Are you looking for an unscented natural deodorant that really keeps the stink away? I’ve done the dirty work and found unscented natural deodorant that actually works!
Ok, so I admit this is a weird post. It’s certainly out of my normal content, but don’t dismiss it out of hand because I think this can be super helpful for lots of people!
The Hunt for Unscented Natural Deodorant
When I breastfed my first baby (or tried to breastfeed him anyway), I was on the hunt for a natural deodorant. My skin is sensitive to begin with, but the hormonal roller coaster that is the postpartum period made it nearly intolerable of everything I put on it. My typical aluminum-based unscented deodorant was out. My OB/GYN suggested that I try an aluminum-free deodorant, and my hunt began.
Although I found it relatively easy to access aluminum-free deodorant, I had a hard time finding unscented versions. And if I had learned anything in my 33 years at that point, I knew that I could not use scented deodorant. If you’ve been around for any length of time, you know that I have eczema. That means I really struggle with scented products anywhere on my skin. My options were few, friends.
In the six years since I started looking for unscented natural deodorant, I have tried a fair few. Unfortunately, many of them haven’t worked. They probably would have worked before I had kids, but if you’ve had kids, you know that you stink way more after you’ve had a baby. The big guns are necessary.
If you find yourself in need of an unscented natural deodorant and you don’t want to go through all the trial and error I did, keep reading. After six years, I’ve finally found a few that I can rely on consistently. Rejoice!
My Favorite Unscented Natural Deodorant Options
Little Seed Farm
The unscented natural deodorant that neutralizes odor the best (in my opinion) is a deodorant cream made by a family on their farm in Tennessee. Are you shocked? I was too. But Little Seed Farm knocks it out of the park.
Little Seed Farm Organic Deodorant Cream is a cream product that is packaged in a glass jar. It is available in the all-important unscented version, but also in a variety of other scents. I haven’t tried those, so I can’t speak to whether the scented versions are pleasant or not. You can apply the product with your fingers, with the included small scoop stick, or with the separately purchased wooden applicator.
Pros
The texture of this stuff is fantastic. It goes on perfectly and feels like a dream on the underarms.
I never have to reapply, even on the sweatiest of days or in the sweatiest of environments. One morning application lasts all day.
This product completely neutralizes any smell coming from the underarms. After I apply this stuff, I don’t even get a whiff of anything unpleasant.
In the age of corporate greed and reverse Robin Hood policies, I like to support small businesses when I can.
Cons
The glass jar can be a pain in the butt. This is especially true when traveling. Lucky for us, Little Seed Farm thought about that and offers these little travel friendly packets that give you a few uses and are perfect for travel.
I don’t love to apply this product. It can get a little messy, even if you use the included scoop or the wooden applicator. Is that a reason for me to completely abandon this product? Absolutely not. I’m willing to deal with a bit of a messy application to get the best unscented natural deodorant I have found.
Native
If you’re completely against the concept of a deodorant cream that doesn’t come in a stick form, my next pick for an unscented natural deodorant is Native’s unscented deodorant stick.
The Native option looks and feels like the deodorant you grew up with, so it’s an easy entry into the world of unscented natural deodorant. It comes in a stick, a plastic-free stick, and a spray, and is available in classic or sensitive versions. My preferred combination is the unscented sensitive stick.
Pros
The Native unscented natural deodorant mostly works. On a regular day when I’m either working or running errands, I can apply it once and get all day coverage out of it. It’s better than 99% of the unscented natural deodorant options I’ve tried.
My favorite unscented natural deodorant to apply has to be the Native. It glides on easily and smoothly, is completely mess-free, and doesn’t leave white marks on my clothes.
Native unscented natural deodorant is readily available in stores. Although I usually order from their online store (free shipping on orders over $15!) to make sure I can get the unscented version, this product is usually available at places like Walmart and Target.
I didn’t realize until I began to write this post that Native came in a plastic-free stick. I think that’s a great option.
Cons
I have noticed that I start to get a little breakthrough stink when I’m using Native unscented natural deodorant and I’m really sweaty. I wore Native when we went on our day trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and I was very glad I brought it with us. I absolutely had to reapply after our hike.
Lume
My third-place unscented natural deodorant is the product that I know you know about – Lume. I watch YouTube videos and scroll on Instagram like everyone else, so I was introduced to Lume through the copious amount of ads they place. You’ve seen the ads, I know you have.
I resisted the ads for a long time, but when I discovered that Lume offered an unscented solid stick version, I bit the bullet. Although the unscented solid stick is my preferred version of the Lume product, Lume definitely has many other options available. Lume offers deodorant cream (in both a tube and stick), spray, solid, and wipes. They also offer eight scents in addition to their unscented versions. The options are vast here.
Pros
Similar to the Native unscented natural deodorant, Lume’s products mostly work to keep the stink away. If you’re having a regular day of momming, you probably won’t need to reapply.
I’m also starting to see Lume sold in stores. If you need an unscented natural deodorant quick, you can probably find Lume at your local Target or Walmart.
The thing that sets Lume apart in the world of unscented natural deodorant is that it can be applied anywhere on the body. You can use it on your underarms, sure, but you can also use it under your breasts, on your feet, or anywhere else you might want to control odor.
Cons
On the sweatiest days, I have to reapply Lume to get full odor control, despite their 72-hour claim.
The application of Lume, even in the solid stick form, can be a little messy. When I swipe this stuff on my armpits, I often get a little build-up that I can’t quite rub in. This translates to white marks on my clothes from time to time and an unsightly white glob on my chest. Just something to think about if you’re a tank wearer.
Other posts
Looking for other random recommendations? I’ve got them! Check out these posts for some of my favorite products:
I sure hope I’ve helped you pick the best unscented natural deodorant for you. Do you use a different product? Let us know in the comments or over on Instagram @sarainseason what your favorite is!