What happens when you stop using deodorant with aluminum?

Be warned: the change from aluminum deodorant to natural has a grace period, and it isn't exactly graceful. When you make the switch, you may notice more of an odor for up to several weeks. You can reapply your deodorant more frequently as your body adjusts.

How should you prepare their armpits for natural deodorant?

Besides waiting out the grace period, there are steps you can take to transition to a natural deodorant more comfortably. Griffin-Black, the co-founder of EO Products, suggests to Byrdie that you can try taking hot baths, which will encourage your body to sweat and release odors. He says you can also try using a clay masque to prepare your armpits for a switch to natural deodorant.

Is it worth switching to a natural deodorant?

If you have health concerns around aluminum, it can be worth giving natural deodorant a try. While studies are not conclusive, there is some evidence that exposure to aluminum can have negative health effects, including a possible link to breast cancer.

Does natural deodorant clog men’s pores?

Natural deodorants are not antiperspirants, and so they are not noted to clog pores and cause breakouts. Many people who previously used an antiperspirant will notice more sweat upon switching to natural deodorant. If you do notice breakouts in your underarm area , though, you could be reacting to an ingredient used. Try switching brands to see if breakouts clear up.

The 12 Best Natural Deodorants for Men of 2023

It’s hard to part with your aluminum and chemical-ridden antiperspirants. You sweat a lot. And it stinks, a lot! It’s only natural to be skeptical towards any product that masks moisture and odor so efficiently. But then again…that’s a lot of unnatural product to be rubbing into your skin on the regular. Maybe, just maybe, there’s some merit behind the best natural deodorants and their ability to do the same service without any potential adverse effects?

After all, a lot of people are devout converts to natural, and for good reason: Ingredients ranging from arrowroot powder to kaolin clay can absorb moisture, while baking soda and tea tree oil and magnesium—or even probiotics themselves—can help fight off odorous bacteria and prevent their proliferation with any moisture. If anything, it’s worth giving natural deodorants a shot. Only then can you be a critic against them...or a tried-and-true convert yourself.

The switch to natural deodorants comes with one very important warning—or rather, a preface: “It may take a few weeks to adjust to the switch of natural deodorants,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carly Roman of Modern Dermatology in Seattle. “If concerned about body odor, you could also use an antibacterial soap in the shower as you are transitioning products, and then slowly decrease the frequency of that soap if you feel it is no longer needed.” She especially advises this for guys who rely on antiperspirant deodorant to block sweat and odor. “This will help reduce the major contributor (bacteria) to body odor allowing the natural deodorant to seem more effective,” she says.

Ahead—we got more of Roman’s intel about choosing the best natural deodorants and factored it into our own personal picks of the best natural deodorants for men.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Schmidt's Deodorant Stick at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Tom’s of Maine Tea Tree Long Lasting Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Arm & Hammer Essentials Solid Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Stain-Free:

Malin + Goetz Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Baking Soda Alternative:

Brothers Artisan Oil Magnesium Stick Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Baxter of California Deodorant

Jump to Review

Best Mission:

Hey Humans Naturally Derived Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Beginners:

Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Extra-Strength:

Milk + Honey Extra Strength Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Spray:

L:A Bruket 089 Deo Spray at Labruket.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Schmidts.com

What We Like

Great selection of scents
A little goes a long way
Stays fresh all day

What We Don't Like

Can be a little difficult to apply

Who else recommends it? Esquire also picked Schmidt's Deodorant Stick.

Schmidt’s takes the top prize for its sheer variety of all-natural options, but it’s their signature Deodorant Stick that keeps us coming back for more. Made with arrowroot powder and baking soda, it absorbs moisture and neutralizes funk, and also soothes and nourishes skin with a blend of coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E. It’s a strong formula at a reasonable price and one that will likely convert some of the steepest skeptics.

Price at time of publish: $10.95

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil | Size: 3.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant Tea Tree

View On Amazon

What We Like

Feels cooling and soothing on skin
Made by a certified B corporation
Doesn't leave a residue

What We Don't Like

Could be longer lasting

Whether you’re price-minded in principle or are just looking for a low-cost investment into natural deodorants, then beeline for Tom’s of Maine. The brand excels in all things natural, from deodorant to toothpaste, and its tea tree deodorant neutralizes odorous bacteria while also soothing inflammation and calming skin (the latter thanks to aloe). It also utilizes hops extracts and ascorbic acid to fight funk and helps adjust pH levels to a cool, calm, and harmonious place.

Price at time of publish: $14.75 for tea tree 3-pack

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Aloe, hops extract | Size: 2.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Deodorant

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What We Like

Effective formula
Doesn't leave a white cast
Neutral scent

What We Don't Like

Can be a little drying

If your skin can tolerate baking soda (and many people can), then take note: Arm & Hammer has a heavy-duty natural formula with its hero deodorizing ingredient. The formula includes lavender and rosemary oils, known for their soothing properties, and baking soda to sponge up all the moisture. However, heed Dr. Roman’s advice on baking soda before proceeding with any such formula: “Baking soda is an alkaline chemical compound, which can increase the pH of the skin, leading to dryness or irritation.” if you notice this, then swap in an alternative deodorizer.

