I was persuaded to ditch my drugstore antiperspirant by a yoga teacher friend.
Dont you know that stuff is full of poison?
she said when I whipped out a stick of deodorant after anAshtanga class.
Tooga
This, she assured me, was Mother Natures answer to odor-free pits.
Layer up with a little perfume and youll be good to go, she said.
Therein lies the fundamental difference between what youll find at the drugstore and the natural alternatives.
Antiperspirant prevents you from perspiring, just as the name suggests.
Or worse still, a putrid whiff of B.O.?
(Sadly, my fragrance-free salt wand had usually stopped working by noon.)
Hugging and high-fiving were now completely out of the question.
Needless to say, I was back to my drugstore-deodorant-using ways within a week.
Its really a matter of finding what works best for you.
I tried all the ones people were raving about when it first became a thing.
Admittedly, its a big part of why I like Rosy Pits too.
Im also a big fan of stick formulas, especially when they hold up all day like this one.
Since my misadventure with the rock crystal, Ive managed to get back on the aluminum-free deodorant wagon.
Leaves of Trees has a paste formula that comes in a variety of fragrances, includingPersian lime.
Eir NYCsfir-needle-scented versionis in the same vein, pegged as an antiperspirant for him and her.
Perhaps more satisfying than my own natural-deodorant journey, has been watching my moms embrace of the aluminum-free life.
And yet weaning her off the potentially toxic products lurking in her bathroom cabinet took a lot more coaxing.
So the idea of natural deodorant seemed somehow eek-y and unladylike, something she initially wasnt on board with.
Below, the best natural deodorants to buy now from Kosas, Aesop, Necessaire, and more.
Key ingredients include hydrating glycerin and the humectant propylene glycol.
It also has probiotics to help balance the skins microbiome and neutralize odor.
This product absorbs wetness yet keeps the delicate underarm skin hydrated, Jeffy notes.
It also supports a healthy microbiome reducing odor-causing bacteria.
This is a great choice if you struggle with ingrown hairs or pigmentation, Jeffy notes.
As its name suggests, the thin, nonstick serum deodorant is packed with alpha hydroxy acids.
The formulation also includes hyaluronic acid and pure aloe vera juice for hydration.
The natural ingredient is also hydrating for sensitive underarms, and effective for odor control.
Whats more, its ingredients are dermatologist-approved.
This works well to fight off odor without disrupting the skins pH level.
This is skin-friendly due to its formula, which can be used to combat irritation, Dr. Spearman notes.
Vichy is a great choice for sensitive skin, Jeffy attests.
Allergy-tested and oil-free, the French formulation is hypoallergenic.
The formulation contains zinc ricinoleate, a natural ingredient that helps neutralize odor, and inflammation-taming wasabi extract.
This is a great alcohol-free deodorant, Dr. Spearman says.
Its natural and aluminum-free with a fresh herbal fragrance, and its known to reduce underarm odor.
This uses natural ingredients to balance the skins microbiome, absorb moisture, and deodorize with ease.
Its also made with moisturizing shea butter and jojoba and coconut oils, and pH-balancing probiotics.
Certainly not Dr. Amin.
It also has a fresh, eucalyptus scent.
Its free of aluminum, alcohol, silicones, and baking soda.
The natural ingredient soothes and moisturizes the skin while rebalancing its microbiome.
Through antioxidant-rich ingredients, this baking soda- and aluminum-free formula will leave you smelling fresh.
Other skin-loving ingredients include hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, aloe vera, and probiotics.
The aluminum-free formula also contains tapioca starch, which absorbs moisture.
The deodorant has been tested by dermatologists, and is considered safe for sensitive skin.
The deodorant uses a high-performing blend of plants, minerals, and enzymes to fight odor-causing bacteria.
For Skincare Buffs: Mario Badescu Deodorant
Mario Badescu
Why We Love It: O.G.
lovers of Mario Badescu should add the brands aluminum-and-baking-soda-free stick deodorant to their beauty routine.
It neutralizes odor while nourishing your armpits through a botanical blend of oils.
For Plant-Based Protection: Briogeo B.
Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Deodorant
Briogeo
B.
What is a natural deodorant?
Unlike antiperspirants, a natural deodorant does not prevent sweating.
Generally, these deodorants are free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
How does one ease into natural deodorant?
As such, I always recommend easing into it, she says.
Also, make a run at apply the deodorant on clean skin.
A thoroughly cleansed axilla [or armpit] is less likely to smell because washing removes odor-causing bacteria.
Additionally, Lolis recommends wearing breathable natural natural fiberssuch as cotton, linen, or bambooduring the transition period.
These will allow your skin to breathe and reduce sweating or odor, she says.
Last, detox your armpits!
What are the best natural ingredients in natural deodorant?
Aloe vera and coconut oil are great at helping to reduce odor causing bacteria.
The oil has additional benefits, too.
They solidify the deodorant, providing a smooth system.
Tea tree, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and lavender essential oils are all popular additions.
Is natural deodorant actually safer and healthier?
The merits of natural deodorant are debatable.
She also cautions that natural does not always mean better.
In her experience, deodorants that are labeled natural still have the potential to cause allergic rashes or irritation.
The choice comes down to personal preference, comfort, and individual health considerations, says Lolis.
