Unlock All-Day Confidence with These Top Natural Deodorants (2024)

Schmidt’s natural deodorant takes the top spot in our ranking because the real innovation is the new sensitive-skin formula. It's enriched with all the good stuff, like magnesium and activated charcoal, but most importantly, formulated without baking soda. Thus, it's suitable for all skin types. Not to mention, the aroma is invigorating with notes of citrus and spearmint.

Testing notes: Unlike the brand's previous formulas, this one is a godsend, quickly drying down to a smooth matte finish. With just 1-2 swipes, you'll have 24-hour odor protection. The trick to smelling fresh all day: holding the deodorant stick against your skin momentarily to soften the application with your body heat.

While the deodorant won't block sweat, ingredients such as arrowroot powder and magnesium balance to absorb moisture and reduce odors, our testers with sensitive skin found that Schmidt's stick didn't stir up any itchiness or redness, which is a feat in itself.

If you’re just making the switch to naturals, start with this one. By this point, Ursa Major’s deodorant is a classic and there is a reason for that. It consistently outperforms many of the other brands we’ve tried, both in scent and longevity.

Testing notes: Time after time, our editors have praised Ursa's classic deodorant, thanks to its reliable performance and healthy ingredients. They've found that it can ward off odor in the midst of the sweatiest, stickiest summer outings. Plus, the Hoppin' Fresh stick can last up to 3-4 months.

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 magic. Either way, it’s so effective that we gave it a Men’s Health Grooming Award.

Testing notes: During our six months of field testing Hume's stick, our editors found that it helped keep B.O. at bay during even the hottest days outside. While it doesn't stop sweat like our favorite aluminum-based antiperspirants, our editors found that Hume's fragrance-free formula did a bang-up job of helping them smell fresh and clean.

By Humankind offers natural deodorant in a refillable container, which saves our planet from single-use plastic waste. The fun part: you can customize your purchase by choosing the color of your case and your scent. Not to mention, it actually works and controls odor as long as some of our favorite traditional deodorants.

Testing notes: While we wouldn't eat this, which is safe according to the brand's packaging, By Humankind's formula is super natural and gentle. Our wearers found that it didn't irritate sensitive skin, and we love that it comes in a variety of scents such as lavender-citrus and rosemary-mint.

Some natural deodorants ask you to change your routine—they don’t apply as easily as the traditional ones you’re used to. Native, however, goes on smooth and doesn’t need to be warmed up or applied with your fingers. This clean powder and cotton scent is fresh without smelling fake.

Testing notes: Instead of overdosing on harsh antiperspirants and sprays, give Native's offering a test run. Our testers found that it actually helps reduce underarm odor rather than just masking it. That was especially true when one tester used it to play basketball on a hot summer day. He says his pits smelled fresher than when he used lesser natural deodorants. It's worth noting the formula has baking soda, which can be irritating for team sensitive skin.

Corpus will capture your attention with its luxurious scent and mint-colored packaging, but the real star is the water-based, long-lasting formula. You can bet it leaves out all the things you would expect, like sulfates and parabens, but doesn’t compromise on efficacy.

Testing notes: We love that the packaging and scent have a premium feel, similar to something you’d find in a five-star hotel or high-end gym, ensuring that you won’t be embarrassed to leave it out on your bathroom sink.

While it does not keep you dry, the protection lasts for a long haul and the scent remains at the end of the day. To get the best out of Third Rose, you have to make sure your pits are completely dry before applying it. Otherwise, wet underarms can dilute that product and reduce the chance of it actually working.

The dry spray formula of this aluminum-free deodorant is by far the easiest to apply on this list and the potent scent makes it great for heavy sweaters or those who need a bit of extra odor protection. It’s as close to a traditional deodorant as you can get without aluminum.

Testing notes: Finding a natural deodorant for heavy sweaters can feel like a fool's errand, which is why our editors were so surprised at how effective Old Spice's deep sea spray is on hot, muggy days when we're covered in sweat. We were surprised at how much we liked Old Spice's ocean scent, which was pleasant and helped cover up B.O. without overwhelming our senses.

Fighting tough stains can be, well, tough. Enter Malin + 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.

Testing notes: Our testers don't consider it the strongest antiperspirant, but the cooling scent last longer than others that need to be reapplied often. We've worn black t-shirts at the same time of wearing this deodorant and saw no transfer to the underarm region. Also, we can attest to the fact that it can keep you from being funky whether you're cycling or running.

What’s The Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?

Put simply, a deodorant is used to de-odor your pits and help curb the smelliness that can accompany underarm sweat. Antiperspirants actually block the underarm sweat glands causing them to sweat less. The only FDA-approved ingredient to block sweat glands in antiperspirants is aluminum.

Why Does Armpit Sweat Stink?

By itself, sweat from under your arms doesn’t have a smell. But when it’s released, it mixes with bacteria that live in your armpit which feeds off the moisture and releases a smell. This could be why people’s sweat smells different or why some people tend to smell more than others. It’s also why many natural deodorants include pre- or probiotics to help manage the variety of bacteria that live in the area.

Are Natural Deodorants Better for You?

The most common argument that natural deodorants are better for you is centered around aluminum. Some experts claim that aluminum is linked with Alzheimer’s disease, but older studies have been discredited and there has been no discernable link found between aluminum and Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s also often claimed that aluminum can increase your risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer in women. Research has been conflicted and the general consensus among experts is that more research is needed to determine a link between the two.

There is also usually conversation around preservative parabens, which some claim are linked to cancer as well, and other “chemical” ingredients that natural deodorants often omit from their formulas. While, again, no studies have proven that these ingredients are directly linked to illnesses like cancer, many people like to err on the side of caution. Apart from all this, traditional deodorants often contain ingredients that can irritate skin, like certain kinds of alcohol. Most natural deodorants seek to solve this problem by using naturally derived ingredients that may be more gentle on the skin. The bottom line is that there is no evidence that natural deodorants are better for you than traditional deodorants or antiperspirants, but it is a personal choice.

Are There Ingredients in Natural Deodorants That I Should Avoid?

Many natural deodorants include baking soda which is used to help absorb moisture and curb sweating. However, baking soda can be irritating for many people, especially if they have sensitive skin. If you’ve noticed a reaction under your arms when using natural deodorant, try a baking soda-free formula. These often use ingredients like tapioca starch, clay and silica to help absorb moisture instead.

How We Selected

For the past three years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the best-performing natural deodorants for men. Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of men's natural deodorants to the test and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and price point. We also considered top-reviewed men's natural deodorants that had over 100 five-star ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.

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