I never used deodorant until becoming pregnant and breastfeeding. With these hormonal factors at play, chasing around two kids and schlepping around in the So Cal sun, it has become a necessity. But trying to find a natural deodorant that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin and actually works is enough to break a sweat!
That’s why I took the guesswork out of it for you lovely people. I personally researched and tested over one dozen natural deodorants over the course of several months and narrowed them down to five top contenders. They are all considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, they contain organic and/or wildcrafted ingredients, are not tested on animals and come in eco-friendly recyclable or reusable packaging.
Before we get started, it’s important to understand the difference between deodorant and anti-perspirant. Deodorants tackle odor, while antiperspirants are meant to actually prevent sweat by physically blocking the sweat glands – usually with aluminum and a host of other toxins such as parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, Triclosan, synthetic “fragrances” which are often used to legally hide over 3,000 chemicals, among other nasty chemicals. Did you know that sweat is not inherently stinky? It is actually nearly odorless until it combines with bacteria that is normally found on the skin. Personal care products should be as pure as the foods we nourish ourselves with, but that is usually not the case. We actually acquire more chemicals and toxins through skin absorption than through the foods that we eat.
When making the switch to natural deodorant, some may experience what is known as a “pit detox.” After discontinuing antiperspirant use, the body has a chance to release sweat and toxins through its pores which can be odorous. Give your underarms a week or two to detox and adjust before starting use. You can also start the process by doing a “cleanse” of the underarms by mixing equal parts Bentonite Clay and Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar and dabbing it on with a cotton square.
Without further ado, here’s how these natural deodorants stacked up:
AGENT NATEUR h o l i ( s t i c k ) N 3 Deodorant
Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Baking Soda, Sunflower Butter, Avocado Butter, Castor Oil, Raw Honey, Lavender Essential Oil, Hydrogen Peroxide, Eucalyptus Oil, Love
Agent Nateur products are Ecocert organic certified
Application: Stick. Glides on silky smooth with a slightly cooling sensation.
Scent: The combination of raw honey, lavender and eucalyptus is heavenly but not overpowering. Also a huge fan of the h o l i ( r o s e ) N 4 and u n i ( s e x ) N 5 scents. h o l i ( s t i c k ) sensitive formulation also available.
Performance: Kept me smelling pleasantly fresh and absorbed moisture after an eventful day.
Price: $21 / 1.7 oz
Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Beeswax, Organic Essential Oils of Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Tea Tree, Grapefruit
Application: Apply with finger tips. Creamy texture melts into the skin and is oh-so-soothing.
Scent: Starts with a lovely harmony of black pepper, bergamot and a hint of citrus with a base of clary sage. The scent is light enough that it won’t compete with another fragrance.
Performance: Kept moisture and odor at bay for the majority of a hot summer day but needed reapplication.
Price: $12 / 2 oz.
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Underarmed Active Botanical Luxury Deodorant
Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, cruelty free beeswax, all natural aluminum free sodium bicarbonate, organic avocado butter, organic sunflower oil, organic castor bean oil, natural mineral salt, essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus, and bergaptene free bergamot, raw organic honey, all natural 3% u.s.p. grade hydrogen peroxide, all natural vitamin E.
Application: Stick. Glides on smoothly.
Scent: The combination of lavender, raw honey, bergamot and eucalyptus is one of my favorites.
Performance: Kept me stink-free and dry through multiple sweaty situations.
Price: $15.99 / 2.63 oz
PiperWai Natural Deodorant
Ingredients: Tapioca Starch, Coconut Oil, Water, Shea Butter, Sodium Bicarbonate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Witch Hazel Extract, Cocoa Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Honeysuckle Extract, Magnesium Hydroxide, Activated Charcoal, Essential Oils: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tangerine, Bergamot, Clary, Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Thyme, Clove, Lavender, Rosemary
Application: Apply with finger tips. Rubs in clear. Available in stick formula.
Scent: I especially liked this invigorating scent. Also available in scentless.
Performance: Kept me feeling and smelling fresh on several occasions.
Price: $11.99 / 2 oz.
Pretty Frank Activated Charcoal Deodorant
Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Magnesium Hydroxide, Organic Coconut Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Candelilla Wax, Activated Charcoal, Lavender Essential Oil, Palmarosa Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Juniper Berry Essential Oil, Non-GMO Vitamin E Derived 100% from Sunflowers
Application: Formulations are available in both stick, spray and glass jar pots.
Scent: Seaside is very refreshing. Also available in unscented and many other fun fragrances such as Palo Santo, Matcha and Orange Creamsicle for kids!
Performance: Kept me fresh and dry on a morning hike.
Price: $10 / 2 oz.
Products reviewed are in accordance with Natureal Mom’s disclosure policy.