Natural deodorants have become mainstream, with sticks, creams, and roll-ons lining shelves. Unlike antiperspirants, which use aluminium salts to reduce sweating, natural deodorants are aluminium-free and typically use absorbent powders like tapioca starch and ingredients like sodium bicarbonate to neutralise odour. However, results vary widely between individuals.
Testing Methodology
Our writer tested 18 natural deodorants over several months, wearing each for at least two weeks through commuting, exercise, and daily life. The test included a mix of roll-ons, sticks, balms, and creams. Products were assessed on application, drying time, scent, odour control throughout the day, and the need for reapplication. A second opinion was occasionally sought to avoid nose-blindness. The adjustment period when switching from antiperspirants was also considered.
Best Natural Deodorant Overall: Luna Daily the All Over Deodorant
Luna Daily the All Over deodorant (£10.50 at Boots) was the most reached-for natural deodorant. It is a lightweight, quick-drying roll-on that smells great. It is comfortable on the skin and required little adjustment period. However, it may need occasional reapplication and can mark clothes. One tube lasts about two months, costing approximately £5.25 per month.
Best Budget Refillable: Wild Refillable Natural Deodorant
Wild refillable natural deodorant (£13 at Boots) offers a solid, waxy stick with a reusable aluminium case. It has a wide range of scents, including coconut and vanilla, and fresh cotton and sea salt. It dries quickly and is vegan and cruelty-free. However, it may leave temporary white marks on clothes and may not last all day. A subscription reduces the refill cost to £5.20 per refill, with each refill lasting up to six weeks.
Best for Long Days: AKT the Deodorant Balm
AKT the deodorant balm (£21 at AKT) is a thick, paste-like balm applied by hand. It lasts well on heavier days and absorbs quickly to a powdery finish. It is vegan and cruelty-free. However, application can be messy, and reapplication when out is tricky. One tube lasts about two months, costing approximately £10.50 per month.
Best for Simplicity: UpCircle Refillable Natural Deodorant
UpCircle refillable natural deodorant (£13.59 at Bodykind) is a solid, wax-based stick with a simple refillable case. It applies smoothly, dries quickly, and feels lightweight. However, it often needed reapplication by mid-afternoon. The stick can change shape in heat. Refills cost £6.99 each, with one lasting about a month, costing approximately £4.80 per month.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Fussy Refillable Natural Deodorant
Fussy refillable natural deodorant (£9.60 at Holland & Barrett) is a solid stick with a reusable case. It offers regular and sensitive formulas with a variety of scents. It glides on easily and dries to a powdery finish. However, it marked clothes when sweating and required frequent reapplication. Refills come in packs of three for £18, with each refill lasting four to eight weeks, costing as little as £1.25 per month.
Best Everyday Roll-On: Green People Natural Deodorant
Green People natural deodorant (£11.99 at Express Chemist) is a liquid roll-on that is reliable and good value. It is available in rosemary, aloe vera, and unscented. It takes longer to dry but is comfortable once set and doesn't mark clothes if applied sparingly. One bottle lasts two to three months, costing approximately £4 per month.
Best for Scent: Norfolk Natural Living Natural Deodorant
Norfolk Natural Living natural deodorant (£14.50 at Norfolk Natural Living) is a refillable liquid roll-on with divine scents like coastal walks and wild fig and gardenia. It is comfortable on the skin but takes a while to dry and may not hold up well on active days. Refills cost £39 for 150ml to last three months, costing approximately £13 per month.
Other Notable Products
Neal's Yard Remedies deodorants (spray and roll-on) offer fresh scents but don't last all day. Nuud natural deodorant is a low-maintenance cream that can last up to 72 hours, but results can be unpredictable. Rollr refillable deodorant has a premium feel and amazing scents but is pricey and needed top-ups.
Key Considerations
There is no legal definition of "natural" deodorant. Generally, they avoid aluminium salts and rely on bicarbonate of soda, magnesium, zinc, and starches. Most natural deodorants need reapplying during the day, though some creams claim to last several days. Activity levels, stress, hormones, and skin chemistry affect performance. According to Cancer Research UK, there is no convincing evidence linking aluminium in antiperspirants to breast cancer or Alzheimer's, but many people prefer natural options for skin sensitivity or sustainability.
