The Best of Natural Awards were an amazing opportunity to discover new deodorants. I’ve been using natural deodorants for nearly 20 years. In that time, I’ve tried a lot. I’ve recommended a lot. And I’ve developed my list of favourites – along with a list of non-favourites. So, imagine my glee when I received 19 new deodorants to judge!
The natural deodorant category has definitely ‘grown up’ a bit over the years. There are far more scent options featuring natural fragrances blended from essential oils. And rather than just roll on, there are deodorant pastes, which are great if you’re sharing and want to reduce plastic. I expect we’ll see even more refinements in this category over the years, but suffice it to say, now is a great time to give natural deodorants a go.
What is a natural deodorant?
At HealthPost, we’re big supporters of clean, sustainable, and natural products, and our strict ingredient standards mean you can shop confidently knowing you’re always making a choice that’s kinder to your skin, and our planet. Natural deodorants that we sell cannot contain ingredients including parabens, antiperspirants, and certain types of aluminium, and cannot be in an aerosol can. A plus with natural deodorants is that they don’t clog the pores and allow the skin to breathe.
Natural deodorants often contain plant-based substances that kill odour-creating bacteria. Natural deodorants may also include ingredients like sodium bicarbonate which neutralises odour molecules, or other ingredients to help absorb moisture and keep you dry like magnesium hydroxide, charcoal, corn starch or arrowroot. And because the ingredients in natural deodorants are simple, they’re a good option for those with sensitive skin.
What’s more, our growing range of Mindful natural deodorants mean you can make conscious choices by backing brands committed to positive change. From B. Bold to Weleda, my favourite natural deodorants are also doing great things for our planet and the people on it.
The Best of Natural Deodorant winner
Judges were wowed by B.Bold, a Lyttleton company delivering a plastic free deodorant that not only works effectively but smells great too. The winner was B.Bold Bergamot Cedar Deodorant Cream, which features a gender-neutral, woody fresh citrus scent. The paste-like cream features moisturising mango seed butter, and arrowroot and kaolin clay to absorb moisture and keep you feeling fresh and dry all day. It is easy to apply, doesn’t melt in summer, and doesn’t stain our t-shirts.
The Runner-Ups
Deodorants are quite an individual purchase and the feel of the product on the skin is important, as is packaging, and the scent. There are plenty of companies doing a great job, but here are our special mentions:
Aotearoad Rose Vanilla Natural Deodorant
Cardboard tubes can be a little problematic as sometimes the product falls back down if the push up function isn’t good quality, or the product may disintegrate, amongst other things. Thankfully, Aoteoroad’s cardboard tube packaging works a treat. The product is also easy to use and apply, does a good job at delivering long lasting protection, and smells great! The cardboard tube also means it is a plastic free product , and can be recycled – simply remove the cornstarch layer and you’re good to go. This is more of a paste consistency, but as it is in a tube you don’t have to apply it with your hands.
As one of our Mindful Brands, Aotearoad is socially conscious. Each year, they donate 100’s of deodorants to the Salvation Army. Better yet, they’re also Fair Trade certified, and all their staff are paid a Living Wage.
“I really love this deodorant. Definitely the best natural product I have come across and very easy to use.” ★★★★★ - Robbie
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Weleda 24h Roll-On Deodorant - Citrus
Weleda’s beautiful certified by NATRUE natural deodorant is a traditional roll-on option. NATRUE have the highest global standards for certifying a truly natural product. Being vegan friendly, this roll-on has an incredibly fresh and fragrant citrus scent, and it works well – even for an energetic teenager who tried it out and then wouldn’t give it back!
Committed to environmental sustainability, Weleda takes great care to grow many of their plant-based ingredients on their own farms around the world, following planet-friendly biodynamic practices and being conscious of the way they harvest and process these ingredients. They’re also certified Fair Trade.
“I like this natural deodorant especially as it is aluminium free. It has a nice fresh citrus scent too.” ★★★★ - Alison
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B.Bold Rose & Geranium Deodorant Cream
Another B.Bold product that scored top marks because we all loved the scent, how the ingredients felt, and how well the product worked. At the start of the awards, not all the judges had been fans of rub-on paste deodorants, but by the time the judging had ended, they appreciated the benefits of applying a paste along with the idea of gentle daily massage in an area that has so much lymphatic tissue.
B.Bold is committed to Eco Packaging, using materials that are kinder on our planet. All their products are recyclable or reusable and are wrapped using cardboard and brown paper tape – free from plastic. They’re also committed to Transparency and source all their raw ingredients from Fair Trade suppliers.
“Lovely smell and keeps me fresh all day.” ★★★★★ - Deb
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The Herb Farm Ylang Ylang Orange Deodorant Cream
This delightful deodorant from The Herb Farm uses an effective blend of natural ingredients so you can smell fresh all day long. From shea butter and coconut oil to soothe sensitive pits to baking soda and tapioca powder to absorb moisture, it’s a superb choice for keeping body odour at bay. What’s more, this vegan-friendly essential is free from aluminium, parabens and phthalates – all the stuff your skin doesn’t want! We love it and we think you will too.
Environmental sustainability lies at the core of The Herb Farm. Intertwined into their daily operations, they continuously look at ways they can leave a positive footprint on the planet. They’re also committed to Transparency in their supply chain and go to great lengths to ensure their ingredients are completely natural and never tested on animals.
“Love how easy this is to apply, it smells sweet but subtle enough to not overpower anything and the scent lasts all day.” ★★★★★ - Sarah H.
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Video: Our Best of Natural body category winners
See all the Best of Natural Awards winners.
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