Running Shoes & Gear
We tested deodorants with plant-based ingredients and natural scents that can keep you feeling fresh for hours.
AHAs for pH balance. Why Trust Us?
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back deodorant might be enough to make you perspire. I get it—but maybe it’s time to let your armpits do their thing so you can free your underarm pores from clogs and irritation.
If you’re ready to make the change, it’s important to know that antiperspirants and natural deodorants don’t serve the same purpose. Antiperspirants contain aluminum, which is the active ingredient that inhibits a normal bodily function: sweating. Natural deodorants don’t contain aluminum, relying on ingredients like baking soda to minimize odor and prevent bacteria growth.
Whether you’re training for your first half marathon or heading to the home gym for a Running Shoes - Gear, you know that once you break into a sweat, things can get a little funky. Natural deodorants don’t stop you from sweating entirely, but they can have you smelling fresh for hours and feeling even better—it’s all about letting your body adjust and finding the right formula for you.
We tried some of the most popular natural deos on the market today to find the best picks for smelling good while letting your body sweat as much as it needs to, even on those long runs. Here are the best natural deodorants, along with advice on how to choose the best one for your skin.
The Best Natural Deodorants
What to Consider
If you’re switching from regular antiperspirant to natural deodorant, you will likely experience what is commonly referred to as an armpit detox. Your body needs time to adjust to sweating more regularly again, so you might smell a little ripe for two to four weeks. As you prepare for more bodily moisture, here are a few things to look out for in a natural deodorant so you can make the transition a smooth one.
Ingredients
Since natural deodorants don’t have aluminum in them, you’ll want to find other natural ingredients that help neutralize armpit odor and manage sweat. Saccharomyces ferment, which comes from enzymes, is a good alternative to aluminum. It’s safe, nontoxic, and naturally occurring, and it works by breaking down sweat molecules to prevent smells and moisture.
Other ingredients like sodium bicarbonate, a.k.a. baking soda, and arrowroot also help to combat moisture. If you’re concerned about your sensitive skin, look for inclusions like coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter to help soothe your underarms. If deodorant typically irritates your skin, avoid natural deodorants with synthetic fragrances and high water and alcohol content, both of which take away from the odor-fighting ingredients.
Form Factor and Application
Roll-on, stick, cream, gel—the form factors of deodorants seem endless. A traditional solid stick deodorant might be convenient for a quick refresh after the gym. Gel deodorants are a wetter consistency and they dry clear, but the application method may not be the most ideal if you’re on the go and need something that settles onto your skin quickly.
Don’t fixate on the form of antiperspirant that’s worked for you in the past—as your body adjusts to natural deodorant, you may find that a different texture and application works better.
How We Selected
We tested several natural deodorants with a range of scents and formulations to see how they feel and smell, as well as their efficacy as deodorants. We turned to Best Products beauty editor Nicole Saunders for her recommendations and favorites, and read a plethora of reviews from customers. We considered natural deodorants with a range of ingredients, and also kept in mind how well they block odor and how long they last. We’ve rounded up the best natural deodorants to help you find the antiperspirant alternative that’s right for you.
Amber is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on home, appliances, tech, and gaming. She also occasionally contributes lifestyle content to Best Products, Runner's World, and Bicycling. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, watching bad reality TV shows, or cuddling with her two cats.
Watch Next
Demo Run First Impression: On Cloudsurfer Next
Supernova Rise: Race Day Foam for Everyday Mileage
Running Shoes - Gear
Why Trust Us