I’ll start with the question everyone actually wants answered: do these natural deodorants work?. We tested it and share our findings in beautycounter review: clean beauty worth the price?.
Each product here was reviewed for ingredient safety, independent lab testing, and certification status. Our product evaluation methodology walks through how we make these picks. Native works for me on office days and moderate activity. Schmidt’s works slightly better for heavier sweat days but irritated my armpits within the first two weeks. See our top picks in best non-toxic body lotion.
That’s the one-sentence version. But ingredient sensitivity varies wildly from person to person, so let me walk through everything that matters so you can make a better guess about what’ll work for your body. For specific product picks, check best non-toxic body wash and bar soap.
I’ve been testing natural deodorants for NonToxicLab for the better part of a year, rotating through brands in two-week test periods. Native and Schmidt’s are the two most popular options, so they got the most testing time. We tested and ranked the options in best non-toxic deodorant that actually works.
The Transition Period Is Real
Before I compare these two, you need to know this: switching from conventional antiperspirant to natural deodorant involves a 2-4 week transition period where you will smell worse than usual. Your body has been suppressing sweat with aluminum compounds, and when that stops, your underarm microbiome recalibrates.
This isn’t a failure of the product. It’s your body adjusting. Almost everyone who quits natural deodorant during the first two weeks is quitting during the worst phase. Push through to week four and then evaluate.
I tested both brands after completing this transition so the comparison would be fair.
Ingredients: What’s On Your Skin All Day
Native (Sensitive Formula, Unscented)
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (coconut-derived moisturizer)
- Tapioca Starch (moisture absorption)
- Ozokerite (natural mineral wax)
- Cyclodextrin (odor capture molecule)
- Beeswax
- Dextrose (sugar-based odor control)
- Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda, in regular formulas)
- Coconut Oil
Native’s Sensitive formula replaces baking soda with tapioca starch and uses magnesium hydroxide for odor control. Their regular formula contains baking soda, which is the most common irritant in natural deodorants.
Schmidt’s (Sensitive Skin, Fragrance-Free)
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Arrowroot Powder
- Coconut Oil
- Beeswax
- Jojoba Seed Oil
- Shea Butter
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Schmidt’s Sensitive formula also replaces baking soda with magnesium hydroxide. Their original formulas use baking soda and have a reputation for causing rashes, which led to the Sensitive line.
Both ingredient lists are clean by conventional personal care standards. No aluminum, no parabens, no phthalates, no propylene glycol, no synthetic fragrances in the unscented versions. Dr. Leonardo Trasande has published research on how aluminum compounds in antiperspirants and phthalates in fragranced personal care products contribute to overall chemical body burden. Both Native and Schmidt’s avoid these categories.
Effectiveness: The Real Test
I tested each brand for two-week periods in the same conditions: Pacific Northwest climate (mild, 55-75F during my test months), office work plus three gym sessions per week. Applied once in the morning after a shower.
Office Days (Low Activity)
Native: Performed well through a full 8-10 hour workday. Minimal odor by evening. No wetness concerns. I’d rate it a B+ for sedentary days.
Schmidt’s: Similar performance to Native on office days. Slight edge on odor control, possibly due to the magnesium hydroxide concentration. Both lasted through the day. I’d call it an A- for sedentary days.
Workout Days
Native: Started losing effectiveness about 30 minutes into a hard workout. By the end of a 60-minute session, there was noticeable odor. Reapplication after showering was fine. Not a failure, but not full protection during intense sweat.
Schmidt’s: Held up slightly better during workouts. Still broke down during heavy sweating, but the odor was less sharp. Schmidt’s seems to manage the bacterial component of body odor more effectively during active sweating.
Neither product will match a conventional aluminum-based antiperspirant during intense exercise. If you work a physically demanding job or exercise heavily without access to a shower, natural deodorant may not be enough. That’s an honest limitation of the entire category.
The Baking Soda Problem
I also tested the regular (non-sensitive) versions of both. Native’s regular formula with baking soda worked slightly better than the sensitive version but caused mild redness and itching by day 5. Schmidt’s original formula with baking soda caused visible rash and irritation by day 3. I stopped using it.
Baking soda is an effective odor neutralizer but has a high pH (around 9) that disrupts the skin’s acid mantle (normally around pH 5). For many people, daily application of baking soda to the thin, sensitive underarm skin causes contact dermatitis. If you’ve had bad experiences with natural deodorant in the past, baking soda was probably the culprit.
Both brands’ sensitive formulas avoid this problem, and I recommend starting with those regardless.
Scent Options
Scent matters because you’re wearing it all day, and if you hate the smell, you won’t use it.
Native offers 20+ scent options across their regular line, including seasonal and limited editions. Coconut & Vanilla, Cucumber & Mint, and Lavender & Rose are the best sellers. They also have an unscented option. Scents are made from a mix of essential oils and safe synthetic fragrances. Native publishes their fragrance ingredients.
Schmidt’s has a smaller but well-curated scent line. Bergamot & Lime, Rose & Vanilla, and Charcoal & Magnesium are popular. Their scents lean more botanical and less “candy shop” than Native’s sweeter options. They also have a fragrance-free sensitive option.
