5 Best Non-Toxic Deodorant Brands That Work

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I bought and tested five popular non-toxic deodorant brands so I could find the best natural deodorant that works. Check out my first-person experience with Earth Mama, Routine, Jusu, Lafe’s and Fancy Farm all-natural deodorants.

I don’t know about you, but finding a good, non-toxic deodorant that has both clean ingredients and actually works is a serious challenge. 

It’s an actual mission to find deodorants without harmful ingredients these days because of all the green-washing brands are doing.

Nonetheless, I researched and tested five popular natural, nontoxic deodorant brands and rated them based on ease of application, ingredients, coverage, and white cast.

So, save your money and your pits and find out which non-toxic deodorant brand is the best.

Harmful Ingredients To Avoid In Deodorant

Turns out there’s a pretty big list of harmful ingredients in deodorant, here are just a couple of common ones and why they’re used.

Aluminum

Aluminum-based compounds like aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium, are commonly used in deodorants to block sweat ducts and reduce perspiration (sweating). There’s some concern that these compounds may be absorbed through the skin and cause some level of neurotoxicity. Additionally, in a recent animal study, long-term exposure to aluminum chloride caused changes in breast epithelial cells, causing them to form tumours and metastasize.

Aluminum does a great job blocking sweat ducts, but is it worth the risks? Sweat is a natural excretory pathway meant to expel toxins and wastes from the body, so why completely clog it?

Synthetic Fragrance

Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates, which, as mentioned earlier, can disrupt hormones. Fragrances can also trigger allergies or skin irritation in some individuals

READ: How To Get Rid of Synthetic Fragrance in Your Home

Parabens

They are used as preservatives and to prevent bacterial growth. They have been linked to hormone disruption and have been detected in breast tumours.

Phthalates

It is a commonly used solvent in many personal care items. They are linked to hormone disruption and reproductive problems.

Triclosan

Added as an antibacterial agent. linked to hormone disruption and may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Propylene Glycol

A synthetic substance used to help personal care items penetrate the skin barrier. It may cause skin irritation and has been associated with organ system toxicity.

Silica

It absorbs oils to help make deodorants less greasy and give them a smooth texture. However, it can cause irritation in some people with sensitive skin and is also a potential risk when inhaled.

Talc

Used as an anti-caking ingredient to boost the absorbency of sweat. It can sometimes be contaminated with asbestos fibres, which are known carcinogens.

Formaldehyde

It can be released as a by-product of common preservatives like DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a known human carcinogen.

PEG Compounds

Often used as thickeners and solvents. may be contaminated with known carcinogens and can cause skin irritation.

6 Best Safe Non-Toxic Deodorant Brands

I dug deep and researched over twenty different natural deodorant brands to find the best 100% toxin-free brands. Here are the six best non-toxic deodorant brands, compared and reviewed.

1. Earth Mama

PROS: 100% organic ingredients, essential oil scented and unscented options, easy applicator stick.

CONS: Crumbly consistency, not as long-lasting especially when more active.

• Ease of use: Super easy traditional stick applicator.
• Scent: A yummy, light citrus scent. And all-natural, too! (No synthetic fragrances).
• White Cast: This deodorant has a thicker consistency and, unfortunately, left some white marks on some of my darker clothing. You have to be careful when applying.

My thoughts: I love everything about this brand—from its commitment to using all-natural ingredients to its mission for safe and natural body care for moms. Unfortunately, the specific deodorant stick I tried was a little bit of a dud. Now, I absolutely loved the scent—it’s very light and citrusy (non-synthetic!). It’s really easy to apply, and it’s a great everyday option.

This deodorant’s 100% organic ingredient list and all-natural formula make it a perfect non-toxic option for pregnancy, breastfeeding mommas, and those with sensitive skin.

Earth Mama deodorants use all organic ingredients and are free of aluminum, parabens, baking soda, propylene glycol and synthetic fragrances. 

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder*, Tocopherol, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil* *Organic CONTAINS: Tree Nut (Coconut)

If you’ve tried Earth Mama, what were your experiences with it? I’m curious to know if I just bought a dud.

2. Jusu Wellness

This brand’s toxin-free ingredient list is free of triclosan, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, diethanolamine, aluminum, and butane. It is a great natural deodorant that is easy to use and affordable.

