Buzzapp Master 
Best Overall Natural Deodorant
Salt and Stone Santal and Vetiver Natural Deodorant
ProsGreat, cologne quality scent Long lasting, up to 24 hoursSensitive skin friendly formulaSmooth applicationConsOne of the few options on this list over$20Salt and Stone incorporates hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract in its natural deodorant to eliminate bad odor, prevent underarm darkening, and deliver intense hydration, which is crucial for preventing funky smells, maintaining health skin, and ensuring proper sweat gland functioning. Not to mention, these ingredients will keep you smelling fresh from morning to night. While most deodorants (natural and otherwise) have alcohol, which can cause blocked pores, irritation, and dryness, this vegan option leaves it out of the formula. But what really separates Salt and Stone from other brands is its killer natural fragrances.
The santal and vetiver scent smells so good, I’ve often worn it in lieu of cologne. This fresh, subtle sandalwood smell lasts too—all day. The lightweight formula glides on smoothly and soothes my skin. It’s the only natural deodorant I’ve tried that straight up outperforms many of my go-to standard sticks. It never stains, never aggravates my skin, and rarely needs to be reapplied (only after working out or something especially sweaty). Whether you’re looking for a natural deodorant that smells great or one that’ll keep you protected from odor, Salt and Stone is the best option.
Read More: Best Deodorants for Men
Key IngredientsAntioxidants, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, spirulinaScentSantal and VetiverCruelty-Free?YesSize2.6 ozBest Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Schmidt’s Sandalwood and Citrus Natural Deodorant
ProsSensitive skin friendlyy Long lasting (up to 24 hours) Baking soda free ConsA bit crumbly if you apply too fastSchmidt’s is a natural deodorant that skips the common bacteria-absorbing and odor-neutralizing baking soda, but still delivers. Packed with skin-friendly ingredients like magnesium and charcoal, it glides on smoothly, dries to a matte finish, and works for virtually all skin types, including sensitive. I have sensitive pits and faced zero irritation when using this stuff.
The crisp citrus and spearmint scent feels fresh without being overpowering. With just a couple of swipes, you get all-day odor control. I’ll put this on after a pre-work shower and still smell it the next morning when I wake up. Pro tip: Warm the stick briefly against your skin before applying for a smoother glide. While it won’t block sweat, arrowroot and magnesium help absorb moisture and fight funk.
Key IngredientsMagnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, arrowroot, charcoalScentSandalwood and CitrusCruelty-Free?YesSize2.65 ozAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Long-Lasting Natural Deodorant
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Natural Deodorant
ProsLasts well over a dayOne stick lasts monthsCan withstand heavy sweat sessions and heatUrsa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Natural Deodorant is one of the most reliable natural options out there. It goes on smooth, never stains, and keeps me smelling fresh with its crisp peppermint eucalyptus scent. The formula does use baking soda, so those with sensitive skin may want to look elsewhere. However, it also includes kaolin clay, which absorbs sweat, and hops—just like your favorite beer—to fight odor by neutralizing the growth of odor-causing bacteria (but not sweat, to be clear).
When I use this stick, my skin stays calm and clear. I’ve found that it can ward off odor in the midst of the sweatiest, stickiest summer outings, like a long run or day at the beach. Plus, I’ve had a Hoppin’ Fresh stick last over three months. This thing’s a legit money saver.
IngredientsTapioca starch, silica, baking soda, kaolin claySize2.6 ozScentFresh, MintyCruelty-Free?YesBest Fragrance-Free Natural Deodorant
Hume Supernatural Fragrance Free Deodorant (2-Pack)
ProsFragrance freeDoes not contain baking sodaSmooth roller designConsNot ideal for heavy sweatingMost natural deodorants, understandably, use a lot of fragrance to help mask odor. Somehow, this fragrance-free version neutralizes stink without the aid of added scent. It could be the probiotics in the formula that help to maintain good (non-stinky) bacteria. Or it could be voodoo, who knows? This Hume helped keep B.O. at bay during even the hottest days outside. While it doesn’t stop sweat like an antiperspirant, of course, the fragrance-free formula does keep you smelling fresh and clean, somehow. It’s just more like that fresh out of the shower clean, rather than cologned up clean.
Key IngredientsSilica, kaolin clay, tapioca starch, prebiotics, probioticsScentUnscentedCruelty-Free?YesSize2 ozAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Natural Deodorant for Beginners
Native Vanilla and Sandalwood Deodorant (2-Pack)
ProsEasy to apply Subtle scentMost traditional feeling stick on this list ConsContains baking soda, which can irritate sensitive skinSome natural deodorants ask you to change your routine—they don’t apply as easily as the traditional ones you’re used to. Native, however, goes on smoothly and doesn’t need to be warmed up or applied with your fingers. This clean vanilla and sandalwood scent is fresh without smelling fake. The warm, woodsy fragrance is clean and masculine without being overpowering. It goes on cleanly, without any residue, thanks to the twist-up stick. Often with natural deodorants, they have a looser texture, but this is the closest to the feel of a traditional stick.
