Do Organic Deodorants Work? We test 7 to find out…

We’ve all been there, it’s hot and muggy, we’ve worn a tight top and we’re praying our deodorant keeps the sweaty pongs under control!

Of course it’s great to be organic, but is this one step too far? or can the organic deodorants match the sweet smelling longevity that the mainstream aluminium based products give?

We’ve had a group of volunteers test some and give their feedback…

Dr Hauschka Sage Mint Deodorant

This is what Dr Hauschka says:
Refreshing, long-lasting control
The deodorising combination of an invigorating mint scent with a natural herbal bouquet of sage promises long lasting freshness.

This is my test result:

The first thing you notice when opening the lid of this roll-on deodorant is the smell. It smells refreshingly like mint and a mixture of herbs which is quite typical for Dr Hauschka. I thought the smell was quite natural and pleasant and not overpowering. It was easy to apply, and it was absorbed quickly.

I also used this deodorant directly after shaving and there was no burning or stinging feeling, which you can get with other deodorants when applying immediately after shaving.

In my experience, the deodorant will protect you for around 8 hours if you don’t do much exercise or work out and if it isn’t too hot outside. If you’re being particularly active, or if it’s fairly hot outside, I would say that you would need to re-apply after about 5 hours.

Conclusion: My overall summary of this product is that it is pleasant to put on your skin and that it lasts quite long for a natural deodorant that doesn’t contain any aluminium.

It is super gentle on your skin and doesn’t trigger any skin irritation, especially after shaving. I would recommend this deodorant to anyone who is looking for an aluminium free and natural solution to fight sweat.

This particular one is also perfectly fine for men. I roped my husband into the tests and he was also particularly impressed with this product. He has continued to use it since the test!

Scores – Overall 4.8

Scent – ★★★★★
Ease of application – ★★★★★
Absorption – ★★★★★
Dryness – ★★★★
Sensitivity – ★★★★★

Dr Hauschka Rose Deodorant

This is what Dr Hauschka says:
Effective, yet gentle on the skin
Our low alcohol roll-on is especially suitable for normal to sensitive skin. It has a harmonising effect, contains no pore constricting aluminium salts and does not stain your clothing.

This is my test result:

This deodorant has a smell similar to a rose in the garden, but with a slightly more intense rosy scent. It’s not too sweet or overpowering and in my opinion just right.

The consistency appears more like a cream, being a bit thicker and white. When applied, it feels pleasantly cool and somewhat refreshing. Despite this, it dries quickly and leaves no white residue behind. Like the Sage and Mint deodorant, this also doesn’t irritate my skin after shaving.

Dr Hauschka doesn’t state how long this deodorant will protect you but in my opinion, it is around 8 hours as long as you don’t do too much physical exercise and if it’s not too hot outside.

An extra bonus I found with this one was the jojoba oil, one of the main ingredients. It cared well for my skin, keeping it soft and moisturised. Other deodorants often make your skin dry under your arms.

Conclusion: I loved the smell and I think this deodorant protects very well and doesn’t leave any nasty residue behind. I would also recommend this deodorant to anyone who is suffering from sensitive skin.

Unlike the Sage and Mint, this one is definitely more feminine.

Scores – Overall 4.8

Scent – ★★★★★
Ease of application – ★★★★★
Absorption – ★★★★★
Dryness – ★★★★
Sensitivity – ★★★★★

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant

This is what Weleda says:
Our most feminine and floral body freshener.
Stay fresh and rosy with a spritz of essential oils to neutralise body odours, naturally.

This is my test result:

The Weleda range of natural deodorants tick a lot of boxes; presented in recyclable glass bottles, with non-aerosol pump sprays, no aluminium and all-natural ingredients. For anyone wanting ‘eco-credentials’ it is also a 100% certified natural product.

The deodorants come in a 100ml spritz spray that is easy to apply and, whilst wet on first use, dries quickly, leaving no residue or marks on your clothing.

When spraying it you can instantly recognise a strong smell of roses. It smells very natural and refreshing, almost like a light perfume.

The deodorant protected me for around 5-6 hours, during which I commuted, walked and spent the rest of the time seated in an office. I did not feel sweaty at any point during that time. I would suggest that this deodorant needs to be applied again once maybe towards late afternoon to feel fresh again.

Conclusion: Overall this product is very pleasant to use and I was impressed how little of the product needed to be used to be effective. As a result the generous 100ml bottle is a long lasting product. That was unexpected.

It lasts for 5-6 hours depending on activity but is easily applied again. However I find the bottle may be a little too heavy to carry in a bag all day with other belongings.

Scores – Overall 4.2

Scent – ★★★★
Ease of application – ★★★★★
Absorption – ★★★★
Dryness – ★★★★
Sensitivity – ★★★★

Weleda Sage Deodorant

This is what Weleda says:
Universal freshness with herbal fragrance.
Sage, rosemary and thyme essential oils for everyone’s fresh body – his, hers, yours. No aluminium, no synthetics, no worries, just fresh!

