What is Natural Deodorant? Finally Understand What It Really Is

Medically Reviewed by Nicole Conceicao, APRN on August 27, 2024  |  Written by Robert Leonard

Looking for a healthier option for your daily routine or just wondering what is natural deodorant?

Unlike regular deodorants, natural deodorants use ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils to fight odor without harmful chemicals. This means you can stay fresh without worrying about synthetic substances on your skin.

Many people choose natural deodorants to avoid aluminum, parabens, and artificial fragrances. These common ingredients in regular deodorants have raised health concerns, making natural alternatives more appealing. With natural deodorants, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that what you’re putting on your body is generally considered safer.

Making the switch to an all-natural deodorant was a no-brainer for me. I'm an everyday athlete who works out, stays physically active, and tries to eat well so I can be healthy. Why would I then lather my body in chemicals? Once I thought've it this way, the switch was easy.

Switching to natural deodorant may take some time for your body to adjust. During this transition, it's normal to experience a different feel and effectiveness. This is often known as a "detox" period where your body is ridding itself of the toxins put in your body from chemical-filled products that were used before.

It's also important to know that deodorant doesn't NOT stop you from sweating. Antiperspirants do that mainly by clogging your pours with aluminum. A natural deodorant will not do that - it won't stop your sweating, but it will help get rid of odor from sweat (if you have a good product) – read our guide on Deodorant vs Antiperspirant to learn more.

Common Ingredients in Natural Deodorants

Natural deodorants are designed to prevent body odor using ingredients from plants and minerals. Common ingredients include baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and essential oils.

Baking soda neutralizes odor, while arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture. Coconut oil fights bacteria that cause odor. Essential oils provide fragrance and have antimicrobial properties. These deodorants avoid synthetic chemicals like aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, which some people wish to avoid.

In our natural deodorants, we use organic arrowroot powder, organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, grass-fed grass-finished beef tallow, kaolin clay, organic non-nano zinc oxide, organic vitamin E, pure essential oils, organic charcoal, and rosemary extract.

Without synthetic chemicals and preservatives, natural deodorants may not last as long.

How Natural Deodorants Work

Natural deodorants work mainly by neutralizing odor rather than blocking sweat. Unlike antiperspirants, which use aluminum to block sweat pores, natural deodorants allow your skin to breathe.

The ingredients like baking soda and coconut oil kill odor-causing bacteria. Moisture-absorbing agents like arrowroot powder help reduce wetness but don't stop sweating completely. This approach helps maintain the body’s natural detoxification processes and doesn't fill your body with harmful ingredients.

This is how natural deodorants work, but does that actually work? Find out does natural deodorant work here.

Benefits of Switching to Natural Deodorant

Since it lacks synthetic chemicals, it’s often gentler on the skin, especially for those with sensitivities or allergies. Some people do still have issues with natural deodorants, most often with baking soda, but overall, they are more gentle on sensitive skin.

Natural ingredients offer antimicrobial benefits without clogging pores. Some users report that, over time, their body odor actually decreases when using natural deodorants.

For women specifically, who are interested in trying a natural deodorant, check out our natural deodorant for women, crafted with safe and effective ingredients to keep you fresh all day.

For men, try our natural deodorant for men or the aluminum-free deodorant for men. 

For male or female athletes, our natural deodorant for athletes is also an option.

You can also travel with our normal-size deodorant (it's a travel size deodorant) and fits TSA requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Deodorant

How do natural deodorants differ from antiperspirants?

Natural deodorants focus on controlling odor, whereas antiperspirants aim to reduce sweating. Antiperspirants use aluminum-based compounds to block sweat glands. Natural deodorants do not prevent sweating but aim to manage body odor.

Can natural deodorants be effective for strong body odor?

Yes, many people find natural deodorants effective for strong body odor. Ingredients like baking soda and charcoal can absorb moisture and neutralize odors. It might take some trial and error to find the right brand (we recommend Emergo).

How can one transition to using natural deodorant from traditional options?

Switching to natural deodorant may involve a detox period. Your body needs time to adjust, and you might experience more sweating initially. It's helpful to stay hydrated and choose breathable clothing during this transition period.

What is considered natural deodorant?

It's considered a natural deodorant when the product only contains ingredients from natural sources, not chemicals formulated in a lab.

What is the difference between natural and chemical deodorant?

The difference between natural and chemical deodorant is that natural deodorants only use ingredients that are naturally occurring, whereas chemical deodorants used ingredients created in labs.

What happens to your body when you start using natural deodorant?

You may go through a “detox phase” where your body gets rid of all the toxins built up from the chemicals in your previous antiperspirants. You may sweat more and smell worse than usual for 1-4 weeks.

Some people may even develop a small rash or irritation of the skin as a result of the toxins from previous products leaving the body through the pores. This can be normal as well, but if it persists beyond a few weeks, please get a professional medical opinion. Learn how to heal underarm rash from natural deodorant here.

After the detox, your armpits should be balanced, sweat less, and smell better. Don’t panic during the detox phase.

Will I smell if I switch to natural deodorant?

If you find a good brand and product, you should not smell if you switch to natural deodorant. Click to find out why natural deodorant may make you smell at first.

What happens when you stop using aluminum deodorant?

Aluminum clogs your sweat glands. Without that happening, your skin will regulate your body's heat and rid itself of the toxins you release through sweat.

What are the cons of natural deodorant?

Despite being generally more gentle, the cons of natural deodorant are that people can have allergies to the ingredients and they can still cause sensitivities.

Why do my armpits stink after switching to aluminum-free?

Your armpits may stink after switching to aluminum-free deodorant because your body is adjusting to the absence of aluminum, which previously blocked sweat glands, and is now expelling built-up toxins and bacteria that contribute to odor.