The 6 best natural deodorants that really work, according to editors

It’s no surprise Curie tops our editors’ favorite list. Speaking from my own experience, their natural formulas–which are crafted with sage oil, triethyl citrate and baking soda–work better than any drugstore stick I’ve ever used. The scents, which stick with you (in a good way!) are all delightfully sophisticated and so swoon-worthy they also use them for candles and moisturizers.

Because I’m such a fan, I made sure to include them in our team’s swag bags at an event this past fall and can’t tell you how many Slack messages I’ve received that sing their praises. To quote one, “I have been dying to switch over to natural deodorant for so long and tried so many others that left me smelling stinky–the one that you put in the bag– AMAZING. It’s now been two weeks and I can even wear that to work out!!! I’m obsessed!”

Kopari, an aluminum and baking soda-free deodorant stick that’s powered by naturally antimicrobial and anti-bacterial coconut comes highly recommended by Motherly editors and dedicated fans. Of course everyone mentions the dreamy vacation-ready scent but the reason it’s so many people’s holy grail is because it just works. The gel-like formula glides on smooth and doesn’t leave white streaks on clothing and thanks to sage oil it’s soothing and gentle even on the most sensitive skin.

Not too long ago the only “natural deodorant” was a crystal rock you’d rub under your arms. But oh how far we’ve come! Indie Lee’s Energize Deodorant looks and feels like the anti-perspirants you already know but without the questionable ingredients. A super-concentrated gel-to-powder formula, it goes on smooth and dries quickly without making a mess on your clothes–and according to one Motherly team member, it’s the only natural deodorant she’s never had a reaction to. Science-backed ingredients include organic tapioca, non-GMO cornstarch, and minimal natural baking soda in a bright bergamot, citrus and eucalyptus scent.

If you’re a natural deo newbie or non-believer, let us introduce you to the brilliant two-step system from Kaia Naturals. Start by cleansing the underarms with the activated charcoal and apple cider vinegar based soap to unclog pores, draw out impurities, and wash away any odor-causing bacteria. After, slide the charcoal-based deodorant onto your refreshed pits for a totally stink-free day. The combo works harmoniously to break the antiperspirant habit and train even the smelliest underarms to work with cleaner products. What’s more, if you’re a super sweater, you can finish with their moisture absorbing Sweat Powder to stay dry and confident even through work outs.

After multiple forays into different natural deodorant brands, I started with Native, and have continually come back to Native. First, there are the delicious scents that change with the season (picture me stocking up on the Rosé scent in the summer time), but the most important thing to me personally is the availability of a sensitive formula. When I first made the switch to natural, I noticed an unpleasant side effect: it turned my armpits black! I learned that this can be caused by a sensitivity to baking soda, which is the main ingredient in many natural deodorants. Luckily, Native came to the rescue, with a baking soda-free formula in their sensitive line. 

It’s hard to say what I love most about the super effective Primally Pure Geranium Deodorant. Is it the gorgeous floral scent that I’d wear as a perfume? The fact it doesn’t irritate in the slightest? The way it keeps me dry and smelling good all day long even in the summer?

In total, the uniquely soothing and antimicrobial formula is a true category stand out. In addition to the common natural deodorant ingredients like coconut oil and baking soda, it also packs anti-inflammatory and vitamin-rich tallow from grass-fed cows to moisturize skin and absorbent non-nano zinc oxide to give it more of that anti-perspirant effect.

And a word to the wise! There’s a lot left in the packaging when you can no longer swipe it on. Scoop it out and pop what’s left into an empty lip gloss pot or skincare jar and you’ve got the perfect travel deodorant. Just a tiny ball rolled into your pits and you’re good to go!