If you're still calling it just "deodorant," it's time for an update. The world of personal care has evolved far beyond the traditional swipe-and-go deodorant sticks. Today's odor care category encompasses a diverse range of solutions: probiotic sprays that support your skin's microbiome, prebiotic creams that prevent odor before it starts, enzyme-based formulas that neutralize bacteria, and innovative detox masks specifically designed for your underarms.
Why "odor care" instead of "deodorant"? Because modern formulations do so much more than just “deodorize”. They work with your body's natural processes rather than against them, offering comprehensive care for one of your body's most sensitive areas.
The Clean Beauty Awards program’s testing focused exclusively on natural odor care solutions, deliberately excluding antiperspirants for important health reasons. While antiperspirants effectively stop sweat by using aluminum compounds to physically block your sweat glands, this interference with your body's natural processes raises significant concerns. Sweating isn't just about body odor – it's your body's essential cooling and detoxification mechanism. The aluminum compounds in antiperspirants are absorbed by your skin, and research suggests they may disrupt your skin's microbiome and potentially interact with hormone receptors, particularly concerning given the underarm area's proximity to breast tissue.
Instead, we turned our attention to innovative solutions that work in harmony with your body's natural processes. Through rigorous three-month testing by a panel of independent clean beauty experts, we've identified products that effectively manage odor while supporting your health.
These products support your skin's beneficial bacteria, creating an environment where odor-causing bacteria can't thrive. Ideal for:
Using natural enzymes to break down odor-causing compounds before they become noticeable. Perfect for:
Feed beneficial bacteria while discouraging odor-causing microbes. Great for:
Natural minerals like magnesium and zinc oxide provide odor protection. Suitable for:
This plant-derived deodorant features a powerful blend of prebiotics, probiotic ferments, and mineral-rich ingredients that work with your body to nourish the skin and support the skin microbiome. It effectively prevents odor before it forms, all without the use of fragrances, providing a natural and skin-friendly solution.
Expert Notes:
"This is a nice plant-powered deodorant that is very effective in keeping odors away and keeping my skin nourished. It is easy to apply with the roller stick and it dries fast without leaving a sticky feeling. It absorbs any sweat and keeps me fresh all day long. This fragrance-free variety works very well, and I would love to try the scented varieties as well!" - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd
'This rolls on with ease and it keeps me dry throughout the day. Although its fragrance free, it keeps my body odor smelling clean." - Leila San Jose, @leifemme_
The Shvitz Stick is a clean deodorant infused with citrus oils and antibacterial ingredients to keep you feeling fresh and confident. Packed with vitamin C, cleansing botanicals, super antioxidants, and natural anti-odor salts, this deodorant provides long-lasting freshness without the stickiness. Its vegan formula is free from cruelty, aluminum, and parabens, offering powerful odor protection while delivering a juicy, ripe citrus scent. Dermatologically tested and made clean and cruelty-free in Sydney, Australia, it’s designed to keep you smelling fresh without compromising your skin’s health.
Expert Notes:
"I absolutely love how it smells citrus and how easily it glides on. The product is light and absorbs easily in the skin." - Leila San Jose, @leifemme_
"The deodorant stick applies nicely and has a wonderful fresh citrus scent. I like that it nourishes the skin and provides all day long odor protection. It does not leave the skin sticky at all." - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd
"Unlike traditional antiperspirants that block sweat with harmful ingredients, the Shvitz Stick works with the body by masking B.O. naturally while allowing the skin to breathe! Safe for Pre-Teens & Teens – Dermatologically tested, making it perfect for young, sensitive skin. No Harmful Chemicals – Free from aluminum, parabens, and toxic fragrances, ensuring a clean and gentle experience. Fights Odor Naturally – Infused with anti-bacterial and cleansing botanicals to eliminate odor-causing bacteria at the source." - Shambh Patil, @glowological
Shvitz Spritz is a citrus-scented sweat spray infused with aloe vera and Kakadu plum to keep you fresh and odor-free. Packed with vitamin C, super antioxidants, cleansing botanicals, and anti-odor natural salts, this vegan, light mist spray is perfect for your body, clothes, or sports kit. It provides the same powerful freshness as the Shvitz Stick, but in a convenient, cool mist form. Dermatologically tested and made clean and cruelty-free in Sydney, Australia, this spray delivers powerful odor protection while leaving a refreshing, juicy citrus scent. Ideal for keeping fresh on the go!
