Natural deodorants are notoriously hard to get right, but Native has cracked the code — the aluminum-free formula controls odor all day without irritating my sensitive skin

• Native's all-natural, aluminum-free deodorants are super effective, easy to use, and long-lasting, but best of all, they come in dozens of fun scents.
• I've tried lots of different deodorants on my sensitive skin, and Native's is the only one that doesn't irritate me.
• Even though natural deodorants can be hit or miss, Native's formula is just as effective at keeping odor at bay as conventional deodorants.

Taking care yourself starts with good ingredients, and no one understands that better than Native. The San Francisco-based personal care company stands out from the crowd, thanks to its use of all natural ingredients in its deodorants, as well as its new Native Bar Soap and Native Body Wash. Native also introduces playful seasonal scents like Pumpkin Spice, Candy Cane, and more, which adds to the fun.

The brand's aluminium and paraben free deodorant is one of the few I've tried that doesn't irritate my extremely sensitive underarms. And given the straightforward set of ingredients, that's not surprising. Rather than the veritable laundry list of chemicals that you might find in other deodorants, Native uses just 14 natural ingredients that make application comfortable, don't stain the pits of your clothing, and provide long-lasting odor control.

The ingredients

Shea butter and beeswax ensure that your skin won't dry out, while baking soda takes care of some of that odor. There's vitamin E for what is thought to be a "firming and tightening" effect on the skin, and coconut oil for even more moisture. Native also adds Acidophilus, which is a natural bacteria found in the intestines, and arrowroot powder, which is absorbent like corn starch. But what the deodorant doesn't contain is arguably more important. There's no aluminum, parabens, phthalates, or talc. All in all, it's a win-win.

The texture

While some natural deodorants come in a paste-like form that requires quite a bit of handling in order to apply, Native's deodorant is entirely solid and glides on effortlessly just like normal deodorant. Though you probably won't need to reapply throughout the day, doing so won't be much of a chore, as the formula feels lightweight and fresh.

The scents

However, Native's impressive roster of scents may be my favorite thing about its deodorant. The scents manage to be unique and surprisingly scrumptious without smelling artificial or overwhelming. A personal favorite of mine is the refreshing Cucumber & Mint, though seasonal scents like Lilac & White Tea, Lemon Zest & Pomegranate, and Orange & Honeysuckle are also delightful.

Should you choose to subscribe to Native and receive regular deodorant shipments, each full-sized container will set you back $10. Alternatively, a one-time purchase will cost you $12.

The deodorants also come in packs of three for $30. You can also check out the sample for $24, which comes with five travel size bars of Eucalyptus and Mint, Charcoal, Coconut and Vanilla, Lavender and Rose, and Cucumber and Mint.

Should you, like me, decide that you want to incorporate these scents into more of your daily routines, you could also check out Native's new Bar Soap and Body Wash, both of which are made with similar natural ingredients, like shea butter, coconut oil, and cleansers derived from coconut oil in order to hydrate and clean your skin. Like the brand's deodorants, these soaps are they are free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, and are both vegan and cruelty-free.

Cons to consider:

Native deodorant is not an antiperspirant. For that, you'll need a formula with aluminum to block your pores and thus all the sweat your body would normally produce). Native's formula won't help to control the amount you sweat, but it will help to control the odor that comes with it.

The bottom line:

Native's deodorant is widely available and highly effective, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an aluminum-free formula. In fact, it's one of the best natural deodorants we've ever tried. It's also a fun bonus that they come in so many different scents, from fruity and floral to earthy and woodsy.

Ultimately, if your goal is to go about life smelling and feeling cleaner and fresher, there's no better place to start than Native.