The Best Natural Deodorants to Help You Make the Switch

Natural deodorant has historically gotten a bad rap—the main complaint being that it doesn't work. (And why would you use natural deodorant when you can eliminate sweat entirely with a 24-hour anti-perspirant, anyway?) Well, we now know the answer to this question. It's because aluminum, the main ingredient in conventional deodorants that's used to prevent sweat, has been linked to breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and more scary health issues.

In direct relation to studies being published about the correlation between aluminum and illnesses, the variety of natural deodorants on the market has dramatically increased. We'd even go so far as to say that natural deodorants are now becoming mainstream. Just within the past three years, we've seen the natural deodorant market become incredibly popular—and with that, their efficacy has greatly improved, too. While no natural deodorant will completely eradicate sweat (and it shouldn't since sweat is an important bodily function) there are several options that keep sweat at bay for hours, while still imparting a fresh scent. But how do natural deodorants work? They're usually composed of three parts—an ingredient to absorb sweat, like baking soda, a few essential oils to mask odor, and antimicrobials, like coconut oil, to prevent bacteria—that work together to do the job of a conventional production. You'll find that they're available in a few different forms, including sticks, creams, and solid bars, so you can choose whichever formula you prefer.

Here, we've rounded up some of the best natural deodorants we've tried and loved. Need proof that they'll get the job done? We tried them on summer days when humidity is high and you get hot just by walking to your car or the subway. If these products work under those circumstances, you know they're going to work year round.

This is one of our mainstay deodorants, no matter how many we try. It contains mint and eucalyptus, so it smells super fresh, and works well to keep odor at bay.

Ursa Major "Hoppin' Fresh" Deodorant, $18, amazon.com

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Magnesium is thought to help regulate hormones, and charcoal is a heavy metal detoxifier, so if you're in the midst of an aluminum-deodorant cleanse, this one will help rid the aluminum binders from your body.

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Deodorant, $4.99, target.com

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This one smells like roses, so what's not to like? It's also baking soda free, which is a plus for those who are sensitive to it.

Megababe Rosy Pits, $18, ulta.com

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Not many natural deodorants last all day, but this one is truly impressive. It has sweat-activated technology that keeps you dry and fresh, and is a cream that you squeeze onto your underarms and rub in.

Type A Aluminum-Free Deodorant, $10, typeadeodorant.com

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This natural deodorant is beneficial for your body and for the environment. It comes in a solid soap form, so it's plastic free, and contains bamboo, which absorb sweat, along with yeast extract, which eliminates odor-causing bacteria.

Ethique Lavender & Vanilla Glow Solid Deodorant, $17.50, amazon.com

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You can't go wrong with coconut in any beauty product, and that includes deodorant. It's naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, and it smells like you're on vacation every single day.

Kopari Coconut Deodorant, $14, sephora.com

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This clear roll-on deodorant has the best citrus smell, which also conveniently eliminates odor. And like the Schmidt's deodorant, it also contains magnesium.

Nfuse Citrus Roll On Deodorant, $12, follain.com

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Each of these clay deodorant creams is made to purchase, so you know you're getting something fresh and natural. The clay helps soak up sweat, while lavender, peppermint and tea tree oil keep you smelling fresh.

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream, $16, soapwalla.com

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Baking soda zaps sweat, a probiotic counteracts smelly backteria and shea butter soothes skin. Plus, this deodorant doesn't leave white streaks on your clothes, it goes on smoothly, and leaves no stickiness underneath.

Native Deodorant Coconut & Vanilla, $12, nativecos.com

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If you're someone who uses spray deodorant, try switching to this paraben-free, aluminum-free option. It comes in a spray can (sans chemical propellants) and keeps you dry and odor-free for hours.

Jason Soothing Fresh Cucumber Dry Spray Deodorant, $8.49, amazon.com

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For an effective natural deodorant that's also chic (and who knew deodorants could be chic at all?), this is the one to try. The elegant packaging is indicative of the formula, which contains coconut oil, avocado butter, and eucalyptus to keep you smelling fresh all day long.

Agent Nateur Holi(Stick) N3, $21, agentnateur.com

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This new aluminum and alcohol-free option is as soft on underarms as the original, thanks to moisturizing glycerin.

Dove 0% Aluminum, $6, target.com

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Rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils give this mist a heavenly botanical scent, which zinc ricinoleate traps odor.

Aesop Herbal, $35, aesop.com

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