A few years ago, I made the switch from your standard roll-on deodorants in plastic bottles to their natural alternatives. Not only are natural deodorants kinder to your skin, but they’re kinder to the planet, too – win, win!
At the time of my switch, only a few natural deodorant options were available on the market. Over the years, the market has expanded, and now there are loads of types available, so figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. But luckily, I’ve done the hard – and sometimes smelly – part for you!
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Through trial and error, I’ve curated a list of the best natural and eco-friendly deodorants on the market. But first…
Why Natural Deodorant?
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- Aluminium-free – Natural deodorants don’t contain aluminium, which blocks your sweat glands and stops perspiration. Instead, they use naturally derived ingredients to soak up sweat, kill stink-causing bacteria, and neutralise odour. Instead, they use naturally derived ingredients to soak up sweat, kill stink-causing bacteria, and neutralise odour.
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- No synthetic ingredients – Natural deodorants avoid synthetic ingredients, phthalates, and parabens. There have been claims that these increase the risk of breast cancer, though the jury is still out on that one. Instead, they use natural ingredients like bicarbonate of soda and citric acid as antibacterials, along with tapioca starch, kaolin clay or arrowroot for moisture absorption.
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- Better for the environment – Natural deodorants are great if you’re trying to cut down on single-use plastic. They tend to come in reusable, easily recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. Standard deodorants generally have difficult-to-recycle packaging like roll-ons with mixed plastic types or aerosol cans that need to be completely empty, clean and dry with the plastic tops removed, so they end up in landfill. You will also avoid the nasty CO2 emissions from compressed gases in aerosols.
The Best Natural DeodorantS
First, a word of warning: Natural deodorants can take a little getting used to. It can take a couple of weeks for your body to detox and adjust, so you may need to top up during the day in the beginning. But I promise, if you stick it out, the benefits are worth it!
It’s also worth noting that some natural deodorants contain beeswax, but the list below is entirely vegan. Naturally.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics. From chic refillable cases to handbag-friendly tins, here are my top picks for the best eco-friendly, natural deodorants you can include in your daily routine.
Wild Deodorant
Best Everyday Deodorant
Packaging: Refillable aluminium case
Deodorant type: Glide-on balm
Size: 40g
Buy: Wild* (Bundles from £15; get a discount on your first order with code: MORETHANGREENS)
I first tried Wild deodorant during my Plastic-Free July attempt in 2020 and it’s been a staple in my beauty routine ever since. I love how gentle the deodorant is on the skin (they also have a bicarb-free sensitive range), their delicious selection of scents, and the fact that they’re Vegan Society certified.
Wild is a subscription service, so you never have to remember to add deodorant to your shopping list. You buy a cute aluminium tin with your first order, then get three refills per delivery, so you can mix up your scents each time or stick with your faves.
The refill packaging is made from bamboo pulp, a widely recyclable and compostable material. Plus, thanks to its partnership with ONAMISSION, the brand is carbon-negative. Trees are planted with every purchase; so far, that’s around half a million trees and counting.
This is my go-to everyday deodorant as it’s gentle and effective. However, if I’m a tad overzealous with the application, it tends to leave white marks, so that’s something to keep an eye on.
Pros: Pretty cases, huge range of scents, subscription discounts
Cons: Bit too chunky for a handbag, can leave white marks, occasional reapplication needed
The Natural Deodorant Co: Active Deodorant Balm
Best Sports Deodorant
Packaging: Glass jar/metal lid
Deodorant type: Balm
Size: 55g
Buy: The Natural Deodorant Co. (£12.95) / Amazon* (£11.66)
The Natural Deodorant Co. has four ranges – Clean, Gentle, Active and Teen. My fave is Active, as it’s a great one for your more – you guessed it – active days, where you work up a proper sweat. With a higher proportion of bicarb soda and additional ingredients like kaolin clay, it’s an extra-absorbent formula.
The balm comes in a glass tub with a metal lid and biopaper label, making it plastic-free and fully-recyclable. Though it’s a bit too heavy to pop in your handbag or travel toiletries, they now offer 10g sample tins, which could be an option.
The balm has a slightly grainy texture but melts between your fingers and rubs in clear, so there’s no risk of white marks. You need to apply the balm by hand, but they sell a cute little bamboo spatula if you prefer not to use your fingers to scoop out the mixture.
Due to its more potent formulation, this one isn’t recommended as an everyday deodorant or right after shaving (though my pits felt fine!), but it’s great for exercise or just busier, sweatier days!
