Antiperspirants contain aluminium which blocks your pores and stops sweat from escaping from your sweat glands. Great in theory, but if you go against the law of nature, it generally backfires.
In the case of antiperspirants, the chemical (aluminium) is potentially toxic, so if you’re not keen on building up a slow accumulation of metal in your body, giving natural deodorants a try is a good idea.
Apply twice a day – for two weeks
Another thing to note is that when you make the change and go all-natural is that you might smell more before you smell less. This is potentially due to the previously blocked sweat glands now having a chance to expel what was festering inside your body.
The solution? Apply natural deodorant at least twice a day for the first 14 days then cut back to once a day. You’ll probably notice that the smell has reduced or disappeared by then. Detox done.
So now you’ve committed to detoxing your underarms and treating your body like a temple, which natural deodorant will you choose?
Say hello to The Top 10 Best Natural Deodorants in Australia …
#10 Fresca Natural Deodorant in Unscented
Vegan, cruelty-free and palm-oil free, Fresca Unscented roll on is a refreshing way to keep your armpits odour-free with no added fragrance. No need to stand there for 5 minutes waving your arms around after application; this one’s non-sticky and dries in seconds. Also available in Jasmine, Ocean and Wooden Spice. RRP $15
#9 Earth’s Purities Detox-A-Pit
Technically, Detox-A-Pit isn’t a deodorant, but it’s extremely useful when transitioning from traditional antiperspirant to natural products. At first, your glands may secrete a build-up of toxins and make you smell more than usual. Apply this paste 10 minutes a day for seven days and you’ll detox those pits and be odour free, quick-smart. RRP $24.95
#8 MooGoo Fresh Cream Deodorant
Locally owned and made, MooGoo are known for their natural moisturisers and bath time goodies. But now they bring their goodness to a natural roll-on deodorant. And it’s good. The scent is like fresh cotton and thanks to the lack of parabens, phenoxyethenol, zero petroleum oils and silicone, it’s safe to use at all times, including during pregnancy. It might leave white marks though, so let it dry before you slip on that black top. RRP $8.50
#7 Biologika Evening Bliss
Some of the natural deodorants vary in their effectiveness, even within the same range. The difference can be the aromatherapy oils used so it’s good to try a few. Biologika’s Evening Bliss rates high in terms of fragrance and because it works. This is a woody scent that isn’t overbearing. Oh, and no need to save your bliss for the evening; it works all day too. RRP $12.25.
#6 Weleda Citrus Spray
There aren’t many certified organic deodorants that come in a spray, so if you prefer to spritz your pits, put Weleda on your list – it smells just like happiness! Packaged in a recyclable glass bottle it’s a good choice for the planet but not the best choice when you’re travelling. The biodynamic lemon peel oil does a fabulous job of keeping underarms undetectable. RRP $21.95
#5 The Bearded Chap
Men, you need natural deodorant too! The Bearded Chap found its place at the top of the Swedish Grooming awards in 2017 and it’s easy to smell why: the Spice scent is to die for. As well as being one of the best fragrance-wise, it contains Sea Buckthorne oil – used by Russian cosmonauts to protect against radiation – and is the closest oil to human sebum. Free from bicarb and made in Australia, dudes, you can trust this Chap to stay fresh. RRP $19.95
#4 Noosa Basics
Handcrafted on the Sunshine Coast and made in small batches, Noosa Basics has a range of organic, aluminium-free deodorants. Each one is made with organic tapioca and Australian kaolin clay, and contains an aromatherapy base of rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus and lemon myrtle. The coconut-scented version adds a holiday-like waft of Hawaii to your underarms. RRP $16.95
#3 Black Chicken Axilla Paste
Organic shea butter and antibacterial coconut oil provide the basis of Black Chicken’s Axilla Paste. But even with natural ingredients be warned: it’s best not to apply Axilla immediately after shaving. Your underarms become highly sensitive after shaving “especially to sodium bicarbonate which we use to neutralise odour,” says Black Chicken. Shear at night and you should be good to apply by the morning. RRP $20
#2 Schmidt’s Charcoal Magnesium
This one’s at the pricier end of the scale and it can feel a bit rough on the skin, but the smell is divine and it lasts all day. It’s an all-natural product made with Bicarb soda, magnesium and activated charcoal. No bunnies were harmed in the making and if you like your deo to have the celeb tick of approval: Alicia Silverstone swears by it. RRP $19.95
#1 No Pong
Once you get over the fact that you’re going to be smearing deodorant on your armpits, the super-soft No Pong paste is one of the easiest to apply is and absolutely one of the best all-natural deodorants. Vanilla, cedarwood and geranium provide the basis of the lovely fresh scent while organic beeswax and coconut oil help to absorb sweat effectively for over 12 hours. Rub it in well to minimise white marks and order two or more at a time to reduce shipping costs. If you want a sweat-resistance, all-day, all-natural deodorant this is the number one choice. RRP $5.95
