Why Native Deodorant Is the Best Natural Deodorant

Natural deodorant is a niche item—after all, the research isn’t definitive on whether aluminum, the active ingredient in many readily available antiperspirants, is actually harmful to our health. And since they’re often pricier than the ones you can throw into your cart at the drugstore, it’s a big ask to explore the category.

But, some people really prefer to use natural products, and while I don’t always swing that way, I have to admit there’s something about them that makes me feel, well, virtuous. After experimenting with a couple of different natural deodorants, I grew to like them more than a lot of traditional deodorants. After trying a bunch, I found my holy grail: Native Deodorant. Here’s why it’s my pick.

The stick formulation is easy to apply.

I have never tried the tub-style natural deodorants, because I just don’t like having a lot of goop on my fingers. Native Deodorant has a thick, paste-like consistency and it’s relatively easy to put on. Note, though, that it’s not totally solid; occasionally, I’ll get larger streaks of product that need to be rubbed in, but I honestly just rub my arms against my torso, and Bob’s your uncle. All absorbed!

The fragrances are subtle and super nice.

I don’t tend to like the sweet, overpowering scents of drugstore deodorants. Native won me over with its Coconut and Vanilla variety, which is light and won’t interfere with your perfume. They also have an unscented version, which you can plump for if you don’t want to add to your personal bouquet. (In addition, the brand offers seasonal options like Lilac and White Tea, which sounds lovely, TBH.)

It doesn’t stain your clothes.

I’ve had white streaks litter my clothing after using certain drugstore deodorants and natural deodorants. Native hasn’t hurt me that way after going through one and a half sticks. Phew!

It’s on the pricey side, though.

At $12 a pop, it’s 2–3 times more expensive than a typical drugstore deodorant. But, it’s definitely cheaper than some of the fancier natural brands.

It just works! Even through the stress sweats.

Obviously, this is the most important aspect. While I love having a natural deodorant in circulation, I also keep a regular deodorant on hand. Honestly, I’m pretty sweaty, and in the past, I’ve found natural deodorants can fail either the antiperspirant or deodorant test. Our senior beauty editor, Kristina Rodulfo, loved the Kopari deo for sticking around for a whole marathon; while I actually love the Kopari, too, every now and then I need to reapply it during a particularly stressful or sweaty day. (Welcome to my body!)

Native deodorants, though, have real staying power. Here’s what they’re putting in it: baking soda (for those pesky odors) and arrowroot powder (which absorbs moisture). Even the unscented stick helps keep me B.O.-less through stress sweats and too-hot-in-the-office-and-I’m-wearing-a-sweater days. Occasionally, I’ll still feel a little damp under my arms, but overall, it keeps everything feeling dry and not-gross. A real achievement!