Price at time of publish: $4.74 for rosemary lavender deodorant

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Baking soda, coriander fruit oil | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

4.7

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

Doesn't leave a residue
Great scent
Strong formula

What We Don't Like

Could be longer lasting

Now, it’s not to imply that other deodorants on this roster will leave coconut-oil- and baking-soda-based stains on your clothing, but that can sometimes be the reputation of natural deodorants (as it can be for antiperspirants, too). So if that’s your history with any products or if you’re simply looking for a stain-free formula you can count on, then try Malin + Goetz. Formulated with eucalyptus leaf oil and citronellyl, it neutralizes odorous bacteria without being aggressive on skin or clothing.

Price at time of publish: $22

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Eucalyptus leaf oil, citronellyl | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Brothers Artisan Oil Magnesium Deodorant with Organic Arrowroot

View On Amazon View On Brothersartisanoil.com

What We Like

Great selection of scents
Glides on easily
Simple ingredient list

What We Don't Like

A little expensive

If you’re averse to baking soda formulas, then consider magnesium and arrowroot powder as your armpit’s new best friends. Magnesium stays on the surface of the skin to kick bacterial booty (without disrupting the sensitive dermis just below the surface), and arrowroot soaks up moisture like a sponge. Brothers Artisan Oil combines them with kaolin clay for added absorption plus shea butter, coconut oil, and an essential oil blend for overall moisturizing, toning, and soothing.

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, magnesium hydroxide | Size: 3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Courtesy of Nordstrom

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Absorbs quickly
Glides on easily
Doesn't leave a residue

What We Don't Like

Baxter’s citrus and herbal-musk-tinged stick has a bit of a cult following in the grooming sphere, and for good reason. It’s gentle on skin, smells divine, and doesn’t stain your clothes. Made with tea tree oil and witch hazel, it both helps neutralizes odor and tones skin. So while it may not be the most moisture-minding of the lot, it is with certainty one of the most universally adored for its deodorizing powers.

Price at time of publish: $21

Type: Solid gel | Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil, witch hazel | Size: 2.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Hey Humans Natural Deodorant 99% Plastic-Free Packaging

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What We Like

Eco-conscious paper packaging
Feels cooling and soothing on skin
Inexpensive

What We Don't Like

Can leave a faint residue on clothes

Jada Pinkett-Smith’s brand is a welcome addition to the self-care space, for its ethos and promise: 99% plastic-free and recyclable paper packaging; all products under $6; clean, vegan, and natural formulas, and so forth…and here is a formula that combines absorbent arrowroot powder with nourishing shea butter and coconut oil, as well as a host of toning/ soothing essential oils, which also linger pleasantly after application.

Price at time of publish: $6.99

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, shea butter | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Courtesy of Dermstore

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart

What We Like

Feels cooling and soothing on skin
Stays fresh all day
Has a smooth texture
Comes in two sizes

What We Don't Like

A little expensive

Since your body needs some time to adjust to an all-natural formula, it’s smart to start with a stick that showcases the category’s full potential—that way, you’ll stick with it for the long haul. Ursa Major’s sensitive-friendly deodorant combines hops (yep, the same used in beer) with kaolin clay and aloe vera for an ultra-dry but soothing result. It’s also got peppermint and eucalyptus oils for a minty-fresh tingle—and a naturally cool lingering scent.

Price at time of publish: $18 for 2.6 oz bottle

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Hops, aloe vera, kaolin | Size: 1.7 / 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Milk + Honey

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

What We Like

Stays fresh all day
Has a smooth texture
Great scent

What We Don't Like

Can be a little messy

Naturally, you might be skeptical of a chemical-free deodorant, especially if you’re on the muskier side of things. So it’s worth seeking out an extra-strength formula if you are otherwise reliant on antiperspirants and high-powered non-naturals. Milk + Honey’s deodorant combines baking soda with arrowroot powder for an extremely absorbent result. It also neutralizes the area with tea tree oil while calming with lavender and hydrating with coconut oil.

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut and lavender oils | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Labruket.com

What We Like

Easy to use
Great scent
Stays fresh all day

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Contains alcohol

It’s hard to find a natural deodorant spray that doesn’t dry out your skin. That’s because most of the “natural” ones still rely on some kind of alcohol base to tackle bacteria. You want one that instead utilizes all kinds of essential oils, like L:A Bruket. It combines jojoba, apricot, rapeseed, sunflower, bergamot, rosemary, mandarin, and more. The blend neutralizes, soothes, tones nourishes… basically, it does all of the good stuff.

Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: Alcohol, coriander and vetiver oils | Size: 1.9 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant

View On Amazon View On Eachandevery.com

What We Like

Eco-conscious packaging
Great selection of scents
Simple ingredient list

What We Don't Like

Can leave a residue on clothes

Each & Every offers seven terrific scented options of its coconut-oil-based deodorant (rather, it’s six scents and one unscented). Our favorite is the Citrus & Vetiver closely followed by Lavender & Lemon (yeah, so maybe we like crisp notes mixed with herbs and grass). They utilize sustainable, recyclable/plant-based packaging, and rely on Dead Sea salt as the bacteria-neutralizing agent.

