Does Natural Deodorant Work? Everything You Need to Know

As awareness about health and environmental sustainability grows, more and more people are turning to natural deodorants. Many of these products promise to eliminate harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients while still keeping you fresh and odour-free. But many people wonder, “Does natural deodorant really work?”

As a Natural deodorant Brand of 10 years, the answer to whether or not natural deodorant works is a simple Yes! However, everyone is different and people like different things so it’s important to find a product that suits you whether that be scent, application type, brand credentials or even a price that you feel comfortable paying. Here’s what you can expect (from our experience) when making the switch.

What Is Natural Deodorant?

Natural deodorants differ from traditional antiperspirants in one significant way: they don’t contain aluminium, the active ingredient in most antiperspirants that blocks sweat glands to stop perspiration. Instead, natural deodorants focus on neutralising odour and absorbing moisture using plant-based and mineral ingredients.

Common ingredients in natural deodorants include: 

Baking soda and Magnesium Oxide, both are good at neutralising body odour although Sodium Bicarbonate (aka Baking Soda) in our opinion tends to be the most effective. 

Arrowroot Powder and Cornstarch, absorb moisture from sweat to help keep you feeling dry.

Coconut oil: Has antimicrobial properties to fight bacteria and also hydrates the skin.

Essential oils: Provide natural fragrance and antibacterial benefits.

The goal of natural deodorants is not to stop you from sweating (a natural process that regulates body temperature) but to keep unpleasant odours in check while allowing your skin to breathe.

Does Natural Deodorant Stop Odour

Yes, natural deodorant can help control odour, but it works differently than traditional deodorants. While it doesn’t stop sweating, it neutralises the bacteria that cause body odour. When you sweat, bacteria break down the proteins in your sweat, producing the odour that you typically associate with body sweat. Natural deodorants use ingredients like baking soda, magnesium, and essential oils to combat bacteria and mask odour.

Some natural deodorants may not be as strong as chemical-based options at first, especially if you’re in a hot environment or during physical activity. However, many users find that after a few weeks of use, their body adjusts, and they experience less odour as their skin and sweat glands detox from the chemical buildup caused by traditional antiperspirants.

What to Expect When Switching to Natural Deodorant

Making the switch to natural deodorant can vary from person to person. For some the transition can be instant and for others it may take a little more adjustment. Here’s what to expect:

The Detox Period

If you’ve been using antiperspirants that contain aluminium, your body may need time to adjust. This period, often called the detox phase, happens because your sweat glands are no longer blocked, so you may experience more sweating and odour initially. This phase may not even be noticeable for some people and for others it may take a little longer. Allow yourself at least a couple of weeks to adjust. 

Sweating Is Natural

One of the biggest adjustments when using natural deodorant is accepting that sweating is normal, we're supposed to sweat!. Unlike antiperspirants, which block sweat glands, natural deodorants allow your body to perspire, which is a healthy, natural process. Instead of preventing sweat, natural deodorants help absorb moisture with ingredients like arrowroot or cornstarch, while controlling odour with antibacterial ingredients.

Scent Sensitivity

Natural deodorants often use essential oils to provide fragrance. These can be milder or subtler than synthetic fragrances used in traditional deodorants. For some, this is a benefit, especially for those with sensitive skin or a dislike for strong fragrances. However, essential oils have naturally occurring allergens so if you have an allergy to essential oils, it’s a good idea to check the ingredients carefully and choose an unscented variety.

Do You Sweat More with Natural Deodorant?

Initially, you may notice more sweat when switching to natural deodorant - especially if you were using a traditional antiperspirant. But over time, many people find that their body sweats less excessively after their sweat glands return to a more balanced state. Natural deodorants allow your skin to breathe, and by letting your body sweat naturally, you reduce the risk of clogged pores or irritation.

It’s important to note that natural deodorants don’t stop sweat, but they work by keeping odour in check and helping to absorb some of the moisture.

Benefits of Using Natural Deodorant

There are several reasons why people are making the switch to natural deodorants:

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Traditional deodorants often contain ingredients like **aluminium, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances**. Many people are concerned about the long-term effects of these ingredients on their health. For example, aluminium has been linked to potential breast cancer risks and Alzheimer’s disease, though research is ongoing. Switching to a natural deodorant means avoiding these chemicals and using skin-friendly, plant-based alternatives instead.

Environmentally Friendly

If sustainability is a priority for you, then look for the natural deodorant brands committed to sustainability, offering plastic-free packaging options and eco-friendly practices. Be mindful not to fall for any greenwashing, by choosing the right brand of natural deodorant, you can reduce your environmental footprint by choosing recyclable or biodegradable containers made from materials like glass, cardboard, or metal.

Gentle on Sensitive Skin

Natural deodorants often use soothing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which help to hydrate and protect the skin.

These formulas are less likely to irritate sensitive skin, especially compared to antiperspirants that contain chemicals known to cause rashes, irritation, or allergic reactions.

Does Natural Deodorant Really Work?

Yes, natural deodorants can work just as well as traditional deodorants, if not outperform them! They won’t stop you from sweating, but they do an excellent job of neutralising odour and absorbing moisture whilst having a focus on healthier, eco-friendly ingredients. The key is finding the right formula for your body and giving your skin time to adjust. Once you have found the product that works for you, it’s definitely a switch worth making.