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Everything to know about natural deodorant – from the best formulas to their benefits
Bye bye B.O!
Flashback to 2010 and planet-friendly, natural deodorants were questionably scented and not entirely effective – no tea, no shade, but truly no options. Now, the hunt for a hardworking, eco B.O. banisher is finally over. As with most natural products, they come at a price (a relatively hefty one!), but we’ve tried the best natural deodorants on the market to find the ones that will actually keep you smelling great all day long. But first, the important questions answered:
Is a natural deodorant better for you?
A traditional deodorant usually contains aluminium, which works as a plug to stop your pores from sweating. While there are some health myths out there that suggest aluminium increases your risk of disease, there’s no conclusive scientific evidence to support this. Natural deodorants do have a load of benefits, though, such as promoting the growth of immune-boosting bacteria – which let’s face it, we all need a bit of after 2020. Most are also free from ingredients that cause skin to become dry, such as alcohol, parabens and phthalates, which you should try to avoid anyway if you suffer from razor burns or ingrown hairs.
How does switching to a natural deodorant affect your body?
Switching to a natural deodorant is a bit like cutting sugar out of your diet; you might experience a few crashes here and there, but in the long run, your body will thank you. The natural deodorant will start by detoxing your armpits and clearing out any product buildup and waste you might have accumulated. We won’t lie to you, this part won’t smell the best, but once you’ve adjusted (usually within a month), a natural deodorant will be just as effective as an antiperspirant. You just have to bear with it!
Known for its delicious fragrances, Sol de Janeiro now offers its fan-fave products in natural deo form. So, you can match your body cream, perfume and deodorant! Beija Flor is a personal winner thanks to its notes of rich jasmine and pink dragonfruit.
I'm writing this 12 days after testing and, more specifically, four hours post-pit slick, following an hour-and-a-half commute and, to be honest, I've never smelt better. Megababe doesn't have a strong scent, however, it does control bad odours thanks to pH-balancing fruit enzymes. A failsafe option for when balling on a budget.
Not everyone could have predicted armpits would be a lucrative business, but Wild certainly did. Its refillable tubes are a bestseller - and for good reason. The OG Coconut Dreams scent smells so tropical that it'll have you flicking through Skyscanner flights. It'll even keep you dry on your overbooked Ryanair trip. Impressive, much?
Hi, hello, you've reached the sophisticated pit stop [pause for laughter] with AKT. This tube will look as glorious on your beauty shelf as it will in its next life as an electric car (aka, its aluminium packaging is infinitely recyclable). Plus, the blend of botanicals thwarts any smelliness. It's so good that I've gone from actively avoiding the whiff of my pits to purposefully sniffing them.
This eucalyptus roll-on contains 5% AHA and niacinamide to combat odour, at the same time as treating hyperpigmentation and minimising underarm bumps. Topped with a refreshing, spa-like eucalyptus scent, there are no boxes left unticked. Get you a girl (read: natural deodorant) who does it all.
Did you know that the It-girl brand Glossier recently ventured into the world of natural deos? Boasting four different scents, the buttery texture easily glides onto skin and almost instantly disappears - yep, it doesn't leave that unwanted white cast. The best part? It's not sticky and actually does keep your underarms dry –even after an intense gym sesh.
You may feel like a drunk elephant after first use of this deo – that is, in the best way possible (hear me out). Sweet Pitti summons the power of mandelic acid and arrowroot powder to eliminate odour-causing bacteria, while helping to absorb excess moisture. It's an all-rounder, so trumpeting with excitement is to be expected.
Extra B.O. info to know!
There's no shame in being a sweaty girlie and, having fallen victim to the perspiring gene myself, I've perfected the art of banishing body odour, sustainably. Here are my tried-and-tested tips.
Why make the switch?
Standard deodorants are typically aluminium-based and can irritate skin and clog sweat glands. But natural formulas don't contain aluminium, phihalales or parabens, which allows for the natural process of sweating - anessential for temperature regulation and toxin release.
Give it time
When transitioning to a natural deo, your sweat glands will purge and get rid of all of the built-up bacteria and chemicals that have been trapped from antiperspirant use Persevere through the first few weeks (and the potential unusual smells) to unlock a world of natural freshness.
Know the product
Although used interchangeably in the market, "deodorant' and 'antiperspirant' products do different jobs. Deos are designed to curb the B.O. smell as you sweat, while antiperspirant helps to limit sweating altogether.Swat up on the product before investing to avoid disappointment - and uninvited pit drips.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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