I’m going to make the [terrifying] switch from aluminum antiperspirant to natural deodorants this year. One good thing about making the switch at this particular time (I started my “research” in late 2020) is that there are plenty of companies creating clean deodorant formulas so there are a decent number of options to choose from! While everyone’s body is different, I’m sure there are a few deodorants that will organically (😏) rise to the top of the list for having a superior product.
I tested five of the most popular options to see which one(s?) worked best for my body and I’m sharing my findings with you in case you’re looking to make the switch from traditional deodorant too! And honestly, what better time to make the switch than while we’re all quarantining and waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine, amirite??
This used to be my favorite antiperspirant deodorant (which costs $4.99). I love the gel — it’s super affordable, easy to apply, it dried quickly, and it rarely left any marks on my dark clothing. This is the product experience that I will inevitably be comparing all of the clean deodorants to.
Points of interest that I will be reviewing and reporting on: (1) product feel / consistency, (2) ease / comfort of application, (3) efficacy, (4) scent and potency, (5) dry time / clothing transfer?, (6) clean ingredient notes, (7) my perceived value for cost, as well as (8) any applicable notes such as: scent options, availability at physical retail stores, sample / travel size option available, etc.
Just like with my razor review, I assessed each deodorant in its own right. I gave each product one week of use to give them all their fair chance. To keep things unbiased, I will be testing these deodorants in alphabetical order.
(1) consistency: dry, hard cream
(2) ease of application: pulls on skin; uncomfortable
(3) efficacy: have noticed body odor
(4) scent and potency: very mild, almost unnoticeable scent
(5) dry time / clothing transfer: no dry time; did not pass black shirt test
(6) clean ingredient notes: “No harmful GMO’s, aluminum-free, paraben-free, vegan, gluten-free, and ethically made.”
(7) my perceived value for cost: cost appropriate for the volume of product
(8) Additional Notes:
* VERY eco-friendly: reusable container and replacement deodorant sticks
* Currently only available online direct from retailer’s website
Container Colors: Charcoal, Off-White, Gray, and Neon (you choose one container and then reorder deodorant insert replenishments)
Scent Options:
- Eucalyptus with notes of bergamot and cedar.
- Rosemary-Mint with notes of spearmint, citrus, and sage.
- Lavender-Citrus with notes of mandarin and lavandin.
- Coconut with notes of orange and lemon.
- Unscented
$12 || 45 g / 1.6 oz
(1) consistency: solid coconut oil stick (most similar option to “gel”)
(2) ease of application: silky smooth and no pull
(3) efficacy: did not notice body odor
(4) scent and potency: great coconut scent (reminds me of a tropical vacation!)
(5) dry time / clothing transfer: still seemed a bit wet after application, but it passed black shirt test!
(6) clean ingredient notes: “No Aluminum. No Baking Soda. No Parabens. No Silicone. No Phthalates. No kidding.”
(7) my perceived value for cost: comparable average price per volume
(8) Additional notes:
* Offers multi-packs for discounted prices (up to 4 of the Core Four scents)
* Available for purchase on Amazon
* Travel Minis available: Mini Deodorant Duo (both original scent) & Mini Deodorant Trio (three scents)
Scent Options:
- Original (Sweet Coconut Milk)
- Driftwood (Sandalwood, Cedarwood, and Zesty Clove)
- Beach (Fresh Sea Breeze)
- Gardenia (White Florally Coconut Gardenia)
- Fragrance Free
$14 || 57 g / 2 oz
(1) consistency: solid coconut oil stick (similar option to “gel”)
(2) ease of application: smooth and no pull
(3) efficacy: have noticed body odor
(4) scent and potency: sweeter coconut scent — heavy on the vanilla… almost smells floral (not my favorite)
(5) dry time / clothing transfer: still seemed a bit wet after application, but it passed black shirt test!
(6) clean ingredient notes: “Formulated without baking soda, our stick is alcohol-free, paraben-free and glides on smooth & clear.”
(7) my perceived value for cost: comparable average price per volume
(8) Additional notes:
* Available in-store at Target, Ulta Beauty, and Anthropologie
* Travel Minis available, but only in Rosy Pits and Sunny Pits scents at this time
Scent Options:
- Rosy Pits (Rose)
- Sunny Pits (Citrus)
- Beachy Pits (Coconut / Vanilla)
- Soapy Pits (Cedarwood / Lime)
$14 || 75 g / 2.65 oz
(1) consistency: dry, hard cream
(2) ease of application: not smooth; pulls on skin
(3) efficacy: did not notice body odor
(4) scent and potency: very mild scent
(5) dry time / clothing transfer?: no dry time; did not pass black shirt test
(6) clean ingredient notes: Aluminum-free
(7) my perceived value for cost: comparable average price per volume
(8) Additional notes:
* Applicator / product shape most traditional
* Available in-store at Wal-Mart, Target, and Walgreens
* Also available on Amazon
* Sensitive Skin option available
–> Women: On-the-Go Pack / Travel Sample Pack
–> Men: On-the-Go Pack / Travel Sample Pack
Scent Options:
- Coconut & Vanilla
- Lavender & Rose
- Cucumber & Mint
- Unscented
- Charcoal
- Eucalyptus & Mint
- Custom
- Bonus: Rotating Seasonal Fragrances
$12 || 75 g / 2.65 oz
You can use this link to get a free mini deo with your next purchase!
(1) consistency: soft cream
(2) ease of application: smooth
(3) efficacy: did not notice body odor
(4) scent and potency: mild spa-like scent
(5) dry time / clothing transfer?: I gave this product ~5 minutes to dry before getting dressed (brushed teeth, straightened hair, etc.); did not pass the black shirt test
(6) clean ingredient notes: “Free of baking soda, aluminum, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, petro-chemicals, and synthetic fragrances.”
(7) my perceived value for cost: most expensive option of the group
(8) Additional notes:
* Also available at Sephora and Nordstrom
* No travel size option at this time
#careforyourbody
Scent Options:
- Fragrance-Free
- Eucalyptus scent
- Sandalwood scent
$20 || 50 ml / 1.7 fl oz
As you can tell by my purchases, I tried to stick with a consistent scent theme (coconut was the common denominator for most brands and I love the smell of coconut so it was an easy choice).
In conclusion, my personal ranking for all 5 natural deodorant options is thus:
- KOPARI
- NÉCESSAIRE
- NATIVE
- MEGABABE
- HUMANKIND
Kopari was my clear favorite on all counts: application was very smooth — it just glides on, left no marks on my black tops, the scent is great (with many other scent options available) and no foul body odor was detected while using, there are travel / mini options available, plus it’s both affordable and clean! It felt like most of the other options fell short in one major way or another… the only other option that I would consider using if Kopari was not available would be Nécessaire, but Kopari is easily my favorite for the previously mentioned reasons.
Lastly, I do recommend using the Megababe armpit masque ($16) to help draw out toxins when switching to a clean deodorant. I would encourage anyone switching from antiperspirant deodorant to a natural one to use an armpit masque as a detox method to ease the transition and help minimize odors.
*Note: I did not utilize this product for the sake of my tests as I wanted to see which deodorants would be effective at concealing body odor, but I look forward to using it now that my testing is over.
Megababe launched a new product literally this week to help detoxify your armpits — it’s called Space Bar Underarm Soap ($8) and it is most effective when used in conjunction with the Armpit Masque seen above! It’s a bar of charcoal soap that not only helps to pull out impurities while cleansing, but it also dries your skin out which is ideal for your armpits! (read: intended for underarms specifically and not recommended for full body use)
I hope that this research was helpful for you! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
Sending hugs!
xx, Natalie
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