3 tested: Which natural deodorant is the best?
12.6.2019
Translation: machine translated
All good things come in threes. But if you're unlucky, all three things just suck. Today in the trio test: natural deodorants.
To this day, my homemade deodorant made from coconut oil and baking soda remains unbeaten. It's hard to believe that I have conjured up the most reliable protection for my armpits from just two ingredients. Protection against odour, mind you, not sweat. Nevertheless, I would like to give three natural deodorants the chance to prove themselves. Especially for holidays, it would be handy to find an aluminium-free, portable and non-melting alternative to my DIY deodorant. To do this, I chose three natural deodorants in our shop that differ in their form and tested them out.
Forever Fresh Deodorant from We Love The Planet
Shape: Stick
Packaging: uncoated, recycled paper without twist mechanism, for single use and fully recyclable
Fragrance: According to the description, "a fresh fragrance of pure citrus oil and herbs". I can smell the herbs, but not the citrus note. It's a bit like a cleaning agent.
Quantity: 65g
Country of manufacture: the Netherlands
In the practical test:
Contrary to expectations, the stick cannot be unscrewed. Before I can wipe it over my armpits, I carefully push it upwards from the bottom. After application, small crumbs remain on my skin along with the "deodorant trail", which I work in with my warm fingers, causing them to melt. The texture is slightly floury. To close the deodorant stick again, I press the tip that sticks out at the top back into the cardboard cylinder with my finger. A little of the deodorant sticks to the round opening every time I use it, so I have to wipe this excess away before I put the cap back on. In addition, the cap does not sit firmly on the deodorant, but slips off very easily. As a result, I've almost dropped it on the floor a few times.
I have no complaints about the feel. The formula cares for my armpits and isn't sticky. However, after four hours I notice that the odour starts to build up. For extra protection, I apply a little more product from the start the second time round. But even with this technique, I don't get the eight hours of protection I expect from my deodorant. The protection evaporates, the deodorant's own "Forever Fresh" fragrance remains persistent - unfortunately, because it doesn't quite suit my taste. The product is not available in an odourless version, but with other fragrances and as a deodorant cream. Note that the light grain of the product may cause slight irritation depending on the temperature and the amount applied.
Natural deodorant cream from JoyFullife
Shape: Cream
Packaging: Tin with white metal screw cap, 100% recyclable
Fragrance: Odourless according to the description. Smells subtly and pleasantly of coconut oil with a hint of beeswax to me.
Quantity: 50g
Country of manufacture: Switzerland
In the practical test:
If I can believe the sticker on the jar, I can dance through life with the cream. And it really does win me over in use: no intrusive fragrance, a very nourishing, non-sticky formula and protection that lasts well into the night. I warm the firm texture slightly between my fingers before applying it to optimally cover the armpit area. If I feel very carefully, I can also feel the baking soda here, but less strongly than with the deodorant stick from We Love The Planet.
Natural deodorant from Soeder*
Form: Liquid
Packaging: The glass bottle and plastic spray head can be reused thanks to the refill system.
Fragrance: Actually vetiver. With a dash of toilet cleaner.
Quantity: 100 ml
Country of manufacture: Switzerland
In the practical test:
My first test follows directly after shaving. Unfortunately, my armpits burn due to the high alcohol content in the spray deodorant. Without shaving first, there is no burning sensation. Three squirts have to be enough because otherwise my armpits are dripping with deodorant. Afterwards, I hold my arms up so that it can dry a little. However, the sticky feeling remains. After four hours of daily use, I no longer feel comfortable because the protection gradually wears off. As far as the fragrance is concerned, it evaporates after about an hour. I'm pleased because "vetiver" is not really my thing. Perhaps "orange blossom" would have been a better choice in terms of fragrance. Unfortunately, we don't currently have this in our range.
Wave sölli näh?
For me, the winner is clear. The deodorant cream from JoyFullife has completely won me over, from the packaging to the protection. Practical, effective and also very nourishing. What's more, the odourless formulation means it doesn't get in the way of my perfume and can be portioned for travelling. However, this product will not replace my homemade deodorant in everyday life, as it still works better for me. It may be that the protection offered by the three models is enough for you. What I appreciate about my DIY solution, however, is that I can decide for myself how strong my protection is by dosing the sodium bicarbonate.
In second place is the deodorant stick from We Love The Planet. It offers up to six hours of protection with several layers. But its fragrance is too intense for me. And as pretty as the cardboard packaging is, if I have to use my fingers anyway to work the product into my skin and then push it back into the packaging, then I might as well reach into a cream jar. That's more practical.
I was disappointed by the Soeder* product. Although the design and concept for refilling is convincing, the contents are not. With sticky armpits, I feel ready for the shower around the clock. I also don't have the patience in everyday life to let the product dry after application. The high alcohol content, which makes my armpits burn after shaving and would probably dry them out in the long run, is also a no-go.
What generally amazed me about my test series: Just a year ago, all the natural deodorants I ever put on my armpits failed after just one hour. Nothing worked for me without aluminium. Now, after several months of only using my aluminium-free DIY deodorant, natural alternatives seem to work much better for me. Is this due to a detox effect? Who knows.
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Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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