10 best natural deodorants that actually work (2024)

10 best natural deodorants that actually work (1)

This article was updated in February to reflect the latest prices and stock levels.

Whether you're rushing around all day at work or just trying to survive the switch from indoor heat to whatever's going on outside, you need a deodorant you can rely on. No one wants to spend their day worrying they might smell.

But have you considered going au naturel? Traditional antiperspirant deodorants work by plugging your pores with aluminium to stop you sweating, whereas natural, aluminium-free deodorants let you sweat naturally while neutralising any body odour.

It's a personal choice but if you do want to make the switch, the Good Housekeeping Institute has found the best natural deodorants that really work. Some are targeted at women, but most are unisex, should men want to try them too.

    What is the difference between antiperspirant deodorant and natural deodorant?

    Traditional antiperspirant deodorants work by plugging your pores with aluminium to prevent sweating. The problem with this is that, over time, they can change your skin’s pH balance and make your armpits a haven for bacteria.

    It’s these bacteria that smell, not your sweat itself, and antiperspirant deodorants have been shown to encourage growth of the smelliest kind. This means that, should you go without your usual product for a few days, you are likely to experience smellier armpits than those who normally use a natural deodorant or none at all.

    Natural deodorants, on the other hand, allow the body to release sweat, which helps to control your body temperature and remove toxins. The good bacteria that feed off sweat can help boost your immune system, too. Unfortunately, these friendly bacteria can also smell, which is why natural deodorants contain naturally antibacterial ingredients that work to mask or neutralise any odour.

    Most natural deodorants also contain absorbent powders to reduce wetness, but heavy sweaters may not find this effective enough. If you struggle with sensitive skin, look for a gentle, fragrance-free option that won’t cause irritation.

    Is natural deodorant better for you?

    Despite the health myths that abound, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that the aluminium in antiperspirant deodorants increases your risk of disease.

    However, as noted above, natural deodorant allows the growth of immune-boosting bacteria, meaning it could be considered healthier. Most natural deodorants are free from alcohol, parabens, phthalates and other drying, synthetic ingredients that you may wish to avoid.

    What happens to your body when you switch to natural deodorant?

    When you start using natural deodorant after a long period of antiperspirant dependency, you will need to give your body time to adjust. It will soon begin detoxing your armpits of aluminium and all the waste it has blocked, which may initially make them smellier.

    Once this cleansing process is complete, usually within a month, you should find your natural product is just as effective at reducing odour as antiperspirant.

    Why is natural deodorant so expensive?

    Natural deodorants are markedly more expensive than mainstream antiperspirants – more than five times the cost in some cases! This is largely due to the higher quality ingredients they use, with packaging and branding also playing a part.

    How we test

    The GHI asked 200 testers to help us test natural deodorants and judge how effective they were at masking odours.

    Over a period of two weeks, they assessed each one on its ease of use, design, ability to neutralise odours and ability to combat sweat. See how they scored below.

    1

    Joint best natural deodorant

    GoBo Deodorant

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (13)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (14)

    Score: 91/100

    Our joint winner claims to protect against smelly armpits while detoxing your pores from any prior product build-up. We found it quick and mess-free to apply, thanks to a rollerball that glided easily across our skin, immediately masking odour and leaving us feeling fresher. It took a while to dry, but didn’t leave any greasy or sticky residue.

    Most testers said it kept sweat at bay throughout the day, without the need for a top-up, but they were dubious as to how effective it would be during exercise or in hotter weather. The glass bottle is heavy and breakable, too, making it an impractical choice for travel.

    We tried the unscented version, but if you’d prefer a fragrance, there are three natural floral water scents to choose from, including rose, jasmine and orange blossom.

    Key specifications

    Size50ml
    FormatRoll-on
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeYes
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

    2

    Joint best natural deodorant

    Dr. Hauschka Sage Mint Deodorant

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (15)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (16)

    Score: 91/100

    In equal first place is this sage and mint-scented roll-on, which promises to keep your underarms dry and odour-free all day. The rollerball enabled us to apply just the right amount of product to our skin and we enjoyed its instantly cooling and hydrating feel.

    It dried rapidly and cleanly, with the entire panel praising how straightforward it was to use. They confirmed that its deodorising effects were long-lasting, with nobody requiring a top-up, but one tester felt that their usual product was more effective. Its herbal scent proved a little divisive, too, with some testers describing it as fresh and pleasant and others finding it too strong.

    Key specifications

    Size50ml
    FormatRoll-on
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeNo
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

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    3

    Runner-up natural deodorant

    Proverb Natural Refillable Deodorant Starter Set

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (17)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (18)

    Score: 90/100

    Fragranced and offering long-lasting protection, this refillable natural deodorant scored highly for its aesthetically pleasing packaging, and how easy it was to use. Some of the panel did say the fragrance wasn't for them, but others found it pleasing, so it’s down to personal preference.

    Testers noted that it only needed to be applied once a day and it kept them feeling "dry and clean". You get a generous amount of product, so expect it to last a long time. Another big tick is that it doesn't leave a residue once it's sunk into the skin.