PROS: Natural ingredients, applies nicely.

CONS: Strong essential oil scent, contains baking soda.

• Ease of use: Super easy! Comes as a classic deodorant stick applicator.
• Scent: I love this scent! It’s a nice natural herbal scent. The mint is a little strong, so it may not be for everyone. It’s also synthetic fragrance-free.
• White Cast: Some

My thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised with this one! It has a nice eucalyptus mint scent (essential oils). It applies nicely, with a smooth application of the stick. The formula itself has a thicker consistency. I usually only needed to reapply this deodorant once throughout the day, only when I was extra active. It’s a good, affordable option for everyday use. The only “downside” to this non-toxic deodorant is that it contains baking soda, which some may be sensitive to.

Ingredients:*Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tapioca Starch, Cera Alba (Beeswax) White, *Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking) Soda, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin (Vegetable), Magnesium Chloride, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Tincture, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, *Mentha Arvensis (Japanese Peppermint) Oil, *Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Callitris Intratropica (Cypress) Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides (Vetiver) Oil

Routine

With its huge line of delicious essential oil blends and commitment to natural ingredients, this is a perfect nontoxic deodorant for women.

PROS: Huge selection of essential oil scents, buttery consistency that absorbs into skin, good coverage.

CONS: Contains baking soda (but have baking soda-free options!)

• Ease of use: They offer two applicator options: a classic stick applicator and a jar.
• Scent: An extensive line of essential oil blends and unscented options, too! There’s definitely a scent for everyone.
• White Cast? Minimal. Most visible on white/light-coloured clothing.

My Thoughts: First off, I LOVE the smell. My favourite is the “Sexy Sadie” scent. Not only because it smells so good but also because it’s truly so hard to find a good, non-toxic deodorant that smells good without synthetic fragrances! I also love that they offer different application options like the glass jar or plastic-free stick. The deodorant itself is super silky and easy to apply on the skin. It’s a really nice buttery and hydrating consistency. I only need to use this deodorant once a day. It does a fantastic job! One thing to note: this particular scent did leave some marks on one of my white shirts (so just be mindful!).

It has a more extensive ingredient list, but it is all toxin-free. It offers many scented (essential oil blends) and unscented options. These natural deodorants are pricier, but they last for up to 6 months! I’m still on my first jar; you only need a very small amount!

Many of their deodorants also contain baking soda, which can cause sensitivities in some people, but they offer baking soda-free options, too!

Ingredients: cocos nucifera oil, magnesium hydroxide, kaolin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, zea mays (corn) starch (non-gmo), maranta arundinacea root powder, sodium bicarbonate, cera alba (beeswax), olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, theobroma cacao seed butter, tocopherol, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, hydrogenated olive oil, olea europaea (olive) oil unsaponifiables, copernicia cerifera cera, brassica glycerides, hectorite, calendula officinalis flower extract, pogostemon cablin oil (patchouli), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, cananga odorata flower oil (ylang ylang), citrus sinensis (orange peel) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, vanilla planifolia fruit oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil (cinnamon), michelia champaca flower oil, limonene*, linalol*, farnesol*, geraniol*, eugenol*. *naturally occurring in essential oil.

Fancy Farm

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best non-toxic deodorants on the market right now. The ingredient list is absolutely 100% toxin-free and as clean as can be. It doesn’t get more natural than this!

*Picture by Fancy Farm Skincare

PROS: 100% organic ingredient list, nourishes the skin, formula includes kaolin clay.

CONS: Sells out so quick!

• Ease of use: Super easy, ready-to-use stick applicator. Light, silky consistency.
• Scent:  The tallow is infused with organic steam-distilled lemongrass oil, which is fresh and sweet with an earthy lemon scent (naturally anti-inflammatory & antibacterial)! They also have an unscented option for those with sensitivities.
• White Cast? None

My Thoughts: I absolutely love this brand and this deodorant! It is by far the cleanest natural deodorant I’ve ever come across. The brand is 100% transparent with its formula and uses only the highest-quality ingredients. The deodorant is super easy to use, works well, and smells nice. They do offer an unscented option, too, which is great if you have sensitivities. This has become my go-to everyday natural deodorant. My only complaint is that it sells out so quickly! (Understandably, because it really is fantastic). But it can be hard to come by, so you have to watch for restock announcements to stock up.

