What ingredients make an effective natural deodorant?

At a time when we read the labels of our cosmetics almost as much as those of our food (and rightly so), more and more people are looking for an effective natural deodorant .

So, which ingredients in a natural deodorant really make a difference? And most importantly: what should you put under your arms without risking a premature leak at 2 PM? 🕑

At Nolla, we love simple, effective formulas, without any fuss or aluminum salts. We'll explain it to you gently (and transparently). 🤭

🧜 Why choose an effective natural deodorant?

Before we talk about formulation, let's start with the basics: why are we looking to replace our classic deodorant?

Conventional deodorants often contain:

  • Aluminum salts (controversial for their impact on health) 🧂
  • Synthetic fragrances, sometimes irritating 😣
  • Powerful preservatives , not always well tolerated 😷

❌ There's nothing glamorous about any of this. And even if sweat is natural, that's no reason to mask it at all costs with questionable ingredients. The goal of a natural deodorant is to let your body breathe while neutralizing odors (without blocking the natural perspiration process).

solid stick deodorant in a minimalist bathroom setting

💧 1. Baking soda (or not)

The most well-known and most discussed. It neutralizes odors by balancing the pH of the underarms. Super effective, but sometimes irritating for sensitive skin. 🥲

At Nolla, we offer a bicarbonate-free formula specifically for sensitive skin. No compromises: we want everyone to be able to stay fresh without itching. 🪮

baking soda in a minimalist background

🌱 2. Corn starch or arrowroot

These natural powders gently absorb moisture. They're lightweight, invisible once applied, and help keep skin dry without drying it out . A must-have in effective natural deodorant formulas. 🌽

cornstarch powder in a wooden bowl next to corn kernels, and arrowroot powder in a wooden bowl next to a wooden spoon

🌿 3. Coconut oil (the all-purpose one)

Antibacterial, antifungal, nourishing… Coconut oil is like that friend you want to invite everywhere. It fights bad odors by acting directly on the bacteria responsible, all while taking care of your skin. 🥥

Glass jar of coconut oil and chopped coconut next to it

🍵 4. Magnesium (hydrochloride or hydroxide)

Less irritating than baking soda, it neutralizes odors very gently . It's the star ingredient in the new generation of natural deodorants. ✨

At Nolla, we love it for its skin tolerance and simplicity. No need to overdo it when you have an active ingredient that does the job so well. 👍

the chemical element magnesium in a minimalist background

🍄 5. Shea butter

It's not there to fight odors, but to protect the skin , hydrate it, and offer a smooth, melting application . Because a good deodorant should also be a moment of self-care, not just an automatic step. 😋

glass jar of shea butter with its lid and nut

✨ And what about essential oils?

Many natural deodorants contain it (tea tree, lavender, palmarosa, etc.) for its purifying effect. But at Nolla, we've chosen not to include it .

  • To respect sensitive skin 🤩
  • To avoid potential allergic reactions 😉

And also because effectiveness does not depend on fragrance : our deodorants smell good, but it's not thanks to essential oils.

Essential oils of lavender, tea tree, and palmarosa in a minimalist background with a lavender and tea tree plant behind it

🛋️ In summary: the best ingredients for an effective natural deodorant are…

  • Gentle absorbent agents (starch, arrowroot) 🌽
  • Non-irritating antibacterial agents (magnesium, coconut oil) 🥥
  • Nourishing agents (shea butter) 🧈
  • And sometimes, baking soda (but it's not mandatory) 💨

This cocktail works without blocking perspiration , without aluminum, without essential oils or compromises.

✨ At Nolla , we've put all of that into a sturdy little stick, ready to face any day (even those crowded August Mondays on the tram). 💚

→ Discover our solid natural deodorants

And what do you look at first in the list of ingredients? 🤤

Nolla Sage and Citrus Deodorant, orange on an orange and yellow background

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