The Only 2 Toxic-Free & Natural Deodorants You Need (One Will Last You Over a Year!)
Shop the cleanest and best natural deodorants on the market!
Stay away from stinky ingredients!
My top-tested natural deodorant picks are toxic-free and stain-free, have minimal and biodegradable ingredients and are incredibly long-lasting.
As you may have seen, we announced a new non-toxic series! Every week, we’ll share a helpful guide to replacing products in your home with the best non-toxic products on the market.
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
Why skip traditional deodorants?
Some of the most recognized brands on store shelves contain chemicals that can cause a plethora of health issues. Your skin is your largest organ, and it absorbs every single thing you put on it, including deodorant. It’s a protective barrier for many things, but it cannot protect us from chemicals found in many deodorants.
Here are just a few of the chemicals commonly found in some deodorants:
- 🛑 Aluminum – Linked to breast cancer.
- 🛑 Diethanolamine (DEA) – Carcinogens that are easily absorbed by the skin – affect the liver and kidneys and are so toxic to humans that they’ve been banned in Europe.
- 🛑 Parabens – Disrupts hormone balances, affects fertility and reproductive organs and increases risks of cancers.
- 🛑 Phthalates – Can impact your natural hormones and lead to serious health issues such as lower fertility, development issues, and a higher risk of cancer.
- 🛑 Propylene Glycol – Reported adverse effects from PG toxicity include central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, hyperosmolarity, hemolysis, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, agitation, and lactic acidosis.
- 🛑 Synthetic Fragrances, “Parfum”, or “Fragrance” – May cause headaches, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems, mucosal irritation, and contact dermatitis. Higher risk of cancer.
- 🛑 Talc – Can contain asbestos, a substance that can cause a variety of cancers, including lung and ovarian cancer when inhaled.
- 🛑 Triclosan – Disrupts endocrine systems, hormone imbalances, and promotes harmful bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
- 🛑 Triethanolamine (TEA) – Carcinogens that are easily absorbed by the skin – affect the liver and kidneys and are so toxic to humans that they’ve been banned in Europe.
Below are the BEST non-toxic deodorants that are safe for you and the environment:
- Best Stick Deodorant – EnergyBalance Biork Deodorant – currently out of stock on Amazon, but keep checking back for availability. In the mean-time, you can grab it here!
- Best Spray Deodorant – Thai Crystal Deodorant Mist
Important note: Deodorants are not meant to prevent sweating, and our bodies are naturally made to release sweat and toxins. Deodorants are meant to prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing, and over time, you’ll sweat less with natural deodorant. I recommend an armpit detox if you’re struggling with odor.
1. Best Stick Deodorant: EnergyBalance Biork Deodorant
EnergyBalance Biork Deodorant $19.90
How to save: Amazon has the most competitive price, even compared to my local stores
This one stick of “deodorant” will last you an entire year or more with regular daily use. 😱 EnergyBalance uses the heart of a naturally derived potassium alum stone, which is solid and the purest form found in nature, and it has many benefits from traditional deodorant.
It’s safe and gentle for all skin types, odorless, and doesn’t stain, so it’s an excellent choice for men and women for any occasion and outfit. The stone naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria and offers 24-hour protection, but you can also use it as many times as you wish to freshen your underarms. The cork shell is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and allows you to leave zero trace, so it doesn’t get any cleaner than that! Plus, it outlasts any other stick on the market and is travel-friendly. On top of that, it’s cooling and incredibly fun to use.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Biork™ Deodorant:
- ✅ 1 Natural ingredient
- ✅ Naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria
- ✅ Safe for all skin types (men & women)
- ✅ COSMOS Certified
- ✅ 100% Plastic-free
Important: Aluminum in crystal deodorant stones is a different type of aluminum called alum. The most common form of this is potassium aluminum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate. Potassium aluminum (and other alums) is a natural mineral salt that consists of molecules too large to be absorbed by the skin. Instead, they form an additional protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
2. Best Spray Deodorant: Thai Crystal Deodorant Mist
Thai Crystal Deodorant Mist 2-Pack $11.98 (regularly $14.98) – just $5.99 each
How to save: Already competitively priced on Amazon, or check your local stockist for lower prices on individual bottles.
If you love the concept of spraying your deodorant, you’ll love my other toxic-free and natural deodorant option – the only ingredients are mineral salts and purified water. 😱 Crystallized natural mineral salts are pure and natural, killing odor-causing bacteria. It’s a refreshing choice to take with you on the go when a clean water source may not be available for the Biork deodorant I shared above.
Thai Deodorant crystal sprays are made from naturally occurring bauxite ore and are mined and refined into pure alum crystals. Alum is a natural compound found in nature. It is present in the water we drink, in the foods we eat, and in the air we breathe. Fun fact: alum is the third most abundant element on earth, after oxygen and silicon! Just like the Biork deodorant, it also is fragrance-free and doesn’t stain. Plus, it’s packaged in a bottle made of recycled materials.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Thai Crystal Deodorant Mist:
- ✅ Only two biodegradable ingredients
- ✅ Naturally kills odor-causing bacteria
- ✅ Fragrance-free & doesn’t stain
- ✅ Aerosol-free spray
- ✅ Highest grade of ethically sourced salt
Important Notes: Thai Crystal deodorant contains large alum molecules that cannot be absorbed into the body or bloodstream. The alum in the crystals is in a salt form and is not in the metallic form and these products have no forms of aluminum that can clog pores or be absorbed in the body.