Free of all toxic ingredients, fragrance-free, and baking soda-free.

Ingredients: Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Grass-Finished Suet Tallow, Magnesium Hydroxide, Kaolin Clay, Organic Candelilla Wax, Organic Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E Oil (D-Alpha Tocopherol), Organic Steam-Distilled Lemongrass Oil.

Lafe’s

An affordable gel-like deodorant that is 100% toxin-free and lasts all day! Seriously, a game changer in the world of natural deodorant.

PROS: Silky, gel-like formula, super easy to use.

CONS: Have to reapply, not a fan of sunflower seed oil in ingredient list.

• Ease of use: Easy, traditional stick applicator. Smooth, gel-like consistency.
• Scent: Bergamot and citrus essential oils. They do offer other essential oil blends and unscented options.
• White Cast? None

My Thoughts: I like this deodorant. At first, I wasn’t sure if their fragrance was natural, but on their website, they are transparent about their ingredients and sourcing of essential oil fragrances. This is probably my favourite deodorant in terms of easy application. It has a smooth, gel-like consistency that glides right over your skin. It’s not wet, though! They promise 24-hour protection, and I would have to disagree. I find I have to reapply a couple of times a day, especially when I’m working or more active. But it’s a good everyday option. I was incredibly surprised by this deodorant, and its affordability is great.

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower)Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)Butter, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) FruitOil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Jojoba Esters, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol, Zinc Ricinoleate, Fragrance *Certified Organic         

Tips for Switching to a Non-Toxic Deodorant

When you first switch to natural deodorant, you’ll likely experience a “detox period.” This is especially true if you’ve been using conventional deodorants with ingredients like aluminum and other heavy ingredients mentioned above. 

During the first couple of weeks (usually a maximum of six weeks) you might experience more sweating or smell than usual. This is totally normal and expected. 

Imagine it like this: you’ve been essentially putting invisible tape on your armpits every day, blocking sweat from being secreted. The skin on your armpits will likely also be full of those ingredients from repeated long-term use. 

Once you switch to a natural deodorant that is free of all “sweat-blocking” chemicals, your sweat glands and skin will start to remove all of that build-up. This is healthy!

As mentioned, this transition period usually lasts only a couple of weeks. It can be a little annoying at first, but that’s why getting a natural deodorant that is toxin-free and actually helps keep you from smelling is so insanely helpful during this time. (The list above… cough cough.)

DIY Armpit Detox Mask

If you’re really struggling with this detox period, you can make a homemade natural armpit mask to help draw out impurities and built-up toxins and absorb excess oils, speeding up the transitional period. 

• 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
• 1-2 teaspoons water (optional for consistency)
• A couple drops of tea tree essential oil (optional for its antibacterial properties)

READ: How To Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar From Scraps

Prep & Use Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar until you form a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
2. Optionally, add a couple of drops of tea tree essential oil to the mixture and stir well.
3. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your clean, dry armpits using your fingertips or a clean brush.
4. Allow the mask to dry for about 5-10 minutes. You may experience a tingling sensation as the mask works.
5. Once the mask is dry, rinse it off thoroughly with warm water and pat your armpits dry with a clean towel.

As it sits, it will dry almost fully (due to the bentonite clay). If you use tea tree oil, it may also tingle slightly.

Natural Brands I Won’t Be Trying:

There are a couple of “natural” deodorant brands I won’t bother trying because even though their formulas are much less chemical-laden than conventional options, they still contain some harmful or irritating ingredients like synthetic fragrances or alcohol.

Why compromise when there are better options out there, you know?

Brands like:

• Green Beaver: parfum/fragrance
• Every Man Jack – contains fragrance/parfum
• Earth Science – fragrance
• Native – no transparency with their fragrances
• Tom’s – propylene glycol, xanthan gum, fragrance (although it says natural, they are not transparent with what the actual fragrance components are)
• Jason – zinc, silica, alcohol, fragrance (parfum)
• Attitude – contains fragrance & baking soda

If you have any other recommendations for a non-toxic deodorant that works, leave a comment below!