- Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, coconut water
For a Unisex Scent: Eir NYC Pitted Deodorant
Why We Love It: Packaged in a sustainable push-pop-like stick, Eir’s fir-scented balm includes food-grade arrowroot to neutralize underarm odor and help absorb moisture.
- Key Ingredients: Arrowroot, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter
What is a natural deodorant?
“A natural deodorant is a product designed to minimize body odor without using synthetic chemicals,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. “Unlike antiperspirants, a natural deodorant does not prevent sweating. Generally, these deodorants are free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.”
How does one ease into natural deodorant?
While skin sensitivities or health concerns make natural deodorant a tempting choice for some, there is a prevalent concern amongst those considering a switch: Will I smell? “Ditching your antiperspirant for a natural deodorant does involve a transition period, during which your body may adjust to the lack of antiperspirants and begin to manage odor differently,” Lolis allows.
As such, “I always recommend easing into it,” she says. “If possible, start the transition during cooler weather because sweating and body odor can increase as your body adjusts.” Also, try to apply the deodorant on clean skin. “A thoroughly cleansed axilla is less likely to smell because washing removes odor-causing bacteria.”
Additionally, Lolis recommends wearing breathable natural natural fibers—such as cotton, linen, or bamboo—during the transition period. “These will allow your skin to breathe and reduce sweating or odor,” she says. Diet also comes into play, and steering clear of pungent garlic, onions, and spicy foods, as well as processed food, will help keep odor at bay.
“Last, detox your armpits!” says Lolis. “Before switching, do a mask made of ingredients like bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar to help remove impurities and residual particles from conventional deodorants.”
What are the best natural ingredients in natural deodorant?
“Natural deodorants rely on moisture-absorbing and bacteria-fighting ingredients combined with botanical and essential-oil-derived fragrance that replace the aluminum and synthetic fragrances in typical deodorants and antiperspirants,” says Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of youth skincare brand BTWN.