Whether you spend your summer dutifully sweating it out at the yoga studio or reluctantly in your tiny, un-air-conditioned apartment, it's necessary to have a trustworthy deodorant at hand to keep B.O. at bay. Yet while extra-strength antiperspirants may keep you dry and fresh all day, they may not contain the kinds of ingredients that you want to put into your body. But that doesn't mean that you have to offend your office mates with eau de summer sweat—there are some natural options here that get the job done.
Organic and naturally based deodorants may not have the same antiperspirant power as clinical-strength options, but that's not such a bad thing. Sweating is natural, after all, and a couple natural ingredients make it easy to fight off odor-causing bacteria. Cruelty-free deodorants that contain things like coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils will make a major difference in your medicine cabinet, and make sure that you smell great on the hottest days of the year. Processed, aluminum-based deodorants are the pits. Flip through the gallery to find the natural options keeping us fresh.
Axilla Deodorant Paste
Coconut oil's antibacterial effects combine with sodium bicarbonate and arrowroot powder to neutralize odor and absorb moisture—making sure you stay fresh all day long. Not to mention a blend of essential oils (peppermint, lime, geranium, clove, and cedarwood) help keep you cool and clean.
Axilla, Deodorant Paste, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.
Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Deodorant
If cruelty-free cosmetics are a cause you care about, try out Schmidt's—the eco-friendly company's founder was recognized by the Humane Society and the Leaping Bunny Program for her efforts to fight against animal testing in the United States. Vegan goddess Alicia Silverstone swears by the stuff. Sweat stains? As if!
Schmidt's, Lavender and Sage Deodorant, $10, available at Etsy.
Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant
Aloe juice makes this sweet-scented roll-on deodorant super skin-soothing, while extracts like honeysuckle, tea tree oil, and goji berry blend together to make a garden-fresh scent.
Lavanila, The Healthy Deodorant, $14, available at Sephora.
Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream
You don't need harmful preservatives and additives to fight odor-causing bacteria—essential oils will easily do the job. Shea butter and jojaba oil keep your skin feeling soft.
Meow Meow Tweet, Deodorant Cream, $14, available at Meow Meow Tweet.
Dr. Hauschka Roll-On Deodorant
This roll-on deodorant gets it antimicrobial strength from its powerful combo of sage-leaf and witch-hazel extracts. Combine that with the crisp scent of spearmint for a refreshing deodorizer.
Dr. Hauschka, Sage Mint Deodorant, $24, available at DermStore.
Primal Pit Paste
With a name like "Primal Pit Paste," it's got to be good. Aluminum-free baking soda, shea butter, and coconut oil work together to kill germs without drying out skin. Available in scents like thyme and lemongrass, lavender, jasmine, patchouli, and more, there's an option for everyone.
Primal Pit Paste, Thyme and Lemongrass Deodorant, $8.95, available at Primal Pit Paste.
Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
Made with food-grade ingredients, Soapwalla's classic deodorant cream makes a long-lasting, non-toxic deodorizing option that you can swear (sweat?) by. Ingredients like rosehip-seed oil and jojaba oil moisturize and nourish skin while tea tree, sweet orange, and lavender oils make a sweet fragrance.
Soapwalla, Deodorant Cream, $14, available at Soapwalla.
Fat and the Moon Deodorant Cream
If you're looking for a spicier scent, Fat and the Moon's cream mixes together black pepper, bergamot, and sage with a touch of citrus. Beeswax makes an easy-to-apply base.
Fat and the Moon, Deodorant Cream, $12, available at Etsy.