So, if you’re going natural for the first time, it’s the perfect place to start. The included arrowroot and tea tree oil will leave you feeling fresh, and I’ve had one stick last about two months with daily use. This is another one with baking soda, however, so those sensitive might see a reaction (though I didn’t!).
Key IngredientsTea tree oil, arrowroot, baking sodaScentVanilla and SandalwoodCruelty-Free?YesSize2.65 ozBest Stain-Free Natural Deodorant
Malin and Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant
ProsFresh, long-lasting scentContains naturally derived fragranceFree of aluminum, baking soda and residueConsThe most expensive option on this list at $24Fighting tough stains can be, well, tough. Enter Malin and Goetz’s natural deodorant. With a unique combination of citronellyl and eucalyptus extract, this transparent formula won’t leave any traces of residue on your favorite garments. It’s not the strongest deodorant, to be clear, as it will start to fade around the 12 hour mark. But the cooling scent lasts longer than others that need to be reapplied often. Plus, the lightweight application goes on clear and seemingly evaporates in seconds. I’ve worn black t-shirts at the same time as wearing this deodorant without a trace.
IngredientsPropylene glycol, sodium stearate, sodium hydroxideSize2.6 ozScentEucalyptusCruelty-Free?YesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Best Plastic-Free Natural Deodorant
Humble Brands Patchouli and Copal Plastic-Free Deodorant
ProsMade with just four natural ingredientsFree of any parabens, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.100 percent biodegrable and plastic freeConsEssential oil scent may be overpowering for someHumble Brands Plastic-Free deodorant is made with just four clean ingredients plus essential oils, and it skips all the junk: no aluminum, parabens, dyes, or synthetic fragrances. The Patchouli and Copal scent is earthy and calming, though it may be a bit too strong for those who don’t love an essential oil scent. What really sold me, however, is the packaging—completely plastic-free, biodegradable, and even the ink is plant-based. Sure, it keeps me dry and odor-free all day, but I also feel good knowing it’s as gentle on my skin as it is on the planet. It’s no wonder Jason Momoa chose Humble to help launch his first deodorant.
Key IngredientsStarch, beeswax, baking soda, and MCT oilScentPatchouli and copalCruelty-Free?YesSize2.65 ozBest Smelling Natural Deodorant
Dr. Squatch Pine Tar Natural Deodorant
ProsIncredible woodsy scentLong lasting scent (up to 48 hours)Smooth application ConsMay not be 100% natural, only confirmed to be 98%No brand nails masculine, earthy scents quite like Dr. Squatch, and its natural deodorant is no different. The pine tar scented option, especially, nails the peaceful fragrance of woods at dawn. In fact, it’s the closest I’ve gotten to the indescribable smell of waking up after a night camping in the Sequoia National Forest.
That being said, the deodorant isn’t confirmed to be entirely 100 percent natural. While every ingredient listed could be naturally derived, the brand only confirms 98 percent natural. Still, I never had a reaction with my sensitive skin, and there certainly isn’t any aluminum in the formula. While the application is clean and lightweight, Dr. Squatch also packs one of the longest-lasting scents on this list (up to 48 hours, in my experience).
Key IngredientsArrowroot, charcoalScentPine tarCruelty-Free?YesSize2.65 ozAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below
Are Natural Deodorants Better for You?The most common argument that natural deodorants are better for you is centered around aluminum. Some claim that aluminum is linked with Alzheimer’s disease, but older studies have been discredited, and there has been no discernible link found between aluminum and Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
It’s also been suggested that aluminum can increase your risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer in women. Dr. Chacon says that more research to determine a concrete link between either is needed, but early studies showing greater aluminum buildup in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers is concerning.
There is also usually conversation around preservative parabens, which some claim are linked to cancer as well, and other chemical ingredients that natural deodorants omit from their formulas. While, again, no studies have proven that these ingredients are directly linked to illnesses like cancer, many people like to err on the side of caution.
Apart from all this, traditional deodorants often contain ingredients that can irritate skin, like certain kinds of alcohol or artificial fragrances. Most natural deodorants seek to solve this problem by using naturally derived ingredients that may be more gentle on the skin. The bottom line is that there is no evidence that natural deodorants are better for you than traditional deodorants or antiperspirants; some simply prefer them for their lifestyle and skin.
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Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
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