Review: How effective are natural deodorants?

Natural antiperspirants do not exist

First of all, let’s be clear: if you are looking for a natural antiperspirant, i.e. a product that can directly suppress the causes of perspiration and unpleasant odours, you’ll be looking in vain. Only natural deodorants exist – they mask and eliminate potential odours with their ingredients. 

Natural deodorants do not contain aluminium salts or silicones. They manage without “chemical” perfumes and stabilisers, which are used to support the durability and effectiveness of a regular deodorant. All of these ingredients are much debated – in relation to nature, because of the way silicones and aluminium salts degrade, as well as to the skin and health in general. 

Natural deodorants 

Natural deodorants contain sodium or mineral salts (e.g. magnesium) as the active ingredients. Natural essential oils provide the fragrance, whilst solid deodorants often include caring body butters or glycerine. 

Many natural deodorants come in a spray or roll-on format. You won’t always find solid natural deodorant in a twist-up applicator; it may come in a box. And if there’s an applicator, it’s usually a paper one, because the packaging and how environmentally friendly it is matter. 

And how did the review of natural deodorants turn out in our office? Do we know the best natural deodorant?

Weleda Citrus roll-on deodorant   

Pete, content specialist

What I liked the most: A very pleasant, fresh citrus fragrance with no artificial perfume.

Advantages: Like all Weleda products, the Weleda Citrus roll-on deodorant is organic and has no chemical additives or aluminium salts. It doesn’t clog your pores, so the skin’s regulatory functions aren’t restricted. Also, I never once noticed even the slightest skin irritation or itching. I also consider the absence of white spots (marks) on black clothes or yellow spots on white clothes, which is a problem with many deodorants, to be a great advantage.

Disadvantages: I imagine that for users who perspire more intensely, the deodorant won’t be enough. But for me it’s perfectly fine and I’d be happy to continue using it.

Purity Vision Deo Krystal mineral deodorant 

Rob, photographer

What I liked the most: I like natural, unperfumed stuff. This was a better option than regular deodorant. Because they just don’t smell good.

Advantages: The Purity Vision Deo Krystal forms a kind of natural protective film on the skin. It doesn’t leave any white spots on your clothes. I’ve also started using it on my feet and hands when it’s really hot. I recommend it, it’s very pleasant. 

Disadvantages: You have to moisten it with water before use. When you apply it to freshly shaved underarms, it burns a little.

Soaphoria Innocence organic cream deodorant

Alice, lead of content marketing

What I liked the most: It has a pleasant green tea fragrance. But in a discreet way. I also like the vegan formula with coconut and almond oils.

Advantages: I'm a fan of natural things in general. It’s great that the Soaphoria Innocence deodorant also works as an antiperspirant, which is definitely not the case with natural deodorants. And it doesn’t leave any marks on your clothing.

Disadvantages: Applying it is a little annoying. You need to massage the product into your underarms with your fingers. I also tried it on my thighs, where I usually use antiperspirant to avoid any rubbing. It didn’t quite work the way I needed it to. 

We Love The Planet You Love Staying Fresh Naturally Forever Fresh

Joe, photographer

What I liked the most: The eco-friendly recycled packaging, the eco-friendly production process.

Advantages: The ingredients of the We Love The Planet You Love Staying Fresh Naturally Forever Fresh deodorant are based on a combination of beeswax, coconut oil and cornflour, making the deodorant easy to apply, and it softens the skin. One stick lasts approximately 2 to 3 months. And it’s a unisex fragrance, so I can share it with my wife.

Disadvantages: I haven’t found any.

Is a natural deodorant right for you, or are you going to stick with a regular one? Either way, it’s a must-have for summer.