This is my test result:

This deodorant comes in the same glass bottle and pump spray as the wild rose deodorant. Whilst wet on first use I thought the deodorant absorbed quickly and it left no visible marks on my clothing afterwards.

The strong Sage fragrance is polarising. It was not my kind of smell at all, but my partner rated it as one of the nicest smelling deodorants he’s ever used! It was also great for his sensitive skin. If you’re into the herbal fragrances, this is probably for you.

It is the naturalness of this product that appeals the most. It’s kind to sensitive skin, easy to apply and absorbs well.

Conclusion: This deodorant is a good product with plenty of appeal. It’s easy to apply and gentle on your skin. It’s value for money and a good natural product. However the scent is a love/hate situation so this could be a barrier for some.

Scores – Overall 4.2

Scent – ★★★
Ease of application – ★★★★★
Absorption – ★★★★
Dryness – ★★★★
Sensitivity – ★★★★★

Sante Goji Power Deodorant Spray

This is what Sante says:
Sante natural deodorant spray contains organic goji berry extract which will leave your skin feeling fresh and revitalised.

This is my test result:

The Goji Berry deodorant spray is surprising. I was expecting a standard vapourised deodorant, but instead what you get is a water-based spray that feels sticky on application and has a sweet fruity smell.

I wasn’t expecting to like it based on first use, but quickly came to rate it. It is quick and easy to apply and lasts well.

I only have two criticisms for this product. First up is that it does not absorb well, instead sitting as a film on your skin. Saying this, it does not leave your clothes sticky or stained.

Secondly after using this straight after shaving, there was the familiar stinging feeling I normally get with spray deodorants of most brands. This stinging feeling is likely to be caused by the perfume that is part of the ingredients of this one. However, it didn’t last very long.

My partner also tested this product and he found it worked well, but the smell was too sweet and feminine for a daily use male product.

Conclusion: This product is ideal for the female market. It is easy to apply. Whilst its absorption is not ideal, it lasts well throughout the day and has the appearance of a natural product. I would not however recommend this to people with sensitive skin.

Scores – Overall 3.4

Scent – ★★★★
Ease of application – ★★★★★
Absorption – ★★★★
Dryness – ★★★
Sensitivity – ★

Sante Crystal Deo Stick Pure Spirit

This is what Sante says:
This high quality natural deodorant is your best choice for sensitive skin, with deodorants originating from crystals that are free from alcohol, perfume, preservatives, colorants and aluminium chloride salts.

This is my test result:

This deodorant comes in form of a stick that you first need to make wet with water to be able to use it. Once wet you just apply it under your arms like a roll-on deodorant.

I thought the application was rather unusual but not messy at all and actually really easy. However it’s not so great for re-applying while on the go.

The stick itself doesn’t smell like anything which I thought was quite good for women and men.

I was sceptical at first as to how well this will protect me from sweating, but I’m absolutely amazed how well this product works.

I didn’t feel the urge to re-apply all day and after recommending it to friends, they found the same.

The only downside of this product is that the stick might detach from the holder which means you will need to stick it in each single time you use it. You can avoid this by putting the deodorant upside down when putting it back in the cupboard.

Conclusion: I was positively surprised with this deodorant and thought it protected me the best from sweating from all the other deodorants I tried. I would also recommend this deodorant to men and those with sensitive skin.

Scores – Overall 4.4

Scent – ★★★
Ease of application – ★★★★
Absorption – ★★★★★
Dryness – ★★★★★
Sensitivity – ★★★★★

Eco By Sony Organic Coconut Deodorant

This is what Eco by Sonya says:
This Natural Deodorant is a unisex formulation with a light natural coconut scent. Allows the body to release toxins whilst keeping you fresh and masks unpleasant body odour.

This deodorant comes in the form of a plastic bottle with a roller head. I absolutely loved the smell as I’m a big fan of coconut which you can instantly smell when applying. It gives you a bit of a holiday feel 😊

I first thought the texture might be white and a bit milky but it is actually colourless. Application was easy and pain free after shaving. It also absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any marks or stains on my clothes.

I felt the deodorant protected me for around 8 hours, during which I commuted, walked and spent the rest of the time seated in an office.

I did not feel sweaty at any point during that time. I would suggest that this deodorant needs to be applied again half way through the day to feel fresh again if you’re being particularly active.

Conclusion: I thought that this deodorant was one of the best ones I have tried as I just loved the natural scent of coconut and I felt fresh for a long time. Also I think this is good for sensitive skin – no itch, no sting, no rash and it works very well for me.

The coconut smell is a great unisex scent so ideal for both men and women.

Scores – Overall 4.4

Scent – ★★★
Ease of application – ★★★★
Absorption – ★★★★★
Dryness – ★★★★★
Sensitivity – ★★★★★