last ingredient, so it doesn’t concern me. (But that’s why I am keeping them in Good Stuff rather than Best Stuff.) Poofy even makes a deodorant for kids!

Use code: MAIAJAMES for 10% off

Cost per ounce $5.66

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Poofy Organic

Routine

Routine deodorants smell incredible, and once you get used to applying them with your fingertips, it won’t feel like a compromise. This brand didn’t make it to Best Stuff because of the undisclosed “flavor” and overall a longer list of ingredients.

Ingredients: cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, magnesium hydroxide, kaolin, zea mays (corn) starch, maranta arundinacea (arrowroot), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), cera alba (beeswax), butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, calendula officinalis (marigold) infused olea europaea (olive) oil, tocopherol (vitamin e), theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, brassica glycerides, aroma: flavor oil (organic lemon, grapefruit, citrus), citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, citrus sinensis (sweet orange) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, vanilla planifolia fruit oil, myristica fragrans (nutmeg) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, limonene*, linalool*. *Naturally occurring in essential oil.

Cost per ounce $3.40

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Routine

Ursa Major

Ursa Major is a popular brand that’s basically safe–the only ingredient I don’t love here is sodium benzoate, which is why I am keeping this one in Good Stuff rather than Best Stuff.

Ingredients: Aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) leaf juice*, propanediol, sodium stearate, tapioca starch, silica, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gum, shea (butyrosperum parkii) butter (community trade), sodium bicarbonate, kaolin (clay), tocopheryl acetate, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl undecylenate, glycerin, royal jelly extract, hops (humulus lupulus) extract, lemon (citrus medica limonum) peel extract, ginseng (panax quinquefolium) root extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) flower extract, saccharomyces ferment, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) leaf oil, peppermint (mentha piperita) oil, grapefruit (citrus grandis) peel oil, eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) leaf oil

Cost per ounce $6.92

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Ursa Major

Okay Stuff

Dr. Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka deodorants are natural, but some of the essential oils they use are questionable. I would feel fine using this deodorant, but it doesn’t quite qualify as Good Stuff.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Alcohol, Manihot Utilissima (Tapioca) Starch, Triethyl Citrate, Glycerin, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool*, Limonene*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Citronellol*, Coumarin*, Sodium Silicate, Sucrose Laurate, Algin, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum. *component of natural essential oils

Cost per ounce $14.12

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Dr. Hauschka

Lavanila

A lot of you have asked about Lavanila. While many of the ingredients are “naturally-derived” rather than truly natural, nothing in these deodorants scores poorly on EWG’s hazard scale, so I call this Okay Stuff. Just don’t confuse it with Lanvilin, which is Sneaky (see below).

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice (Aloe juice, water/aqua), Propanediol (Corn derived), Zea mays (Corn) starch, Sodium stearate (Coconut derived), Silica, Carrageenan (Seaweed derived), Stearyl behenate (Coconut derived), Citrus medica limonum (Lemon peel oil), Inulin (Artichoke derived), Saccharomyces ferment, Alpha-Glucan oligosaccharide (Sugar derived), Yeast beta glucan, Lonicera caprifolium (Honeysuckle) flower extract, Usnea barbata (Lichen) extract, Valeriana officinalis root extract (Valerian), Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) extract, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) flower/leaf/stem extract, Lycium barbarum fruit extract (Goji berry), Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla) oil, Botanical fragrance blend

Cost per ounce $5.50

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Lavanila

Piperwai

Piperwai was featured on Shark Tank and got a lot of attention. Some of you love it; others not so much. The only thing I don’t love is that it contains a proprietary blend of essential oils. I would rather know exactly what’s in any product I’m using.

Ingredients: Tapioca Starch, Coconut Oil, Distilled Water, Shea Butter Virgin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Rosewater, Witch Hazel USP, Cocoa Butter, D Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Jojoba Oil, Honeysuckle Extract, Magnesium Hydroxide, Eucalyptus Radiata (Eucalyptus) Leaf/Stem Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil, Activated Charcoal, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil.

Cost per ounce $6.50

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Piperwai

Weleda

Weleda deodorants contain mostly natural ingredients–EWG just doesn’t like that among these are a few that are potential immunotoxins, including geraniol, linalool, limonene, and coumarin. It also contains benzyl salicylate.

Ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Caproyl, Lauroyl Lactylate Rosa Damascena Extract, Wild Rose Leaf Extract, Licorice Root, Glycerin, Fragrance, Limonene, Linalool , Citronellol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Citral, Eugenol, Farnesol

Cost per ounce $5.59

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Weleda

Bad Stuff

All the obvious ones–Secret, Sure, Soft & Dri, Mitchum, Suave, Degree, etc.–are bad, mostly because of the phthalates/synthetic fragrance they invariably contain.

Butane in aerosol versions is another problem with conventional deodorants, plus a variety of PEG chemicals (organ system toxicants), BHT, talc, and other really Bad Stuff.

