Imagine the unease of stepping into your office, attending a social gathering, or meeting someone for dinner, only to be greeted by an unpleasant scent—your own body odor. It’s a common nightmare scenario for many.

While numerous skincare products boast lofty promises of erasing wrinkles, revitalizing under-eye areas, or thickening hair, a deodorant that doesn’t deliver its basic function quickly becomes evident. This is why some people shy away from natural deodorants, favoring instead the reliability of potent, chemical-laden antiperspirants.

However, as awareness grows about the potential hormone-disrupting effects of certain cosmetic chemicals and their possible skin damage, consumers are beginning to reconsider their choices. This shift in perspective has gained momentum, especially after a wave of complaints in September from numerous Britons who reported experiencing burned underarms after using a popular product, Mitchum.

Fortunately, there are alternatives. Across Europe, natural deodorants, which rely on plant-based and mineral ingredients to effectively absorb sweat and neutralize odors, are gaining traction over their synthetic counterparts. The move towards more natural options reflects a broader trend of prioritizing health and sustainability in personal care choices.

In September, hundreds of Britons took to social media to claim that one mainstream product, Mitchum, had left them with burned underarms.  

But there are alternatives. In Europe, natural deodorants—which use plant-based and mineral ingredients to absorb sweat and neutralise odours—are already more popular than synthetic ones. 

And the global organic deodorant market is set to hit £240 billion by 2030—up from just £104 billion last year. 

Experts speaking to the Daily Mail say there’s plenty to say in favour of making the swap.

‘We sweat in order to cool down,’ says Fife-based consultant dermatologist Dr Susannah Fraser. 

‘So the way that anti-perspirants work, by blocking the sweat glands, is actually quite unnatural. 

‘The acidic nature of some ingredients, like aluminum chloride, can also cause skin irritation and redness.’

Natural deodorants, she explained, work differently,using plant-based ingredients to neutralise the odours of underarm bacteria and eventually, improve the microbiome so that smelly bacteria are less active. 

‘Sometimes when people make the swap from anti-perspirant to natural deodorant, they may think that it’s not working,’ Dr Fraser said. 

‘But after a few weeks, the body adjusts. And the ingredients in natural deodorants tend to be much more soothing for your skin.’ 

Luckily, a range of new natural deodorant options – which, crucially, actually work – has sprung up to meet demand. 

So, from a Dragon’s Den favourite, to a balm developed by West End dancers desperate for a good-smelling yet long-lasting alternative, here’s our expert-led guide to the best natural deodorants on the market today…

Bulldog Skincare Original Roll On Natural Deodorant For Men

£3.00 for 75ml from Boots

At just £3.00 for a stick, Bulldog’s roll-on natural deodorant is the most affordable on the list. 

‘Natural deodorants like this one work in two ways,’ explains Dr Susannah Fraser. 

‘Rather than blocking sweat production, they contain ingredients that will absorb excess moisture. 

‘They also use anti-bacterial essential oils—like lavender, eucalyptus, sage, and in this case, coconut—to counteract the smell of sweat. 

‘In time, this will help to readjust the bacteria causing odour in the underarms, and reduce those that tend to produce the worst smells.’  

Bulldog’s roll-on also contains a prebiotic from chicory root to neutralise odours and balance the skin’s microbiome. 

‘This, in theory, would help reduce the ability of stinky bacteria to survive, and help with B.O.,’ says Dr Fraser.  

Mitchum Women Natural Power Coconut 

£5.00 for 40g from Boots 

Also at the more affordable end of the scale is Mitchum’s natural coconut-scented deodorant. 

In Mitchum’s deodorant, the sweat absorption comes from bamboo powder, which contains highly porous particles that act like a natural sponge, effectively absorbing excess sweat and sebum from the skin’s surface without clogging pores.

As a natural, plant-based ingredient, bamboo powder is also generally non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin.  

‘Some reviews claim that the product isn’t actually that absorbent, and can leave a white cast, but it comes at quite a good price point,’ says Dr Fraser. 

Salt of the Earth Classic Natural Crystal Stick Deodorant

£5.50 for 90ml from Boots 

Unlike any other deodorant on this list, Salt of the Earth’s offering uses natural mineral salts to form a protective layer on the skin that inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria. 

Called a crystal stick, this method prevents bacteria from creating body odour while allowing the skin to sweat naturally, without clogging pores. 

The product is suitable for children, won’t leave white marks and are totally fragrance-free. 

And in addition to being a deodorant, crystal deodorants can also be used as a post-shave alum shaving block, due to their antiseptic and astringent properties. 

Natural skincare expert Adrian Whalley, co-founder of Natural Skincare Factory, says the deodorant is unique in its minimal ingredient approach. 

‘For some people, even if all fragrances are from natural source or essential oils, it can still cause irritation,’ he explained. 

‘Crystal deodorants are a great option for people who don’t want any scent at all – and it will still have the same B.O. neutralising effect.’ 

Wild Deodorant Kit Fresh Cotton

£9.10 for 40g from Waitrose, £6.00 per refill 

Wild deodorant is a particular favourite of Dr Fraser’s, who uses the company’s travel-size balm on holidays. 

‘The formula uses tapioca starch to wick up sweat, as well as baking soda, which is often found in natural deodorants as a moisture absorber,’ she said. 

‘For some people, baking soda can cause irritation, as it has a mildly high pH. 

‘Wild’s sensitive skin range, therefore, uses rice starch instead – and should be suitable for most users.’

Though slightly more expensive at first, the deodorants are refillable—with top-ups available at many supermarkets—making them a relatively cost-effective choice for long-term use.

Be warned, however, that some of the scents do lean sweet: with one of my colleagues who trialled the deodorant left feeling, in his words, like a ‘Werther’s Original’. 

