Most natural deodorants suck.
There. We said it.
· Plastic tubes that take 500 years to decompose? Nope.
· Rainforest-destroying ingredients like palm oil? No thanks.
· Leaves you smelling like day 3 at Bonnaroo? Gross.
When we started using natural deodorants years ago, it was a painful transition. We quickly learned not all deodorants are created equal, and we wasted a ton of money on products that, frankly, were awful. They either smelled like rotten eggs in a synthetic pine forest, or irritated our pits like crazy.
So, when we launched Community Goods last year, we were REALLY excited to create the deodorant of our dreams. Weird thing to dream about? Haha, yeah I suppose. But we learned a LOT along the way, and wanted to share some of those lessons to help you choose the right natural deodorant for you.
First Off, What Is Natural Deodorant?
Natural deodorants are made from plant-based and naturally derived ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals. Unlike conventional antiperspirants, which block sweat glands to prevent perspiration, natural deodorants work by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria while allowing your body to sweat naturally.
Good ingredients in natural deodorants serve a variety of purposes:
- Baking soda/Cornstarch/Tapioca Starch – absorb moisture and neutralize odors
- Essential Oils/Natural Fragrances – provide pleasant scents and often have antibacterial properties
- Coconut Oil/Capric Triglyceride – Moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the skin
- Vitamin E/Tocopheryl Acetate – Antioxidants that moisturize and protect skin
- Magnesium Hydroxide/Milk of Magnesia – pH-balancing antibacterial that’s a natural alternative to aluminum
- Saccharomyces Ferment/Lactobacillus – Probiotics that further neutralize odor-causing bacteria
5 Things to Look for in the Best Natural Deodorants
1. Free from Harmful Chemicals
Many conventional deodorants contain ingredients such as aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, which have been linked to potential health risks, including hormone disruption and skin irritation. You’ll also find scary sounding stuff like diethanolamine (DEA), a potential carcinogen – fun! The best natural deodorants eliminate these concerns by using safe, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on your body. Synthetic fragrances can also be a concern as they can contain phthalates and parabens. That’s why we don’t use any of these harmful chemicals in our deodorants, and we only use fragrance oils that are free from phthalates and parabens.
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2. Allows Natural Perspiration
Unlike antiperspirants that block sweat glands, natural deodorants support the body’s natural process of sweating. Perspiration helps regulate body temperature and remove toxins, making it an essential bodily function. As they say, “Sweat now. Shine later.” By choosing a natural alternative, you can manage body odor effectively without interfering with your body’s natural functions.
3. Gentle on Sensitive Skin (pH Balanced)
Natural deodorants should have a gentle formulation with a pH close to the natural pH of your skin (typically around 5-6). If the pH is much higher (more alkaline) or lower (more acidic) it can cause irritation. If acidic or alkaline ingredients are used (like Baking Soda, with a pH around 8), be sure it’s used in a low amount and balanced by other ingredients, like Tapioca Starch, to keep the overall formulation at a non-irritating neutral pH. For example, our deodorants use baking soda in a small amount, to help control odor and excess moisture. But we pair it with tapioca starch, coconut oil and Vitamin E to keep the overall formulation gentle and balanced.
Now on Amazon: Save 20% Today4. Environmentally Friendly
Seems like such a waste to craft an incredibly balanced and effective formulation, then fill it in a plastic container that can’t be recycled and will pollute our oceans for hundreds of years. To us, that sounds so gross. The best natural deodorants should come in the best sustainable packaging, like the biodegradable paperboard tubes which we use. Additionally, they should avoid problematic ingredients, like palm oil (a primary driver of rainforest deforestation), to further minimize environmental impact. Palm oil can be hard to avoid, as its derivatives have many names, but in deodorant it’s often called Elaeis Guineensis, Stearyl Alcohol or Ethylhexyl Palmitate. The best natural deodorants will not use these ingredients.
5. Cruelty-Free and Vegan
The best natural deodorants are certified cruelty-free and vegan, ensuring that no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used. If you agree, look for certifications from PETA or Leaping Bunny. And try to avoid common animal-derived ingredients like lanolin, animal glycerine and beeswax. After all, the products you choose should align with your ethics.
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Making the Switch to Natural Deodorant
Keep in mind, transitioning to a natural deodorant may involve an adjustment period as your body detoxifies from conventional antiperspirants. You might notice increased sweating or a temporary change in odor as your skin adjusts. However, after a couple of weeks, most people find that their body adapts and they experience long-lasting freshness without harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Opting for natural deodorant is a simple yet powerful way to take control of your personal care routine while making healthier, eco-conscious choices. By choosing a product that prioritizes safe ingredients, skin health, and sustainability, you contribute to both your well-being and the planet’s future.
Now all that’s left is to pick your favorite scent – and that’s the fun part!