I’ve been using a natural deodorant for over four years. And if I’m being completely honest, learning about my body and how it reacts to different ingredients has been one of the toughest, yet most incredible journeys I’ve embarked upon. Even though finding the right natural deodorant for my skin has been tough, it was worth it.
The chemicals in many deodorants can be harmful to our bodies and our skin, and I can’t imagine putting them on my armpits ever again. According to TIME, ingredients like aluminum, triclosan, phthalates, and parabens can mess with your body’s normal functions. And the last thing we want is for these harmful chemical ingredients to make their way into our bloodstream. Plus, these chemical ingredients are also pollutants that harm the environment.
In my natural deodorant journey, I’ve learned which natural scents my body reacts well to, what type of consistency (stick, cream, gel) stays on better, and which ingredients make me feel itchy or uncomfortable. I’m proud to say the journey is worth the time and effort—I feel great knowing I’m not putting harsh chemicals under my arms while also feeling clean and smelling fresh.
Here are some of my favorite natural deodorants and some that I’m hoping to try in the future. If you’re looking to ditch unnatural deodorants and try options that are better for your body and the environment, check out this list.
7 Natural Plant-Friendly Deodorants
1. Wild Refillable Deodorant + Free Refill, $16
Featured in the Brightly Shop, this natural deodorant is all things eco-friendly. It’s made with clean ingredients, and it’s aluminum-free.
This option is also refillable and includes a container made from anodized aluminum and recycled plastic. All refills are 100% plastic-free, making it easy to reduce waste in your beauty routine.
2. Little Seed Farm Deodorant Creams, $12
Little Seed Farm prioritizes sustainability through the creation of chemical-free and safe skincare. This company uses clean energy (solar power!), has low-waste practices, and uses eco-friendly and recyclable packaging.
I use the bamboo application tool to rub the deodorant cream under my arms, and it’s so easy. Little Seed Farm also allows you to sample two deodorants for free; you only have to pay the price of shipping.
3. SmartyPits, $5 to $13
I first tried this brand when I picked up one of the mini sticks at a local boutique, and I immediately fell in love with it.
SmartyPits’ secret ingredient is the power of prebiotics, which act as a nourishment to the good bacteria in your armpits. SmartyPits also offers a variety of different deodorant types, including sensitive skin, plant-based (using essential oils for scent), teen, minis, and aluminum-free options.
4. Native, $13
Native is cruelty-free and doesn’t test on animals, and it has a plastic-free deodorant tube option. According to Native, switching to the plastic-free option can eliminate about 169 tons of landfill waste each year. Plus, this brand offers sensitive deodorant for those with skin sensitivities.
Native is one of those brands I’d like to try again now that I’ve learned which scents work well for me. Native was one of the first natural deodorants I tried, and I learned that my body’s chemistry does not react well with coconut or vanilla scents—I could smell my body odor after a mild break of a sweat. If I were to try this brand again, I would try the charcoal or lavender rose scent.
5. Myro, $25
This brand is plant-based, uses natural, essential oils for scent, and has a refillable case! Not to mention, it’s super aesthetically pleasing.
I tried the “Big Dipper” scent and loved it; rhe scent had notes of lavender essential oil, which personally works well for me. The consistency of this product is more gel-like and should be stored in a cool place.
However, this was not my favorite natural deodorant simply because of the gel-like consistency. If I had a cooler spot to store it, this deodorant may have been a better fit for me.
6. Primally Pure, $16
Primally Pure offers an array of scents, including lavender, lemongrass, geranium, tea tree, blue tansy, and unscented.
Each deodorant is made with organic ingredients like grass-fed tallow, fair trade coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils. Plus, the products are handcrafted in the U.S. and aren’t tested on animals.
7. Schmidt’s, $10 to $12
The great thing about Schmidt’s deodorant is that it’s accessible—you can find it at most stores, including Walmart. And it’s affordable, too.
Schmidt’s offers a large variety of deodorant scents formulated with essential oils and natural ingredients. You can buy the deodorant in a standard plastic stick or in a glass jar for a more sustainable option.
If you choose to purchase the jar deodorant, make sure you save your empty jars. When you have five of them, send Schmidt’s a photo to get a free deodorant of your choice! This brand’s deodorant is also vegan and Leaping Bunny certified.
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