Deodorant Ingredients: What to Look for (and What to Avoid) in a Healthy Deodorant

As awareness around chemical exposure in personal care grows, more people are rethinking what goes into their everyday hygiene products—especially deodorant. With your underarms being one of the most sensitive areas of your body, understanding what ingredients are in your deodorant is more important than ever.

A report by Expert Market Research projects that the market for organic deodorants will reach USD152 million by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% in the five years from 2023 to 2028. The surge in demand is driven by increasing consumer interest in natural deodorant ingredients, safer personal care alternatives, and concern over harmful chemicals in deodorant—particularly aluminium and synthetic fragrances, including wariness of the effects of aluminium salts.

Why Deodorant Ingredients Matter

Not all deodorants are created equal. Conventional antiperspirants and deodorants often contain chemical ingredients that may disrupt hormones, irritate skin, or raise long-term health concerns. On the other hand, natural deodorants use plant-based, non-toxic ingredients that help control odour while supporting skin health and allowing the body’s natural sweating process.

In recent years, the odour-battling performance of natural deodorants has also improved markedly, with the best natural alternatives rivalling traditional chemical-laden products, even during the sweatiest moments.

Understanding both the good and bad ingredients in deodorant helps you make informed choices. In this article, we break down:

• The best ingredients in natural deodorant
• What ingredients to avoid in deodorant
• How to choose a safe, effective deodorant for your skin

Best Ingredients to Look for in Natural Deodorant

When choosing a healthy deodorant, look for natural deodorant ingredients that balance odour control, moisture absorption, and skin nourishment.

1. Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder is a superstar natural ingredient in deodorants. It is gentle on sensitive skin and absorbs moisture effectively, helping keep you dry throughout the day. Its antimicrobial properties also combat the bacteria that cause body odour. Arrowroot is often used alone or combined with baking soda for maximum odour-fighting power. 

2. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

A common yet effective ingredient in many natural deodorants, baking soda neutralizes body odour by balancing the pH of sweaty areas. 

Sodium Bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. It is a salt that is made up of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion. While it sounds like a nasty synthetic chemical, the sodium compound -- that appears as a fine powder -- is a naturally occurring mineral form in nahcolite deposits.

Although, the baking soda you purchase at the supermarket is most commonly artificially produced. Like arrowroot powder, food-grade baking soda does a great job of absorbing moisture to keep you dry. It is also an outstanding deodoriser – its alkaline properties balancing bacteria-loving acids in sweat. Some individuals with sensitive skin may occasionally experience a minor reaction to baking soda, but ceasing application for a day or so will usually clear this up.

High-quality deodorants, like Lone Kauri’s, use ultra-fine baking soda in low concentrations alongside arrowroot powder to reduce the risk of irritation and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a favourite in clean beauty due to its antimicrobial and moisturising properties. It nourishes the skin, has been reported to reduce inflammation, contributes to a more even skin tone and accelerates wound healing. Derived from the kernels, meat, and milk of the coconut palm fruit, the antimicrobial properties help defend your skin from damaging microorganisms.

4. Shea Butter

If you are searching for a deodorant that soothes and protects your skin then make sure your product choice includes shea butter in its ingredient list. Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter moisturises and protects the skin. The butter supports a soft, smooth underarm area and antioxidants present in the product assist in preventing cell damage.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils provide a natural fragrance while offering therapeutic benefits. Unlike synthetic fragrances, which can be petroleum-based, essential oils are derived from plants and may provide antibacterial, calming, or energising effects depending on the type.

Common choices include:

• Tea Tree – antibacterial and cleansing
• Lavender – calming and skin-soothing
• Lemongrass – deodorising and antimicrobial
• Manuka and Rose Geranium – balancing and aromatic properties

Harmful Ingredients in Deodorant to Avoid

If you’re wondering what ingredients to avoid in deodorant, here are some of the most controversial and potentially harmful ones found in many commercial formulas.

1. Aluminium Compounds

The dermis, glands in the deeper layer of the skin, produce sweat to cool your body when it begins to overheat or is under stress. Often found in antiperspirants, aluminium salts block sweat glands, preventing perspiration altogether. Although the science is still evolving, some studies have raised concerns about aluminium’s possible link to neurological disorders and breast health. The United States Food and Drug (FDA) requires anti-perspirant manufacturers to include a warning on products for people with chronic kidney disease – as they may struggle to process the aluminium that is absorbed from antiperspirants and cosmetics. 

✅ Natural deodorants avoid aluminium and instead focus on neutralising odour while allowing your body to sweat naturally.

2. Parabens

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used to prolong shelf life by inhibiting microbe growth – such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. Some laboratory studies have highlighted possible health concerns associated with weak oestrogen-like properties in some parabens that may interfere with the endocrine system. These compounds have been linked to hormonal imbalance and reproductive health issues. Look for deodorants labelled paraben-free.

3. Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a common chemical compound which can be harmful in larger amounts. Used to maintain a soft, spreadable texture in deodorants, propylene glycol is a petroleum-derived compound that may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The U.S. FDA says it is generally safe for use in foods, although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires careful handling with gloves when managing the substance. Although considered safe in small amounts, it’s worth avoiding if you prefer cleaner formulations.

4. Phthalates

Many phthalates are gradually being banned. In deodorants, they are sometimes added to the fragrance and are used as a fixative in many body care products. Research published in May 2023 in the journal Environmental Science and Technology on Cumulative Exposure to Phthalates and Their Alternatives and Associated Female Reproductive Health: Body Burdens, Adverse Outcomes, and Underlying Mechanisms noted serious health risks of broad exposure including “alterations in puberty, the development of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, cancer, and fertility disorders in both males and females”. It seems like a fairly good reason to avoid this chemical.