As I mentioned above, if you really need a conventional antiperspirant or deodorant, the unscented Ban is your best option.

Sneaky Stuff

Arm & Hammer Natural Deodorant contains triclosan, propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrance. This is the Sneakiest of the Sneaky!

Bravo Sierra deodorant contains propylene glycol as it’s first ingredient. Enough said!

I used to love Crystal Essence deodorant and used it for years, but it turns out that it’s so effective because it contains potassium alum. The same is true of those crystal deodorants (as in, the ones that are just an actual rock.)

Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant contains DHT and dipropylene glycol, in addition to synthetic fragrance.

Every Man Jack deodorants are “naturally derived,” but contain sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, and a bunch of other chemicals on my Bad/Sneaky Stuff list.

I long considered Herbal Magic to be Good Stuff, but they recently changed their formula, and the fragrance is now synthetic. However, their unscented deodorant is still Good Stuff.

Herban Cowboy deodorants contain synthetic fragrance. Enough said.

Jason Natural deodorants contain synthetic fragrance, citral, eugenol, linalool, limonene, and other concerning ingredients.

Kopari is advertised as “coconut deodorant,” and while it does contain coconut oil, it also contains propylene glycol as well as synthetic fragrance.

Kiss My Face deodorants contain propylene glycol, synthetic fragrance, and—in the case of their roll-on deodorants—potassium alum.

Lanvilin deodorants are free of phthalates, but the fragrance is not natural, so I am suspicious of the undisclosed chemicals likely lurking! (Note: Don’t confuse this products with Lavanila, which is Okay Stuff.)

Lume a lot of synthetics ingredients, and some other Bad Stuff, such as phenoxyethanol, PEG chemicals, and polysorbate 60. Note that unscented Lume is the best of the bunch; it scores only a 2 from EWG.

MegaBabe calls itself a “clean deodorant,” but depending on the formula you’ll find propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, and/or fragrance.

Malin & Goetz works well and has the nicest packaging of any deodorant I’ve seen. Unfortunately, it’s got a bunch of problematic ingredients, including phenoxyethanol and propylene glycol.

Native Deodorant is probably the one we are are asked about most, and I know you guys are big fans. Although we previously considered this Good Stuff, Native is now using “a proprietary blend of oils” for their fragrance blend. They specify that they are phthalate-free, but unless they disclose specific oils–and most importantly clarify that only essential oils are used–we will keep Native Deodorant listed as Sneaky Stuff. And for those of you who have asked: the reason that EWG’s Skin Deep gives Native a score of just 1 is because they have an incorrect ingredients list, which doesn’t include “fragrance.”

Naturally Fresh crystal deodorant contains only two ingredients, but both are types of “alum” and should therefore be avoided.

Tisserand does contain tea tree oil and other natural ingredients, but it’s also got loads of synthetics, including benzyl alcohol and methylchloroisothiazolinone.

Stay sane,
Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

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Tags:Bath & Body Guides

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202 comments

Maia James

Hi there-I actually don’t totally buy into the whole “detoxing” theory. Did you just shave before applying? I would give it a few days but certainly discontinue if it continues to be painful.

Maia James

Sounds like Good Stuff:)

Chantelle

I recently switched to EO Organic Deodorant in Tea Tree after reading this article. And so far it has been the BEST natural Deodorant for me. I was using another natural one before for over a year and it didn’t do well with keeping me from sweating. The EO Organic has been heavenly and smells amazing.

SUNNY LA

Great list!
For the lavanila I’m concerned that it has both carrageenan and propandeiol?! There is a lot of literature regarding carrageenan that makes me thing it isn’t safe. Is there a version thats safe I don’t know about?

Christine

I’m curious about the brand Native also!

Sonia D

Sierra sage now makes a deodorant. I’ve been using it and still prefer soapwalla. The ingredients are pretty legit though!

Maia James

Thanks for putting this brand on my radar! I’m not familiar with them, but will check it out!

Melissa

Check out the brand Native! It is local to SF and seems safe and has cute packaging! It is pricey, though.

CherAshley

I just switched from secret to schmidts deodorant stick in bergamot lime yesterday and it’s burning! do you think it’s because my underarms are “detoxing” or maybe my skin is more sensitive than I thought?

Brooke Murphy

I am breastfeeding and looking into safe stick deodorant. I have heard good things about Native brand but didn’t know if it’s good stuff… Here’s the ingredient list from their website -
We use arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride (which is a fancy way of saying fractionated coconut oil), beeswax, polyglycerol-3 beeswax (which is a fancy way of saying cera bellina wax), tocopherol (which is a fancy way of saying Vitamin E), and acidophilus (which is a natural bacteria found in your body already). Our scented deodorants include essential oils. Lavender & Rose is made with Lavender Oil and Geranium Oil. Fresh & Clean is made with Eucalyptus Oil and Spearmint Oil.

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