Since 2017, I’ve been swapping out traditional products for cleaner alternatives, and one of the most common questions I get is:
“Have you found a GOOD clean deodorant yet?”
The short answer? Yes! But the long answer? Well… it took some trial and error.
Finding a natural deodorant that actually works isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Some formulas have been total game-changers for me, while others—despite glowing reviews—just didn’t cut it. If you’re looking to make the switch, here’s what I’ve learned and the brands that have (mostly) won me over.
What to Expect When Switching to Natural Deodorant
If you’ve been using traditional antiperspirants, making the switch can come with a few surprises:
- The detox phase is real. Your body needs time to adjust after ditching aluminum-based antiperspirants. You might sweat more at first, but give it time—it balances out.
- Sweating is normal. Natural deodorants don’t block sweat like antiperspirants. They help with odor, but you’ll still sweat (which is actually a good thing).
- Not all formulas work the same for everyone. Your body chemistry, activity level, and even diet can influence how well a deodorant works for you.
Now, let’s talk about the ones I’ve tried—and which ones have earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Native
Native is a well-known and widely available brand that ranks high on the EWG list (depending on scent). It uses coconut oil, baking soda, and tapioca starch for sweat absorption and odor control, plus probiotics (L. acidophilus) to promote a balanced underarm microbiome.
Pros:
- Strong, long-lasting scent (favorites: Lavender Rose, Blackberry Green Tea, Jasmine Cherry Blossom)
- Keeps odor at bay all day, even through workouts
- Essential oil-based fragrance
- Baking soda-free version available for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Goes on thick and can transfer to clothing
- May cause irritation if applied immediately after shaving (due to baking soda)
- The probiotic ingredient might not be suitable for everyone’s skin microbiome
Each & Every
This is an EWG-certified and baking soda-free deodorant that worked surprisingly well for me! It’s coconut oil-based and scented with essential oils.
Pros:
- Baking soda-free (great for sensitive skin)
- Glides on smoothly and applies thin
- Subtle scent that doesn’t overpower
- Doesn’t cause irritation, even after shaving
- Less sweat than other brands
Cons:
- Transfers to clothing but washes out easily
- Scent is mild (I prefer a stronger fragrance when sweating)
PurelyGreat
This Canadian brand has one of the shortest ingredient lists I’ve seen, making it a great choice for those who prefer ultra-clean products. I tested the cream deodorant in Spice, which required fingertip application.
Pros:
- Simple ingredients: baking soda, cornstarch, glycerin, essential oils
- Absorbs quickly into skin
- Lasts all day—even through workouts and sauna sessions
- Doesn’t transfer onto clothes
- Available in stick form if you prefer not to use a cream
Cons:
- Needs to be stirred every few days to maintain consistency
- Finger application may not be ideal for everyone
- Scent is mild, which may not be preferable for those who like a stronger fragrance
Attitude
Another EWG-certified Canadian brand that goes the extra mile with eco-friendly packaging (paper push-up tube) and a tree-planting program.
Pros:
- Uses arrowroot powder and baking soda for odor control
- Strong but not overpowering scent (Orange Leaves is fantastic!)
- Doesn’t transfer onto clothes
- Eco-friendly and sustainable packaging
- Long-lasting formula
Cons:
- Paper packaging can be tricky to use (push-up design can get messy)
- Takes some trial and error to apply the right amount (thicker consistency)
- Longer shipping times if ordering directly from Canada
Curie
Curie is a newer brand that’s gaining popularity for its clean, effective formula and spa-like scents. It comes in a standard stick formula as well as a quick-drying spray version.
