Did you know that humans don’t actually produce body odour? Nope, that’s all the work of the bacteria lurking under our armpits. Pretty nasty, we know, but what’s even nastier is what goes into conventional deodorants to stop our pits from smelling. We’re talking harsh, pore-blocking additives such as aluminum, artificial fragrance, and alcohol – all of which prohibit the body’s normal functions by blocking sweat glands and preventing them from working properly.
It’s therefore no surprise that natural deodorants are becoming increasingly popular in the beauty world. So much so that the hashtag #NaturalDeodorants has reached over 300 million views on TikTok. Natural deodorants are also set to grow in popularity with a global market share predicted to increase by 15% over the next five years. Shunning chemicals and nasties, they’re loaded with good-for-you ingredients that allow the body to perspire while keeping BO-causing bacteria at bay – ensuring your pits stay perfectly dry, soft and smooth, whilst they’re at it. So, show your armpits some love and opt for one of these GRAZIA-approved natural deodorants guaranteed to see you through Dubai heat and your weekly workouts – promise.
AESOP
With its warm, woody aroma and gentle alcohol-free formula, Aesop’s natural deodorant is perfect for anyone looking to make the switch. Successfully stopping smell in its tracks, it’s formulated with wasabi extract, sage leaf, zinc ricinoleate and a blend of essential oils to reduce body odour while imparting a fresh, herbaceous scent.
Corpus Naturals
This water-based, long-lasting natural and vegan deodorant from Corpus Naturals contains naturally derived enzymes and plant extracts to keep body odour at bay. Made without baking soda, talc, aluminum or synthetic ingredients, it glides on effortlessly and won’t stain clothes. Not to mention its subtle zesty scent made from citrus and spice extracts and its chic sage packaging.
Salt & Stone
Boasting good-for-you ingredients worthy of their own morning smoothie, Salt & Stone’s offering feeds your armpits with goodness while combating sweat and smell. There’s antioxidant-rich spirulina to soothe and regenerate skin, naturally fermented probiotics to rebalance the microbiome and bacteria levels, hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and a blend of Shea, coconut and sunflower oils to keep armpits hydrated and happy. Even better? It works for a whopping 24 hours. Impressive.
Aurelia
Is it a cream? Is it a deodorant? Well, it’s both – and although it might not be the way you normally apply your deo, you’ll soon be a loyal convert. Its unique cream-to-powder formula is super easy to apply (simply scoop it out with your fingers and rub it into your underarms) and harnesses the BO-busting powers of antimicrobial arrowroot, moisture-absorbing kaolin clay and hydrating Shea butter.
Grown Alchemist
Fueled by antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties and a fresh, invigorating scent, Grown Alchemist’s natural deodorant features Icelandic moss extract polysaccharide to help neutralise odour. There’s also glycyrrhetinic acid that acts as a soothing agent, targeting bad bacteria that cause sweat to smell. Topped with tamanu seed oil, it also promotes optimum microbial skin balance to keep skin soft and soothed, making it one of the best natural deodorants money can buy.
Kopari
We’re (coco) nuts for this 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free deodorant. It works with your body’s natural functions to reduce odour, and its unique blend of plant-based enzymes, coconut water, sage oil and coconut oil (a natural antimicrobial and anti-bacterial) hydrates and soothes even the most sensitive of skins. Plus, it boasts a tropical scent that’s bound to put a spring in your step. A slick of this and you’ll be saying aloha to soft, dry underarms in no time.
Megababe
Don’t let its on-point Millennial packaging and cutesy name fool you, because this natural deodorant means serious business. So much so that it’s become a cult hero, constantly selling out and securing waiting lists of 13,000 people. But, if you are lucky enough to get your hands (or should we say pits?) on one, you’ll see why the world is so obsessed. Infused with green tea, sage vitamin E, coconut oil and aloe leaf, it acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory to keep BO at bay without irritation.
Lush
This clever solid deodorant bar keeps pits perfectly dry and fresh and minimises waste thanks to Lush’s clever ‘naked packaging’ concept. Infused with calming, antibacterial chamomile vinegar, cooling and relaxing patchouli and toning witch hazel – it uses gentle, natural ingredients alongside super-absorbent sodium bicarbonate to keep underarms dry and smell-free. Simply rub on to clean, dry skin and you’re good to go.
Schmidt’s
Non-greasy and non-sticky, these super sticks will keep you dry as well as smelling good. Whichever scent you choose (there’s everything from rose and vanilla to jasmine green tea and coconut pineapple), these mineral, plant-based deodorants provide long-lasting protection against odour and wetness – all without an artificial ingredient in sight. Top tip: Hold it against your skin to soften the oils before you apply.
MooGoo
Hands down one of the best natural deodorants trialled by the GRAZIA team, this aluminum-free, natural roll-on allows you to perspire but, thanks to its slightly alkaline formula, prevents odour-causing bacteria from growing. Free from irritation-causing essential oils, it’s packed with milk of magnesia and fresh lemon Myrtle, which impart a light, fresh scent. And, despite its name, it contains no animal by-products – making it the perfect pick for vegans, too.