Pros: Extra strong formula, no white marks, fully recyclable pot
Cons: Grainy consistency, heavy pot, not for daily use
AKT: The Deodorant Balm
Best Luxury Deodorant
Packaging: Aluminium tube
Deodorant type: Balm
Size: 50ml
Buy: AKT London / Amazon* (£21 / £17.85 with subscription)
When it comes to deodorant, you probably don’t think of luxury. But think again! Packaged in a sleek, fully recyclable aluminium tube, AKT (pronounced “act”) is a range of deodorant balms designed by a pair of actors looking for something to keep them dry on stage. You can buy chic accessories to go with it, including a brass applicator and a brass tube squeezer (to extract every last drop).
This was easily the most effective and long-lasting deodorant on my list. The gender-neutral scents are also quite luxurious with unique fragrances like Orange Grove (Petitgrain/Mandarin/Neroli) and Halcyon Summers (Mint/Pomelo/Tomato Vine). There’s also an unscented option, ideal for those with sensitive skin or who prefer a more neutral scent.
On the downside, the lid didn’t have the little spike to open the foil seal, so it was fiddly and I resorted to using the lid from a random tube in my medicine cabinet.
It’s also quite pricey (slightly cheaper on subscription), but the brand states that one tube can last up to three months. I don’t use this one as my daily deo, so hopefully, I’ll get a good, long use out of it!
Pros: Stylish packaging, highly effective, subscription discounts
Cons: Pricey, fiddly to open
Eco by Sonya: Lemongrass Natural Deodorant
Best Stick Deodorant
Packaging: Recyclable wind-up tube
Deodorant type: Glide-on balm
Size: 60g
Buy: Eco by Sonya (£11.95)
If you don’t like the idea of getting your fingers messy, or you want something you can easily chuck in your bag, the wind-up tube from Eco By Sonya Driver could be the answer. This one comes in a sugarcane tube, which is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
The paste is made from certified organic ingredients and is free from bicarb and synthetic fragrances, making it perfect for sensitive pits. The lemony scent is light and fresh, and it contains shea butter, which is deliciously nourishing for your skin.
I did find myself topping this one up throughout the day from time to time, but if you want something light and gentle, this could be the answer.
Pros: No white marks, light scent
Cons: Not refillable, occasional reapplication needed
NO PONG: VEGAN
Best Handbag-Friendly Deodorant
Packaging: Tinplate tin
Deodorant type: Balm
Size: 35g
Buy: The Fertility Shop (£10.95) / No Pong (AU $9.05)
Packaged in a cute – and fully recyclable – tin, this is the one I pop in my handbag for on-the-go armpit emergencies. The deodorant goes on smoothly and it lasts all day without top-ups. However, it tends to pill a little by the end of the day, so it may not be ideal for sleeveless days!
Unfortunately, the entire range isn’t vegan (some contain beeswax) so make sure you select from the Vegan range, which includes Flower Power, Cool Lavender and Fragrance Free. As someone allergic to many floral ingredients (lucky me!), I love the Fragrance Free. It’s also ideal for sensitive pits with its low bicarb content and nourishing Vitamin E.
It’s an Aussie brand without a UK website, so I get mine from a UK supplier that offers Fragrance-Free only. However, the official No Pong site offers international shipping if you want to check out the full range.
Pros: Handbag-friendly, long-lasting, sensitive range
Cons: Not a vegan brand, no UK website, tends to pill
Woohoo Body: All Natural Deodorant Balm
Best Deodorant For Pregnancy
Packaging: Metal tin or biodegradable cardboard tube
Deodorant type: Balm
Size: 60g
Buy: Woohoo Body (AU $16.95)
I bought Woohoo deodorant when I was last in Australia, and I really loved it, so I just had to include it on the list despite being unable to find a UK (or even European) stockist. Though they ship internationally, it’s pricey (and not too eco-friendly), so this one’s mainly for my Antipodean readers.
The deodorants come in two eco-friendly options—a 100% recyclable metal tin and a biodegradable cardboard tube. The sticks double as anti-chafe sticks, perfect for those of us prone to chub-rub. Both options have a range of gender-neutral scents, from the outdoorsy Wild to the chic Tux. My personal favourite is Surf, which smells like a tropical beach holiday!
The balm is super soft and creamy, so it’s very easy to apply. Woohoo avoids essential oils, instead opting for food-grade flavouring, making the balms great for sensitive skin (particularly bicarb-free Mellow) and safe during pregnancy.
The brand partners with environmental organisations like 1% for the Planet and rePurpose Global and is officially certified as Plastic Negative—it removes twice as much plastic from the environment as its packaging creates.
Pros: Gender-neutral scents, sample sizes available, safe during pregnancy
Cons: No UK stockists
Have I missed your favourite natural deodorant? Let me know in the comments!
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NB: Prices correct as of May 2024.