Price at time of publish: $17

Type: Balm | Active Ingredients: Magnesium carbonate, lavender oil | Size: 2.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Courtesy of Native

View On Amazon View On Nativecos.com

What We Like

Stays fresh all day
Lightweight and residue-free
Great selection of scents

What We Don't Like

May wear off after intense activity

Native's $12 Natural Deodorant Is the Best One I've Ever Used

Some people want to fight bacteria with bacteria, by applying a probiotic-packed ingredient or a prebiotic one (the latter is food for bacteria, as opposed to probiotics which are the good bacteria themselves). Native’s natural blends are adored by consumers for many reasons—and doctors, too, as they are one of Dr. Roman’s favorite natural deodorant brands. Their inclusion of probiotics—to kill off the bad bacteria—is chief among the reasons people love them. Native’s baking soda- and tapioca starch-powered formulas soak up moisture, and they offer a variety of scents to appeal to every shopper.

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Shea butter, baking soda, coconut oil | Size: 2.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Native Deodorant — Byrdie / Jenna Igneri

Final Verdict

There are so many options within natural deodorants, which combine bacterial-neutralizing ingredients with moisture-absorbing ones (though sometimes just the former). From a prebiotic option like Native's Men's Deodorant (view at Amazon) to the high-powered baking-soda and arrowroot-powder fueled stick that is Milk + Honey’s Extra Strength Deodorant (view at Ulta), or our go-to pick, Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick (view at Amazon). After perusing this list and seeing ingredients like tea tree oil, magnesium, hops, and eucalyptus, it begs the question: Why did you wait so long to switch to naturals? But just remember: There is a grace period after you switch wherein your body gets used to the lack of chemicals as it trains itself to respond instead to these natural formulas. So be patient, and if needed, follow Dr. Roman’s advice by incorporating antibacterial body washes or soaps into your shower regimen in the meantime for an added neutralizing step.

What to Look for in a Natural Deodorant

Thoughtful Ingredients

“There is no regulation of the word natural,” Dr. Roman says. “So it can be misleading or used freely. Even if a product is ‘natural’, it can still lead to irritation or rashes. A great product is one with minimal and thoughtful components—more is not always better.”

A Proper Tandem

Most people want a natural deodorant that both neutralizes odorous bacteria and absorbs moisture—so, more of a replacement for antiperspirant deodorants if anything. Look for a combination of ingredients that do both. For instance, a combo of neutralizing magnesium with absorbent arrowroot powder (as seen in Brothers Artisan Oil’s deodorant).

Deliberately Sensitive or Deliberately Not

Some people prefer natural deodorants because they use ingredients intended to maintain harmony in an otherwise sensitive area. Other people want the strongest natural ingredient possible (like baking soda) simply because they prefer a natural recipe but still demand moisture absorption. You have to be deliberate about the route you take and understand why you yourself are choosing to switch to naturals.

FAQ

What happens when you stop using deodorant with aluminum?

Be warned: the change from aluminum deodorant to natural has a grace period, and it isn't exactly graceful. When you make the switch, you may notice more of an odor for up to several weeks. You can reapply your deodorant more frequently as your body adjusts.
How should you prepare their armpits for natural deodorant?

Besides waiting out the grace period, there are steps you can take to transition to a natural deodorant more comfortably. Griffin-Black, the co-founder of EO Products, suggests to Byrdie that you can try taking hot baths, which will encourage your body to sweat and release odors. He says you can also try using a clay masque to prepare your armpits for a switch to natural deodorant.
Is it worth switching to a natural deodorant?

If you have health concerns around aluminum, it can be worth giving natural deodorant a try. While studies are not conclusive, there is some evidence that exposure to aluminum can have negative health effects, including a possible link to breast cancer.
Does natural deodorant clog men’s pores?

Natural deodorants are not antiperspirants, and so they are not noted to clog pores and cause breakouts. Many people who previously used an antiperspirant will notice more sweat upon switching to natural deodorant. If you do notice breakouts in your underarm area, though, you could be reacting to an ingredient used. Try switching brands to see if breakouts clear up.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Adam Hurly has been covering grooming for nearly 8 years. He began working for Birchbox in 2013, then became a freelance writer/editor in 2016. Since then, he has written for GQ, Men’s Journal, Men’s Health, Esquire, Gear Patrol, Bloomberg, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Forbes...and of course, Byrdie.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough natural deodorants for men from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Here Are the Best Natural Deodorants to Keep You Odor-free

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

The best natural deodorants don't just work—they might even convince you to switch. Esquire. https://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/g26860168/best-natural-deodorant-for-men
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Darbre PD. Aluminium, antiperspirants and breast cancer. J Inorg Biochem. 2005 Sep;99(9):1912-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2005.06.001. PMID: 16045991.