SL Rates The Best Natural Deodorant’s For 2019
First things first, why go au natural?
It’s no secret that our beloved antiperspirants are linked to several health worries, notably breast cancer. And though the National Cancer Institute has confirmed there is no firm link between the two, it’s a rumour that’s still bubbling. However, that aside, antiperspirant’s hero ingredient, aluminium, has raised a few eyebrows recently for different reasons. Experts confirmed that it temporarily plugs your underarm glands, which is what keeps you from getting super sweaty. This may sound great, but this so-called plugging also allows the aluminium to be absorbed into the body easily, and that’s the scary part - where is it all going? Whether related directly to serious health issues or not, the idea of this metal being in our bodies has certainly got us thinking here at SL HQ. So, in a bid to sweat safer, we tested 13 of the best natural formulas to see if they live up to their bacteria-sopping sisters. The results are in…
1. Vichy 24H Aluminium Salt-Free Deodorant Roll-On, £8.50
Tested by: Georgie Coleridge Cole, Founder
What were the results? I really liked this. It’s alcohol-free, paraben-free and isn’t sticky, although it’s worth noting that it does take a few seconds to dry. This might just convert me to a roll-on deodorant.
Rating: 9/10
2. The Organic Pharmacy Deodorant Spray, £19.96
Tested by: Astrid Carter, Managing Editor
What were the results? I’ve used an aluminium-free deodorant before and wasn’t impressed, so I was sceptical about trying the Organic Pharmacy’s. However, I really liked it. It’s a liquid spray – much like a fragrance – so it’s very wet on the underarms when you first apply it. The dry-down doesn’t leave any horrible texture or marks, and the scent is clean, it also lasts all day. The real test would be using it in the height of summer.
Rating: 8/10
3. Bioderma Sensibio Freshness Deodorant, £7.50
Tested by: Madeleine Nunwa, Social Media Executive
What were the results? Although most roll-ons boast a somewhat wet experience upon application, I had to check the ball was actually going around - and it was! So, tick for the lack of wet pits that kept me equally dry all day. I would definitely continue to use this and highly recommend it to others.
Rating: 8/10
4. Bionsen Aluminium Free Mineral Protective Deodorant, £2.19
Tested by: Rebecca Hull, Health & Beauty Editor
What were the results? Several people recommended this to me with some even dubbing it as the ‘best deodorant they’d ever tried.’ I was dubious but was wrong to be. It took a while to adjust to it (this one really is wet and leaks a bit at first), but now I wouldn’t even consider going back to antiperspirants. It lasts almost all day with just one top-up and has a comforting smell similar to Johnson’s Baby Powder. And, hello, it’s under a fiver.
Rating: 9/10
5. Malin & Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, £19
Tested by: Pascale Day, Features Writer & Sub Editor
What were the results? When it comes to my underarms, I'm more of a meat-and-potatoes kind of girl - I pick the deodorant I think smells the nicest and don't give it much more thought. So Malin + Goetz was a new experience for me. It's the sushi of deodorants. And what I can only describe as a chapstick for your pits, it's alcohol-free, aluminium-free and antibacterial - ideal for sensitive skin, essentially. I was very into the eucalyptusy, minty smell and it leaves no marks on clothes, but it felt a bit sticky for a while after application. I didn't mind it, but at £19 a pop I think I'll be sticking to Dove.
Rating: 5/10
6. Dove Aluminium Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant, from £2
Tested by: Heather Steele, Lifestyle Editor
What were the results? Unlike other ‘natural’/aluminium-free deodorants I’ve tried, this is the first that actually masks odour. It smells fresh (I like the Green Tea & Cucumber scent) and goes on with the smoothness you’d expect from a Dove product.
Rating: 8/10
7. The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Deodorant, £4
Tested by: Eloise Shackleton, Videographer and Editor
What were the results: I thought the initial smell of the deodorant was lovely, and thought this was going to be a promising indication that it was a great deodorant. However, after a few hours, I found that I started to smell a little un-fresh, so found myself topping it up throughout the day.
Rating: 4/10
8. Susanne Kaufmann Deodorant Spray, £27.00
Tested by: Marja K Konstantinovaite, Videographer and Editor
What were the results: I really loved it! I always prefer a spray deodorant, especially water-based ones. I’m also not a fan of very strong scented deodorants, which is good as this one has a neutral scent to it, but it still kept me feeling fresh for most of the day. The only drawback is it wasn’t as quick-drying as other water-based deodorants.
Rating: 8/10
9. Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant, £13.95
Tested by: Jessica Roberts, Senior Account Executive
What were the results? Loved using this deodorant, particularly as it smells so amazing! Whilst it feels a little wet when you first put it on, it dries very quickly, and is a small price to pay for a chemical free deodorant.
Rating: 7/10
10. Tisserand The Deodorant – Rose and Geranium Leaf, £5.75
Tested by: Harriet Lovejoy, Editorial Assistant
What were the results: Unlike most roll-ons I didn't find this sticky, I really liked the subtle floral fragrance and it kept me feeling fresh, would absolutely recommend!
Rating: 8/10
11. OY! Deodorant, £10
Tested by: Hattie Cotmore, Content Coordinator
What were the results: The scent promised to be 'vanilla and orange' but the citrus notes were totally over powering making it a far cry from the usual floral scents I'd reach for. That said, it wasn't something I noticed at all as the day went on, I didn't need to reapply, except before the gym.. A roll on, however, wouldn't be my go-to, I don't think it's the most comfortable, but I'm interested in the benefits of going aluminium-free and wouldn't rule out Organic Young in the future.
Rating: 7/10
12. Schmidt Natural Deodorant Stick Bergamot + Lime, £9
Tested by: Nerissa Templin, Lead Content Coordinator
What were the results: I’ve been using aluminium free deodorant my whole life, so I was more than eager to give Schmidt’s Bergamot & Lime Natural Deodorant a try. My thoughts? It was easy to apply, left me dry during my workout, and had a pleasant fragrance to it unlike others I’ve tried in the past.
Rating: 9/10
13. Aesop Herbal Deodorant, £23
Tested by: Heather Steele, Lifestyle Editor
What were the results: Like all Aesop products, this smells incredible. And of all the aluminium-free sprays I’ve tried, this is definitely the best. I only needed to apply it once in the morning and I was good to go. No top-ups required.
Rating: 10/10
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