Try my easy homemade deodorant recipe!
I’ve been interested in trying the crystal type deodorants. I have uaing a natural deodorant that I made, but it stains my shirts and causes irritation at times. Thanks for the recommendations.
You’re so welcome, Sara! I LOVE that the crystal deodorant doesn’t stain. 🤩 Enjoy!
That’s the only kind of deodorant that I use (and have been for several years). It’s SO nice, doesn’t stain clothes, works well, and lasts ridiculously long.
I would recommend “detoxing” your underarms first with bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar.
I buy my deodorant from whole foods. They have it on sale fairly often for about $6/$7.
Thanks a bunch for sharing how well the crystal deodorant has been working for you throughout the years, Betsy! 🙌 We do have this post on how to detox your armpits that include those items you mentioned too. 🤗💕
I love hey humans, but it is getting hard to find. Thanks for the rec on Biork. Did it really last a long time?!
You’re very welcome, Cristine! I’ve been using the Biork stick for many weeks so far and it still looks brand new. With the average amount of use it should last you about a year. 🙂
“Most concerns about deodorants and antiperspirants are based on a theory that pores in the skin under the arms can become clogged with aluminum or parabens, which can increase the level of estrogen in the body, either from the compounds themselves or from hormones in the skin that can’t escape through sweat. However, animal experiments show that parabens have at-most weak estrogenic activity and epidemiological studies do not support a link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer in women. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates food, cosmetics, medicines and medical devices, has no evidence or research data that ingredients in underarm antiperspirants or deodorants cause cancer.” – Moffit.org
I have tried various natural deodorants through the years, but I have been using the Crystal Stick which is also potassium alum and was approved by my integrative doctor for almost a year. You can find them at Walmart, Wholefoods, etc. and they cost less than $10.
I think people don’t understand (including me in the beginning) is that when you make the switch from traditional “antiperspirants” to the natural deodorants, its a process. Your arm pits have to literally detox and you will stink a lot for a bit so people give up. They will normalize out. I tried various things to kill the stink wash wise that didn’t work, but what did work was Hibiclens because it helped kill off bacteria while I detoxed my pits and I used EO lavender deodorant wipes. I also used natural exfoliators to scrub my arm pits once I read that you get black heads (EWWWWW) and clogged pores.
One thing I will also mention that was an added bonus from staying away from antiperspirants, is that I am going through mesopause and for some reason my hot flashes aren’t as bad now that I can “sweat” and cool off.
WOW! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback and experience with us, Ursula! I really appreciate you taking the time to share. And $10 crystal sticks?! I will totally have to keep an eye out when I’m due for another one.
My daughters also use the Crystal Stick. My oldest has had hers for well over a year and it’s still going. The only complaint she has is when she’s active. I don’t ever smell anything, but she says her clothes have a funk, but for everyday, it’s perfect.
Why the Thai spray and not the crystal stick? Is there a difference? Thanks!
Hey Debra, I’m unsure what you mean, but I do recommend both! 🙂 The main difference is the stick isn’t ideal if you’re out and about needing a deodorant because you need a clean water source to rinse it before and after use. I love taking the Thai deodorant when I go paddleboarding as a great example of what I’d use the spray over the stick. However, on a daily basis, I really love the stick!
I’ve been using the Thai brand crystal stick, and it has been great. No stink, and only about $7 at my local grocery store.
This Crystal deo spray also costs $5.99 and is similar to the Thai one — except that it has pomegranate EO for a light scent. It’s wonderful. https://www.vitacost.com/crystal-mineral-deodorant-spray-pomegranate
Thanks for sharing, Maggie!
it looks like Bio Rock is the same product at half the cost, wondering if anyone has tried it?
Hey Gub! I have not tried Biorock deodorant, but I, personally, would be wary of trying it. I noticed it’s made of Potassium Alum Rock Crystals which means they’re essentially glued together and it’s not made of one piece of the crystal heart like the Biork I shared which is the purest form you could use. This is pretty common with other crystal deodorants and is a manufacture and production savings the company takes – I’ve read those types of deodorants can be crumbly over time, won’t last as long, and will not be as effective. Personally, I’d spend the extra few dollars on Biork. I hope this information is helpful!
Biork is not available on Amazon, and it’s unknown when or if it will be back in stock. I’ve gotten rashes from other natural deodorants and thought I’d try the Biorock as an alternative.
Bummer! I’m seeing the unavailable notice on Amazon now too, Blaine. ❤️ If you’re still interested in scooping up the Biork to try out, you can find it online here!
Natural mineral is made of potassium alum, which is potassium aluminum sulfate. It’s not aluminum free. Is it safe?
Hey Jen! Great question! Aluminum in crystal deodorant stones is a different type of aluminum called alum. The most common form of this is potassium aluminum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate. Potassium aluminum (and other alums) is a natural mineral salt that consists of molecules too large to be absorbed by the skin. So, yes, it is body & environment safe and does not act the same as synthetically produced aluminum in antiperspirants. Instead, they form an additional protective layer on your skin that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. I hope this helps!
Just to piggy back off that, this article is a great resource if you’d like to read more about the differences. 🙂
Vanicream has an amazing deodorant and an antiperspirant/deodorant! I swapped from Degree to Vanicream a few years ago and will never go back. They have a lot of great products that are free of artificial dyes, perfumes, etc. and are allergy friendly, too.
So awesome, Em! Thanks a bunch for sharing more about a product you love that’s free of so many harmful ingredients! 🙌❤️