Our Experts Vetted Natural Deodorants for Men, Here Are the Ones that Really Worked

Good Housekeeping

Mon, March 27, 2023 at 1:35 PM UTC

Our Experts Vetted Natural Deodorants for Men, Here Are the Ones that Really Worked — If you've never used a natural deodorant before, it's easy to be brimming with questions: What's the difference between natural and non-natural? Can a natural deodorant be long-lasting? What's the deal with aluminum in deodorant? Those are just a few that might come to mind. “While there are ceaseless online marketing claims about natural products and clean beauty, there is no formal industry-wide definition of what makes a 'natural' cosmetic product,” says Birnur Aral, Ph.D, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab. In fact, there are very few consumer products that contain ingredients in the same form as they appear in nature. “We as the GHI Beauty Lab came to categorize 'natural' deodorants as those without the medicinal effect of controlling sweat, and do not contain the aluminum salts used as antiperspirant actives,” she adds.
"The reason there is concern about aluminum-based products in that they temporarily block the sweat ducts and if absorbed, it can affect the estrogen receptors of breast cells," says Shari Sperling, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Florham Park, NJ. "There needs to be more studies done to see if there is a link but data suggests there is no link between breast cancer and aluminum. However, if there is a personal or family history of breast cancer, it cannot hurt to avoid those aluminum products to be on the safe side." Natural deodorants won't prevent you from sweating, but they can help reduce and mask odor through fragrances and odor neutralizers, and absorb sweat through ingredients like starches and baking soda.
If you're making that switch, you're in luck. There are now effective natural deodorants on the market in a slew of great scents. Through a combination of rigorous consumer testing conducted by the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty Lab, smaller road tests and extensive internet research, we've pulled together a list of the best on the market, no matter if you prefer a stick, spray or cream. Without further ado, here are the best natural deodorants for men in 2023.
**Our top picks:**
Read on after our picks for more information on how we selected the best natural deodorants for men, and why you should trust Good Housekeeping.
Courtesy of Amazon

1) Deodorant — **Native**
amazon.com
**$12.97**
Shop Now
Native's formula features tapioca starch and baking soda to neutralize odor and absorb moisture, keeping armpits smelling fresh all day. In road testing, we found it particularly effective, noting that **the scent is long-lasting and it doesn't irritate skin, even after shaving**. We love the robust unisex scent range, featuring palatable and not overly intense fragrances that mask odor without being overbearing. However, those with sensitive skin may want to look for a formula without baking soda, as it can be irritating to some.
amazon.com

2) Regular Deodorant — **Speed Stick**
target.com
**$3.79**
Shop Now
Speed Stick's signature scent is an ineffable, aquatically **masculine scent that could very well be a budget replacement for some high-end colognes.** Online reviewers rave about it, though some have pointed out a recent reformulation may have decreased the scent's longevity. Still, at the price point, having to use more throughout the day is hardly a concern.
target.com

3) Men + Care Refillable Deodorant Kit — **Dove**
amazon.com
**$14.68**
Shop Now
For the environmentally conscious, the burden of plastic generated in consumables like deodorant can weigh heavily. That's why we love this refillable deodorant from Dove, which is formulated without aluminum. **The deodorant comes in a sleek metal case that can be refilled with one of two available scents.** While reviewers enjoy the idea of a refillable deodorant, they were also quick to note that the formula is quite fragile and can easily break off of the component, so be gentle as you apply.
amazon.com

4) Invisible Cream Deodorant — **LUME**
amazon.com
**$21.49**
Shop Now
If you've ever wanted to put deodorant anywhere but the armpits, you'll find the traditional stick format to be a bit cumbersome. Lume offers a solution by offering their aluminum-free deodorant in a cream, so you can easily spread it wherever. In GH Beauty Lab testing, **81% of testers reported it offered long-lasting odor control without staining clothes.** Amazon reviewers have reported that straight out of the tube, this deodorant can have an unpleasant smell that dissipates as it dries, leaving long-lasting odor protection in its wake.
amazon.com

5) Long Lasting Wide Stick Deodorant — **Tom's of Maine**
amazon.com
**$4.99**
Shop Now
Tom's of Maine is a goliath in the natural products domain, and the unique formulation of this deodorant is a shining example of why they're so well known. **This deodorant stick harnesses the antimicrobial power of hops** (the flower of Humulus lupulus, commonly used to endow beer with its aromatic qualities), using the extract to help reduce bacterial activity in the armpits (one of the causes of stench) and replace it with one of eight scents for men. The odor protection may not last up to the claimed 24 hours, however, according to some online reviewers.
amazon.com

6) Deodorant — **Every Man Jack**
amazon.com
**$7.11**
Shop Now
Every Man Jack's natural deodorant smells amazing — for an amazing price. In our road testing, we found this product applied smoothly to underarms and didn't cause irritation even on freshly shaven armpits. We also loved how it didn't transfer stains onto clothing. This formula contains lichen extract, however, which has been shown to cause sensitizing reactions in those with an allergy, so steer clear if you know you're allergic or have particularly sensitive skin.
amazon.com

