The Best Natural, Aluminum-Free Deodorants Ranked by Our Sweatiest Editor

Making the switch to a natural deodorant was tough for a sweaty gal like me. I only wear loose tops (no tight tees, thanks), I always shower post-workout (even yoga), and I begrudgingly ration my daily coffee intake to avoid any excess wetness. It's a whole thing. So, just the idea of swapping my trusty and time-tested brand name stick for an aluminum-free, natural deodorant alternative made me understandably nervous (and a little sticky TBH). But, since conventional antiperspirants and deodorants often contain some controversial ingredients (like aluminum-based compounds and parabens), I decided to play it safe and make the switch. Taking the natural route meant conducting a comprehensive hunt to find the most effective, natural option that would keep my sweaty self as dry and sweet-smelling for as long as possible.

Deodorant reduces bacteria on the skin's surface, while antiperspirant dissolves moisture and prevents additional sweating. Given the lack of natural antiperspirant alternatives out there, I tested only deodorants for this piece. I let my underarms fully detox for almost a month (yes, also a thing) before trying out different brands that came highly rated and/or recommended. I wore each product for a full week, giving my body a completely deodorant-less transition day in between. Some worked well enough. Others definitely did not. Fortunately, I found one that I swear by, and I can confidently say that I'm never going back. Scroll on to learn exactly how each deodorant performed, where they rank on the sweatiest editor's sweat-o-meter, and which one effectively beat *all* the heat.

10. SmartyPits Standard Formula ($12): Developed by the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, SmartyPits is powered by prebiotics and available in a standard or sensitive formula. It's free from aluminum, parabens, phthalates, alcohol, propylene glycol, and triclosan and takes a "three-level approach" to combat body odor that incorporates veggie powders, minerals, and plant-based prebiotics.
Pros: The luscious coconut mango scent is everything I look for in a deodorant fragrance. This brand also gives a portion of every sale to breast cancer research and survivor support, and that's just really effing cool.
Cons: I've never experienced skincare sensitivity, but this formula gave me a minor, yet still uncomfortable, rash. I'm going to try the sensitive formula next, so stay tuned on that.

9. Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Natural Deodorant ($10): Enriched with mineral-derived ingredients like magnesium and sodium bicarbonate, this award-winning formula carries a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee so you can buy it, try it, and then return it if need be. I LOVE this customer service model, especially for natural deodorant companies. Certified vegan and cruelty-free, Schmidt's doesn't contain aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrance.
Pros: This has a fresh and mild, mineral-rich scent and definitely kept me feeling dry and smelling good during each wear.
Cons: Unfortunately, over time it left a weird, grayish tint to my pits that seemed like it was almost dyeing my skin. I'm sure it was harmless, but it just looked really strange, and since I'm already self-conscious about that particular area, I decided to discontinue use.

8. Native Deodorant ($12): Probably the best known (and arguably most popular) natural deodorant brand, Native features a variety of classic and seasonal sweet-smelling scents; is aluminum-, paraben-, phthalate-, and talc-free; and prides itself on "us[ing] simple, nontoxic ingredients you can understand."
Pros: Popularity is good, especially when people are betting their sweat on it. I loved the citrusy mimosa scent I tried as well as the minimalist packaging, and it definitely kept me dry for a minute (technically a few semi-stressful hours).
Cons: The dryness didn't last long, and the smell, although I initially liked it, ended up not being quite mild enough for re-application. I'll try Native again for sure, just unscented next time.

7. Kopari Coconut Deodorant ($14): Using a unique blend of coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil, Kopari is a coco-lover's dream. In addition, it's free of aluminum, baking soda, parabens, silicone, and phthalates, and Kopari truly smells like fresh coconut milk. Also, it carries a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, so you can confidently try this one for yourself.
Pros: I'm partial to coconut anything, so this deodorant definitely had me at first whiff. The roller and formula leave absolutely no residue, which is key when you are wearing dark materials.
Cons: It lasted about four hours — a few hours longer than Native — but not long enough for these sweaty pits.