Pros:
- Clean ingredients, aluminum-free
- Multiple formula options: stick, spray, and gel
- Fresh, sophisticated scents (White Tea, Grapefruit Cassis)
- Long-lasting odor protection
- Lightweight application (especially the spray)
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
- The spray version might not be strong enough for high-sweat days
- Limited availability in stores
Humble Brands
Humble Brands caught my attention because of how simple the formula is. Just four core ingredients — MCT oil, corn starch, beeswax, and baking soda — plus essential oils for scent. That is genuinely it. No fillers, no synthetic anything, nothing you need to look up. All Humble deodorants listed on EWG score a 1, which is the best possible rating, and the formula is free from aluminum, alcohol, dyes, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Pros:
- EWG score of 1 across all formulas
- Only four core ingredients — one of the cleanest lists I have seen
- Wide variety of natural scents using only essential oils and botanicals
- Plastic-free packaging available
- Budget-friendly compared to most clean brands
- Widely available on Amazon
Cons:
- Contains baking soda, which can cause irritation for some people (a baking soda-free version using magnesium is available if you have sensitive skin)
- Scents are subtle and may not be strong enough for everyone
- One scent (Vanilla Cardamom, now discontinued) tested positive for trace organic fluorine in May 2025, likely from manufacturing equipment rather than intentional addition — worth knowing, though Mamavation noted levels were too low to suggest intentional formulation
My recommendation: Go for the unscented or lavender version to stay on the safest side. If baking soda irritates your skin, try their magnesium-based baking soda-free formula instead.
Little Seed Farm
Little Seed Farm is a small farm-based brand out of Tennessee and their deodorant is a cream formula, which is different from everything else on this list. If you have never been able to tolerate a stick deodorant — whether because of irritation, residue, or just texture preference — this one is worth knowing about. The formula is baking soda free and relies on magnesium hydroxide for odor control along with arrowroot powder, coconut oil, jojoba oil, beeswax, and vegetable glycerin. All formulas rate as low hazard on EWG with low scores across cancer, developmental toxicity, and use restrictions.
Pros:
- Baking soda free — great for sensitive skin
- Uses magnesium hydroxide as a gentle, effective odor neutralizer
- Short, clean ingredient list with certified organic ingredients
- Available in multiple scents including Unscented, Activated Charcoal, Lavender, and Cucumber
- Rates low hazard across all formulas on EWG
- Available on Amazon
Cons:
- Cream formula requires finger application, which is not for everyone (applicators are available)
- Mild scent that fades throughout the day
- May need reapplication on high sweat days given it is baking soda free
- Comes in a jar which can feel messy if you are used to a stick
My recommendation: If you have sensitive skin, have reacted to baking soda in the past, or have been wanting to try a cream formula, Little Seed Farm is a great starting point. Grab the applicators when you order so the application feels less fussy.
Ursa Major — Hoppin' Fresh (Base Layer Unscented)
Ursa Major has been in the clean beauty space for a long time and their deodorant lineup has evolved quite a bit. A note on EWG ratings here because I want to be transparent: the Hoppin' Fresh formula rates as moderate hazard on EWG due to some of the botanical and essential oil components, while their Base Layer Unscented rates as low hazard and is the cleaner pick from an ingredient safety standpoint. If Ursa Major is on your list, go for the Base Layer Unscented.
That said, Hoppin' Fresh has a devoted following for a reason. It is aluminum free, baking soda free, and formulated with odor-fighting hops extract, kaolin clay for moisture absorption, probiotic enzymes, and aloe vera. The scent — peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils — is genuinely one of the better natural deodorant scents out there. Unisex and not at all overpowering.
Pros:
- Aluminum free and baking soda free
- Hops extract is a natural and effective odor fighter
- Non-staining and goes on clear
- One stick typically lasts 3 to 4 months
- Great unisex scent
- Available on Amazon
Cons:
- Hoppin' Fresh rates moderate hazard on EWG — Base Layer Unscented is the better choice if EWG score is your primary filter
- Body chemistry dependent — some people find it does not hold up past a few hours, others swear by it
- On the pricier side compared to other brands on this list
- Contains some botanical extracts that can flag high for allergens on EWG, particularly for people with plant sensitivities
My recommendation: If EWG score is your number one criteria, go straight to the Base Layer Unscented. If you are someone who has been wanting a baking soda free option with a genuinely great scent and you are not strictly filtering by EWG number, Hoppin' Fresh is worth trying — just know the body chemistry wildcard is real with this one.
