The Best Natural Deodorants in Canada
Some time ago I spent a few months working at a local clothing boutique that also carried eco-friendly, vegan and natural skincare products. A lavender-scented natural deodorant was placed among shampoo soap bars, hand lotions and honey-infused lipsticks. Frankly, the former one barely ever left a shelf. Customers who looked for sustainably produced clothes were suspicious about switching to a natural deodorant. “I tried it, and I was sweating all the time!” said one of them. Indeed, a natural deodorant won’t prevent sweat discharge. That is the first fact you want to keep in mind.
The sole purpose of a natural deodorant is to lower or replace the amount of chemicals typically used in antiperspirant roll-ons. A natural deodorant formula does not contain aluminum, the ingredient that is responsible for blocking up sweat glands. Besides, many brands go even further and substitute irritating chemicals with baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter and other naturally derived ingredients. While a natural deodorant won’t block sweat ducts, it promises to fight odour and absorb moisture to help you stay dry throughout the day, (but perhaps not during the toughest workouts).
In addition, it takes up to a few weeks for your armpits, your skin and even your mental state to get used to a natural deodorant. Surely, there might be some smell at the beginning, but eventually, you will notice less sweat and experience less stress about walking around with unpleasant trail behind you. A natural deodorant catches a bacteria that causes body odour. That is why before you disregard it, give a natural deodorant another chance and let your skin adjust.
Health Benefits of a Natural Deodorant
Of course, it is not only about a mindful approach to health that makes many people switch to a natural deodorant. The health benefits of such a transition are undeniable.
First, using a natural deodorant allows you to sweat. Sweating is a natural process that helps to release toxins from your body. That is why trying to prevent it with strong antiperspirants might cause those toxins to build up within your body.
Second, a natural deodorant is a safer solution for anyone with sensitive skin. Those deodorants often contain moisturizing ingredients and never include aluminum. Hence, if you are struggling with any skin irritation, give a try to a deodorant that is made of clean, gently moisturizing ingredients.
Third, and a logical wrap-up of two other benefits is a neutralization of smell. While you will keep sweating, (which as we found out is a healthy reaction of your body), the odour will be neutralized.
What to Look For
Although you will find the selection of the best natural deodorants in this article, keep in mind that it is a highly personal process to find the right product that will suit your skin and lifestyle. Someone with sensitive skin (look out for baking soda and alcohol) might need a completely different natural deodorant than a heavy sweater or an athlete.
Smell:
Since a natural deodorant focuses on neutralizing the smell of bacteria rather than blocking sweat glands, it is important to consider the fragrance of it. Just like with choosing a perfume give your preference either to floral, sweeter scents like vanilla or coconut, or earthly, fresh eucalyptus and neutral cotton. (You might want to match it with your most worn perfume, so two scents would not contradict each other.)
Other than that, natural deodorants come with either an essential oils-infused scent or a synthetically produced fragrance. If you have sensitive skin, the latter might also cause skin irritation.
Ingredients:
Most natural deodorant formulas are based on baking soda. This accessible and absorbing ingredient is alkaline that is not only an odour absorber but also has a higher pH level than skin. That is why, people with dry or sensitive skin might notice a rash when using deodorants with baking soda.
Some other brands decide to use activated charcoal which is not as irritating as baking soda, but still absorbs bacteria. Besides charcoal, look out for ingredients such as arrowroot and magnesium. Magnesium does not irritate the skin as much as baking soda, while arrowroot absorbs moisture.
Format:
Deodorants no longer come in the format of a stick only. If you are looking to experiment with natural deodorants, start with a stick. However, if it is a new format you wish to switch to, keep in mind that creams and gels have to be applied to your armpit by hand. While ingredients might repeat themselves in either format, it is personal preferences and convenience of application that differ.
Lastingness:
Natural deodorants do not promise 48-hour odour and sweat protection. It is probable you would have to reapply a natural deodorant throughout the day especially while your body is getting used to aluminum-free product (or when working out). While a natural deodorant won’t keep you dry, it still will help you smell better.
