Looking for the Best Natural Deodorants that work in 2023? Well you came to the right place! Here’s the deal traditional deodorant (aka the stuff from drugstores) almost all have really crappy ingredients.

Wondering why you should use natural deodorant? Traditional deodorant has aluminum (known neurotoxin connected to Alzheimer’s), parabens (connected to hormone disruption & cancer), and synthetic fragrances (known endocrine disruptor amongst long list of risks). Ewwww!

Despite numerous laws designed to protect human health and the environment, no law in the US requires the disclosure of all ingredients in fragranced consumer products (Steinemann 2009).

native vs schmidt's vs routine deoderant

Ok, now that we got that out of the way, lets chat about the best natural deodorants for 2023! Consumers have way more choices for their natural deoderant needs these days, with the rising profile of natural living and popularity of reducing the toxins and chemicals we’re exposed to companies are starting to jump on board with more toxin free, natural deoderants.

My Experience with Natural Deodorants

I started using natural deodorants about 4 years ago. Back then there weren’t that many options so I had to make due with the basics lol.

I tried the crystal, but didn’t like it. Its supposed to kill bacteria so that you don’t stink, but I didn’t find that it worked.

Then I used Toms Deodorant for a couple years, and its ok, but the deodorants in this list are waaaaay better, both ingredient wise and performance wise. I stopped used Tom’s natural Deodorant because it scores a 4/10 for toxicity on ewg.org because it contains talc (no beuno) and fragrance.

In fairness, i’m pretty easy to please when it comes to natural deodorants because i’m just happy to be using a product that doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals, but my partner loves his deodorant. The true test was finding a safe natural deodorant that he would happily use, and it took a couple tries but we found one!

Best Natural Deodorants for 2023

DeodorantEWG Score (lower is best)CommentsMy RatingPriceBuy
Native3/10The only natural deodorant to pass ‘Boyfriend Test’⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️$12.96
Schmidt’s1/10This is the one I use! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️$9.99 US
RoutineSmooth Texture, Canadian Brand⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️$27.99 US

Native Deodorant

Native Deodorant is the ONLY deodorant that my non crunchy, anti perspirant loving, Boyfriend will use. I bought him 3 different natural deoderants before trying Native, and this is the first one that ‘got him through the day without stinking’. WIN (He uses the citrus & herbal musk one) . For that reason alone I give Native a 5 star review! He also tried Tom’s Natural Deodorant for men, which he thought it felt ‘wet’ and didn’t like it. The 3rd natural deodorant for men my partner tried was Dusk by Herban Cowboy, which didn’t provide all day odour free results, so didn’t like that one either.

native deodorant review, where to buy native deodorant, best natural deoderants

Native Deodorant Pros

✔️Aluminum Free

✔️ Paraben Free

✔️ Sulphates Free

✔️ Goes on Smooth

✔️ Vegan

They also have a sensitive skin line for those that react to baking soda in natural deodorant. The sensitive skin Native deodorant is made without baking soda.

Native Deodorant Negatives

native deodorant packaging

Native Deodorant comes with ALOT of packaging. I love natural products, but I also love the earth and am trying my best to reduce the amount of waste I produce. The amount of packaging this is shipped in does not lend itself well to that goal. Native: if you’re reading this cut the packaging! On the flipside, if you are buying this as a gift, it is impressive to open.

EWG lists Native Deodorant as a 3/10 (with 10/10 being the worst ingredients). This is because fragrance is listed as an ingredient and since brands do not have to disclose fragrance formulas EWG always assumes its bad/synthetic. Synthetic fragrances are known to be endocrine disruptors, cause irritation or immune issues. The Native website says they only use safe ingredients, so its up to you to decide if you want to give them a go.

native natural deodorant review



Good to know:

Native is an American Brand, and easily available in the USA via Amazon or their website. At the time of writing this blog, Native deodorant is not on amazon in Canada 🙁 If you live in Canada you will need to order it from their website (they have a subscriber program to save on shipping & get a discount) or Amazon.com (they ship to Canada). My boyfriend pays $13 cdn including shipping on the Native Website subscription plan which is cheaper than Amazon.