Expert Notes:
"It's a great product to keep around for an extra layer of odor defense! The citrusy scent really works in masking odors!" - Jacqueline Baron, @felohapp
"The deodorant spray has beautiful ingredients like Aloe Vera, Kakadu Plum Vitamin C, Super antioxidants, cleansing botanicals and anti-odor natural salts. It has a nice fresh citrus scent and keeps odors away all day long. The compact size is perfect for a gym bag." - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd
Erbaviva's Jasmine & Grapefruit Organic Natural Deodorant Spray features a blend of organic essential oils that naturally reduce perspiration and combat underarm bacteria. Combining organic grain alcohol with extracts of jasmine, cypress, ginger, and grapefruit oils, this award-winning deodorant provides a fragrant mist that offers effective bacterial and odor protection. Its subtle, soft scent is suitable for both men and women, and it is non-staining, making it safe for use on fabric, carpets, and yoga mats. Free from aluminum and chemicals, this vegan, USDA-certified organic deodorant ensures a pure, non-toxic option for daily use.
Expert Notes:
"This organic spray deodorant has quickly become one of my favorites. I love the refreshing fruity and floral scent that is long-lasting throughout the day but is not too overpowering. It goes on clear and and is non-sticky and dries fast. It really gives you a fresh feeling all day long with odor protection. I love that it is aluminum free. This deodorant does not stain any clothes. It makes me feel confident that I stay protected from any odors while wearing it. I highly recommend this deodorant!" - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd
"The scent of lemons jasmine of an organic deoderant spray helps me from smelling through out the day." - Leila San Jose, @leifemme_
"Unlike many natural deodorants, this won’t leave marks on clothes and can also be used on fabric, carpets, and yoga mats for a natural freshness boost!
Aluminum-free & chemical-free.
Gender-neutral, light floral & citrus scent.
Safe, non-toxic & ideal for sensitive skin.
Eco-friendly, clean, and sustainable beauty choice." - Shambh Patil, @glowological
Lavish Earth's Lavender Lemon Deodorant offers powerful natural odor protection with a refreshing blend of lavender and lemon. Formulated with clean, plant- and mineral-based ingredients, this deodorant is perfect for sensitive skin, as it is free from baking soda, aluminum, parabens, and synthetic additives. Packaged in a compostable paperboard tube, it’s an eco-friendly choice that’s kind to both your body and the planet. Enjoy long-lasting freshness without compromising on quality or sustainability.
Expert Notes:
"I absolutely love the fragrance in this natural deodorant. As soon as you open it, the refreshing scent of lavender and lemon assure you that you'll be feeling fresh too!" - Jacqueline Baron, @felohapp
"I love how the lavender and lemon smell together. This helped to make my underarms feel and smell clean throughout the day. The charcoal helped to detoxify any underlying issues I was having from previous deoderants." - Leila San Jose, @leifemme_
"The deodorant has a smooth, non-sticky consistency that glides easily onto the skin. Unlike some natural deodorants, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or chalky residue. The lightweight, breathable formula allows for all-day freshness without clogging pores.
The packaging could have been better, unlike traditional deodorants it has to be pushed from the bottom for application. To close, the top has to be used to push the stick down in the packaging which becomes a little messy.
It keeps underarms fresh throughout the day, even in humid conditions. It is non-Irritating – Perfect for sensitive skin, as it’s free from baking soda and harsh additives.
It is eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Zero-waste packaging makes it a guilt-free choice for clean beauty lovers." - Shambh Patil, @glowological
Odour care has come a long way from traditional deodorants. This year’s best clean formulas proved that you don’t need aluminum or synthetic fragrances to stay fresh—just smart, skin-supporting ingredients that work with your body instead of against it.
But if your routine stops at odor care, you might be missing another essential step. Lip care is just as important, and the right clean formulas can keep lips soft, smooth, and protected without synthetic waxes or petroleum-based ingredients. Next, we reviewed the top-performing clean lip care products of 2025, highlighting the most effective balms, treatments, and exfoliators for healthy, hydrated lips.
Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products