I hate to break it to ya, but the deodorant you are using is probably not that great for you. 😷 In fact, I truly believe that deodorant is one of the first things you should swap when switching to non-toxic products. Let’s start by looking at a popular brand of conventional deodorant and its ingredients.
Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Gly, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Petrolatum, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Cyclodextrin, Fragrance, Mineral Oil, Behenyl Alcohol
There is essentially nothing natural about these ingredients (can you even pronounce some of those?). This product has many ingredients that I suggest avoiding because they are either considered carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors, or have been found harmful to our bodies. Guys, you aren’t off the hook either. Many deodorants for men are made with similar ingredients! 🏃
This post contains affiliate links.
This post covers:
- Why You Should Avoid Aluminum and Antiperspirants
- Myth: Natural Deodorant Doesn’t Work
- How to Detox Your Armpits & Tips for Switching to Natural Deodorant
- Best Natural & Low Tox Deodorant Brands
- “Better, Not Best” Budget & Drugstore Natural Deodorants
Why You Should Avoid Aluminum and Antiperspirants in Your Deodorant
I will focus on the first ingredient in most deodorants: ALUMINUM. To be an “antiperspirant,” it must contain aluminum, which is used to block the sweat glands and prevent sweat from coming to the skin’s surface. However, aluminum is a classified neurotoxin and has been linked with many types of cancers and other diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Even worse, shaving your armpits leaves tiny cuts in your skin, which gives these harmful ingredients more openings to soak into.
Our bodies are designed to sweat. It’s not natural to totally block it—those toxins gotta get out somehow and your armpits are one of the major areas where they come out. If you are constantly blocking toxins, where do they go? They stay in your body. Continued use of antiperspirants and aluminum can cause a build-up of toxins in your body. And the closest areas to your armpits—your lymph nodes and breast tissue—are where those toxins will go first.
Continued use of antiperspirants and aluminum can cause a build-up of these ingredients in your body.
In addition, aluminum can have an estrogenic effect and increase the levels of that hormone in your body, which leads to the growth of breast cancer cells. A 2017 study showed that women who used antiperspirants and deodorants were at higher risk for breast cancer and had higher aluminum concentrations in their breasts. I have even heard that when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you are told to switch to a deodorant that doesn’t contain aluminum!
Other ingredients to avoid on a deodorant label:
- BHT
- Mineral oil
- Parabens
- PEGs
- Petrolatum/petroleum
- Phenoxyethanol
- Synthetic fragrance
- Talc
Q: What about crystal mineral deodorant stones?
A: Many people opt for these, thinking they are a safer alternative to antiperspirants. They are made from potassium aluminum sulfate, a zeolite mineral salt. Although it is better, it’s not completely aluminum-free and can still be absorbed by the body!
Myth: Natural Deodorant Doesn’t Work
I know what you’re thinking, there is nooooooo way natural deodorant works. Well, I am here to tell you that, yes, it does! 💪
But the key is to be patient. Just think, all that time you’ve been using antiperspirants, your body has been holding in those toxins. You need to allow those toxins to come out naturally. So the first day you use a natural deodorant and you’re stinky or sweaty, don’t give up. It will improve after your body detoxes and things adjust back to normal.
You may have to apply natural deodorant midday, but is that really a big deal? (I can usually go a full day without reapplying, but everyone sweats differently.) I would much rather take two seconds to reapply deodorant than compromise my health.
Just remember that natural deodorants won’t 100% stop you from sweating since they don’t contain aluminum. However, they are typically formulated with ingredients that help absorb and control sweat!
By the way, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. For example, if you have an important event where you don’t want to risk stinky pits or sweat, there’s no shame in using your conventional deodorant here and there. As long as you’re making strides to use a natural option the majority of the time!
Worried about sweat marks and pit stains? I swear by these Numi sweat-proof undershirts! They have built-in armpit shields to absorb wetness and keep your clothes clean and fresh. Total game-changer.
How to Detox Your Armpits & Tips for Switching to Natural Deodorant
Hopefully I didn’t scare you too much so far! But now, let’s talk about what people usually experience as they switch to natural deodorant. Yes, there is a detox period. Your body has to adjust and get rid of everything that has been trapped by conventional deodorant. Many people give up because they think that natural deodorant isn’t working. Trust me, if you can make it through 2-4 weeks of detox, then it is all SO worth it! I promise.
Typical Stages of Armpit Detox:
Week 1: Usually no problems at all. Yay!
Week 2: You’ll likely start to experience some smell (your body is starting to detox)
Week 3: You might be sweating more than normal (still detoxing)
Week 4: Detox should be complete—no more odor or excessive sweating!
Again, this might look different for everyone. Some people experience no problems at all, while others might take a little longer to detox. It all depends on your body. It’s also pretty common for some people to experience irritation or rashes, which we’ll address below.
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do while detoxing to lessen the symptoms:
- You are what you eat. If you’re eating things like processed foods, lots of sugar, or greasy fast food, that’s only going to make the stink worse! Other foods like alcohol, garlic, and onions also exacerbate the smells and make them worse (the sulfuric acid in these mix with the fatty acids in your glands…hence, B.O.!). Essentially, body odor is a sign of an imbalance. Try to eat clean, natural, organic foods while detoxing.
