Best Natural Deodorants
Natural deodorants that effectively stop odor without clogging up your body’s elimination system.
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It’s healthy to sweat—perspiring is your body’s way of regulating temperature, flushing out toxins, and balancing salt levels. But we could all do without the smell.
Conventional antiperspirants work by plugging sweat ducts with compounds such as aluminum chlorhydrate or aluminum zirconium. The problem is that the toxins that would normally come out of these sweat ducts back up in your body. Plugging up your sweat ducts is like plugging up your car’s exhaust system. In addition, these ingredients can cause skin irritation, itching, and redness.
Natural deodorants, on the other hand, use mineral salts and/or baking soda to neutralizethe odor of sweat, and organic cornstarch to effectively absorb moisture. They are fortified with antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil and other essential oils, and natural odor-fighting and fragrant herbal extracts, such as sage, lichen, lemongrass, and coriander. They may include aloe gel and chamomile extract to soothe sensitive underarm skin.
Keep in mind that natural deodorants don’t promise to keep you dry, only odor-free. They may also actually aid the body’s elimination process. “When switching to natural deodorants your body may go through a detoxification phase after years of chemically derived deodorants holding back the bacteria in your armpits,” says herbalist Maile Melcher, who handcrafts plant-based Prana Potions Deodorant Crème. “Unless there is irritation, stick with a natural deodorant for two to three weeks to allow your body to adjust.”
Did You Know?
According to herbalist Maile Melcher, many natural deodorants contain ingredients that help calm swollen lymph nodes and support the lymphatic system.
1 . Avoid nasty chemicals and be odor-free
With Alaffia Coconut Reishi Charcoal Deodorant. Soothing coconut, nourishing reishi, odor-neutralizing charcoal, purifying neem, and protective shea butter won’t clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin. The solid stick is non-staining and comes in Bergamot, Coconut, Lavender, and Vetiver scents.
2. Smell fresh all day
With Crystal Invisible Solid Deodorant Stick. This new stick glides on smooth and moisturizes the delicate underarm skin. Essential oils and odor-absorbing baking soda give 24-hour odor protection without stickiness, staining, or flaking. Available in Unscented, Vanilla Jasmine, Lavender & White Tea, and Chamomile & Green Tea.
3. Switch to organic pit protection
With Dr. Mercola Organic Deodorant. This herbal, vegan, non-toxic stick is made with baking soda, organic arrowroot powder, cold pressed 100% organic virgin coconut oil, and organic carnauba wax. Pick from Unscented, Lavender, and Fresh varieties; the Lavender and Fresh scents also contain essential oils.
4. Oily, problem, and sensitive skin
Can rely on Nubian Heritage African Black Soap 24 Hour Deodorant to stay fresh. Detoxifying African black soap made with palm ash, tamarind extract, and plantain peel, as well as shea butter, soothes sensitive skin. Cornstarch and silica absorb sweat.
5. Get hard-working odor protection
With Schmidt’s Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant. Magnesium, baking soda, and arrowroot powder help neutralize odor and soak up wetness. Easily absorbed, the stick glides on without a greasy or sticky feel.
