Thought natural deodorants were less effective? Think again! These vegan deodorants will keep you feeling fresh all day long without the need for harmful ingredients.
Natural deodorants have not had the best reputation since they first started gaining steam and they probably deserved it.
The first natural deodorants to hit the market were not up to par in keeping us fresh and clean.
The first couple I tried went on clumpy and dried out my skin. They also left me stinky just hours later, even if I was just headed to the office.
However, as people continued to search for a healthier alternative from the aluminium-laden deodorants that filled the shelves, and our bathroom counters, brands stepped up to the task to bring us better options.
Now, natural deodorant is becoming the norm across the globe and the benefits are undeniable.
What are natural deodorants?
The biggest difference between traditional deodorants and the new wave of natural deodorants is that natural deodorants omit using aluminium.
Aluminium is a controversial ingredient that has been linked to bad health side effects and possibly even linked to breast cancer.
In its place, they use a blend of all-natural ingredients to keep us smelling good all day long.
What are natural deodorants made from?
Common ingredients include coconut oil and tea tree oil.
Ingredients such as baking soda, arrowroot, and cornstarch are usually present and they also often include essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood, or bergamot for a nice scent.
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Natural deodorants swap aluminium for all-natural ingredients to leave you smelling clean and fresh
How do natural deodorants work?
In place of aluminium, natural deodorants use plant-based ingredients that have natural disinfectant and antibacterial properties including coconut oil and tea tree oil.
Baking soda, arrowroot, and cornstarch are added to the formulas to absorb natural moisture from the body and keep the underarms dry.
What are the benefits of natural deodorants?
While it might sound odd, one of the biggest benefits of switching to a natural deodorant is that the product allows you to sweat.
Sweating is your body’s natural cooling mechanism and is how our bodies regulate temperature.
Our sweat leaves our skin through its pores and evaporates once outside the body, which helps to cool you down.
Natural deodorant also stops odour naturally. It is indeed not sweating that causes body odour, but rather sweat combined with bacteria on our skin.
As we mentioned above, coconut oil and tea tree oil are common ingredients in natural deodorants that help to combat bacteria and are natural disinfectants.
They help to kill the bad bacteria on our skin to keep it from smelling.
Finally, natural deodorant is better for your skin and for your health. Using plant-based ingredients instead of traditional aluminium helps to keep your skin free of artificial fragrances and preservatives which have negative health side effects.
Want to learn more about vegan cosmetics? Read these articles next:
- Animal testing – The truth behind the lab doors
- The 8 best vegan sunscreens to protect your skin
- 6 vegan black-owned beauty brands to support
Do natural deodorants stain?
Unfortunately, some natural products such as coconut oil can cause stains when they interact with sweat. The residue is more likely to get on your clothes, especially if your deodorant wasn’t applied evenly.
To avoid stains, be sure to use a product that easily glides on your skin so that it is applied evenly. Additionally, when possible, allow the deodorant to fully dry before getting dressed.
Luckily, if you do happen to get stains from natural deodorant it is much easier to wash them out versus the traditional yellow pit stains we are used to from aluminium deodorant.
Many come right out in the laundry without any special scrubbing.
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Some natural products such as coconut oil can cause stains when they interact with sweat.
Are natural deodorants suitable for sensitive skin?
Most natural deodorants are more gentle than their traditional aluminum-containing counterparts.
The one exception is some natural ingredients, like baking soda, can actually be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for brands that use ingredients such as arrowroot instead of baking soda as it is much gentler on the skin.
Look for formulas with moisturizing ingredients as well like coconut oil or shea butter. Additionally, many natural deodorant brands have a regular and a sensitive formula for just these occasions.
Are natural deodorants ever not vegan?
Some brands do occasionally contain animal ingredients, most commonly beeswax. However, it is very easy to find brands that are 100% vegan.
What are the best natural deodorants to buy in the UK?
Fussy Deodorant
This fan favourite is the first deodorant in the world to contain an odour-eating probiotic to combat that under-arm bacteria that leads to stink. The package is also entirely refillable.
Fussy’s formula has been scientifically proven to prevent bad smells for up to 24 hours and their scents are amazing!
Wild Natural Deodorant
With tons of great reviews on their website, Wild Natural Deodorant from We are Wild is a great, natural option.
Their scents are amazing – Mint Fresh, Orange Zest, Rose Blush, Bergamot Rituals, and Coconut Dreams. They each come in a customized reusable case and the formula glides on easily and lasts all day.
La Roche-Posay Roll-On Deodorant
This is the BEST natural deodorant for sensitive skin. It is a total game-changer as it sits invisibly on the skin and absorbs wetness from under the arms. The soft consistency also leaves your skin incredibly soft.
What are the best natural deodorants to buy in the US?
Native Deodorant
Some natural ingredients have ingredients like baking soda, which are fine for normal skin but a bit hard for those with sensitive skin.
This choice from Native Deodorant is baking soda-free. Instead, it uses a mixture of coconut oil, which is a natural antioxidant, and tapioca starch, which helps keep your underarms dry all day long.
Kopari Coconut Deodorant
With a hard to get five-star rating from Sephora, this coconut deodorant from Kopari uses a unique blend of coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil to soothe underarms.
It is made without the use of aluminium, baking soda, parabens, phthalates, or silicone. It is also non-allergenic and dermatologist-tested.
Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant
This natural deodorant has been a favourite for years and even won the coveted Allure Best of Beauty award back in 2013. It prevents and protects against odour while also soothing underarm skin.
It comes in a handful of great scents such as grapefruit, lavender, coconut, and pure vanilla so you can find the perfect scent for you.
Want to learn how to make your own natural vegan deodorant?
Try this DIY natural deodorant recipe!