- Sweat it out. Move your body, go to the gym, do some cardio…it’ll keep things flowing and sweat the toxins out of your body.
- Drink lots of water! 💦
- If you get a rash, nix the baking soda. While baking soda is totally natural, many people (especially those with sensitive skin) experience irritation when they use natural deodorants that contain baking soda. This might present itself as itching and/or a rash. This all has to do with the pH of your skin and how it reacts with the baking soda. Keep reading for baking soda-free deodorant recommendations!
- Do an armpit mask or detox spray. It sounds crazy, but it helps! Just go on Pinterest and you’ll find dozens of DIY recipes for detoxing clay masks or sprays you can make at home. The masks will help draw out impurities. And I like using sprays with apple cider vinegar for a little probiotic boost, to help balance pH, and give your pits some beneficial bacteria. Hypochlorous acid is also helpful for neutralizing bacteria. Or, use this activated charcoal soap bar, which absorbs up to 1,000x its weight and binds to odors!
- Go deodorant-free at night. There’s no reason to wear deodorant while you sleep! Think of it as a chance to let things breathe and balance themselves out.
- Wait a bit before applying deodorant after you shave. Shaving your armpits might cause irritation or small cuts. I like to shave at night, then let my armpits breathe overnight, and apply my deodorant in the morning.
- Switch between two deodorants. This isn’t the most practical or budget-friendly, but it might help to have two different deodorants that you switch between. Often, people use a natural deodorant and find that it becomes less effective over time. This keeps your body guessing and less likely to get irritation!
- Less is more. If you’re experiencing wetness, your instinct will probably be to keep applying more and more deodorant. Resist the urge to do so because it might not do you any favors aside from making your deodorant clump up!
The Best Natural & Low Tox Deodorant Brands (Yes, They Work!)
Routine Cream Deodorants (Becca’s Top Pick!)
$24-25 • Vegan options • Baking soda-free options • Unscented option
These are my absolute favorites and I’ve used them for years! They make dozens of fun scents and formulas, so you will surely find one that works for you. My personal fave is Superstar, which has vetiver, vanilla bourbon, cardamom, black pepper, and tonka bean. This formula is powerful and keeps me dry and smelling great all day!
I also enjoy Blackberry Betty (blackberry, raspberry, vanilla) and Bonita Applebom (apple, clove, nutmeg, vanilla) scents. Routine also makes scents for men.
These are available as cream in a jar that you apply with your fingers or a twist-up stick that you swipe on. I find that the jars last longer for me!
Shop Routine Deodorants Here at Credo
Also available here on Amazon and Beauty Heroes.
Primally Pure Deodorants (Reader Favorite!)
$14-22 • Baking soda-free options • Unscented option
I polled my readers for their go-to natural deodorant, and Primally Pure won by a LANDSLIDE! It’s a cult classic for sure.
They are unique because they contain grass-fed tallow; the texture is a bit thicker but not very oily. They’re made with all-natural ingredients and nothing artificial. I like the Vanilla + Citrus scent the best!
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount 🏷️
Shop Primally Pure Deodorants Here
True Friend Deodorants
$22 • Baking soda-free options
True Friend deodorants are available in three scents, each with or without baking soda! I loveeee the Vanilla + Citrus one, which smells like an orange creamsicle, mmmm.
The formula is white and might take a second to warm up with your body heat, but it applies mostly clear and goes on smoothly. It’s made with zinc and magnesium, which neutralize odor and soothe skin. These work so well for me in terms of wetness and odor control!
Plus, with every deodorant sold, True Friend donates a soap bar to a homeless shelter.
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount 🏷️
Shop True Friend Deodorants Here
Little Seed Farm Deodorants
$14 • Baking soda-free • Unscented option
Little Seed Farm was a runner-up reader favorite! My husband has sensitive pits, and these are gentle enough for him; they’re his top choice.
You can get a bunch of scents, but I think the Activated Charcoal smells awesome (minty and herbal).
They’re packaged in glass jars with metal lids, and you can purchase a bamboo applicator if you prefer not to apply with your fingers.
Shop Little Seed Deodorants Here
Also available here at EcoMKE.
Just Ingredients Magnesium Deodorants
$14 • Baking soda-free • Unscented option
These have minimal, simple, organic ingredients! They’re made with magnesium, which neutralizes odor. The texture is nice because it applies super smoothly and clearly (not too oily!)—almost like a gel. My favorite scent is Coconut Vanilla, which has a beachy sunscreen-esque smell.
Just Ingredients also has deodorants for men! My husband likes the Mountain Pine one.
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount 🏷️
Shop Just Ingredients Deodorants Here
Related post: “30+ Natural, Organic Personal Care Products for Men (Husband Approved!)“
Cleo + Coco Deodorants
$15 • Vegan options • Baking soda-free option
Cleo + Coco uses activated charcoal in their deodorants, which binds to impurities and controls odor. Plus, probiotics, which balance the microbiome. Choose from four scents—I like the Basil Mint one!
