If you haven't already made the switch, it could well be time to ditch your trusted antiperspirant and go au naturel in the deo-department. ‘Natural deodorants are designed to keep you smelling fresh all day,’ says Tipper Lewis, head of training at Neal’s Yard Remedies. ‘They use a blend of essential oils (aka nature’s antimicrobial and antiseptic) to inhibit the bacteria that breaks down the sweat, causing odour.’
Do natural deodorants work?
As Tipper Lewis explained above, natural deodorants work by preventing odour. What they don’t do is prevent sweat. Antiperspirants, meanwhile, use active aluminium salts to temporarily plug the sweat glands, thus stopping sweating. ‘By preventing this natural process, the efficacy of the lymphatic system in the armpit is compromised,’ suggests Tipper Lewis, which means toxins cannot leave the body. ‘This is why you might notice a faint smell the first few days of switching, as your body gets back to basics.’ But don't fret - as your body will quickly adjust and your armpits will smell super fresh in no time at all.
So, in the name of safer sweating, we suggest you get on board and go green with the white stuff!
SHOP: The Best Natural Deodorants You Wont Want To Miss
The Best Natural Deodorants - Grazia
1 of 15Malin + Goetz, Eucalyptus Deodorant
The organic, aluminium and alcohol-free formula in Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, £19, sinks straight into skin so there's no sticky residue left over. And it smells like a sumptuous spa.
2 of 15The Deodorant Balm SC.01 EXT. ORANGE GROVE
A balmy deodorant that ticks all of our sustainable deo boxes. Vegan, cruelty-free, 100% recyclable and plastic-free - this neroli blossom and orange peel scented formula absorbs quickly and leaves your armpits dry and fresh all day long.
3 of 15The Natural Deodorant Co Active Deodorant Balm Orange & Bergamot
After heavy-duty stuff? Go for The Natural Deodorant Co Orange + Bergamot Clean Deodorant Balm, £11, with bacteria-busting sodium bicarbonate.
4 of 15Neal's Yard Remedies Spray On - Lavender and Aloe Vera Deodorant
Ideal for sensitive skins, Neal's Yard Lavender & Aloe Vera Deodorant, £8.50, blends skin-soothing essential oils of lavender, tea tree and ylang-ylang to neutralise your scent.
5 of 15Weleda Wild Rose Spray Deodorant
If you're not keen on citrusy, green scents, turn your nose to Weleda's Wild Rose Spray Deodorant, £13.95, which smells of delicate rose and ylang-ylang.
6 of 15Modern Botany Deodorant
It's on the pricier side, but Modern Botany Deodorant, £25, has a crisp, green, gender-neutral scent so it can also be used as a body mist and fragrance. What's more, it's an antiperspirant as well as deodorant to prevent sweat and odour.
7 of 15Schmidt's Natural Deodorant Bergamot + Lime
This smells incredible – all fresh and green, and moisturises dry and sensitive skin with nourishing shea butter. The only downside is the scent doesn't linger for as long as other natural deos.
8 of 15Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant
This cream-to-powder deodorant not only combats odour-causing bacteria with arrowroot, but it also keeps armpits dry all day with moisture-absorbing kaolin clay. Double win!
9 of 15Wild Refillable Natural Deodorant
For a bespoke natural deodorant, turn your attention to We Are Wild, pronto. First, select your reusable aluminium case (there's a choice of 5 colours and an option to personalise). Next, select your plan, there's a one-off purchase for £25 or a subscription service from £12 where you'll receive refills. Finally, pick your scent from 7 options. Our go-to? Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt – it's crisp, delicate and refreshing.
10 of 15Kai Deodorant
Free from parabens, sulphates and aluminium, this luxe deodorant nourishes skin with vitamin E and plant extracts while keeping your under-arms heavenly scented of fresh florals (think jasmine, lily and tuberose).
11 of 15Dr Hauschka Deodorant Rose Roll-On
A creamy deodorant that is suitable for sensitive skin, this is a great option for anyone who likes a subtle scent that's not overpowering and an easy roll-on applicator. Our top tip? Allow a moment for the liquid formula to dry.
12 of 15Aesop Deodorant
As we'd expect from Aesop, their chic deodorant not only has great shelfie appeal but it also smells divine - similar to an Aesop shop, with a green, vetiver scent. As for the formula, it expertly kills bacteria that lives in our armpits to prevent unwanted odour.
13 of 15Frank Body Clean Deodorant
Where some roll-on deodorants pull and rub, this oil-based one glides onto skin to prevent any unpleasant whiffs. The scent of cucumber and green tea is fresh and clean and the formula is alcohol-free, aluminium-free and cruelty-free. Triple tick!
14 of 15Green People Rosemary & Prebiotics Deodorant
A skin-friendly formula that contains prebiotics to restrict the growth of odour-causing bacteria along with nutrient-rich aloe vera to hydrate and soothe skin.
15 of 15Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Natural Deodorant
If you're a fan of the brilliant hair range, we're convinced you'll adore the body collection which features this plant-based, natural deodorant. In clinical trials, 93% of subjects reported an immediate reduction in underarm odour. As for the scent, tea tree and eucalyptus make a refreshing pair.
Are natural deodorants safe?
Short answer = yes. Natural deodorants are considered a safer alternative to antiperspirants that contain aluminium salts. They often used plant-based extracts to neutralise scent and skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and coconut water. However, just because it's natural - it doesn't mean the formula can't irritate sensitive skin. If you do have sensitive skin, look out for those deos that are fragrance-free.
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