6. Ethique Glow Solid Deodorant ($15): This New Zealand-based fair trade company gets major props for creatively fighting global pollution and body odor at the same time. Founded in 2012, Ethique is committed to eradicating plastic waste by nixing their use of shampoo and conditioner bottles and instead using biodegradable wrappers and ingredients. They've even created alternative packaging methods like this odor-fighting and sweet-smelling butter block bar.
Pros: The scent combos are next level. It took everything in my power not to nibble on the lavender and vanilla butter block. The soap-like bar is rubbed on post-shower and it lasted until about halfway through the day when I had to apply another round.
Cons: Although I love the bar idea in theory, it just isn't practical for my everyday use. After a day or two it started to sweat — so now we were both sweating — and unless you keep it in a plastic container of some sort (which kind of defeats the company's purpose), it's just too much to deal with.

5. Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant ($12): Oats, barley, and sugar make up the innovative Beta Glucan Technology that Lavanila touts. This antioxidant and antibacterial combo combine with active botanicals to deliver a refreshing roll-on deodorant that's vegan and free from aluminum, parabens, and propylene glycol.
Pros: Refreshing yet mild aquatic fragrance, free of residue, and my favorite of the lightweight, solid roll-on category thanks to the easy application and consistency.
Cons: Not quite strong enough for me, and I was starting to smell by lunchtime. This is a great option to throw in my bag for an afternoon re-application, but it's definitely not my go-to pick.

4. Megababe Rosy Pits ($18): It's time to wake up and smell the roses — er, the rosy pits, rather. I think this millennial-focused brand has by far the best deodorant branding out there. In addition to their cute AF Daily Deodorant, the brand also makes Thigh Rescue, an anti-chafe stick, and Bust Dust, an anti-boob sweat spray. No aluminum, parabens, or alcohol and so, so good.
Pros: I'd definitely still take this bb to my volleyball game to battle that post-scrimmage stink as it does well at masking body odor with a delicate rose fragrance.
Cons: This floral fragrance was an office winner, but I decided I didn’t love the smell after wearing — and sweating in it — all day long. In addition, it lasted only about half the day before I was looking to re-apply.

3. Primal Pit Paste Natural Deodorant Jars ($9): The idea of pit paste may strike you as kinda weird at first, but stay with me here. This handcrafted, aluminum-free natural deodorant comes in a jar, is heat stable (so no annoying leaks), and is available in three strength levels to address your individual level of sweatiness.
Pros: This product is compact, smells delish, and is just kind of fun to use. It's kind of like coconut lime lip gloss for your pits. Pit gloss. Oh yeah, and it works well too. I made it to dinnertime before I decided to add a little extra for good-smelling measure.
Cons: You have to use your fingers (or the included wooden applicator sticks) to apply, which can be tough when you're trying to be incognito. I had to reapply because it didn't hold up to my full-day, no-stink challenge.

2.nfuse Natural Magnesium Roll-On ($10): Developed by women for women, nfuse delivers much-needed, energy-boosting (among other benefits) magnesium to the body while preventing obnoxious sweating and odor. Over 50 percent of American diets are deficient in this mineral, and taking a daily supplement can be tough for a woman on the go, so this formula was developed to hit both birds with one magnesium roll-on stick.
Pros: In addition to the other benefits of magnesium (like stress relief and improved sleep), I felt much drier for MUCH longer than almost every other product I tired.
Cons: Milk of magnesia (a main ingredient) is milky, to the say the least. So a clear stick ends up being much less clear and leaves a light residue on skin and clothes. Once you get over this, and the extremely medicinal rosemary-mint fragrance, it's a keeper for sure, lasting all day without fail.

1. Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stone ($7): You win, mysterious mineral rock! Ok, it's not so mysterious actually — the stone is made from only one ingredient: pure mineral salt. The crystal advertises all-day odor protection, is vegan/cruelty-free, and doesn't contain aluminum, parabens, or fragrance.
Pros: It works. Like, really, really, really well. Also, this little rock can last up to a year. After wetting and a smooth, post-shower application, the crystal kept me dry and smelling fresh. All. Day. Long. I love that it’s not messy, it’s unscented (which is exactly how I smelled), and easy to find in stores or online. I did sweat through it (as one does) on some particularly hot or active days, but I never started smelling stinky. I give this deodorant top marks for both odor management *and* excess sweat protection.
Cons: Not great for traveling (although they do offer alternative formats that I’ve yet to try).