Finding a new men deodorant shouldn't be a challenge. But if you're searching for a natural deodorant for men, it can be difficult to tell which products actually work and which will leave you with wet, smelly underarms.
To help you upgrade your clean grooming routine, we've rounded up the best natural deodorants for men. Using a combination of natural ingredients, these products effectively kill underarm bacteria and banish body odor without aluminum, parabens, or other chemicals.
First, let's break down some key information to know before making the switch from a conventional antiperspirant to a natural deodorant.
Natural Deodorants vs. Traditional Antiperspirants
As the name implies, natural deodorants are created using only naturally derived ingredients. Their main appeal is their lack of aluminum, an ingredient some research has linked to breast cancer and other health concerns. Though both deodorant and antiperspirant are used with the same end goal in mind, the personal care products provide odor protection using two entirely different methods.
Antiperspirants prevent odor by stopping your underarms from sweating in the first place, hence the name anti-perspire-ant. The average antiperspirant formula relies on aluminum-based compounds like aluminum salts which work to block sweat glands and reduce sweat flow to your underarms. Though the jury is still out on antiperspirants' overall safety, some studies have associated aluminum and parabens with an increased risk of breast cancer and Parkinson's disease.
On the other hand, deodorants do not prevent sweating and instead rely on ingredients like alcohol and triclosan to kill the bacteria that cause underarm odors. Because deodorant users still produce underarm sweat, most products also include sweat-absorbing ingredients like talc or baking soda.
It's important to remember that switching from traditional antiperspirant to natural deodorant is a process. During the first few weeks of using the new all-natural product, it's normal to feel like you sweat more and smell more than usual.
How to Switch to Natural Deodorant
Your body simply needs time to adjust to the new formula and detox the aluminum salts and other chemicals from your armpits. Give your new natural deodorant a few weeks to work its magic before giving up. Remember, using an antiperspirant (even once or twice) during the transition starts the whole detox process over.
To speed up the transition process, try using a detoxifying mask every few days to help unclog your blocked pore. Mix together equal parts calcium bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. Apply to your underarms and leave for twenty minutes before rinsing.
What to Look for in Best Aluminum Free Deodorant
When shopping for a natural formula, check the ingredient list for the following clean ingredients:
- Baking Soda— The household staple acts as a multitasking odor neutralizer and wetness absorber.
- Essential Oils— In addition to offering a clean alternative to synthetic perfumes, many essential oils (like lavender and tea tree) are naturally antibacterial.
- Mineral Salts— Popular in crystal deodorants, mineral salts like potassium alum prevent bacteria growth.
- Clay— This natural absorber is a great way to soothe sensitive skin while reducing underarm wetness.
- Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide— Commonly used in mineral sunscreens, the two antimicrobial compounds work to kill odor-causing bacteria.
- Witch Hazel— The popular astringent absorbs oils and constricts armpit pores to reduce sweat production.
The Best Natural Deodorants for Men
Tom's of Maine Men's Stick Deodorant in Mountain Spring
When it comes to clean personal care and grooming products, Tom's of Maine's are some of the best. The Certified B Corporation has been making their best-selling products since 1970 using only naturally sourced and derived ingredients. Their Men's Stick Deodorant in Mountain Spring is made without artificial fragrances and preservatives and is 100% aluminum-free.
Using a powerful blend of odor-stopping ingredients like propylene glycol, hops, sunflower seed oil, and aloe leaf juice, the natural deodorant provides 24-hour odor protection while nourishing the skin. Plus, it's made without animal ingredients and animal testing, so it's suitable for vegans. In addition to the popular Mountain Spring scent, it's also available in North Woods and Deep Forest options.
Schmidt's Deodorant Stick with Charcoal and Magnesium neutralizes odor and keeps your underarms feeling fresh all day long. The award-winning men's deodorant is the first Ecocert Certified Natural Deodorant in the United States. It's free from parabens, phthalates, aluminum salts, and other synthetic filler ingredients you'd find in most drugstore deodorants.
