Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it. But we are gentlemen. And we know what to do about it. Or do we?
We men sometimes adopt weird brand loyalties, to the point that we end up using the same products, year after year, without really knowing why. You’re probably even using the same deodorant brands you picked up in high school. Well, a lot has changed since then: we’ve started to understand the negative effects certain chemicals can have when used in grooming products, and that’s led to a new approach to healthy and responsible hygiene. Natural deodorant being one of them.
Luckily, when it comes to the best natural deodorants for men, there are plenty of options that provide equal, if not better, performance than the chemical-ridden deodorants you see scattered across the men’s personal care aisle. Confused by what makes regular deodorant and antiperspirant different from one another, and what makes some deodorants “natural” to begin with? There is basically one ingredient that distinguishes them — aluminum:
- Traditional Deodorant: Fragrance is typically combined with acidic or salty ingredients such as alcohol, witch hazel, zinc oxide, and baking soda to kill bacteria-causing odor, and absorb sweat and kill odor causing bacteria since the main function of deodorant is to help keep your sweat from smelling.
- Antiperspirant: Aluminum compounds such as aluminum chloride or aluminum chlorohydrate are used to block sweat glands, preventing the flow of sweat. It’s these aluminum ingredients that cause yellow pit stains on your shirts.
Chemicals such as potassium alum — aluminum — which some say has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and possibly breast cancer (which men can be susceptible to, as well), are found in just about every antiperspirant, since that is the key ingredient used to actually block sweat. This is why many guys switch to the aluminum-free deodorant options in the first place. It makes sense to put your money where your armpits are and get the best stuff under there that you can.
Whether you’re living an all-natural lifestyle or you’re just looking out for your body, you’ll find solace in good deodorants, like the ones featured below. We’ve checked all of these natural deodorants to ensure they are made from healthy ingredients — not harsh chemicals — and tested them to see how well they prevent odors, and whether they stain those precious white shirts (which is actually caused by aluminum with your sweat, not your sweat on its own).
It will benefit you to make note of the questionable, potentially toxic ingredients found in many pharmacy-branded and white-powered deodorants and antiperspirants that should be used sparingly or avoided:
Without further ado, here are the 13 best natural deodorants for men we’ve found:
Best Natural Deodorants for Men
Best Overall Natural Men’s Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine Mountain Spring Deodorant
Long known for providing affordable access to natural and effective products, Tom’s of Maine uses vegetable-derived oils and moisturizers along with organic aloe to keep underarms feeling nice and hydrated. And since dry armpits can be a major issue when you’re rubbing alcohol from cheap deodorants on them every day, hydrated armpits are a plus. Add to that the company’s use of hops — like those found in your beer for deodorizing and fragrance, and you have a great alternative to the other solids on the drugstore shelf.
Promising Review: “I’ve tried countless brands of deodorant the last decade and this is the only non-aluminum one that lasts over 10 hours (a typical work shift for me). I really, really like the smell. It’s masculine and clean without being too strong or akin to yucky body sprays. My brand of choice for armpit stink control.” — William
Best Sustainable Natural Deodorant for Men
Myro Refillable Deodorant
What just might be better than natural deodorant? Natural deodorant that’s also eco-friendly — and Myro nailed it. These reusable cases fit the recyclable deo pod refills, meaning you use 50 percent less plastic when you replace it with your favorite scent. The most masculine-leaning scent on offer may be Cabin No. 5, but we really like the way super subtle lavender complements bergamot and vetiver — favorite notes in a lot of men’s luxury fragrances. There’s really no wrong answer though, since these deodorants are all unisexually unique.
Promising Review: “Initially, I thought, ‘Meh, I’ll try it… bet it won’t be any good.’ Now? One applicator at this house, one at the beach, and one in my travel kit. No residue, no heavy scent, and the word I use the most is CLEAN.” — Justin
Best Unisex Natural Deodorant
Rooted Athlete 100% Natural Deodorant
This is an easy, fresh alternative to some of the overtly masculine options that exist in the athletic deodorant space. Powered by six ingredients such as coconut oil, arrowroot powder, shea butter, and baking soda, this unisex deodorant is an almost entirely organic option that will hold up for you no matter if you’re going to the office or the gym.