Most of them have baking soda, except for the sensitive Vanilla Coconut one. They glide on easily, but do lean more oily, FYI!
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA for a discount on your first purchase 🏷️
Shop Cleo + Coco Deodorants Here
Also available here on Amazon.
Meow Meow Tweet Deodorants
$14-16 • Vegan • Baking soda-free options • Unscented option
Meow Meow Tweet is one of THE original natural deodorant brands. They are amazing about using simple, organic ingredients and sustainable packaging. Choose from a push-up deodorant in a paper tube or a cream in a refillable metal tin. They even have mini sizes for traveling or sampling.
The texture feels slightly more solid at first, but warms up with your body heat and applies softly and smoothly. I really like the Vanilla Bean scent!
Shop Meow Meow Tweet Deodorants Here
Also available here at EarthHero (discount code BECCA10) and The Detox Market.
FitGlow Refillable Deodorant Spray
$26 • Vegan • Baking soda-free
I have tried other deodorant sprays that were complete flops, but I love this one! I probably wouldn’t recommend it if you are a heavy sweater, have bad B.O., or if it’s your first time using natural deodorant, but this is so quick and convenient for casual use. And if I’m doing a strenuous activity, sometimes I need to reapply this midday.
But I especially like that it doesn’t leave any marks or stains on your clothes (because it doesn’t contain any oils) and dries quickly to feel like you aren’t even wearing deodorant. It has a refreshing minty scent!
Bonus: it’s a glass spray bottle and you can buy refill cartridges!
Shop FitGlow Deodorant Spray Here
Also available here on Amazon and The Detox Market.
“Better, Not Best” Budget & Drugstore Natural Deodorants
While I recommend the deodorants listed above first, here are some more affordable brands that can be found in select retail stores (such as Target, Whole Foods, or health food markets). These are not perfect ingredient-wise, but they’re a better choice if you’re in a pinch!
- Dr. Squatch (contains fragrance)
- Every Man Jack (opt for the aluminum-free version, contains fragrance)
- Megababe (contains fragrance and phenoxyethanol)
- Native (contains fragrance)
- Schmidt’s (does contain fragrance, but they do disclose it on their website)
Looking for dude-specific deodorants? Check out this article:
Top 5 Best Natural Deodorant Brands for Men (Sweaty Husband Approved)
Make the Switch to Natural Deodorant Today!
You use deodorant every day, if not multiple times a day. So think twice about what you’re putting on your pits. There are tons of options out there that do work! Don’t give up right away if one doesn’t work for you, try another one. I challenge you to swap your deodorant for something safer 😎
Hi Becca – just read your blog on deodorants. Thanks for the info on alternative products. Just curious as to which ones keep you the driest. I’m not a big fan of sweaty pits!! LOL. ?
Maybe the Ursa Major or Kaia! But a lot of people sweat a lot while they are detoxing, like 2-3 after switching to natural deodorant. Once your body detoxes you shouldn’t experience much sweat at all!
I realize this is over a year old, but I wanted to add some info for anyone that is considering making the switch to natural deodorant from antiperspirant. From the time I was a teenager I have been a Sweaty Betty, lol! I would sweat through any antiperspirant and my clothing, sweat would drip down my arms even if I was cold! I tried everything even prescriptions that felt like molten hell fire on my pits … nothing worked! Let’s not even talk about the embarrassing body odor mixed with artificial fragrance and yellow stains on all white clothing! I realized in my 30’s this problem wasn’t going away as I aged, and at the time I was living in Nevada where the temperature’s reach 115 F*!! So I decided to try a natural deodorant. My “detox” was less than a week. Keeping in mind that a deodorant does not stop you from sweating I assumed my sweat floodgates would be open for business. But, surprisingly I noticed I was sweating less, and the BO I had been experiencing while wearing antiperspirant had completely gone away! Now years later I no longer sweat through my clothing and I don’t stink even after a 5 mile run! If your on the fence, I highly recommend you give it a try, you have nothing to lose except toxins, B.O., and excessive sweating! Good luck!
Wow that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing, Crystal!
After reading your blog, what about Kosas Sport? I’ve been using Deodorant called Wake the F*ck Up by rosie jane and it works but not all day. I can smell a bit stinky in the pits if I sweat too much in the heat. What would work best?
I have tried the Kosas Sport one – it’s okay but not the best or most powerful! It goes on quite wet but does dry and feel like you’re not wearing deodorant which is nice. But I did smell a little funky after working out with it.
What about salt and stone? Cos I live in Canada and I’m looking at what’s locally available? There’s also a non aluminum native version- is that good too?
Also I’ve been using native range of Deos- does that mean I’m already detoxed?
I like that Salt & Stone is aluminum-free but they use an undisclosed synthetic fragrance in the deodorants so I prefer to avoid that! Same with Native, but they do have an unscented option without fragrance. And yes if you’ve been using aluminum-free then your pits have started detoxing!