If you prefer fruity, sweet scents: Native. If you prefer earthy, botanical scents: Schmidt’s. If you’re concerned about any fragrance chemicals: get unscented from either brand.
Dr. Shanna Swan’s research on phthalates in personal care products highlights fragrance as a common phthalate exposure source. Both brands state they don’t use phthalates in their fragrance blends, but unscented versions eliminate that concern entirely.
Price Comparison
| Product | Price | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Native Deodorant | $13 | 2.65 oz |
| Native Sensitive | $13 | 2.65 oz |
| Native Subscription | $11 | 2.65 oz (delivered on schedule) |
| Schmidt’s Original | $9-10 | 2.65 oz |
| Schmidt’s Sensitive | $9-10 | 2.65 oz |
| Schmidt’s Subscription | N/A (varies by retailer) | 2.65 oz |
Schmidt’s is $3-4 cheaper per stick. Over a year (replacing roughly every 6-8 weeks), that’s a $20-$30 difference. Not huge, but not nothing.
Native offers a subscription model with a modest discount and automatic delivery. Schmidt’s is widely available at Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores, which makes it easier to grab when you run out.
Both are more expensive than conventional deodorant ($3-5) but cheaper than boutique natural brands ($15-25). The price premium for going aluminum-free is real but manageable.
Who Owns These Brands?
Native was acquired by Procter & Gamble (P&G) in 2017 for $100 million. P&G also makes Secret, Old Spice, and Gillette. Native says they’ve maintained formulation independence. The ingredient lists haven’t changed noticeably since the acquisition, but P&G ownership does mean the brand is now part of a conventional personal care conglomerate.
Schmidt’s was acquired by Unilever in 2017 for an undisclosed amount. Unilever also makes Dove, Axe, and Degree. Same story: claimed formulation independence within a large parent company.
Both brands went from indie startups to corporate subsidiaries in the same year. Make of that what you will.
My Pick After a Year of Testing
Here’s what Lara Voss uses day to day: Native Sensitive (Coconut & Vanilla) on work days and light activity days. For heavy workout days, I apply Schmidt’s Sensitive beforehand, knowing it’ll need reapplication after. I keep both in rotation.
If I had to choose just one: Native Sensitive, because it never irritated my skin and handles 80% of real-life situations without issue. Schmidt’s has a slight edge on odor control, but the irritation risk (even with the Sensitive formula, some people react to magnesium hydroxide) makes it the riskier pick for first-time natural deodorant users.
If you’re curious about what else to look for in personal care products, our best non-toxic personal care guide covers the broader category.
Deodorant Questions
Does Native deodorant actually work?
For low-to-moderate activity levels, yes. Native’s Sensitive formula controls odor effectively for 8-10 hours under normal conditions. During heavy exercise or in hot climates, its effectiveness drops and reapplication may be needed. It does not prevent sweating (no natural deodorant does, since they don’t contain aluminum), so if wetness is your concern, you’ll still see sweat marks.
Why does Schmidt’s deodorant cause a rash?
Schmidt’s original formula contains baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), which has a pH around 9. Your underarm skin has a natural pH around 5. That mismatch, applied daily, causes irritation and contact dermatitis in many people. Schmidt’s Sensitive formula replaces baking soda with magnesium hydroxide, which is less irritating. If you had a bad reaction, try the Sensitive version before giving up on the brand.
Is aluminum in deodorant really bad for you?
The science is not settled. Early studies suggesting a link between aluminum in antiperspirants and breast cancer or Alzheimer’s have not been confirmed by larger studies. However, aluminum compounds are absorbed through the skin and do interact with estrogen receptors. Many people choose to avoid aluminum as a precautionary measure while research continues. If you’re not concerned about aluminum, conventional antiperspirants work better at preventing sweat and odor.
How long does the natural deodorant transition take?
Most people report 2-4 weeks of adjustment when switching from conventional antiperspirant to natural deodorant. During this period, you may experience more sweating and stronger body odor as your underarm microbiome shifts. After the transition, odor typically returns to a manageable level. Some people notice the transition is shorter if they start during cooler months.
Can men use Native or Schmidt’s?
Yes. Despite marketing that sometimes leans feminine, the formulations are identical in function regardless of gender. Both brands offer scents marketed toward men (Native has Citrus & Herbal Musk, Schmidt’s has Charcoal & Magnesium). The unscented versions work for anyone.
Is natural deodorant better than antiperspirant?
“Better” depends on your priorities. If you want to avoid aluminum and synthetic chemicals, natural deodorant is better from a precautionary health standpoint. If you need maximum sweat and odor prevention for heavy activity, conventional antiperspirant performs better. There’s no wrong choice here. It’s a trade-off between chemical avoidance and performance.
Sources
- Native product ingredients and fragrance disclosure (nativedeo.com)
- Schmidt’s product ingredients and formulation data (schmidts.com)
- Leonardo Trasande “Sicker, Fatter, Poorer” (2019) on personal care product chemical exposure
- Shanna Swan “Count Down” (2021) on phthalates in personal care products
- American Contact Dermatitis Society on baking soda sensitivity (contactderm.org)