Promising Review: “My Boyfriend and I both LOVE this product. I’m very particular with natural deodorants for two reasons. My skin is sensitive and in my search it’s been difficult to find a natural deodorant that lasts a long time and smells good. I would recommend this product over and over again, and encourage you to try it if looking for a product with natural ingredients and longer wear — also USDA certified which is a plus!” — Jessica
Best Aluminum Free Deodorant for Men
Native Deodorant
If you like an aluminum-based underarm treatment, chances are a lot of that is the good grip it gives while you swipe — it’s almost like you know it’s getting to work. If you want that solid antiperspirant feel without an aluminum result, Native fits the bill nicely. With over 40,000 reviews and 85% percent of them five-star, we’re not the only ones that think it’s a good aluminum alternative. Tapioca starch, baking soda, and magnesium hydroxide work together to absorb wetness all day. Other key natural ingredient include coconut oil, shea butter, essential oil, and probiotics.
Promising Review: “By now, I have tried a lot of different deodorants, mostly harmful types because they’re the only ones that ever held up for me. As a man, I get sweaty and need proper all-day protection. Now that I’m older, I am much more conscious about the products I use on my body and don’t want to be absorbing unnecessary toxins anymore. Unfortunately, every other all-natural deodorant that I’ve used in the past would never keep me smelling good past lunch, let alone all day long! That was then, this is now, and the technology has come a long way. Whatever NATIVE did to get the formula right is a blessing. Not only will it last up to two days, it smells fantastic (citrus and herbal musk) and is hands down my favorite deodorant I have ever used. I advise everyone considering a natural alternative to get over what it costs and buy this stuff right away, you will not be disappointed plus, it can last a couple of months because it only takes minimum application. This is the longest review I’ve ever written, that’s how hyped I am on this stuff! Trust me, it’s well worth the price to pay for good quality, and better health!” — Keith
Best Alcohol-Free Natural Deodorant for Men
Oars + Alps Natural Active Armor Deodorant
Instead of aluminum, talc, and even alcohol – which is common among deodorants both natural and otherwise – Oars + Alps rejects those chemicals and opts for ingredients such as cornstarch and alpine caribou moss, a lichen that absorbs moisture through its surface cells, so it can fight that underarm wetness situation you’re looking to deal with. We are big fans of the two fragrances the brand launched at the end of 2018, Eucalyptus Spearmint and California Coast, but we still love the OG scent of cedarwood, lime, and greens that started it all: Fresh Ocean Splash.
Promising Review: “If you’re looking for a natural men’s deodorant that works, doesn’t burn or give you rashes, that actually handles body odor and smells good, this is it. Guys, I’ve literally tried them ALL. Don’t waste your time with any other brand. It is more expensive that most of the deodorants out there but it’s by far the best. It smells great too.” — Michael
Best Smelling Natural Deodorant for Men
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
Ursa Major’s organic deodorizer boasts an ingredients list and performance record to back up its critical praise from both men and women. The company uses a variety of effective skin-friendly elements such as kaolin clay and probiotic enzymes to work cohesively to eliminate funky smells and stop wetness. Other tried-and-true sensitive skin-approved ingredients include baking soda and aloe vera, which further help sweat ducts from freaking out. With notes of peppermint, grapefruit, eucalyptus, and rosemary, this deo stick not only keeps you from stinking, it actually makes you smell pretty damn good.
Promising Review: “This is my favorite deodorant. I only shop cruelty free, and I’ve been disappointed in a lot of the cruelty free deodorants out there. I’ve been using this one for nearly a week in the humid summer heat and I love it! Since this is a new product for me I’ve been really mindful of how it applies, how long it lasts, etc. And no lie, I sniff my pits every night before a shower for the formal assessment and this has passed every night! I also find that the scent is very gender neutral. I’m a female and I really enjoy it, and I might also purchase it for my boyfriend because I think it would work well for him, too. I really wouldn’t change anything about this product.” — Cara
Best Organic Deodorant for Men
EO Certified Organic Citrus Deodorant Spray
Organic deodorants can be harder to come by, even if they can be all-natural. EO offers a selection of certified organic products that really work. Tea Tree oil in this potent spray contains a number of compounds that have been shown to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi which make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions — or in this case, stinky armpits.
Promising Review: “This is a very good product for people who are very sensitive to usual deodorants.” — Random User
Best Natural Deodorant for Excessive Sweating
Schmidt’s Charcoal and Magnesium Deodorant
Powered primarily by arrowroot powder, baking soda, and coconut oil to keep you dry and conditioned, this deodorant also uses activated charcoal to detoxify and fight bacteria, and mineral-derived magnesium to deodorize. Poured thick to go on dry, a little goes a long way and works well all day.
