Health and Wellness Tips: 5 Natural Deodorants That Actually Work

Making the Switch to Natural Deodorant

I get it. Smelling floral fresh and feeling clean is Step #1 of the Winning at Life rule book. The good news is that we now have healthy, non-toxic options to combat odour and perspiration.

We know the importance of eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Getting enough sleep. Minimising stress and living well. But, sometimes our coveted personal care products are the last to go because natural alternatives don’t always add up. When it comes to antiperspirants and deodorants, though, making the switch to non-toxic, all-natural options is a must for optimal health.

The Dark Side

Conventional antiperspirants work by attempting to plug your sweat glands; a bad idea, since sweating is a healthy, natural way for your body to detox. Conventional deodorants (which typically contain harmful ingredients like aluminium, parabens, chemical-laden fragrances, and triclosan) work by masking body odour and killing the bacteria present on your skin.

If you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is to always run your personal care products and their ingredients through EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic’s Database to determine their safety.

The Bright Side

The clean beauty movement has fortunately provided us a variety of healthy options. But first a hint: Even before you make the switch to a natural deodorant, cleaning up your diet and lifestyle both contribute to healthier (and better smelling) perspiration. Some even suggest that the need for deodorant wanes the more you up your water, vegetable and fruit intake, while minimising processed foods, something I can personally attest to.

Click through the slideshow to see my top 5 picks for natural deodorants that are not only good for you, but will keep you feeling fresh all year round.

PiperWai is my personal favourite, and not just because it was featured on Shark Tank. It’s made with activated charcoal crème and 100% natural ingredients to form invisible, absorbent and pH-balanced protection. Its essential oil blend has mint, citrus and clove highlights, which create a gender neutral scent; probably why my husband loves to use it as well. It can be purchased online in paste form, or as a stick, and ships internationally.

How much: $200
Available at: PiperWai

My other go-to deodorant is Primal Pit Paste, full of goodies like Shea butter, and organic coconut oil; and free of all the nasties like aluminium and parabens. After trying and loving all of their options, my favourite is the Royal and Rogue scent, which is blended with rosewood, frankincense, petitgrain, organic orange, black pepper, grapefruit and sandalwood.

How much: $150
Available at: Primal Pit Paste

Easy to get in Hong Kong, Erbaviva’s award-winning organic deodorant combines organic grain alcohol with organic extracts of jasmine, cypress, ginger and sandalwood oils. All helping to reduce perspiration and naturally fight underarm bacteria.

How much: $214
Available at: Miss BaoBae

Based on its ingredients alone, Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant ticks all of the important health boxes. While I’ve not tried this one personally, I’ve heard that the Ylang-Ylang + Calendula scent is gorgeous, providing long-lasting odour protection. Plus, soothing coconut oil, Shea butter and calendula all help to moisturise and tone your delicate underarm skin. The brand also carries options for those with sensitive skin.

How much: $70
Available at: iHerb

When making the switch to healthy, natural deodorants, you may experience a mild detox reaction if you’ve been using conventional products. Increased odour initially, while your body is readjusting, might just mean you could benefit from an armpit detox. BioKind’s Fem-Tox is designed to be used overnight under your arms and near sensitive breast tissue to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. Not meant to be used indefinitely, this is a great option as you make the transition to natural products.

How much: $250
Available at: BioPure