Natural deodorants are having a bit of a moment, with some people ditching traditional antiperspirant altogether as they think more critically about the ingredients in their beauty products.
While some opt for natural deodorants due to sensitive skin or irritation, others are more concerned with alleged links between aluminium (an ingredient typically found in most antiperspirants) and various health issues. These claims, have been widely debunked – read this in-depth piece published on HuffPost.
But first things first: deodorants are different to antiperspirants. The latter block your sweat glands, the former mask the smell of sweat – hence the name. Natural deodorants typically do this with antibacterial ingredients such as essential oils. So should you be going au naturel, too?
Putting six to the test, some of the HuffPost team set about a normal week, with some of us braving gym classes and sweaty runs for the bus in a bid to find out if they’re worth your cash. The majority are noticeably more expensive than your standard Dove, Sure or Mitchum.
Swapping out your antiperspirant is no mean feat – the risk of smelling like an old gym bag isn’t something we took lightly – so read on to find out how we fared with these natural formulations.
Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Balm, Native Unearthed, £8
As tried by Nicola – “This deodorant balm smells gorgeous with a subtle lavender and rosehip scent. The essential oils and the activated charcoal, which can apparently absorb up to 1000 x its own weight in moisture, are blended with coconut oil and shea butter. It also works just as well, if not better, than my old faithful Dove deodorant.
“The only downside is that it comes in a pot rather than a stick. If you don’t fancy smearing deodorant onto your pits with your fingers, this might not be for you. However, I think I’ll go on using it as it really does feel lovely on my skin.”
Cotton Fresh Natural Deodorant Cream, Evolve, £10
As tried by Sophie – “I want to get on board, both to save the planet and my relationship (it’s not my fault an aerosol wakes him up in the morning). But, after a week of testing, I’m not converted. This vegan product, made from shea butter, coconut oil and bicarbonate of soda just doesn’t work for me. It takes ages to put on (90 seconds compared to two – precious time in the morning) because you have to scoop it out of the pot, smear on your underarms and wash the rest off your hands. The smell of the cream is nice but as a moderately sweaty person, I find it doesn’t cover the smell of my sweat – and the bicarb ingredient makes itself known, caking and crumbles on to my clothes throughout the day. Nor is it going to last as long as my usual deodorant, because it’s all over your fingers rather than applied straight to the pit.”
MALIN + GOETZ Eucalyptus Deodorant Travel Size, Spacer NK, £19
As tried by Charlie – “I’ve known natural deodorants existed and we have natural soap at home, but I’d never thought of switching because I was sceptical they worked or were worth the cost. I have four gym classes lined up in the week I try this eucalyptus deodorant, so it’s fair to say I’m definitely gambling a lot of personal dignity on its efficacy! I think it pays off (at least I hear no complaints) but I wince at the £19 price tag. A luxury deodorant simply isn’t sustainable for most people.”
A’kin Geranium & Cedarwood Natural Deodorant, My Pure, £10
As tried by Nicola – “I am having a stressful day and have to power walk in the from an important (read: sweat-inducing) appointment back to the office in time for drinks with colleagues. I am hot and bothered and wishing I could take a cold shower before the pub. Worried about smelling, I try this spray, which says it provides an odour-neutralising using a blend of geranium, cedarwood and patchouli oil. It is certainly fragrant, and very herbal, and it seems to do the job. The next morning, however, the scent is a little overpowering – arguably better suited to men. Maybe I’ll just keep it in my bag in case of emergency.”
Aesop Déodorant Roll-On, Aesop, £23
As tried by Louise – “I’m very interested to see if this expensive roll on can knock my favourite deodorant – Mitchum’s Ultimate Gel – off the top spot. It’s not much different to your standard roll-on in terms of texture. It’s compact, easy to use and fits easily into my gym and handbag with no bother. The scent is a blend of essential oils that Aesop describes as ‘woody, herbaceous and earthy’. Lovely, just not one I want near my armpits. Stick those ingredients in a candle and be done with it. I would say it does the job just fine – I feel well protected and don’t notice any unpleasant odours throughout the week. But there’s nothing that can justify spending over £20 on a deodorant.”
The Natural Deodorant CO. Clean Deodorant Balm Orange + Bergamot, Selfridges, £11
As tried by Brogan – “I’m very particular about deodorant: roll-ons make my armpits too wet and aerosols make me gag. The only one I can use is a Dove anti-perspirant deodorant stick, which has a creamy consistency (and does the trick). So imagine my horror when faced with a balm. The application process is upsetting: I have to scoop it out of the jar and slather it under my pits, before immediately washing the remains off of my hands. Then there’s the orangey scent, which reminds me of Christmas. Deodorant tends to have a soapy, refreshing smell – I end up smelling like a festive candle, though it does fade.
“It does work quite well – I’ve tried it for a few weeks and can say it does last throughout the day and passes the gym class test (trust me when I say I get quite sweaty when I work out). It’s just a shame about the other stuff.”
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