My natural deodorant journey is a little different from most people's. Aside from a single peach scented Secret exception in my teens (which I don't think I used more than a handful of times), I've used natural deodorant my entire life. Today, choices are more than plentiful, so I’d never claim to have tried them all, but in 15+ years, you better believe that I’ve tried a fair few! It's been a few years since I've shared my favourites and, while I still stand by those picks, I'm long overdue for an update. Some of the ones on that list are no longer available, and others I’ve moved away from in favour of formulas that better suit my preferences today.
These are my very top picks and happily, I think there are options to suit just about everyone: scented and unscented, baking soda and baking soda-free, and vegan and non-vegan. Four of the six are from Canadian brands too, which always makes me happy.
These are my very top picks and happily, I think there are options to suit just about everyone: scented and unscented, baking soda and baking soda-free, and vegan and non-vegan. Four of the six are from Canadian brands too, which always makes me happy.
I don't think I'm an overly smelly person, but I can build up some funk and I'm generally not willing to reapply my deodorant throughout the day either, so I need something that's both effective and long-lasting. All six of these have passed my 24-hour life wear test.
Keep reading for all the details...
Whiffcraft Natural Deodorant Paste
I was introduced to Whiffcraft’s deodorant in my first year judging the Clean Beauty Awards, and it’s remained a favourite ever since! The Deodorant Paste, available in four essential oil scents, is a silky smooth baking soda/coconut oil formula that works great at keeping funky smells and excess moisture away. I’ve only used StinkPretty, a beautiful floral/herbal blend with strong notes of chamomile, geranium, and clary sage, but I’m definitely curious to sample the other scents in the future.
Mabrook & Co. Sensitive Clean Deodorant
Mabrook & Co. Sensitive Clean Deodorant
As you may know, I do some work for Mabrook & Co., so I’m very familiar with the entire product range. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the deodorants, but my personal favourite is the Sensitive formula, an unscented stick that replaces baking soda with magnesium and kaolin clay. If my pits are at all irritated, this is the product I grab for. It’s great for odour protection, and I’m convinced it has also helped soothe and prevent shaving-related irritation and ingrown hairs.
Another Clean Beauty Awards discovery, the Curator is a moussey cream that, again, relies on magnesium and clay as baking soda replacements. Routine has some really unique scents, and The Curator is an interesting blend of chocolatey cocoa butter and eucalyptus, rose geranium, patchouli, and black spruce essential oils. It’s a well-balanced earthy/floral blend that’s just lovely. My one small caveat with Routine -- both the baking soda and baking soda-free formulas -- is that they have a tendency to leave those dreaded oil stains on your clothes if you’re too liberal with application and/or don’t wait a minute or two for the cream to fully sink in. Not a dealbreaker in my book, just something to be aware of!
The Coconut Deodorant starts off as another standard baking soda/coconut oil formulation, but true to Sola’s Chinese medicine roots, the ingredients also include antibacterial and skin nourishing Chinese herbs for that something extra. The deodorant has a firmer consistency in the pot than some, but it softens up on skin contact and is super lovely and effective. If staying dry is a major concern, it's also undoubtedly one of the best for moisture. The formula has no added fragrance or essential oils, so the sweet and delicate coconut scent really shines through.
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
Hoppin’ Fresh was the first natural formula I used that actually mimics the feel and consistency of conventional deodorant or antiperspirant. It’s a smooth solid with an almost gel-like consistency that glides on clear and dries very quickly. The formula incorporates hops extract, probiotic enzymes, baking soda, and essential oils to fight odour, and aloe vera and shea butter to cushion the skin. It doesn’t feel like a baking soda-heavy formula and has never caused me any irritation. Ursa Major has released a couple other deodorants -- including an unscented and baking soda-free option! -- but I’m still a big fan of the original.
With a similar smooth feel to the Ursa Major, Lafe’s vegan Deodorant Stick, marketed as an “invisible solid,” would be another easy swap from conventional products. The formula uses plant enzymes, witch hazel, and grapefruit seed extract to combat odour-causing bacteria, and it’s a combination that I’ve found to be very effective. Lafe’s scents are natural and essential oil-based, but they’re definitely on the stronger side, so bear that in mind if you’re sensitive to scents. My favourite scent has been the Active Citrus & Bergamot, though I find it more sweet and musky than super citrusy.
Have you tried any of these? What’s your favourite natural deodorant formula?
Have you tried any of these? What’s your favourite natural deodorant formula?
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