The first thing to know about a natural deodorant is what it will not do: it will not stop you sweating. Antiperspirants use aluminium salts to block sweat ducts and reduce wetness. Deodorants, including natural ones, leave sweat alone and work on smell instead.
Fresh sweat has very little odour. The smell comes from bacteria on the skin breaking it down. Natural deodorants use ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda, plant powders and oils to make the underarm a less friendly place for those bacteria and to absorb some moisture.
So the right question is not “does it work like my old antiperspirant?” but “does it keep me smelling fresh for the day?” For most people the answer depends on picking a formula that suits their skin and using it the right way.
Deodorant and antiperspirant compared
| Antiperspirant | Natural deodorant | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Reduces sweat and smell | Reduces smell only |
| Key ingredient | Aluminium salts | Often bicarbonate of soda, arrowroot, plant oils |
| Feels | Dry | You still sweat normally |
| Common formats | Spray, roll on, stick | Cream in a jar, stick, balm |
If you are switching because of worries about aluminium and breast cancer, Cancer Research UK says there is no good evidence that antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer. Switching is a perfectly reasonable personal preference, but it is not a medical necessity.
What is in a cream deodorant
The deodorant range on this site is made up of Fit Pit creams, made by The Green Woman, a family run UK company certified to the COSMOS organic standard. They come in small jars and are applied with your fingertips. A typical ingredient list is short: arrowroot powder, coconut oil, bicarbonate of soda and shea butter, plus essential oils for scent in most versions.
- Bicarbonate of soda does much of the odour control work. It is also the ingredient most likely to irritate. Some dermatologists report seeing rashes from bicarbonate based deodorants, while plenty of people use them happily.
- Arrowroot is a plant starch that absorbs a little moisture.
- Coconut oil and shea butter make the cream spreadable and soften the skin.
- Essential oils give the scent, the same kinds of oil sold on their own in the essential oils range. The Sensitive version is unscented, which helps if fragrance bothers you, but it still contains bicarbonate of soda, so read the label before you buy.
Choosing scent and size
The range comes in several scents, such as peppermint, tea tree and orange, and versions marketed to men and women, plus the unscented Sensitive. The labels for men and women are about scent, not about how the cream works.
Most come in two sizes: 25ml and 100ml. A cream deodorant is used in very small amounts, so even the 25ml jar lasts a while. Start with a 25ml jar of one scent; if it suits you, the 100ml jar usually works out cheaper per ml. Compare the prices of both sizes on the product pages.
How to apply it
- Start with clean, dry underarms. Deodorant works on bacteria, so applying over yesterday’s sweat makes its job harder.
- Scoop out a pea sized amount with a clean fingertip.
- Let it melt for a moment on your fingers, then rub it in until it disappears.
- Wait a minute before dressing to avoid marks on dark clothes.
- If you need to, reapply in the afternoon after a quick wash.
Using too much is a common mistake. A thick layer does not work better; it just leaves residue on clothes. If you shave, wait until the skin has settled, ideally apply in the evening or the next morning, because freshly shaved skin is more easily irritated by bicarbonate.
The first few weeks
Brands often talk about an adjustment or detox period when you switch. There is little evidence for detoxing, but it does take a few weeks to find how much to apply, when to reapply and which scent suits you. A few habits help:
- Wash underarms daily with a mild soap and dry them well.
- Wear breathable fabrics such as cotton on busy days.
- Wash shirts promptly; smell can build up in synthetic fabrics.
- Keep a travel jar in your bag for long days.
When it is not working
If you notice redness, itching or a rash, stop using the deodorant and let the skin settle. Switch to a bicarbonate free product if you want to keep using a natural deodorant, and see a pharmacist if the rash does not clear.
If you sweat heavily even when you are cool and resting, a deodorant will not fix it. Excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, is a medical condition your GP can help with. Sudden changes in body odour are also worth mentioning to a GP.
For other everyday body care, see the hair and body section, or the guide to beard care basics.
Quick checklist
- Decide if you need less sweat (antiperspirant) or less smell (deodorant).
- Check for bicarbonate of soda if you have sensitive skin.
- Choose unscented if fragrance irritates you.
- Start with a 25ml jar before buying the larger size.
- Apply a pea sized amount to clean, dry skin.
- Avoid applying straight after shaving.
- Stop at the first sign of a rash and talk to a pharmacist if it persists.
Common questions
Will a natural deodorant stop me sweating?
No. Only antiperspirants reduce sweat, because their aluminium salts block the sweat ducts. A natural deodorant reduces the smell that comes from bacteria breaking down sweat.
Why does my natural deodorant make my armpits red?
The most common reason is bicarbonate of soda, which some skin does not tolerate, especially just after shaving. Stop using it, let the skin calm down and try a bicarbonate free formula.
How long does a jar last?
It depends on how much you use and how often you reapply. Because you only need a pea sized amount per underarm, a small jar goes further than its size suggests. Try the 25ml jar first to see how quickly you use it before buying 100ml.
