When it comes to deodorant, there's no room for compromise.
You need to feel fresh, confident, and ready to face the day. Not wondering if your pits are holding up when you're heading into a meeting or a workout.
That's why the trial-and-error cycle of finding a natural deodorant is so frustrating.
You decide you're done with conventional deodorant. You don't love the ingredient list, the plastic tube, or the feeling of putting something on your skin you don't fully trust. So you switch to natural. At first, it feels like the right move.
Then a stressful day hits. Or a workout. Or a hot afternoon. And suddenly it's not holding up.
So you quietly go back to what works.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about natural deodorant — and how to pick one you can count on every day.
The Different Types of Natural Deodorant
One of the reasons natural deodorant feels like a hit-or-miss? There isn't just one kind.
Solid Sticks
The closest thing to a conventional deodorant and an easy place to start for most people. Easy application, travel-friendly, consistent performance. Most are packaged in plastic, which is why we package ours in plastic-free Kraftboard tubes.
Paste Deodorants
Softer formulas you apply with your fingers. Popular with low-waste shoppers, but not for everyone. Often packaged in glass or metal, and easy to control how much you apply. The downsides: less convenient, may melt in warm temps, and can feel greasy.
Gel and Roll-On Deodorants
Go on wet and dry over time. Smooth application and a lightweight feel, but they can feel sticky or slow to dry, and they're usually packaged in plastic.
Spray Deodorants
Quick and lightweight, but fall short on packaging. Hard to apply precisely, packaged in plastic or aerosol cans, and may contain propellants.
Crystal Deodorants
Made from mineral salts and applied to damp skin. Extremely minimalist, very few ingredients, and good for sensitive skin. But they don't absorb moisture and may not hold up to heavy sweating.
How to Choose the Right One for You
With all these options, it's easy to overthink it. Start with your priorities. Plastic-free? Sensitive skin? Strongest odor control? Then pay attention to ingredients. If you've had irritation before, check for common triggers like baking soda or artificial fragrances. And expect a short adjustment period if you're switching from conventional deodorant — your body typically takes a few days to recalibrate.
Here's the honest truth: a lot of natural deodorants are designed to look good on the shelf. They avoid the bad ingredients. They say the right words. They check the boxes. But they don't solve the actual problem — odor that shows up when life gets unpredictable.
A Natural, Zero-Waste Deodorant That Actually Holds Up
Most people assume the tradeoff is inevitable. Natural means less effective. Conventional means better performance.
We don't think that's true. You can have ingredients you trust, packaging that aligns with your values, and a deodorant that holds up. We've kept over 200,000 pieces of plastic out of the waste stream since 2018 — without cutting corners on performance.
What's in Our Deodorant (And Why It Works)
Odor Control
Baking Soda (Natural formula) neutralizes odor powerfully. Magnesium Hydroxide (Magnesium formula) balances pH and fights odor gently. Zinc Oxide helps prevent odor-causing bacteria.
Moisture Absorption
Arrowroot Powder and Tapioca Starch absorb sweat without blocking pores. Kaolin Clay provides gentle, non-drying moisture control.
Skin Support
Coconut Oil is antibacterial and nourishing. Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter make for smooth application and hydration. Grapeseed Oil supports your skin barrier.
Structure + Scent
Beeswax keeps everything solid and easy to apply. Essential Oils only — clean, natural fragrance without synthetic irritants.
Two Formulas for All-Day Odor Control
Both are plastic-free, aluminum-free, and packaged in zero-waste Kraftboard tubes. Here's how to decide which is right for you.
The OG Natural Deodorant (Baking Soda Formula)
Our original formula. Baking soda is one of the most effective natural odor neutralizers available. Combined with moisture-absorbing powders and skin-nourishing oils, it holds up through long days, stress, and everyday activity. Goes on smooth, feels familiar, and performs when it counts.
Scents: Jasmine Morning, Citrus Blossom, Cedarwood Bergamot, Eucalyptus Mint, Orange Pine.
"I love this deodorant. I've been using it for a while now, probably gone through 4+ tubes. I've had a hard time finding deodorant that worked for me and have tried lots of natural ones, but this has been a winner and I keep going back."
The Magnesium Deodorant (For Sensitive Skin)
Instead of baking soda, this formula uses magnesium hydroxide to neutralize odor. Ideal for sensitive skin, and still effective for people who've experienced irritation or inconsistency with other natural options. Tried and trusted by ultra-runners, nurses, and active families.
Scents: Unscented, Lavender Island, Orange-Eucalyptus-Mint, Lavender-Sage, Coconut-Lavender.
"I am a breast cancer survivor on hormone blocker medication. Since being forced into early menopause, I have not been able to find a natural deodorant that worked. I was using my husband's. I just ordered the Eucalyptus Mint deodorant and I am blown away. The smell lasts all day and I have not sweated through this like Lume, Schmidts, Salt n Stone, etc. I am obsessed with this local natural deodorant. Thank you Silver Falls!!"
"Natural deodorant that works and doesn't irritate my eczema. The commercial brands like Dove or Secret suddenly made me smell worse, but this one is awesome. I did 5 hours of barn work in the heat and my pits were shockingly fine at the end of the day (had a friend smell check lol)."
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Natural (Baking Soda) if you want maximum odor control, haven't had irritation with natural deodorant before, or are looking for a reliable everyday option. Choose Magnesium if you have sensitive skin, baking soda has caused irritation in the past, or you've tried natural deodorant and it didn't quite work.
| Natural | Magnesium | |
|---|---|---|
| Odor control | Strongest | Strong |
| Skin sensitivity | Moderate | Very gentle |
| Deodorizing base | Baking soda | Magnesium hydroxide |
| Best for | Most people | Sensitive skin |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Ours Different
We've kept over 200,000 pieces of plastic out of the waste stream since 2018. And we're just getting started.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you've been in the cycle of natural deodorants that don't hold up, we think you'll be surprised. Start with Natural if you want the strongest formula. Start with Magnesium if your skin runs sensitive.
Shop the Deodorant Collection →All products made in Oregon. Small-batch. Plastic-free. Cruelty-free.