Brixy
Brixy is a newer brand and honestly one of the more interesting finds on this list. What makes it different from everything else here is that it is not just trying to control odor — it is also doing something for your actual underarm skin. The formula uses magnesium hydroxide for odor control with no baking soda and no aluminum, plus a ceramide and niacinamide complex that helps repair and support the skin barrier, soothes irritation from shaving, and over time can even help with hyperpigmentation. Basically it is skincare for your underarms, which is not something I expected to be writing about but here we are.
All four of Brixy's deodorant scents carry the EWG Verified mark, meaning every ingredient has been reviewed by EWG scientists and meets their strictest standards. The packaging is plastic free, it is vegan and cruelty free, and it is available on Amazon.
Pros:
- EWG Verified across all four scents — rare for a brand to have the full lineup verified, not just the unscented version
- Baking soda free and aluminum free, great for sensitive skin
- Ceramide and niacinamide complex is genuinely unique on this list
- Dermatologist approved for sensitive skin
- Plastic free packaging
- All individual ingredients score 1 or 2 on EWG
- Scents include Plumeria Crush, Almond Blossom, Juniper Journey, and Vanilla Vacay
Cons:
- Newer brand with less long-term track record than others on this list
- On the pricier side compared to some options here
- Lighter scent that may not feel like enough if you are a heavy sweater
My recommendation: If you have reactive underarm skin, have struggled with irritation or ingrown hairs from shaving, or just want the most ingredient-forward option on this list, Brixy is the one to try. The ceramide and niacinamide angle is something I had never seen in a deodorant before researching this post and as someone who thinks about skin health professionally it genuinely caught my attention. That every scent is EWG Verified and not just the unscented version makes it stand out even further.
Final Thoughts
Every deodorant on this list has its strengths and weaknesses, so finding the right one depends on your needs. If you want long-lasting odor protection, go for SmartyPits or Native. If you have sensitive skin, Each & Every is a great baking soda-free option. If sustainability is a priority, Attitude’s paper packaging is a great choice. And if you love the idea of prebiotics over probiotics, SmartyPits is the way to go.
Have you tried any of these? Let me know your thoughts below!
Ways to Reduce Odor When Switching to Natural Deodorant
If you’ve made the switch and feel like you’re still struggling with odor, here are a few tips that actually help:
🍋 The Lemon Trick
Cut a fresh lemon in half and rub it directly onto your underarms. The citric acid kills odor-causing bacteria and helps keep you smelling fresh. Just make sure to avoid using it right after shaving—ouch!
🧖 Detox Your Pits
If your body is still adjusting, try an armpit detox using bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Mix them into a paste, apply for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. This helps pull out toxins and can speed up the transition process.
🔥 Sweat It Out (Sauna, Workouts, or Hot Baths)
Sweating is your body’s natural way of detoxing. Using a sauna, doing a good workout, or taking hot baths can help push out built-up toxins from aluminum-based deodorants faster.
🛁 Exfoliate Regularly
Use a gentle scrub or washcloth to exfoliate your underarms a couple of times a week. This removes dead skin and bacteria buildup that can contribute to odor.
🥗 Check Your Diet
Believe it or not, what you eat affects how you smell. Processed foods, alcohol, and excessive sugar can make body odor worse, while a diet rich in leafy greens, whole foods, and plenty of water can actually help.
The Bottom Line
Switching to natural deodorant takes patience, and what works for me might not work for you. The key is to experiment and find the right formula for your skin and lifestyle.
If you’re still searching for your perfect match, start with my favorites—Curie for a spray, Attitude for an eco-friendly option, and Each & Every for a smooth, reliable stick.
And if you’ve already found one you love, drop a comment! Let’s swap recommendations because everyone deserves a deodorant that’s clean, effective, and actually works.