Why Trust Us
No matter if you are new to natural deodorants or looking for a longer-lasting option without any harmful ingredients, we have done the research for both kinds of skincare enthusiasts. Our selection of the best natural deodorants is based on research, analysis, and comparison.
We thoroughly examined customers’ reviews who had a chance to try every single deodorant included. Those are not only products with four stars rating, but also natural deodorants that stand the test of time, last during workouts and hiking and are suitable for different skin types.
Moreover, we compared what other buying guides and magazines (Allure, The Strategist, Vogue) had to say about the best natural deodorants.
Read more: The Best Cosmetics and Skincare Guides
Native Natural Deodorant for Women and Men
Native deodorants are available at most drug stores and come in various scents including coconut, cucumber, vanilla, lavender and others. The formula itself is based on coconut oil and shea butter. Although it contains baking soda, the Native deodorant does not feel dry on the skin.
Of course, besides being an aluminum-free deodorant, Native does not contain parabens, talc and phthalates. They only use natural or synthetically produced safe fragrances.
The award-winning, cruelty-free formula promises effective odour protection for both men and women.
As one of those users noted, she tried all sorts of natural deodorants in an attempt to find one that works, smelled nice and did not need to be reapplied every five minutes. There is no doubt that until certain point only aluminum-based deodorants have been best at stopping sweat and smell. But now we can have the best of both worlds because ‘Native’ smells amazing and can be applied in the morning and then forgotten about. “It works, and it works well,” she added.
Pros
- Available at drug stores.
- Budget-friendly.
- Aluminum and parabens free formula.
- Available in various scents.
Cons
- Contains baking soda, so if you have sensitive skin use it with caution.
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
With a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (shikimic, mandelic, and lactic), Kosas Chemistry AHA deodorant reduces odour and exfoliates your underarms. The latter function is especially important because it prevents ingrown hairs from developing.
Another feature we want to mention about Kosas deodorant is its ability to lower pH and reduce odour-causing bacteria. The application is also easy and comforting: a rollerball glides on the skin and provides a cooling effect.
Kosas deodorants come in three versions, Beachy Clean (tropical scents), Fragrance-Free (for sensitive skin) and Serene Clean (spa-inspired scents).
According to one user, (who initially was not confident about this deodorant), she is now on her fifth bottle. It really works, she said. The fact that there is little to no scent is wonderful. The Kosas deodorant does not overpower your perfumes or stain your clothes, she added.
Pros
- Comes in three versions including fragrance-free.
- Cooling roll-on deodorant.
- Exfoliates skin and reduces odour.
Cons
- As per some reviewers, you have to be very patient with sweat smell before your body adjusts to a new deodorant.
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant
Caudalie Vinofresh is one of the longest-lasting natural deodorants that promises 24-hour odour control. It contains grape water that moisturizes and rebalances the skin’s microbiome, and eucalyptus that provides odour-control and a fresh scent. (Many pregnant women noted that they switched to Caudalie Vinofresh simply because of a delicate, unobtrusive smell.) Moreover, the formula does not leave a sticky residue or stains on your clothes.
Caudalie Vinofresh is free of aluminum, baking soda and synthetic fragrances.
It is also one of the brands that is committed to making positive climate change and focusing on sustainable production, packaging and footprint.
Pros
- Baking soda and aluminum free formula.
- Sustainably produced.
- Contains grape water for moisturizing effect.
Cons
- Does not last longer than a couple of hours.
Glossier Deodorant
Baking soda free natural deodorant from Glossier is part of their body-care collection. You can select from four available scents: original Glossier You, Sandstone, Unscented and Orange Blossom. Every scent combines elderberry extract that fights odour and coconut oil that conditions skin.
As one satisfied user noted, she has been on the hunt for a deodorant that does not have a negative impact on hormones and endocrine system. She tried some other brands, but they all irritated her skin. Now she is happy to say that Glossier deodorant smells great, lasts all day and does not irritate her skin at all. The formula is aluminum-free and does not contain acids or any other ingredients that can cause irritation or agitate the skin’s pH level.
Pros
- Contains elderberry extract.
- Comes in various scents.
- Aluminum-free, vegan formula.
Cons
- Most popular scents are often out of stock.
Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant for Women
A satisfied user of Secret deodorant said that she did not expect this one to last long, “after all, it is a deodorant and not an antiperspirant.” But after her workday, or something like it (long but not too exhausting), the deodorant lasts about 10-12 hours in total. It is soft on the skin, but it might stain clothes if you do not put them on before applying it, she noted.
This Secret Aluminum-free, 2022 Best of Beauty-winning, deodorant comes in eight scents that mask odour even during the toughest workouts (vanilla, cotton, coconut, cherry, lavender and more).
Another reviewer noted that the price point is very reasonable compared to many other aluminum-free deodorants. However, she would not recommend Secret to anyone sensitive to smells: it has a very strong, lingering scent (which granted some people may be looking for).
Pros
- Available at drug stores.
- Comes in various scents.
- Budget-friendly.
- Award winning deodorant.
- Long-lasting effect.
Cons
- Might stain clothes if you get dressed after applying deodorant on.
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
A gentle Salt & Stone formula is infused with hyaluronic acid, seaweed extracts and soothing oils. Probiotics maintain a healthy skin microbiome and help to reduce odour. This deodorant is made without baking soda, which is ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Keep in mind that it promises 24-hour protection, but during hot days or intensive workouts, you might have to apply it more frequently. But as per some users of the Salt & Stone deodorant they used it during sports and did not stink afterwards. The eucalyptus scent does not fade at all.
Pros
- Infused with seaweed extract and probiotics.
- Long-lasting protection.
- Pleasant smell.
- Vegan.
Cons
- Does not last the whole day.
Aesop Herbal Deodorant Roll-On
A roll-on deodorant from Aesop is a choice number one among committed minimalists. Despite a stylish package, this milky roller contains wasabi extract, a blend of essential oils and zinc ricinoleate that protect, smooth skin and reduce unpleasant odour.
The fresh aroma that is herbaceous and fresh is suitable for both men and women.
“I’m a big guy that sweats,” said one user. Aesop deodorant keeps him smelling fresh.
Another one noted that for days where sweating is of no concern, this is an ample choice. Typically use this one in the morning and the spray for touch-ups throughout the day, he added.
Pros
- Stylish package.
- Unisex scent.
- Infused with wasabi extract and zinc ricinoleate.
Cons
- As per some reviewers the price is too high for a small package.
Hatch Mama Fresh Mama Natural Deodorant
Most women switch to cleaner products during pregnancy, deodorants including. Hatch Mama Fresh is a pregnancy-safe deodorant that is designed for sensitive skin and body that undergoes hormonal changes. Hatch Mama Fresh is a baking soda and aluminum free formula enriched with minerals that soothe skin and leave it fresh throughout the day.
The deodorant is scented with chamomille and Japanese citrus, a combination that creates a subtle scent that does not worsen morning sickness.
A young mom who just started breastfeeding did not want to use her traditional deodorant. She searched high and low and tried several types of natural deodorants, and Hatch Mama was by far the best. “It goes smoothly, has a lovely scent, and works well.”
Pros
- Gentle, unobtrusive smell.
- Clean, vegan formula.
- Ideal not only for pregnant women but also anyone with sensitive skin.
- BPA-free packaging.
Cons
- You might have to reapply it throughout the day.
Nécessaire The Deodorant
A cooling gel deodorant from Nécassaire uses AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) to restrain odour and smooth skin texture. AHA is used to balance pH level and prevent odour.
As one reviewer noted he found it to be very effective, working better over time. The scent was pretty light, he could smell it in the beginning, but it faded quickly, which for him was an advantage: the deodorant did not intervene with his perfume.
Moreover, Nécassaire deodorant is a fast-drying clean formula that does not stick on or stain your clothes. It is also aluminum and baking soda free which works best for people whose skin gets irritated easily.
Pros
- Fast-drying clean formula.
- Uses AHA to balance pH level.
- Light, quick fading smell.
Cons
- Not an ideal choice if you tend to sweat a lot.
Malin+Goetz Bergamot Deodorant
Malin+Goetz is a fairly young skincare and fragrance brand that focuses on combining technology and natural ingredients. All ingredients they use in their products, including natural deodorant, are cruelty-free and suitable for all skin types.
