Natural deodorants that won't quit on you when things heat up

Natural deodorants are not antiperspirants. Antiperspirants decrease sweating by blocking the sweat glands with aluminum salts. Natural deodorants meanwhile are chemical free and allow some sweating but mask any odour. However there are some aluminum-free deodorants that can keep you relatively dry and smelling fresh at the same time.

Many natural deodorant users revert to traditional options during the summer, because it's difficult to find aluminum-free deodorants that actually provide good odour protection when it's hot and sticky out. Of course everyone is different and will choose a product based on individual needs. But here's a list of the best long-lasting natural deodorants that are great options to keep you comfortable through the heat and all your summer activities.  

Routine De-Odour Cream Natural Deodorant

Those who use it swear by this made-in-Canada product. Routine claims to have a deodorant for every skin type and scent preference. This is a cream-based formula that needs to be rubbed in properly. It may seem expensive compared to traditional deodorants, but this jar can last 3-6 months with regular use. Their products contain magnesium which essentially relaxes your armpits to reduce stress sweats, making it a great choice for the summer. "A girl named Sue" is one of their most popular scents. It's a subtle and not overpowering smell of sage and raspberry.

Routine De-Odour Cream Natural Deodorant, $28, routinecream.com

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe

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This version of Lavanila natural deodorant is markedly different from their regular formula. It goes on clear, smells like summer breeze and was specifically created for an active life in motion, thanks to its smart-sport technology that breaks down sweat molecules. Like any natural deodorant if this is your first kick at the can, it'll take a few weeks for your body to detox from the chemical antiperspirant before it can work fully. This product contains no aluminum, no parabens, no propylene glycol and no harsh chemicals.

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe, $22, sephora.com

Tarte Cosmetics Clean Queen

It's hard to find natural deodorants that don't leave white marks. This is of particular importance during the summer when you're wearing mostly sleeveless clothing. Clean Queen leaves no marks or streaking. It's a vegan cream to powder formula that also does a great job of keeping you dry.

Tarte Cosmetics Clean Queen, $17, sephora.com

Real Purity Roll-On Deodorant

Once you use this for a while you may feel like you sweat less — vegetable glycerin in this deodorant helps keep your skin dry. It's packed with pure essential oils that gives it a clean scent. Intended for both men and women, it's never clumpy and easy to apply.

Real Purity Roll-On Deodorant, $18.36, iherb.com

LUSH The Greeench Deodorant Powder

So this is a something a little different and will take some getting used to. It's an actual powder that you have to sprinkle into the palm of your hand, then rub into your armpits. As you can imagine it can be a bit messy until you figure out a system. But it leaves no residue and the absorbent lycopodium powder is the secret weapon to keeping you dry on those hot and humid days. If you're looking for a more perfumed or floral scent, this is not for you. But the thyme, tea tree and sage in this product is quite refreshing.

LUSH The Greench Deodorant Powder, $10.95, lush.ca

Primal Pit Paste All Natural Lavender Deodorant

Family visiting from out of town, lunch dates, weddings… you've been doing a lot of hugging this summer. You'll feel confident to expose those armpits and get close, thanks to this natural deodorant. They stand by their use of baking soda that neutralizes body odour. Their other claim to fame ingredient is organic arrowroot powder that helps to stave off wetness.

Primal Pit Paste All Natural Lavender Deodorant, $18.81, amazon.ca

Aesop Deodorant

This natural spray deodorant has an earthy, woodsy, gender-neutral scent. Their key ingredient is the zinc ricinoleate that works together with select essential oils to slow the growth of bacteria. Which in turn prevents body odour from developing. The spray makes it easy to re-apply. It is definitely on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way.

Aesop Deodorant, $47, aesop.com

Consonant Pure Unscented Dealkalizing Deodorant

You'll love the way this deodorant glides on to your skin without a residue. It is 100% natural and unscented, with no aluminum or polypropylene glycol. The bacteria that causes odour loves to hang out in alkaline environments; what this product does is it changes the pH of your skin (hence the dealkalizing) to stop body odour. It also has arrowroot powder and bentonite clay to absorb moisture.  

Consonant Pure Unscented Dealkalizing Deodorant, $14, well.ca

Nneka Elliott (@nnekaelliott) is a lifestyle blogger, host and actor. She shares her adventures with fashion and beauty in her pursuit of a gutsy life. nnekaelliott.com