It did last all day, however.  

Fussy Natural Deodorant Coconut Milk 

£9.60 for 40g from Boots, £5.00 per refill 

Natural deodorant brand Fussy bagged a £50,000 investment from Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones after featuring on Dragon’s Den in 2022. 

Their all-natural formula and refillable cases impressed the Dragons – and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett has since said not investing in the company was his biggest regret from the show. 

The product itself does not disappoint, coming in a range of gender-neutral scents and colours. 

The deodorant itself, says Mr Whalley is clean and safe – with absolutely no synthetic preservatives. 

‘It’s all natural sources and fragrances. Fussy is as close to 100 per cent natural as mainstream deodorants get,’ he said.

Like Wild, Fussy’s deodorant cases are refillable – making it another more affordable option, and waste-free. 

Our personal favourite scent? Coconut milk, which lasted from morning to night without need for reapplication.  

Sage Mint Deodorant 

£11.60 for 50ml from John Lewis 

German brand Dr Hauschka is famed for its natural skincare. Founded in 1935, the company uses exclusively medicinal plant extracts in its products. 

Their sage and mint deodorant is no different, using the extracts from both plants, along with witch hazel, the gel helps prevent the formation of odours without constricting the pores.  

‘Witch hazel is known for its wide range of benefits for the skin – whether that’s reducing inflammation, tightening pores or soothing skin from minor irritations like sunburn or razor bumps,’ said Mr Whalley. 

‘Its antioxidant properties also make it great for managing acne, by clearing oil and bacteria.

‘The other active ingredients – sage and mint – also come from essential oils and work to reduce bacteria and improve smell. 

‘As in products like this, just because an ingredient lists ‘parfums’, it doesn’t mean it’s not all natural. 

‘In fact, this was the sole product to be certified as natural and organic – meaning it’s proven itself to be totally organic, vegan and cruelty-free.’ 

Roll On Deodorant Rose & Geranium

£12.00 for 50ml from Neal’s Yard 

Much like Dr Hauschka before, Neal’s Yard has long been renowned for its all-natural approach to skincare. 

As well as a blend of organic rose and geranium essential oils, the roll-on deodorant contains shikimic acid and moisture-absorbing bamboo powder.

‘Shikimic acid is taken from star anise plants, and helps with bacteria regulation,’ said Dr Fraser. 

‘Aloe vera will also attract moisture, and help soothe and condition the skin.’ 

Necessaire The Deodorant Gel – Eucalyptus 

£18.00 for 50ml from SpaceNK

On the more luxury end of the scale, a common fan favourite natural deodorant is Necessaire’s eucalyptus-scented deodorant gel.

The formula includes alpha hydroxy acid – also known as AHA – which is often used for gentle chemical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. 

It’s also got niacinamide, panthenol and chamomile flower extract to care for the skin under the arms at the same time as it prevents odour. 

Overtime, the company even claims the product will help reduce discolouration, improve skin texture and minimise bumps on KP-prone skin. 

And whilst we cannot attest to the long-term effects, we can confirm the scent is powerful – almost medicinal – and long-lasting.  

Maison Louie Marie Bois de Balincourt Deodorant 

£20.00 for 75ml from Boots 

Maison Louie Marie’s aluminum-free deodorant contains no phthalates, parabens baking soda, or artificial dyes. 

Both phthalates and parabens have been shown to interfere with the body’s hormones. 

They’re often added into cosmetic products, however, to increase shelf life, or as fragrances. 

This deodorant instead uses tapioca starch to absorb sweat, and sandalwood oil as fragrance. 

It works well, but this deodorant is more like a perfume than any other, with a scent that’s not for wallflowers.   

Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Deodorant 

£20.00 for 75g from Space NK

Like its predecessor, Salt & Stone’s extra-strength natural deodorant is scented with sandalwood and vetiver. 

Its active ingredients include prebiotics that help neutralise odour, and seaweed extracts, which moisturise the skin. 

Vegan and cruelty-free, the product contains no dyes, aluminium, parabens, phthalates or alcohol. 

And in addition to managing odour, it works to provide antioxidant protection. 

The Deodorant Balm SC.02

£21 for 50ml from AKT

A personal favourite of one of our testers, AKT deodorant was set up by a pair of West End performers who needed a good-smelling and long-lasting product for hours spent practicing under sweaty spotlights. 

One of the most expensive options, the company claims each tube lasts up to three months, with only a pea-sized amount needed per pit. 

With a subscription, it also goes down to just £17 per tube. 

‘The AKT balm combines sodium bicarbonate, zinc oxide and arrowroot in a mixture which they’ve now trademarked, all of which will all help with absorbency and balancing smell,’ says Dr Fraser. 

‘Similarly to Malin and Goetz, it can also be used on other parts of the body as well.

‘Again, however, be careful when choosing a fragrance as some do contain linalool. 

‘It’s a much higher price point, but potentially higher efficacy as well.’    

Malin + Goetz Otto Deodorant

£22.00 for 73g from Space NK 

Finally, Malin + Goetz’s otto deodorant, with its opulent floral scent, is a expensive – but wonderful smelling and long-lasting – option. 

The product uses odour-neutralising enzymes to absorb excess moisture without disrupting the body’s natural perspiration functions. 

However, though it’s marketed as a natural deodorant, it does contain propylene glycol – meaning those looking for an ‘all-natural’ product may want to give it a miss. 

The product can take up to three weeks to start working, the company warns, as the body adjusts from anti-perspirants to a plant-powered deodorant. 

But our testers seemed to have no issues adjusting at all. 

In fact, this deodorant smells so good, Malin + Goetz even advise it can be used across the whole body – even on the nape of the neck, in lieu of perfume.