Native Deodorant Final Verdict: Definitely Better Than Most, 1000’s of 5 star reviews and my Boyfriend Personally Loves it. Recommended.

Native Deodorant Ingredients

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TAPIOCA STARCH, OZOKERITE, SODIUM BICARBONATE, MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL. CYCLODEXTRIN, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, FRAGRANCE, DEXTROSE, LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS

Schmidt’s Deodorant

I’ve been using Schmidt’s deodorant for about 2 years now. (I’m on my 4th stick). I’ve been using the Bergamot + Lime deodorant and it is crisp, fresh and keeps me smelling great until bedtime. Unlike Native Deodorant there is no ambiguity about the fragrance used in this formula, it is natural fragrances from essential oils, so much safer than possible synthetic fragrance used in Native. EWG scores this as a 1/10 which is basically as good as it gets in terms of the safety of the ingredients. Click here to read the full report.

They have a sensitive skin option that is baking soda free (but i’ve not tried it). It is formulated with magnesium, which is a mineral most people are deficient in and has great health benefits, so i’m super tempted to try it on my next buy!

schmidt's deodorant review bergamot + lime

Schmidt’s Deodorant Pro’s

✔️All Natural Ingredients

✔️ No Artificial Fragrances

✔️ No Aluminum

✔️ No Propylene Glycol

✔️ Cheaper than Native

✔️ Vegan & Cruelty Free

What I Don’t Like about Schmid’t Deodorant

Schmidt’s Deodorant has less packaging than Native, but still comes in a plastic container. I would love if it came in a reusable non plastic tin or glass jar. I’m trying my best to reduce my plastic footprint, so a non toxic product in a glass jar would be the gold standard for me 🙂

Some people have reported getting a ‘burn’ or rash from this deodorant, which is likely a sensitivity to the baking soda. I’ve never had an issue with this, but if you are worried i’d recommend the sensitive skin formula which is made without baking soda.

The texture of this deodorant isn’t as nice as some of the others i’ve tried, like Routine or Native. It has a slightly grainy texture going on. It smooths out as soon as its on your skin – i’d guess its not smooth until warming up because of the coconut oil in the formula.

Where to Buy Schmidts Deodorant

In Canada you Can buy Schmidts at Amazon.ca, Walmart, Superstore & Shoppers Drugmart! I even found it at Costco last year, but haven’t seen it since 🙁

In the US you can buy Schmidts at Amazon.com, Walmart, Sprouts, Target etc. Its fairly widely available which is great.

Final Verdict of Schmidt’s Deodorant: I love it, it has great ingredients and i’ve been happily odor neutral everyday for the last 2 years due to this so love it!

Schmidt’s Deodorant Ingredients (Bergamot + Lime)

Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Fractionated Coconut Oil), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Magnesium Hydroxide, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E, Sunflower Derived)

Routine Natural Deodorant

I recently tried Routine because it is available at my local natural foods grocery store and is an item to buy in bulk (without packaging!) YAY. The texture is smooth, it provided all day great smelling vibes and the ingredients are ace. The ONLY Reason I gave this product 4/5 stars is because it is pricey. I expect to pay a bit of a premium for good quality products, but this one is a premium price on the premium priced items lol. Coming in at $28 cdn vs $12-$13 for Native & Schmidts, this one is a premium product.

They also offer a natural deodorant formulated without baking soda which is amazing for sensitive skin. (The Curator).

routine vs native deodorant review

Routine Deodorant Pro’s

✔️ 100% Natural Ingredients Deodorant

✔️ Canadian Company

✔️ Plastic Free Packaging

✔️ They Give Back To Community

✔️ Super Smooth

What I Don’t Like about Routine

The Price is higher than the other option, but you get what you pay for. It’s a high quality 100% natural deodorant that works all day long without plastic packaging, so its worth it!