Malin+Goetz deodorant was created without using aluminum, baking soda or parabens. Moreover, you won’t find any synthetic fragrance and instead will notice a natural scent of bergamot that neutralizes odour. Another ingredient this deodorant contains is corn starch which absorbs moisture helping your skin to stay somewhat dry.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Baking soda and parabens free formula.
- Natural scent of bergamot.
Cons
- Fairly small package for the price.
Alo Supernatural Deodorant
You might be a fan of Alo fitness mats and activewear. Now, they also offer a line of skincare products, including natural deodorants. Alo Supernatural deodorant is a long-lasting, soothing formula enriched with vitamin C, probiotics to fight odour and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin. It is a baking soda free deodorant that easily glides in your armpit and leaves it moisturized. Among other ingredients are aloe vera, alma, avocado oil and lactobacillus ferment.
A reviewer who tends to sweat a lot noted that Alo deodorant works well and continues working throughout the day.
Another user who purchased Alo deodorant for an extended photography trip to Jordan noted on its performance beyond expectation. The light, clean scent was perfect and lasted throughout the 15-hour days of photography, hours of hiking and walking.
Pros
- Long-lasting protection.
- Infused with vitamin C and probiotics.
- Baking soda free formula.
Cons
- Not an ideal choice if you tend to sweat a lot.
Mario Badescu Deodorant
Mario Badescu deodorant is a long-lasting odour protection that offers natural clean scents and an aluminum and baking soda free formula. Still, keep in mind that it is not a regular antiperspirant which does not prevent sweating. However, Sweat Absorptive technology helps to reduce wetness instead of preventing perspiration.
A user of Mario Badescu noted that he has searched for an aluminum-free deodorant without harmful ingredients for years, and even tried making his own. They were never quite right. He has gone through four Mario Badescu deodorants now. “It smells amazing, feels fantastic and smooth going on, and lasts all day and when I work out, I just get whiffs of it instead of any sweat stink.”
This deodorant is enriched with cucumber, ginger root oil, moisturizing botanical blend and cleansing sage. While all those ingredients are combined to smooth and exfoliate the skin, avoid applying the deodorant on broken or irritated skin.
Pros
- Enriched with moisturizing botanical blend.
- Long-lasting protection.
- Smooths and exfoliates skin.
Cons
- Short-lived dryness.
Questions about natural deodorants
How to make natural deodorant?
Whether you want the cleanest product, control over ingredients you put on your skin or simply experiment with creating your own natural deodorant, it is almost as easy as heading to a store and buying one.
Prepare ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon of essential oil, and ½ cup of coconut oil. Melt coconut oil in a microwave and stir in essential oil. Add baking soda and cornstarch and mix until fully combined. Transfer the paste in a container. Apply with your hands every morning or when necessary. You could also use an empty deodorant tube for cleaner application.
How to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant?
A rash from natural deodorant might appear for several reasons. Just as well you could try several methods to heal it. You could start by applying cold compresses or calamine lotion. Bath in Epsom salt or oatmeal-infused soap. Basically, you want a lotion or solution applied on irritated skin that would provide a soothing effect.
What is a natural deodorant?
A natural deodorant abstains from using aluminum that blocks pores and instead contains coconut oil, arrowroot powder or cornstarch, baking soda or charcoal. While those ingredients do not stop you from sweating, they neutralize odour causing bacteria and absorb excess wetness.
Why does natural deodorant give me a rash?
One of the main reasons why you might notice a rush on your underarm after using natural deodorant is irritating ingredients. If something like redness, rash, itch or burn appear on your skin, it must be a reaction to an element that a natural deodorant contains. (Start by switching to a baking soda-free deodorant.)
Why should you switch to natural deodorant?
A natural deodorant offers several health benefits, but the main one is the absence of aluminum. Even though a natural deodorant is not an antiperspirant, it still combines ingredients that mask the unpleasant smell of sweat. While you are getting all effects of a regular deodorant, your sweat pores won’t get blocked by aluminum, and your skin won’t get affected by harmful chemicals.
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