10 Healthiest Deodorants in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
While researching, we found that the best deodorants use ingredients like magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, and baking soda. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve rated our 10 favorite healthy deodorants, with Little Seed Farm topping our list. For tips on finding a healthy deodorant on your own, read our buying guide reviewed by a board certified dermatologist at the end!
Quick List - Top Healthiest Deodorants
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
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How to Choose a Healthy Deodorant – Buying Guide
Look for Ingredients That Absorb Odor and Dampness
Some of the most common absorptive and odor-blocking ingredients include baking soda, zinc oxide, magnesium hydroxide, and activated charcoal. Do note, however, that baking soda can be irritating to some, so it’s best to avoid for those with sensitive skin.
As for fragrances, because most deodorants that include “fragrance” or “parfum” on their ingredient lists also have phthalates, it’s best to look for one that uses essential oils as its main scent (or unscented!).
For those with dry skin, I recommend avoiding products with baking soda. These can dry out the sensitive skin of the armpit and leads to uncomfortable rashes. Additionally, I prefer fragrance-free products since the armpit is very prone to developing dermatitis. Essential oils are a common cause of dermatitis, so avoid products with essential oils as a fragrance if you have sensitive skin.
Choose Between Stick, Cream, or Spray Applicators
Naturally, there are also stick types, but it might make sense to also consider creams and sprays, which can work just as well (or even better!), though they may be less portable than sticks.
If you are a heavy sweater, I recommend a stick or cream-based product over a spray. Spray sometimes does not concentrate the product well in the center of the armpit where most of the sweat glands are. For excess sweating, gel-based sticks are a great option since the vehicle also works to absorb moisture.
10 Healthiest Deodorants
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Little Seed Farm Natural Deodorant Cream｜2.4 oz. | | A Highly Effective Deodorant for Sensitive Pits | |
2 | DeodoMom Unscented Deodorant｜2 oz. | | Unscented, Dries Fast, and Holds Up to Sweat | |
3 | Green Tidings Natural Deodorant｜2.7 oz. | | Subtle Scent That Lasts All Day Long | |
4 | Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant｜2 oz. | | Best for Those Who Don’t Like Other Natural Deodorants | |
5 | Thai Deodorant Stone Crystal Deodorant Mist｜8 oz., 6 pack | | Uses Salt to Prevent Body Odor Before It Occurs | |
6 | Native Natural Deodorant for Women and Men｜2.65 oz. | | US-Born and Smooth Application | |
7 | MagSol Organics Magnesium Deodorant｜3.2 oz. | | Magnesium-Based and Keeps You Dry | |
8 | Good For You Girls Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant｜3 oz. | | Child-Friendly Deodorant for a Subtle Coverup | |
9 | MARLOWE. M BLEND No. 024 Natural Deodorant for Men｜2.5 oz. | | Best Deodorant Designed for Men | |
10 | Kaiame Naturals Natural Deodorant with Activated Charcoal Powder｜2 oz. | | An All-Natural Coconut Oil-Based Deodorant |
A Highly Effective Deodorant for Sensitive Pits
Reviewers love this deodorant and write that it’s effective at keeping you dry and stink-free; plus it doesn’t leave residue behind. It lasts all day and is gentle enough even for the most sensitive pits.
Unscented, Dries Fast, and Holds Up to Sweat
Reviewers write that it holds up against even the sweatiest workouts and lasts all day long. Do note, however, that it can be irritating to some, so it’s important to wash it off at the end of every day.
Subtle Scent That Lasts All Day Long
Reviewers write that it is effective all day long and one stick will last several months. If you find that your stick is a little hard, reviewers recommend holding it to your body for a few moments to let it warm up before swiping it on.
Best for Those Who Don’t Like Other Natural Deodorants
Reviewers write that it goes on smoothly, lasts all day, and deodorizes effectively. Its vanilla scent isn’t overpowering, but if you’re not a fan of vanilla, you may want to steer clear.
