There’s no shortage of aesthetically packaged and divinely scented natural deodorants in the aisles of practically any grocery store, pharmacy, or even Anthropologie (yes, really). Yet along with seemingly limitless options comes an inevitable and harsh reality: it doesn’t matter how promising *you thought* that pricy natural deodorant would be when you bought it. Especially if you catch whiffs of your B.O. during an intense workout or long hike.
So, which, if any, natural deodorants are worth your expectations and money?
What Makes a Deodorant “Natural”?
Many deodorants contain synthetic chemicals, including antiperspirant agents such as aluminum, to prevent sweating. They also include fragrance to mask odor. In contrast, natural deodorants rely on natural chemicals not to prevent sweating but simply to neutralize the bacteria in sweat that cause odor.
Beginning in the 1980s, there was increased concern that aluminum and other synthetic ingredients found in antiperspirants, including parabens, might cause breast cancer or Alzheimer’s. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National…