7) ND1 Natural Deodorant — **PATRICKS**
amazon.com
**$66.00**
Shop Now
Many natural deodorants come with the user complaint of not being as effective or long-lasting as their aluminum-laden counterparts. **PATRICKS ND1 sets a new standard for longevity, and has online reviewers raving about it.** "Finally a natural deodorant that lasts and does not irritate!" said one reviewer, among a sea of those enthused by its refined, light scent and impressive duration. But, all of this comes at a heftier price tag than other deodorants.
amazon.com

8) Performance Body Spray — **OffCourt**
amazon.com
**$13.99**
Shop Now
Not a fan of stick deodorant? No need to fret — natural deodorants are plentiful in spray form too, and this one from OffCourt is a serious contender for spray aficionados. **The aluminum-free body spray isn't a throwback to the musky, nauseating sprays of the high school locker room, coming in three refined, light scents** that the brand encourages you to spray anywhere on the body. The formula contains xylityl sesquicaprylate, an antimicrobial deodorizing compound, to effectively control odors, though it's worth mentioning that the high concentration of alcohol in this product may make it unsuitable for sensitive skin.
amazon.com

9) Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant — **Ursa Major**
dermstore.com
**$12.50**
Shop Now
We loved the formulation of Ursa Major's Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant so much that we couldn't help but feature it in both our roundup of natural deodorants for women and this one. **The ingredient list boasts components like aloe vera and eucalyptus to soothe skin, as well as hops extract to naturally deodorize.** We also love the unisex, fresh scent, which is free of synthetic or added fragrance but rather a result of its listed ingredients — a major win for those with sensitive skin. Although this deodorant has tapioca starch to help absorb excess sweat, some online reviewers noted that it didn't keep them as dry as other natural deodorants, so if you're a profuse sweater you may want to look elsewhere.
dermstore.com

10) Sensitive Skin Stick — **Schmidt's**
amazon.com
**$15.98**
Shop Now
Though we love the odor-controlling properties of baking soda, it can be harsh on sensitive skin. This formula contains several conditioning ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, making it a great pick for men with dry underarms. We were also impressed with the scent range of this deodorant, offering unorthodox, elevated fragrances to keep you smelling fresh. While Amazon reviewers were impressed with the extensive odor control of this deodorant, some pointed out that this formula has a uniquely soft, sticky texture that can be jarring.
amazon.com

11) Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant — **Kosas**
linksynergy.com
**$16.00**
Shop Now
If you're looking to refine skin's texture as you deodorize, look no further than Kosas' AHA Serum Deodorant. We love the formula's novelty for its inclusion of alpha hydroxy acids like lactic and mandelic acids as exfoliants. We're also fond of the inclusion of **hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to moisturize and soothe irritation.** Though not explicitly marketed toward men, we think the standout formulation is worthwhile anyone to try.
linksynergy.com

Our Experts Vetted Natural Deodorants for Men, Here Are the Ones that Really Worked

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If you've never used a natural deodorant before, it's easy to be brimming with questions: What's the difference between natural and non-natural? Can a natural deodorant be long-lasting? What's the deal with aluminum in deodorant? Those are just a few that might come to mind. “While there are ceaseless online marketing claims about natural products and clean beauty, there is no formal industry-wide definition of what makes a 'natural' cosmetic product,” says Birnur Aral, Ph.D, Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab. In fact, there are very few consumer products that contain ingredients in the same form as they appear in nature. “We as the GHI Beauty Lab came to categorize 'natural' deodorants as those without the medicinal effect of controlling sweat, and do not contain the aluminum salts used as antiperspirant actives,” she adds.

"The reason there is concern about aluminum-based products in that they temporarily block the sweat ducts and if absorbed, it can affect the estrogen receptors of breast cells," says Shari Sperling, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Florham Park, NJ. "There needs to be more studies done to see if there is a link but data suggests there is no link between breast cancer and aluminum. However, if there is a personal or family history of breast cancer, it cannot hurt to avoid those aluminum products to be on the safe side." Natural deodorants won't prevent you from sweating, but they can help reduce and mask odor through fragrances and odor neutralizers, and absorb sweat through ingredients like starches and baking soda.

If you're making that switch, you're in luck. There are now effective natural deodorants on the market in a slew of great scents. Through a combination of rigorous consumer testing conducted by the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty Lab, smaller road tests and extensive internet research, we've pulled together a list of the best on the market, no matter if you prefer a stick, spray or cream. Without further ado, here are the best natural deodorants for men in 2023.

Our top picks:

Read on after our picks for more information on how we selected the best natural deodorants for men, and why you should trust Good Housekeeping.

Courtesy of Amazon

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

The best natural deodorants for men in 2023, with picks by brands like Native and Tom's as well as stain and baking soda free, and sensitive skin picks.

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Our Experts Vetted Natural Deodorants for Men, Here Are the Ones that Really Worked

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