Welcome to our clean beauty deodorant master list where we try and review every deodorant on the planet so you don’t have to. Don’t see the deodorant you are looking for? Leave us a comment and we will add it in!
By: Lisa Fennessy
Sometimes I love talking about deodorants but sometimes I hate it. Why? Because my efforts seem futile when everyone’s body chemistry and activity levels are different. What works for some people doesn’t work for others and when all is said and done we’re just all back where we started lol.
But just because efficacy is not a one size fits all metric, it doesn’t mean we are all left up sh*ts creek without a paddle. There are some broad guidelines or tools we can use to help narrow down the best natural deodorant for us. Here’s what some of those look like:
1. Deodorants that are third party verified. Third party verification requires brands to go through a process to ensure their claims are legitimate or that their formulas/ingredients meet a predefined set of guidelines. Certifications like NSF International, COSMOS-ORGANIC or COSMOS-NATURAL have some of the strictest standards and ensure unbiased ingredient due-diligence.
2. Not all brands (especially indie brands) choose to peruse third party verification so if you don’t see this marked on the deodorant you are considering, head to the full ingredient list to ensure the brand is formulating with healthy ingredients, or at the very minimum avoids using any of these red flag ingredients. (And no, it’s not just about finding the best aluminum free deodorant).
3. Ask yourself, is this brand being transparent with me? Transparency at its core represents a sense of pride. Pride in the work, the creative process and the brand. Pride will have a brand pulling back the curtain and answering consumers’ questions before they are even asked. Some things you can look for here are: Is this brand sharing full ingredient lists? Is their marketing misleading? Do you have to dig for information? Are their claims empty are are they backed up by clinical trials? Do they use greenwashing language?
Like always, all of these and more are considered when we review a product. We like doing the work so you don’t have to but more than that, we like giving you to tools so you can find the best clean deodorant for yourself on the fly too.
But, for conversation sake, and if you’ve liked my past deo faves (and current faves i.e. this, this and this) then, hopefully you find this master deodorant list even more helpful.
It’s a small list right now but every time we try a deodorant, we will review it and add it to this list. Our hope is that this becomes a massive resource where you can find our thoughts on every and any clean beauty deodorant you want. (We’ve done this for shampoo + conditioner too!).
Curious about a deodorant you don’t see here? Leave us a comment so we can add it in!
Natural deodorants I’ve tried
I tried Kinfield Baseline Deodorant: pH Balancing | $24
I love everything Kinfield so I was really excited to try their new deo. Straight out of the gate, this deo experience was a 10 /10 but then after a couple weeks I started wondering if it was even working.
After using this deo for over a month, here’s what I like and what I don’t:
What I like:
- The fatty packaging which makes application a one swipe breeze.
- Plus guess what, it’s refillable!
- The twist-up-for-more-product feature works and is easy to use.
- Product transfers easily and smoothly leaving not too much but not too little product behind.
- Goes on clear.
- Love the scent which I’m describing as lemongrass icing.
- The colors and branding is sharp and non-gender specific.
- No baking soda formula (which can be irritating to some people).
- TNK approved ingredients.
What I don’t:
- It didn’t work consistently enough for me and by the end of most days I could smell myself.
- Also, is $24 for a deodorant triggering for anyone else?
Overall: This one is a dead ringer if you are okay with applying more than 1x a day.
I tried Cleo+Coco Prebiotic Deodorant Spray: Cucumber Mint | $19
You know I am a sucker for a spray deodorant. Sprays are clear and don’t transfer product to clothing. Plus, they don’t stain shirts as much because most of them don’t have oils. This one showed a lot of promise right off the bat.
I used this deodorant for over a month, here’s what I like and what I don’t:
What I like:
- Love that it’s a spray.
- It actually works, and works all day.
- Doesn’t transfer to or stain clothing.
- Can also be used as a vaginal deodorant, foot deodorant and anywhere on the body. (I really love this).
- No baking soda formula (which can be irritating to some people).
- TNK approved ingredients.
What I don’t:
- The scent is very mild. I wish it was a little something stronger that I could enjoy. (This could be a pro for you).
- I wish the spray was finer. It comes out straight and strong so if you miss your target you have to keep spraying until you find it. Eight pumps later and I’m like dammit!
- Applies wet (which is an ick for me) but it does eventually dry down.
- Honestly, there is nothing I hate about this deo BUT I will share that Claire on our team tried it and it didn’t work for her.
Overall: If you are a spray deo stan like me, this one is worth a try. Worst case scenario if it doesn’t work for you, you have a new sneaker deodorizer!
I tried SALT + STONE Santal & Vetiver Natural Deodorant | $20
My husband picked this up for himself so…of course, I tried it. Immediately I hated the smell of it so I really couldn’t get much past that. I wore it one day to tennis and couldn’t wait to get home so I could wash my pits and change my shirt. However, my husband likes it so the fragrance issue is merely preference and they have other options as well.
I was concerned about their use of “fragrance” so I reached out to the brand and they confirmed that their “natural fragrances are made from essential oils and isolates that are naturally derived” and that the “scents have passed the EU, IFRA, and RIFM safety standards. They are also paraben and phthalate-free.”
I tried this deodorant for one day, here is what I like and what I don’t:
What I like:
- The fatty tube which makes application a one swipe breeze.
- The colors and branding is sharp, sleek and non-gender specific.
- The twist-up-for-more-product feature works and is easy to use.
- Product transfers easily and smoothly leaving not too much but not too little product behind.
What I don’t:
- This has baking soda in it (which can be irritating to some people). This may not be a con for you.
