If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Ready to find a natural deodorant that doesn’t stink? The best natural deodorants are ones that keep you smelling fresh, are made with quality ingredients and don’t irritate sensitive skin. The problem, though, is that some of them have baking soda, which absorbs sweat but can also cause a rash or irritation for some people. No thank you.
We decided to get to the bottom of this sometimes smelly situation and asked an expert about why this goes down with these particular types of natural deodorants. “Baking soda has an alkaline pH,” explains Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified NYC dermatologist, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. “A rash can be caused when the pH balance is thrown off.” So if you’re part of the pH-sensitive set, looking for a natural deodorant without baking soda may be the way to go. Luckily, more and more brands have launched safe, natural deodorants that actually work, so finding one of the best natural deodorants that you can stick with shouldn’t be too hard to do.
Before you go forth on your natural deodorant-buying journey, though, it’s worth mentioning that baking soda isn’t the only ingredient that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Some people are allergic or sensitive to fragrance, parabens, alcohol, and other things, says Dr. Jaliman, so read labels carefully before you buy.
Whether you’re sensitive to baking soda or just looking to explore your natural deodorant options, you’ll love our list. From newcomer Each & Every to cult-favorite French skin care brand Mario Badescu, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. With skin-softening ingredients, sweat-absorbers (that aren’t baking soda) and lovely botanical scents, these best natural deodorants without baking soda are our all-time faves.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. HSN is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
A version of this story was originally published in September 2019.