We updated this article in July 2022 to ensure all picks vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab were available, in stock and correctly priced.
If it feels nerve-racking making that switch from aluminum deodorant to natural deodorant, don't sweat it. Exploring clean beauty products like natural deodorants can come with its common concerns like how your body might react — if you'll sweat more, how a natural deodorant will make you smell and whether it's actually better for you.
While there is no scientific evidence linking the use of aluminum deodorants with breast cancer, "some research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects," according to the National Cancer Institute. And because estrogen can promote breast cancer cell growth, some scientists argue that aluminum-based compounds could contribute to the development of breast cancer.
Because of these concerns, it's no surprise that some people are choosing to go natural. But first things first: you may need to speed date a few natural deodorants (stick, spray, gel – you name it!) before you find one that's right for your body chemistry. It's normal for a slight adjustment period of a week or two, when you may feel like you're sweating more than usual, but give your body time to get used to sweating again before writing off the product.
Our top picks:
Below are the 15 best natural deodorants test-driven by our Good Housekeeping Institute experts, the GH Beauty Lab, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Joyce Park, MD and Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD and online reviewers to help eliminate some of the guesswork. They won't prevent perspiration, but they will keep you feeling and — most importantly — smelling fresh throughout the day: