Do natural deodorants really work? Rae Ritchie reviews

Whilst the humble deodorant can may have morphed into one of our most sacred essentials this summer, rolling and spraying all of those chemicals onto our skin and into the environment is no longer the only way to stay feeling fresh and clean on warmer days.

Natural deodorants are becoming increasingly clever, often with less packaging, organic ingredients and better effectiveness than ever before.

We asked Rae Ritchie to source the best natural products on the market and choose her favourite picks. She’s tried and tested everything from creams to crystals to find what really works, so you don’t have to.

Here are Rae’s top natural deodorant selections…

Incognito Natural Crystal Deodorant

Natural crystals have been used as deodorants for many years, and Incognito are following that tradition with their Natural Crystal deodorant. Vegan Society-registered, this product also contains citronella essential oil so that it not only smells great but also reduces the wearer’s attractiveness to insects, without using DEET– ideal for hot holidays.

£4.49, www.lessmosquito.com

Awake Organics Aura Clean Deodorant

This Aura Clean deodorant from Awake Organics is aluminium-free and contains arrowroot, which keeps the underarms drier. The other natural ingredients include cold-pressed organic coconut oil, olive oil and beeswax, which together create a creamy texture that rubs in easily and is ideal for delicate skin. Plus, the glass jar can be easily reused or recycled.

£14.99, www.awakeorganics.co.uk

LUSH T’eo Solid Deodorant

Like Lush soaps, this T’eo Solid deodorant comes with minimum packaging. The bar itself is made up of 18 ingredients including sodium bicarbonate, fresh green grapes, blue cornflower petals, juniper oil and lemongrass oil. Together, they offer anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties that absorb odours as well as keeping you dry.

£5.95, www.lush.com

PitROK Crystal Deodorant Spray

Simply apply this PitROK Crystal Spray to clean skin and its natural bacteriostatic agent will stop odour-causing bacteria in its tracks, without blocking pores. This fragrance-free mineral salt crystal spray can be applied to feet as well as underarms, and has a refreshingly long free-from list: no aluminium, propylene glycol, parabens, SLS/SLES or silicone.

£6.59, www.boots.com

Neal’s Yard Natural Deodorant Spray

There are many fragrant and sweat-reducing ingredients in this Neal’s Yard spray deodorant, including soothing aloe vera and a cleansing blend of lavender, tea tree and ylang ylang essential oils, all of which cool and the skin. It also contains an extract of alpine moss, which fights the nasty bacteria that causes odour, and is suitable for sensitive skin.

£8.50, www.nealsyardremedies.com

Read more related articles about wellbeing:

• 17 ways to keep cool this summer
• How to make restorative sleep aromatherapy oil
• 10 of the best sleep apps to help with insomnia

Natural Deodorant Co Clean Deodorant Bar

Apply this Clean Deodorant Balm from the Natural Deodorant Co to the underarms as you would body lotion and it absorbs quickly. Magnesium oxide and sodium bicarbonate control odour while organic coconut oil and fair trade shea butter soothe the area. The hard part is choosing which scent: lemon and geranium, vanilla and Manuka, or grapefruit and mint.

From £2.50, www.naturaldeoco.com

Soapwalla Original Deodorant Cream

This cult find is the latest big deal in the natural deodorising world. Blending a superfine mix of organic powders and clays with essential oils such as tea-tree and lavender, the Original Deodorant Cream keeps you feeling dry as well as smelling fresh. Not only is the product also vegan and suitable for both men and women, but each pot of deodorant is made to order.

$14.00, www.soapwallakitchen.com