Where to Buy Routine Natural Deodorant

I bought this at Earth’s General Store in Edmonton, AB (Canada), but it is available in the USA on Amazon & across Canada on Amazon.ca. They list all the stores you can buy it at here. Another great feature of Routine is they offer a refill program to cut down on single use waste!

The Final Verdict for Routine Natural Deodorant: If you can afford it, its the best natural deodorant of the bunch! I love the plastic free packaging, and it works ALL DAY Long.

Routine Natural Deodorant Ingredients

Sweet Jane: A clay and beeswax formula that smells like vanilla, pear and riding bikes with your best friend.
Ingredients: cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, magnesium hydroxide, kaolin, zea mays (corn) starch, maranta arundinacea (arrowroot), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), cera alba (beeswax), theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, calendula officinalis (marigold) infused olea europaea (olive) oil, tocopherol (vitamin e), cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, brassica glycerides, flavor (organic vanilla, pear), vanilla planifolia fruit oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract.

The Verdict: My Favourite Natural Deodorants

My top choice for natural deodorant for women: Routine

My Opinion on best natural deodorant for MEN: Native

Whats your favourite natural deodorant? Let me know in the comments!

Natural Deodorant FAQ (ps keep scrolling for an at home DIY Deodorant Recipe!)

Does Natural Deodorant Cause a Rash?

Some people report getting a red, itchy, burning rash or darkened underarms after using natural deodorant. This is likely a sensitivity to the baking soda that almost all natural deodorants are formulated with. Luckily ALL the deodorants listed on this blog has a sensitive skin formula made WITHOUT Baking soda!
armpit rash

Does Natural Deodorant Work?

Sure does! My smelly, sweaty partner has switched happily and gets through the day smelling great. He uses Native 🙂

How To Switch to Natural Deodorant?

Some people recommend doing an underarm detox to get rid of all the accumulated toxins from years of using deodorants with harmful chemicals in them. These underarm detox’s use a combination of coconut oil, bentonite clay, and apple cider vinegar to draw out toxins. In my opinion the body is pretty good at doing this, already, but it certainly couldn’t hurt to try and get a blank canvas, so to speak. You could also go for a couple sauna sessions or just get really sweaty to expel toxins. In my opinion, the best thing to do is throw out your deodorant with chemicals and try a natural one. Your body knows what to do from there.

Recipe For Natural Deodorant DIY

super easy diy natural deodorant recipe
Pin Me 🙂

Time needed: 10 minutes.

How To Make Your Own Natural Deodorant
Here is a DIY Recipe for Natural Deodorant:

  1. 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder

  2. 1 tablespoon baking soda

  3. 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil (melted for mixing)

  4. 1/2 tablespoon melted cocoa or shea butter (melted for mixing)

  5. 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oils.

  6. Mix it all together, store in a jar and enjoy smelling great without ANY harmful ingredients at a fraction of the cost of buying it made already. Natural Deodorants DIY is Super easy!


9 Responses

  1. Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block

    This is such a helpful review. I have been using Schmidt’s for a while. I used a few others prior to that and ended up with a rash. It’s nice to be able to find one that works well and doesn’t have toxic ingredients. I’m looking forward to checking out Routine Deodorant too.

    Reply
  2. Tessa Zundel

    This was really helpful – thank you! I need to find a baking soda-free option that my kids will use. They’re teens and still full of hormones and keep going back to less natural options because the baking soda gives them rashes.

    Reply
  3. Emily Maze

    I have struggled so much with natural deodorants… not that I’m going back, but I’ve honestly never found one that totally worked for me (It’s probably a personal problem).
    ACTUALLY one brand did work for me and then they changed their formula. UGH.
    The Routine deodorant sounds very promising… thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Justin

    Thank you for this article it was super helpful. I especially love the way you included how to make your own natural deodorant.

    Reply

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