5 Natural Deodorants for Women that Work

Updated to include a few other natural deodorants I’ve tried since first published back in August of 2018.

Last year, I decided I wanted to try and make a change in my everyday beauty routine and make the switch to natural deodorant. I’ve tried to switch in the past, but never had luck. So this time, I tried to set myself up for success by reading tons of reviews and trying multiple natural deodorant brands. Best part, more than a year later, I’m still using my natural deodorant and doubt I’ll ever go back! So read on to see which natural deodorants for women that really work, and why they made it on my must try list!

I’ve always been fearful of the effects ingredients, like Aluminum, in our deodorant can have on our bodies. I remember my grandfather being one of the first people to tell me about this. He always used natural deodorants or a crystal. However, my fear of smelling badly and having unsuccessful switch experiences, kept me on the aluminum-filled deodorant train – specifically antiperspirants. Check out other blog posts where I’m chronicling my changes to more natural and non-toxic products – clean & non-toxic makeup that works and cleaner household cleaning products.

My husband, Rick, has always used natural, aluminum-free deodorant, too. He encouraged me to try it for myself. I never did except for a few days here and there. Yet, after one too many articles read about harmful side affects, I decided to try it, again. This time though, I armed myself with a bit of research.

Little did I know, your armpits need a detox from regular deodorants… did you know this? I realized that the reason I never had success previously with natural deodorants was because I was expecting it to work immediately. But, here’s the kicker. Using aluminum-filled deodorants, aka antiperspirants, causes your sweat glands to essentially be plugged up, so then you don’t sweat. However, when switching over to natural deodorant, your sweat glands begin overcompensating for no longer being plugged up as they once were, and a period of ‘over-sweating’ most likely will ensue.

This was always my problem. I didn’t know I need to detox my glands. This meant I always threw in the towel a day or two into my prior attempts to switch to natural deodorant.

But even though I’ve been using natural deodorant for over a year now, I still detox my armpits every so often by using this deodorant booster bar when I take a shower. I lather it up under my arms and let it sit for about 15-20 seconds. Apple cider vinegar, charcoal and other ingredients assist in prolonging the strength by eliminating odor-causing bacteria.

In my attempt to try out different natural deodorants, I ended up narrowing down my list to these natural deodorants for women that really work. All have their pros + cons, but I’m happy to say months later, I am still using natural deodorant and have tossed all my antiperspirants in the trash.

Kopari Coconut Deodrant // My favorite of all the formulas I tried. This Coconut oil and coconut oil based product is free of almost all toxicities you’d normally find in an antiperspirant. No Aluminum, Baking Soda, Parabens, Silicone or Phthalates. My one complaint is the need to reapply this at least 2-3x per day, based on my activities. However, I’ve worn this to Orange Theory and Pilates and felt like it truly worked. The only other thing I warn is that it can stain clothes. I wore it with a brand new shirt and the under arms were stained. I give the Kopari Coconut Deodorant a 8.5/10.

Native Deodorant // Discovering Native natural deodorant was totally a fluke, but definitely grateful for it happening! I headed out to shoot photos on a hot spring day back in April, and realized I had forgotten deodorant before leaving the house. Normally, I’d just try to make do, but I knew I’d be shooting outside and not be home until much later. I beelined it to the nearest store and ran into the beauty aisle. I’d heard about Native but had never gotten around to trying it. I honed in on the 5 options and decided on the Powder & Cotton scent. Well what a happy surprise, as I’ve been using this deodorant ever since. The scent is nice but also subtle. I wear it to my spin classes, which hands down is the sweatiest workout I’ve ever done, and this natural deodorant does its job. I’m loving Native. I give Native Deodorant a 10/10.

Schmidt’s Lavender Tips // When I initially embarked on my natural deodorant switch, this was the first brand I read about and tried. Suffice it to say, I hadn’t had the best prior experiences. I didn’t realized my armpits needed to detox, with this product. Schmidt’s formulas keep the toxic ingredients at bay and are free of all of the following:  aluminum-free, dye-free, paraben-free, Sulfate-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde donor-free, formaldehyde-free, propylparaben-free, butylparaben-free and nonylphenol ethoxylate free. My complaint about Schmidt’s deodorant, is that the formula is pretty hard. I really had to press along your armpits to spread the deodorant effectively across the area. My specific deodorant seemed to be like a block of ice, even though it wasn’t cold. I couldn’t get it to warm up at all, or spread across my armpits as I wanted. The scent is nice, but I could tell I’d need to apply much more often to keep any sweaty scents away. One thing that is a huge positive in my book, is the price of Schmidt’s. Their deodorants are significantly cheaper than the other boutique deodorants I list in this post. So if you’re on a budget, definitely give this brand a try. I give Schmidt’s Lavender Tips Deodorant 6/10.

Violets Are Blue Deodorant // So as to give myself options, and figure out which sort of applicator I liked best, I opted to try this Violets Are Blue deodorant that I found at Anthropolgie. Created by a former cancer patient, the concept is there. However, the simplicity is what makes this natural deodorant not for me. The smell is nice and lemony, but it’s faint on application and fades within an hour of wearing. I really wanted to love this deodorant based on the founder’s story. I liked the roller ball, it was to apply all around my armpit. Sadly this brand fell short for me. However, the reviews on the brand site are pretty glowing about this deodorant, and perhaps it just wasn’t for me! I give the Violets Are Blue Deodorant a 4/10.

Whish Deodorant Gel // I had heard great things about this deodorant, and quite a few reviews mention that it’s the best natural deodorant they’ve found. However, the gel aspect had me weary, as even in my old antiperspirants, I never liked the gel formula. However, I decided to give this one a try based on the glowing reviews. Derived of all natural ingredients and aluminum free + paraben free, sulfate free, DEA and TEA free, petrochemical free and phthalate free. The packaging is pretty and the gel formula applies smooth and dries quickly. Plus, it smells like a dream! I ultimately stopped using this one because I didn’t feel like the smell had lasting power. It made me too nervous to wear this to the gym, because I felt like I needed to reapply every few hours. I give the Whish Deodorant Gel a 6/10. 

One notable mention, sent to me after we shot these photos, is a local Houston brand called Source Vital Apothecary’s Dozen Fresh natural deodorant. It comes in a spray bottle. The spray application wasn’t for me, so I gave it to Rick. He really likes it. So of course, I had to try for myself, and agree it’s really effective and strong! The one downfall is the price tag. But, I definitely say if you can swing it, try it out for yourself. I give it an 8/10.

Have you made the natural deodorant switch or are you too nervous like I was previously? I claim these natural deodorants for women work, but have you tried any of them yourself? Did they work for you? Tell me below in the comments, as I’d love to hear more! xo