I have yet to find a natural deodorant that really works, but I'm tempted by Schmidt's Sensitive Skin Formula Natural Deodorant because Jasmine Tea (and, bergamot+lime, rose+vanilla, lavender+sage, among others). $10.99 for 92g, plant-based with no aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens or phthalates. At Schmidt's.
First these deodorants smell amazing! I first tried the ylang and calendula, it gave me the worst burn, red and peeling. I read this was a common problem and to prevent it you do a “detox” by giving your pits a clay mask facial…pitcial? Done. Tried the rose and vanilla, gorgeous fragrance….but again burned, they kind of work need to reapply but that is what I expect with the product, it’s ingredients are absorbing the sweat not preventing it so there was always some BO coming through but I can live with that I enjoy a good cumin fragrance, Rochas Femme, so BO isn’t an issue, but because of the burning I’m back to antiperspirant. I did try a natural deodorant by Bali Secrets that did not burn, and seemed to do an ok job, smell not so great and very liquid. I’m still a slave to Teen Spirit after all these years and can luckily still find it at the Dollar Tree.
Wow, burning & peeling is not good! I’ve tried a number of natural deodorants and never had that problem. My favorite so far was Malin + Goetz Eucalptus, which does a really good job on odor. Drawbacks — doesn’t last all day, and it does not keep you dry, just helps with odor.
It’s funny, I’ve actually had the exact same problem with a natural deodorant just in the last week. I start developing red, and leathery-dry patches on my underarms and they were itching like crazy. I read that the baking soda is super alkaline and so to re-balance the ph in your skin, you have to apply an apple cider vinegar & water concoction before using any deodorants where baking soda is an ingredient. Apparently, it doesn’t affect everyone one, just a very lucky minority. :-/
I haven’t tried the apple cider vinegar trick yet because I’m letting my skin heal before going back to the natural stuff. Otherwise, the deodorant I was using I quite liked! It’s the Primal Pit Paste (lavender), and you can pick up on Amazon or your local Whole Foods.
I *am* curious about that Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Formula deodorant. Could be right up my alley!
Ah, very informative, thanks! I do not know if any of the ones I’ve bought have baking soda.
Thanks for the PSA, Robin!
Hooray for new scents in Schmidt’s Sensitite Skin range! I also react to baking soda in quantity, so never could try the “normal” Schmidt’s (also meant Primal Pit Paste, which is amazing at controlling odor, is off the table). And I wasn’t excited about the Schmidt’s Tea Tree or Geranium scents in their Sensitive range, so didn’t care to try the sensitive range previously. This just got me to order. 
The naturals I haven’t reacted to and which actually help control odor are Nasanta Woman (the Australian magnesium one), Lavanila Pure Vanilla scent (I react to the EOs in some of the other scents, but this one is safe), Lavanila Sport (has a bit of baking soda, but not enough to cause issues for me), and the Takesumi Detox Deodorant in Rose (I did break out from the Juicy Bamboo scent, so must be an EO I don’t play nicely with in it, but Rose works great). None do anything for wetness, but I’m not as fussed about that.
Seriously excited about the jasmine deodorant! Like…possibly too excited? Lol. I might need a deodorant cupboard next to my perfume cupboard soon…
Lovely, thank you! I should have known that everyone here would know more about natural deodorants than I do
I don’t know why I’m fussed about wetness, except I’m not used to it.
If you try the jasmine, please let me know if it smells great! If the mainstream companies made better scents, I would not constantly be looking at the naturals.
Oh i forgot lavanila line, I did like their deodorant, went on creamy and did not burn, a little pricier but nice.
Oh I occasionally find these at Winners. I’ve tried the Ylang and the Cedarwood, and never had any burning; plus I find them very effective.
Very good to know, thanks!
(winners is Canadian TJ Maxx, so it mightn’t hurt to check there)
i have tried a few of their scents in both the regular and the sensitive range. i find them very effective, the first natural deo I am happy with and that keeps me feeling confident.
I would try the sensitive range first, I do think the texture is more pleasant and they are still very effective. For the gym, I do reach for the regular in lavender. I think they have a bit more protection power but who knows that may be all in my head.
You guys are a fountain of information — thank you so much!
My sister-in-law loves this brand, I often find it at TJMaxx at a great discount. Unfortunately, I am way too sweaty for the natural route