Over a year ago, I swapped out my aerosol deodorants and antiperspirants for natural roll-on and balm alternatives, and I haven’t looked back. Not only is it a step in the right direction, helping the planet and championing sustainability, but it has also transformed my underarm health. Some aerosols contain alcohol to create a quick-drying formula, which can cause dryness and irritation; this is what was happening to me. My body naturally runs warm, and I am constantly hot, so finding a reliable antiperspirant was a mission; long gone are the days of Lynx Africa.
Antiperspirants use aluminium compounds, which temporarily block your sweat glands to reduce moisture. Whilst this can be effective, especially for someone who naturally perspires a lot, it can also clog pores, causing bumps and discomfort. Speaking to Matt Kennedy, the CEO and Founder of Fussy, he said, ‘Unlike traditional aerosols and antiperspirants, which often use aluminium to block sweat glands, natural deodorants work with your body. Sweating is a natural, essential process for regulating temperature. Rather than stopping it, natural formulas neutralise odour-causing bacteria while allowing skin to breathe – keeping you fresh, BO-free, and without disrupting your body’s balance. Natural deodorants are gentler on skin, too. At Fussy, we opt for simpler ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which can be especially beneficial for sensitive skin.’
At first, I was sceptical. Aerosol sprays had always felt like the easiest, most reliable option, quick, dry, and fuss-free. But the more I looked into it, the more I started questioning whether they were actually the best choice for me, or just the most convenient habit. So I decided to experiment. Below is a mix of natural deodorants and antiperspirants that I have personally tried and would recommend. They are a mix of expensive and affordable, so no matter what your budget is, there is a great working alternative to aerosols that will keep you smelling and feeling fresher for longer.
The 7 Best Natural Deodorants
Fussy Refillable Natural Deodorant Starter Pack
This is one of my most favourite alternatives I have tried over the past year. It’s a natural formula, but it really works, and I love that the case is refillable, so I’m not constantly buying new plastic. It glides on nicely, doesn’t pull at hairs, and feels like a small upgrade to getting ready. Buy Now for £15
Ineos 50ml Skin Science Sea Salt + Blue Lotus Antiperspirant Roll On Deodorant
This was one of the first swaps I tried, and it is the reason I gave up aerosols. Not only is the price tag affordable, but the formula also worked great on my skin. Its crisp, fresh scent always made you feel like you stepped out of the shower, and it kept any odours at bay even after a hike or a run. Buy Now for £4
Make Waves Refillable Antiperspirant Starter Pack
Make Waves is simple and easy to use. It keeps the sweat at bay, whilst giving you a soft, subtle scent boost throughout the day. It’s reliable, long-lasting, and the refill system cuts down on packaging. This is a great place to start if you’re looking to make the swap. Buy Now from £12
AKT The Deodorant Balm SC.01
A viral buy that probably doesn’t need that much of an explanation, but it is another of my go-tos. You only need a tiny amount, and once you get used to applying it, it feels quite luxe, more skin-friendly and less drying than traditional formulas. The scent is amazing, and it kept me feeling fresh even on longer, busier days. Buy Now for £21
Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Cheirosa 62 Aluminium-Free Deodorant
I mostly picked this up because I already loved the scent, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s one of those deodorants you actually look forward to using because it smells that good. It’s aluminium-free, so it won’t stop sweat entirely, but for everyday wear, I found it great. Buy Now for £18
MALIN + GOETZ Eucalyptus Deodorant
This was definitely more of a treat as I was intrigued to see if it was worth the price tag. The eucalyptus scent is really clean and fresh without being overpowering, and it’s one I kept reaching for when I wanted something a bit more elevated. It’s great to keep in your day-to-day bag if you need a top-up on the go, or to throw into your case when travelling. Buy Now for £14
Sure Men Ocean Rush 48hr Whole Body Deodorant Stick
Another affordable alternative that does exactly what it says is Sure’s Whole Body deodorant stick. The fresh, slightly woody scent is clean without being too much, and I like that it’s aluminium-free but still keeps odour in check. Just like the name says, it is gentle enough to use all of the body for that boost of cleanliness. Buy Now for £5.25
Deodorant vs Antiperspirant?
We asked Matt what the difference is between deodorant and antiperspirant. Is one better than the other? To which he said: ‘Deodorant and antiperspirant are often grouped, but they do very different things. Deodorant focuses on odour by tackling the bacteria that cause it, helping you stay fresh throughout the day. Antiperspirant, on the other hand, focuses on sweat, using aluminium salts to block pores and reduce perspiration. It’s not about one being universally better – it comes down to what you actually need. For most people, sweat itself isn’t the problem; odour is. That’s why at Fussy, we focus on stopping odour at the source, using unique probiotics to neutralise odour-causing bacteria. Our natural deodorant is designed to keep you fresh for 24 hours without interfering with your body’s natural cooling process. With a wide range of scent options, there’s something to suit everyone, so you can find a fragrance you love while staying confidently fresh.’
Ingredients to Look For
We then asked: Are there any particular ingredients to look for or avoid in deodorants/antiperspirants? Matt said: ‘When it comes to deodorant and personal care products, consumers are seeking ingredient and formulation transparency more and more these days. At Fussy, we use a unique probiotic in our deodorants, which is a very effective odour-neutralising ingredient. Rather than blocking sweat like traditional antiperspirants, it works by neutralising the bacteria that cause body odour. We pair this with sodium bicarbonate to help fight odour, alongside skin-friendly ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower wax to help nourish and moisturise the skin and for a smooth application.’
So if you’re looking to swap things up, then let this serve as your go-to starter guide to natural deodorant and antiperspirant alternatives.