Promising Review: “I’m embarrassed to admit how much I’ve spent on natural deodorants. But each one I tried either left me horribly smelly, or gave me a rash. Until now!!! This is amazing! I smell so good! Schmidt’s other verities don’t work at all for me, but this one does!” — msh87
Best Natural Luxury Scented Deodorant for Men
Corpus Santalum Deodorant
Fragrance really is the foundation of this luxury vegan deodorant. Corpus offers five different all-natural options, with each boasting its own infectious, unique scent, though we currently favor Santalum for its deep yet never overpowering aroma of sandalwood, cedarwood, and amber. All these deodorants harness the natural healing power of essential oils and enzymes derived from flowers, fruits, and plants to really pamper your pits.
Promising Review: “Sometimes I smell a pleasant scent around 3 p.m. and have to remind myself that it’s my Corpus deodorant. This stuff lasts longer than anything I’ve ever used.” — Zach
Best Unscented Natural Deodorant for Men
Real Purity Certified Organic Unscented Deodorant
Real Purity’s unscented deodorant is truly all-natural, and uses beeswax and jojoba to keep your skin free of sticky residue (you know what we’re talking about) and baking soda and arrowroot powder which are kind to skin. A blend of essential oils — no natural or artificial fragrances from essential oils or other ingredients — is designed for sensitive skin.
Best Natural Deodorant for Body Odor
Humble Palo Santo Frankincense and Vanilla All-Natural Deodorant
Humble’s organic deodorants are composed of only four to five ingredients — the fewest of any deodorant available: organic cornstarch and coconut oil, all-natural baking soda, beeswax, and scented varieties contain organic essential oils. This deodorant stands up against body odor thanks to the power of palo santo, frankincense, and vanilla — all powerful fragrances that blend well with your body’s own natural … aroma.
Promising Review: “First I would like to say, this is the first time I’ve taken the time to write a review for a product. While I was debating whether to actually try this deodorant or save it for later, I found myself on the fence about the fact that it has baking soda in it… I have extremely sensitive skin and have had previous experiences with natural deodorant burning my ‘pits. Also, while I often swoon over cedar and piñon pine and sandalwood type scents, I don’t think I have ever actually smelled Palo Santo before. So, I decided to give this one a try anyways and figured it might not burn if I don’t use it directly out of the shower. I waited about an hour after my shower to apply and I was not only so very surprised by how smooth it glided on, but the smell of the Palo Santo is extremely pleasant, it almost has a minty fresh tang to it, which I read can be the case sometimes with Palo Santo. This deodorant has lasted all day so far without having to reapply and I’m extremely happy with this purchase!” — Brent
Best Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
Crystal Rock Mineral Deodorant
Just about all of the natural and organic deodorants we have listed will work really well for guys who have sensitive skin, but if you are someone who is susceptible to a natural deodorant rash from even the most ubiquitous skin-friendly ingredients — baking soda, silica, arrowroot powder, coconut oil — try this one on for size. There is a single ingredient that powers this unscented stone and that’s potassium alum, a natural mineral salt.
Promising Review: “This deodorant is amazing. I have been using a more expensive brand for a couple of years and find this brand much better at stopping the underarm stench of an active menopausal female. For several years I’ve grappled with the problem of having a “manly” under arm odor. It’s repulsive. Reminded me of living in a house with several older brothers. I’ve used the Kopari deodorant along with using Hibicleanse when I shower with very good results. Even with this, I’ve still found myself smelly towards the end of the day. I started using this brand a couple of weeks ago and am amazed. No odor even if I miss a day of showering (I’m retired, it happens). I can’t believe there is no odor coming from the armpits. It’s a little weird to have to wet the deodorant before rubbing under arms but not a big deal overall. I can finally stand being with myself again. I highly recommend.” — Anonymous
Best Natural Deodorant Spray
Mother Dirt AO+ Mist Probiotic Spray
OK, this spray ain’t cheap, but if you are a die-hard natural fan, this is just about a perfect solution. This preservative-free, unfragranced, clinically-tested, and dermatologist-reviewed probiotic mist goes on twice a day — morning and night — and works naturally with your skin’s own microbiome. The best part? This works anywhere you find yourself sweating more than you’d like.
Promising Review: “I bought this a few years ago when I was having summertime trouble with my deodorant failing on me towards the end of the day. It worked very well and seemed to have a long lasting effect as I didn’t need to continue using it. Now, I’m having a problem with irritation from my deodorant I’m using now (different from before) and am trying to heal from that without being funky. I remembered how well this worked for me and am placing another order now.” — Malikah
No matter why you switch to natural deodorant, now you know there are plenty of good ones out there for you to choose from. If you’re new to the natural deodorant game, be patient. You’ll get there, and you’ll smell a hell of a lot better when you do.