You can be runway-ready — hair glossy and flowing, makeup perfectly set, impeccably painted nails — but if you miss this single most important step in your beauty routine, all efforts are lost. Even the most gorgeous-looking, glamorous woman won’t turn a single head if she stinks.
Deodorant may not be your idea of a beautifying essential, but without a good one, you’re not going to feel very pretty. The uncomfortable wetness, the ovals of evidence under your arms, the creeping scent that worsens as the day drags on””just thinking about it is enough to make you sweat.
Of course, remembering to use your roll-on is one thing. Having the right kind on hand to keep you dry and dazzling is another. Here are some of the best natural deodorants to help you prevail over perspiration without exposing your precious pits to harmful chemicals.
Rollin’, rollin’ rollin’
In existence since the 1950s, roll-on deodorant is still a top pick today. With a smooth, rounded top that spreads on a thin liquid layer of odor and wetness protection, it takes a little drying time–but the wait is worth it, especially if you use Alvera Aloe & Almonds All-Natural Deodorant. This vegetable-based formula is free of alcohol, bactericides, dyes and preservatives, so it won’t pollute your pores with potential irritants. Plus, it’s non-sticky, and the scent is a refreshing alternative to all those flowery, perfumy versions out there.
Earth-friendly spray
In the evolution of deodorants, aerosol sprays came next, putting odor control at the push of a button for women in the 1960s. But the magic came with a high price tag — not at the drugstore, but for our earth. The chemicals used to create those clouds of underarm freshness, also known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, damaged the ozone layer and were eventually banned.
These sprays still exist (made with different kinds of chemicals), but for an even safer option, try pumped protection with Lafes Deodorant Spray. Not only is it non-aerosol and ozone friendly, it’s 100% natural and certified organic — with no aluminum, propylene glycol or animal ingredients. In fact, it contains only three ingredients: water, mineral salts and aloe. A few quick spritzes and you’re set. Bonus: it naturally fights bacteria, making it useful even on feet!
Stick ’em up
Patience isn’t everyone’s virtue. So if waiting around for deodorant to dry doesn’t work for you, stick with a stick. These popular, odor-banishing bars, which came about in the 1970s, are made by combining deodorant ingredients with waxes or fats to form a solid. They glide on smooth and soak in instantly for fast, thorough coverage. Try Tom’s of Maine Original Care Aluminum-Free Deodorant, made with hops extract to fight bacteria plus aloe leaf juice and sunflower seed soil to soothe.
Sensitive skin? Stick to Nature’s Gate Deodorant Stick – Winter Clean. It’s free of aluminum and artificial fragrances, and it’s made with non-GMO, vegan ingredients that gently absorb odor, soothe and moisturize delicate underarm skin.
Long-term coverage
If life is so busy you don’t even have time for the quick swipe of a deodorant stick, you’ll be happy to learn about Lavilin Underarm Deodorant Cream. A back-to-basics solution (so far back, it was used in the 1800s!), deodorant cream will keep you odor free for up to seven days””with just one application. Seriously. You can shower, exercise or otherwise work up a sweat, and it keeps right on working, without help from alcohol, aluminum, parabens or harsh ingredients. Who would have guessed herbs and seeds could be such time savers?
Crystal magic
Another oldie but goodie, deodorant crystal rocks are about as simple as it gets. Hand-held hunks of potassium alum, an all-natural mineral salt, they’ve been stopping sweat for centuries, first used back in ancient times in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The only difference today is that you can get one in a nifty little holder that keeps your hands clean and sits nicely on a countertop, or in a velvet pouch you can tuck into your purse for freshness on the go!