- I hate this scent so much. It’s musky which I love but has undertones of vinegar to me🤢 Again, this may not be a con for you.
Overall: There are so many great natural deodorants out there, this could be one of them but it’s just not one of them for me.
I tried Mukti Botanique Deodorant | $28
I only have eyes for Mukti’s Botanique Deodorant. It’s a botanical spray that goes on clear and keeps odor at bay and nothing else compares! I know that what works for some doesn’t work for others BUT (!!!) I’ve been using Mukti’s deo for just about 3 years now and it’s revolutionized what deodorant means to me.
I’ve worn this deodorant for three years, here is what I like and what I don’t:
What I like:
- It won’t stain clothes or leave white marks on your shirts.
- It’s easy to apply (no fingers dipping into jars or tugging or pulling on skin to get product to transfer).
- No rolling up a tube or pushing out product.
- Although this DOES have baking soda in it, I haven’t experienced any baking soda irritation.
- Gentle, mild and it WORKS.
- Packaged in post consumer recycled plastic.
What I don’t:
- I don’t like that initial wet feeling of a spray deodorant.
- Also, I realize $28 is insane for a deodorant but I will say this bottle lasts me a very long time.
Overall: Do yourself a solid and try this non-solid, life changing deodorant.
I tried Prim Botanicals Mademoiselle Swell Baking Soda-Free Deodorant | $19
This has been our team member, Claire’s go-to deodorant for awhile. Here’s what she has to say: I discovered this deodorant after trying at least 10 that truly didn’t work for me and was ready to give up hope on natural deodorants (some actually made me smell worse?!). Instead of using baking soda, Prim Botanicals uses magnesium to deodorize and tapioca powder to absorb moisture. This one also has a slightly stronger fragrance that can potentially mask some body odor.
I’ve been using this deodorant for over 2 years, here’s what I like and what I don’t:
What I like:
- The balanced floral scent (jasmine, bergamot, neroli). It’s stronger than most natural deodorants I’ve tried, but as someone who is VERY scent-sensitive it doesn’t bother me at all and I actually love it!
- It really works and works all day.
- The twist-up-for-more-product feature works and is easy to use.
- It absorbs most moisture (unless I’m stress sweating).
- No baking soda formula (which can be irritating to some people).
- TNK approved ingredients.
What I don’t:
- The formula is very soft and you can easily over apply, especially in warmer climates.
- White clothes end up with a slightly yellow residue in the pits.
Overall: If you are looking for a deodorant that not only eliminates odor but also makes you smell GOOD, this is worth a try!
Don’t see the deodorant you are looking for? Leave us a comment and we will add it in! What’s your go-to deodorant?
P.S. Also be sure to check out The Best Skincare Routine for Your Skin Type (With a Printable Guide!)
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Nicolle
May 3, 2024I feel the same about the Kinfield one! I’m using it right now and I love it… but then I’m like, does it actually work? LOL.
Lisa Fennessy
May 3, 2024I’m glad it’s not just me!
Megan
May 3, 2024After your Mutki recommendation, I gave it a try, and I am COMPLETELY in love! It works SO well, smells so good, and doesn’t leave residue on my clothes (which was my biggest bummer with previous deodorants–the shirts they stained!).
As a testament to its effectiveness, I am super active and it keeps me smelling fresh thru workouts (& then I reapply). The smell is delicious and so light that I doubt others can smell it. In LOVE!
Lisa Fennessy
May 3, 2024THANK YOU! SEE????!!!!! ; )
Erica
May 3, 2024Any thoughts about the Kosas deodorant? Clean ingredients and does it really work? Thanks!
Lisa Fennessy
May 3, 2024Noted! I will try and get my hands on some!
Barbara
May 4, 2024What about Lavanila deodorant?? Actually works for both my husband and I!
Lisa Fennessy
May 6, 2024Hi Barbara! I took a look and the only question I would ask them is what is the composition of their botanical fragrance blend. That’s is unclear from their product page.
Kisha
May 4, 2024Love this post and literature every post you do! Have you tried MagSol? I purchase on Amazon or their site. The rose is my go to for years. Please let me know your thoughts about ingredients etc. I’m VERY scent sensitive too and the rose scent doesn’t bother me like I thought it would.
Lisa Fennessy
May 6, 2024Hi Kisha! They need to have a full ingredient list posted on their product pages. They don’t have that so it’s hard to tell as a consumer, what is exactly in this deodorant. I did see they wrote, “MAGSOL natural deodorant is made with sweet almond oil, beeswax, magnesium oxide and natural oils” under one of their descriptions but again, I don’t know if that is the full list or not. If those 4 ingredients are the full list then it looks good.
Kisha
May 4, 2024*literally
Nicole
May 4, 2024My favorite deodorant was Taos Aer. I’m so upset that it’s no longer available. Do you have a close dupe for it? Thanks!
Lisa Fennessy
May 6, 2024So sad to see them go! Good question. If you like that sort of softer consistency you could try Type A. That has a similar delivery system.
Maggie
May 4, 2024I love the Mukti deodorant, but I do find that I have to reapply or it doesn’t last for me. I’ve been using hibar and really like it. It holds up all day and no irritation!
Lisa Fennessy
May 6, 2024Cool! Love that it’s plastic free!
Kisha
May 6, 2024Thank you for the quick response. Yes that’s the full list for MagSol. I have the Rose scent and it has the phrase “4 ingredients” it’s sweet almond oil, beeswax, mag oxide and rose oil. The first
3 ingredients remain consistent and the 4th changes up depending on the scent you choose. You are the best!
Tracey
May 7, 2024Recently loving Vico deodorant! Another good one to try.