Schmidt's all-natural formula harnesses the power of activated charcoal and magnesium to kill underarm bacteria. Ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter soothe sensitive skin while arrowroot powder and baking soda absorb wetness. Not to mention, the Freshly Fallen Rain scent is light and refreshing is made entirely from essential oils.
If you're a man who's been underwhelmed by their experience with other natural deodorants, it's time to try the Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant from Ursa Major. It offers long-lasting protection and silky-smooth glide without aluminum, petrochemicals, parabens, silicones, or synthetic fragrances. Plus, it's gluten-free and cruelty-free.
Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant is made using a clean, healthy blend of natural ingredients like hops, kaolin clay, baking soda, and aloe. Perhaps the best part of the product is its crisp, cool scent which features peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Made by an essential oil company, it's little surprise that the dōTERRA Natural Deodorant is one of the best smelling natural deodorants for men. It's infused with their signature dōTERRA Balance® Essential Oils, which features spruce, ho leaf, frankincense, blue tansy, blue chamomile, and osmanthus.
But dōTERRA's deodorant doesn't just smell great, and it works great too! Thanks to sweat-absorbing ingredients like tapioca starch and baking soda, your underarms will feel fresh and dry all day long. To put your mind at ease, it's talc-, aluminum-, paraben-free.
Method Men's Aluminum-Free Deodorant in Sea + Surf won a Men's Health Editor's Choice Award for a good reason. The sea-inspired scent is crisp, clean, and not overpowering. Not only does it smell fantastic, but it also offers 12-hour protection from odor and sweat.
Instead of relying on aluminum, parabens, and phthalates, it uses plant and mineral-based odor-fighting ingredients instead. Glyceryl laurate and Sambucus nigra fruit extract reduce microbial and bacterial growth while tapioca starch and sodium bicarbonate absorb any lingering underarm wetness. Moisturizing coconut oil provides a silky smooth glide every time.
This refreshing Men's Deodorant with Eucalyptus and Mint is Native's most popular deodorant. The subtle scent has a clean, fresh aroma that can be used by any deodorant user, man or woman. It's paraben-free, aluminum-free, cruelty-free, and vegan, with plastic-free options available.
One swipe of Native Men's Deodorant with Eucalyptus and Mint provides long-lasting odor prevention without irritating or drying out your skin. Tapioca starch and baking soda work to absorb pesky wetness, while caprylic triglyceride and shea butter help create a smooth texture. Plus, it contains body odor blockers like magnesium hydroxide along with balancing probiotics.
Looking for a deodorant with a seriously manly scent? Try Jason's Aluminum-Free Men's Deodorant Stick in Forest Fresh. The woodsy scent is made from a potent combination of grapefruit seed extract, cedarwood, pine, and eucalyptus oils. Zinc ricinoleate, corn starch, and baking soda help neutralize bad odors and keep you feeling fresh longer than a lot of other deodorants.
Jason's great-smelling product is clinically proven to provide all-day protection without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, or propylene glycol. It's cruelty-free and made without animal byproducts, so it's suitable for vegan users.
For men who are heavy sweaters or need additional protection throughout the day, deodorant wipes are the perfect way to refresh your underarms quickly. These EO Deodorant Wipes in Tea Tree are perfect for tossing in your gym bag, backpack, or briefcase when you're on the go. Whether you're wiping off post-workout or refreshing before a big presentation with your boss, they're sure to leave you smelling—and feeling— your best.
The individually wrapped natural deodorant wipes aren't just convenient, they actually work! They contain naturally antiseptic tea tree oil and other natural skin soothers instead of aluminum salts, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. For a lighter take, try the deodorant wipes in EO's soothing lavender scent.
Jack Black's all-natural, aluminum-free Pit Ctrl Deodorant features their best-selling Turbo scent along with a host of smell-stopping natural ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and powerful enzymes. The product glides on clear and won't stain your clothes.
The gentle formula is ideal for men with sensitive underarms that are easily irritated by conventional deodorants. Jack Black's natural deodorant is aluminum-free, vegan, and dermatologist tested.
