“But do natural deodorants work?” I used to get asked that, a lot, but now that there are a lot of effective, nicely-scented natural deodorants around, I haven’t had that question for a while…
So with warmer days heading our way, I thought I’d do a quick round-up of some of the ones we’ve tested properly (aka running around/exercising in hot weather – not just sitting at a laptop).
The Unisex Custom Refillable Natural Deodorant that supports WaterAid: PROVERB
Proverb crowdfunded its unique refillable deodorant launch and has partnered with WaterAid (they donate 10% of their profits per annum to the charity).
The first deodorant you buy comes with a free refillable case (in a choice of colours):
Wild Mint & Eucalyptus (also available in Active/stronger version) – this is my favourite, unisex but not overly masculine, kudos to the aromatherapy blend here – beautifully balanced)
Coconut & Tonka (also available as an “Active” version)
Sensitive & Unfragranced
Then (and believe me, the actual deodorant stick is literally “king size” and super-thick and lasts for ages), you can buy just the refill of your choice.
My favourite scent: Wild Mint & Eucalyptus (a gentle delicious mint with a barely-there refreshing eucalptus touch)
PROVERB’s deodorant is a Beauty Shortlist Awards winner and if pressed to choose, the Wild Mint & Eucalyptus (it’s a gentle, almost sweet, refreshing, delicious mint) is probably my favourite deodorant scent, ever (as in *any* deodorant I’ve ever tried/bought).
In summer, you keep getting whiffs of its very natural sweet mint scent…a lovely armpit aromatherapy hit (I’ve got it on today).
Proverb’s Refillable Deodorants are one of the first ever winners of the inaugural Beauty Shortlist’s Eco Lifestyle Awards
These new awards launched this year, in March 2021
(This – and JOIK, up next, are the deodorants I’m using at the moment).
£12 – includes FREE case in the colour of your choice
Green Sage Natural Mineral Deodorant: JOIK ORGANIC
Estonia-based organic brand and BSL Awards winner JOIK also do a Lemon & Geranium version which I don’t know, and while the scent of the Green Sage is barely noticeable (at least for me), this one really works.
I wasn’t sure what to expect while testing it during a 5-day period but it’s a definite two thumbs up and I like the fact that they’ve used glass, too, instead of a plastic case.
17 euros
Salt of the Earth’s Lavender & Vanilla Deodorant
Out of the 5, this would not be my favourite for two reasons: you can buy refills (but they’re also in plastic – so you’re essentially replacing individual size plastic purchases with one bigger plastic/more economical refill) and I thought the lavender and vanilla combo had a bit of an odd scent.
But…I’m including this one as it’s very easy to find online and what did work was its anti-odour strength. It lasted quite well. Would I buy it again? Maybe, if there’s no other natural option available.
HAOMA Organic Deodorant Spray: Floral
Beauty Shortlist Award winner HAOMA started life as a natural deodorant brand and evolved into natural fragrance, essential oils, hand sanitisers and skincare.
For artisan brand lovers, HAOMA is pure joy. Here’s a little bit about the brand, from the brand (founder Enis Anteplioglu is half Persian, half Turkish which explains the brand name)…
Haoma is recorded as a mythical sacred plant in ancient Persian and Zoroastrian culture.
Haoma is also often personified as a divinity. This magical plant bestows essential vital qualities —health, fertility and even immortality.
Legends say that the source of the earthly Haoma plant is a shining white tree that grows on a paradisiacal mountain and that the sprigs of it were brought to earth by divine birds.
Haoma is built on the power of plants. Each Haoma product is made by hand in small batches.
We take pride in using only certified organic, pure plant ingredients; and we campaign against the use of emulsifiers, preservatives and unsustainable materials.
HAOMA’s deodorants have gone down well with our judging panel. Almost too nice to use every single day…pretty branding, glass spray bottles and beautiful formulations.
£20/100ml Soil Association Organic/Cosmos Organic
You might also like…HAOMA’s Organic Comfort Deodorant (Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang & Grapefruit)
Bloomtown’s Glide-On Lavender & Rose Geranium Deodorant Bar (in a tin)
…is another BSL winner. Palm oil free, it’s effective and was a popular favourite with all who tested it.
Magnesium and Tapioca Root Starch are among the natural “actives” here (the tapioc starch helps absorb moisture) and if you’re not mad keen on lavender, there’s a Lemongrass & Mint option, too.
No plastic, either. “Like”.
£10/50g
As I mentioned, PROVERB donates 10% of its profits to WaterAid, here’s more about how this organisation is helping communities struggling with one of the planet’s most serious problems.
Coming soon…
Save the date: THIS coming Friday!
THE BEAUTY SHORTLIST MAMA & BABY AWARDS will be back for 2021 this Friday, 11th June! Join us for a day full of natural & organic mum + baby heroes, wellness winners and much more…