This $13 Natural Deodorant Smells Better Than Any Aluminum Stick I've Tried (2025)

SUMMER HEAT DOESN'T mess around, and neither should your deodorant. While soaps and body wash rinse away sweat and grime, deodorant keeps odor at bay throughout the day by masking funky smells and killing odor-causing bacteria. So, it’s a crucial part of the defense. If you have sensitive skin or prefer eco-conscious products, natural deodorant is your best bet.

Best Natural Deodorants

Traditional deodorants use ingredients that may irritate skin or disrupt your body’s natural sweat response, like parabens, phthalates, or, most notably, aluminum. While the FDA does list aluminum as a safe ingredient to be used in deodorants or antiperspirants, to be clear, those with sensitive skin can still find it irritating.

This is because the ingredient can cause inflammation leading to itchiness and rash, as well as worsening dry skin conditions like eczema, says dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD. Not to mention, aluminum can inhibit the body’s natural sweat response by actively plugging pores with heavy metals that stop sweat from being excreted, she says.

Still, there is also a lot of noise out there regarding aluminum contributing to Alzheimer’s disease or cancer, but none have been substantiated. Still, natural alternatives skip this risk and instead rely on plant-based ingredients like essential oils, probiotics, and starches to combat odor and moisture.

Quick reminder: Deodorants do not block sweat; they mask body odor. Only an antiperspirant will do this, but there are no natural antiperspirants, as aluminum is required to plug sweat glands. So, natural deodorants are used as an alternative to both. Plus, they tend to be better for the environment by often using biodegradable ingredients or eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste and plastic pollution.

With all of this in mind, it’s fair to wonder why natural deodorants aren’t the norm. Well, these products have a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to their ability to last as long as traditional aluminum-filled options. While this does hold true for many natural deodorants, there are options on this list that last just as long, and in the case of Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Natural Deodorant which lasts well over 24 hours, outperform most traditional deodorants.

What to Consider

Ingredients

Again, natural deodorants will never contain aluminum to block sweat. Instead, they use sweat-absorbing ingredients like arrowroot powder, clay, or tapioca starch to manage moisture without stopping sweat entirely. If you see aluminum listed, it’s not truly natural. Many natural formulas include baking soda to fight odor and absorb wetness, but it can also irritate sensitive skin, causing redness or itching. For those with sensitive skin, baking soda-free options are a safer choice. Natural deodorants also feature soothing moisturizers like coconut oil or other plant-based oils, plus fragrances from essential oils to keep you fresh.

Scent

Most natural deodorants mask odor with either synthetic fragrances, like limonene (found in orange peels) and linalool (from plants like lavender and basil), or natural essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or lemon. Neither is inherently better, just comes down to what scent you’re into. But keep in mind that while stronger scents may last longer, there is no guarantee for better odor protection.

Many natural deodorants include extra ingredients to fight odor after the scent fades, including bacterial absorbents like arrowroot, cornstarch, potassium alum, or zinc. If you have sensitive skin, heavy fragrances can still cause irritation, so opt for lighter or unscented formulas.

Cruelty-Free

If you’re going the natural deodorant route for environmental reasons, you’ll probably also want to look for cruelty-free options, which means that the product was not tested on animals. While many grooming products are tested on animals, natural deodorants often prioritize more ethical practices, choosing not to test on animals as part of their commitment to a clean, conscious lifestyle, says Dr. Chacon.

How We Selected

As a grooming editor who was raised on The Grateful Dead not far from Woodstock, I’m intimately familiar with natural, eco-friendly alternatives. For this story, I considered personal favorites and options with high ratings on major e-commerce sites like Amazon. Ultimately, I landed on over 20 natural deodorants to test throughout the past year.

I wore each for at least a week, judging scent, staying power, the way it felt on my skin, and how well they held up through workouts, stress, and overall sweat. From that hands-on testing, these are the eight best natural deodorants for men that actually perform.

Most 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.

Fighting 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.

Humble 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.