What’s your favorite natural deodorant? Via Shutterstock
I’ve been in search of the best natural deodorant and took it upon myself to test out a few sticks, sprays, and roll-ons. Some of them flat-out didn’t work. I’m sharing my findings with you because buying deodorants that don’t work stinks — literally! Plus, it’s a waste of money.
Unlike antiperspirants, the deodorants I tried don’t contain parabens, PEGs, and synthetic ingredients so you will have some wetness (your body was built to sweat, after all), but you shouldn’t smell.
Below I compare natural deodorant prices, and their staying power. Plus, I also share a homemade DIY Deodorant Recipe.
I tried out five brands that can be bought at your local health food store. The sixth deodorant is a DIY recipe.
The most expensive natural deodorant was Dr. Hauschka. It lasted longer than the other deodorants and fought BO for a good 12 hours. The product lasted me about two and a half months, but I don’t see myself forking over $23 for a new deodorant regularly.
The second most expensive deodorant was Weleda. It worked just as well as Dr. Hauschka. The third most expensive deodorant was Tom’s of Maine, which did not work for me. I do like the Tom’s of Maine toothpastes so this was disappointing — especially because I was left with burnt armpits for two weeks.
The Tom’s of Maine deodorants were reformulated and my skin reacted to an ingredient. Their old formulation worked well for me. Needless to say, I won’t be repurchasing this product.
The last two deodorants I used were Kiss My Face and Jason. Kiss My Face was a roll-on and lasted longer than Jason. The Jason stick was only slightly better than Tom’s of Maine because I didn’t give me a rash, but my sister kept telling me I smelled like onions. I don’t even like onions!
Then I discovered a DIY deodorant recipe and gave it a try. For a fraction of the cost, you can mix ingredients you probably already have at home to keep you from smelling.
DIY Natural Deodorant Recipe
5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch
Those with sensitive skin must watch out for any burning sensation. If you feel any discomfort, stop using the deodorant or you’ll end up with burnt pits. I tend to add a little less baking soda (1/8 cup) because I believe this ingredient is what made me react to the Tom’s of Maine deodorant.
I refuse to pay more than $5 for a deodorant so I’m going to stick to this recipe and alternate with the expensive Dr. Hauschka and Weleda.
As with all natural deodorants, your body will react differently to them because of your natural smell. What may have worked for me, may not necessarily work for you. My suggestion: Look for coupons, sales, and discounts to find a natural deodorant that works for you.
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price.
Thanks for posting this. My husband and I have also been on a search for an aluminum- free deodarent. We tried Toms of Maine and found it not to work. Judging by your list, none of them work very well. I’ve been finding that anything “natural” just doesn’t do the trick like the unnatural ones. Bummer.
@Robin Dr. Hauschka is pretty good, but it’s so expensive. I can’t see myself buying it often.
@Robin I have not tried many natural deodorants, but I’m currently using the Trader Joe’s clear stick deodorant and can report that it only works okay. I put it on in the morning, and I’m usually a bit smelly by the end of the day. Maybe it’s just me, or the work I’m doing chasing my kids around, but I think another store bought brand is probably stronger.
LOL, yup, they just don’t keep us from getting smelly, do they? It’s not just you BB. I’m just sitting at a desk and I’m thin and I get smelly. Will try making the concoction listed here with coconut oil.
@Robin Let me know if it works! I’d love to make my own deodorant IF IT WORKS!!! What a great bargain to brag about…yeah, I make my own deodorant. Smell! 🙂
because coconut oil is anti-viral, bacterial, fungal (and parasitic), it works alone, just needs to be rubbed in well. Apple cider vinegar is another, though my favorite is plain ol’ lime juice.
I haven’t worn deodorant/antiperspirant for over a decade. It is only when I overdo it on onion, garlic, certain seafood, or once in a blue moon turkey day that I need an added boost of protection. Though, the cleaner my insides have gotten, the fresher the scents emanating from it have as well.
@Carmen I’d heard about the lime juice, before, but have never given it a try. It’s so cheap! I must try it. I agree that the cleaner you are inside the less smelly you’ll be.
@Carmen Any particular type of coconut oil you use? How much do you slather on your armpits – maybe a teaspoon on each side?
I use organic raw Artisana. They sell a tiny packet (to,try) for less than $2 at Whole Foods next to peanut and almond butter ones. Simply put in small glass jar and barely dab a tiny bit on… literally, a speck/dab goes a long way. I also use it to moisturizer face (in between eating it).
Noticed a comment on the salt rock, and realized I forgot to mention that I’ve also used a Himalayan salt one – works great, even for men!
@Carmen Am I misunderstanding something? Whole Foods sells peanut and almond butter deodorants? That can’t be right. I’m also confused because you say you use the raw Artisana deodorant and you eat it and use it for a facial?
YIKES! I’m not making myself clear. Artisana is a brand of raw coconut oil. Whole Foods (and similar stores) sell what I refer to as a sample/one-serving pack, along with one-serving sizes of peanut and almond butter. I buy the large jar of coconut oil and put some into a tiny jar for after shower. This small jar I use for deodorant and moisturizer. I mention small packets for you to try before buying large jar.
It is delicious, not to mention good for us and our brain, this is why I nibble at it.
I have the same situation. I have tried every deodorant on the market and I would still smell, so I looked up natural deodorant and it worked better than I could imagine. It’s almost the same ingredients you have posted but instead of cornstarch I use arrowroot. I did also use less baking soda because my first batch did irritate me a little so I put more arrow root than baking soda. It is really a life changer for me.
@Liz I’ll have to give the arrowroot a try. I’m sensitive to baking soda so I hope arrowroot is more gentle on my skin.
I’m happy with a brand called Thai crystal deodorant stone which is made with mineral salts. I first bought another brand at the drug store but found out it had aluminum chlorhydrate in it. The Thai brand has no aluminum, no scent, and cheap. I got it from Swansons — http://www.swansonvitamins.com/thai-deodorant-stone-thai-crystal-deodorant-stone-4-25-oz-stick
@steve K Thanks for the tip and link! I’m going to check it out.
I think Lavilin is a very worthy addition to this list. It’s highly regarded in the industry and everyone loves it. Excellent for sensitive skin and very, very effective at killing body odor.