Thai DeodorantStone Crystal Deodorant Mist ｜ 8 oz., 6 pack
Uses Salt to Prevent Body Odor Before It Occurs
Reviewers write that it’s highly effective, gentle on your skin, and an easier alternative to crystal deodorants. Some reviewers note, however, that if you sweat profusely, you may need to reapply to prevent it from washing off.
NativeNatural Deodorant for Women and Men ｜ 2.65 oz.
US-Born and Smooth Application
US-born Native's deodorant offers a four different scent options and an effective coverup that's cruelty-free, gluten-free, and aluminum-free. Most ingredients are naturally derived, though some synthetic fragrances are included. The company says it can even work well for 16 hours or on a sweaty workout day!
Critical reviewers say that the deodorant doesn't work as an antiperspirant and it actually stained their shirts. We suggest reapplying when needed. Other reviewers love the scent and consistency - saying it goes on smooth and doesn't irritate the skin.
Magnesium-Based and Keeps You Dry
Reviewers note that it can sometimes leave stains on your clothing, so be sure to try it out with your not so nice clothing the first time you use it. However, others write that it’s great on sensitive skin and will last all day for most people.
Good For You Girls Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant ｜ 3 oz.
Child-Friendly Deodorant for a Subtle Coverup
Reviewers write that it smells great and works well on children. The roll-on applicator is easy for kids to use, and you don’t have to worry about melting in hot backpacks. Do note, however, that it is likely not strong enough for adults.
MARLOWE. M BLENDNo. 024 Natural Deodorant for Men ｜ 2.5 oz.
Best Deodorant Designed for Men
Reviewers write that it goes on smooth and that its subtle scent lasts all day. It’s effective at blocking odors even with heavy activity. However, some reviewers note staining on clothing.
Kaiame NaturalsNatural Deodorant with Activated Charcoal Powder ｜ 2 oz.
An All-Natural Coconut Oil-Based Deodorant
Because it’s coconut oil-based, you may notice inconsistencies in texture depending on the temperature. However, reviewers write that it really does work to eliminate odor rather than just mask it.
Dr. Levy's Recommended Healthy Deodorant
Vanicream deodorant is an aluminum-free product that is generally safe for those that have eczema, sensitive skin, or contact dermatitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Dr. Levy also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about healthy deodorants.
What are some healthy deodorant alternatives?
"It depends on what your definition of healthy is," Dr. Levy says. "Some people do not want to use a product that has aluminum in it (a highly effective antiperspirant) but are fine with products containing starch or magnesium. Others prefer to use zero additives.
If you do not want to use any products on your pits, you can wash your armpits with antibacterial soap (like hand soap) or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide in the shower to reduce the bacterial load and help reduce odor. This will not reduce the amount of sweat you produce.
You can also use regular baking soda in your pits to absorb sweat and odor. If you are fine using a product, then check the ingredients and opt for products with starch and magnesium."
Is natural deodorant actually better for you?
Dr. Levy states, "There is no evidence that natural deodorant is better. The trend with natural deodorant began when it was theorized that aluminum products can cause breast cancer. There is no evidence to support his claim, and the American Cancer Society also supports the claim that aluminum in deodorants does not cause breast cancer or other cancers.
There are definitely fewer additives in natural deodorants, so they can be less irritating to the skin; however, I still have patients that react to these products and develop dermatitis."
More Ways to Go Odor-Free
If you don't mind regular deodorants and are still looking for your perfect one, check out some of our other articles for more suggestions and buying guides! We've also actually tried and tested out a few options, so take a look at our tried and true options, too.
Top 5 Healthiest Deodorants
No. 1: Little Seed Farm｜Natural Deodorant Cream｜2.4 oz.
No. 2: DeodoMom｜Unscented Deodorant｜2 oz.
No. 3: Green Tidings ｜Natural Deodorant｜2.7 oz.
No. 4: Lavanila｜The Healthy Deodorant｜2 oz.
No. 5: Thai Deodorant｜Stone Crystal Deodorant Mist｜8 oz., 6 pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.