    Key specifications

    Size250g
    FormatStick
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeYes
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

    4

    Best fast-drying natural deodorant

    Green People Aloe Vera & Prebiotics Deodorant

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (19)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (20)

    Score: 89/100

    If natural isn’t enough for you, this deodorant is 90% organic too. It’s another roll-on, made with antibacterial aloe vera to soothe sensitive skin and prebiotics to encourage healthy bacterial growth. Our panel unanimously agreed it was fast-drying, non-sticky and fresh-feeling to use, noting that it didn’t stain or discolour their clothing.

    It felt natural on the skin, with all-day effects, but one tester said it struggled to fight odour and some disliked its chamomile and sandalwood scent. Nearly everybody agreed that it was well packaged for portability and storage.

    Key specifications

    Size75ml
    FormatRoll-on
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeYes
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

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    5

    Best natural deodorant for sensitive skin

    Dr Organic Aloe Vera Deodorant

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (21)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (22)

    Score: 86/100

    If your skin is extra sensitive, this gentle roll-on is worth a try. Formulated with organic aloe vera, sunflower oil, vitamin E and Icelandic moss, it claims to be delicate yet effective. Our testers found it to be exactly that, enjoying how evenly it went on, although they weren't keen on its wet consistency, which took longer than average to dry.

    It wasn’t at all sticky or greasy, didn’t leave any white marks and testers liked its subtle citrus scent. Its efficacy earned mixed reviews, however, with just over half the panel reporting that it protected against odour and three quarters saying it kept their armpits sweat-free. On the plus side, it’s reasonably priced for a natural deodorant.

    Key specifications

    Size50ml
    FormatRoll-on
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeYes
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

    6

    Best scent

    AKT, The Deodorant Balm

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (23)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (24)

    Score: 84/100

    This balm style deodorant claims it can be used anywhere on the body, wherever you feel you need protection, including the feet and chest, as well as the underarms. The packaging is like an old-fashioned toothpaste tube and is best used with the metal key-like gadget provided, which helps dispense the product. Simply squeeze and roll the key to get a pea-sized amount.

    With a fresh eucalyptus and minty aroma, this was the panel’s favourite scent on test, helping to keep odour away longer than ordinary deodorant. Testers found it absorbed quickly and said it worked well. But some noted that the tube was difficult to dispense from, especially when it was colder, as the product could come out too thickly.

    Key specifications

    Size50ml
    FormatBalm
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeNo
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

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    7

    Best spray natural deodorant

    The Organic Pharmacy Deodorant Spray

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (25)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (26)

    Score: 83/100

    There’s no denying that this deodorant is another expensive pick at just shy of £20. If you’ve got the cash to look past that, though, it’s a sensitive skin-friendly spray packed with odour-neutralising essential oils including lavender, rosemary and tea tree. Our testers gave an instant thumbs up to the compact bottle, though they found the spray a little stiff to use.

    The formula dried quickly once applied, leaving no greasiness, stickiness or white marks. It masked odour effectively, with most of the panel agreeing there was no need to top up during the day. It fared well at tackling sweat, too, leaving nearly three quarters of testers feeling fresher. Their only other niggle was the scent, which some weren't keen on.

    Key specifications

    Size50ml
    FormatSpray
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeNo
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

    8

    Best budget natural deodorant

    Mitchum Mitchum Women 24HR Natural Vegan Deodorant Stick

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (27)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (28)

    Score: 82/100

    Known for products that reliably keep you dry, Mitchum has moved over into the natural deodorant sphere, while still living up to its reputation for providing great protection.

    Testers loved how this one didn't leave any marks on clothes, and that it dried quickly. It worked effectively – even during exercise, testers found themselves free from unwanted odours – and had a pleasant texture. The panel also said it kept them feeling fresh all day and night and was a "delight to use".

    Key specifications

    Size40g
    FormatStick
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeNo
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

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    9

    Best hydrating natural deodorant

    L'Occitane Verbena Deodorant Balm

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (29)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (30)

    Score: 77/100

    Another balm style product that's applied with your fingers, L'Occitane's deodorant is so moisturising that some of our testers even found it helped nourish their skin.

    The panel said it offered effective protection, sunk into the skin nicely and lasted well into the day, too. Another plus for this one was that it didn't leave white marks, although some would have preferred a spatula tool to help apply it mess-free.

    Key specifications

    Size50g
    FormatBalm
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeNo
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

    10

    Best natural deodorant for packaging

    Weleda Women Pomegranate 24hr Roll On Deodorant

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (31)

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (32)

    Score: 75/100

    Our testers all agreed that this roll-on was a breeze to apply, albeit wetter than most, meaning it took a while to dry. They loved its convenient neat packaging, but some found the fruity scent of orange and pomegranate essential oils too overpowering.

    Most of the panel said they felt fresher after using it, but a couple of testers reported some residual stickiness. It garnered mixed reviews for its performance, but a slim majority said it helped mask odour and keep them dry all day. Pop it into your bag in case you need a top-up.

    Key specifications

    Size50ml
    FormatRoll-on
    Suitable for sensitive skinYes
    Fragrance freeNo
    VeganYes
    Cruelty freeYes

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (33)

    Florence Reeves-White

    Senior Beauty Writer

    Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.

    With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

    When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (34)

    Tested byDenny Daily

    Beauty and Grooming Tester

    Denny is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.

    10 best natural deodorants that actually work (2024)
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