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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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.
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.
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 |
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.
Vanicream deodorant is an aluminum-free product that is generally safe for those that have eczema, sensitive skin, or contact dermatitis.
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.
"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."
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."
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.
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
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