How Do Natural Deodorants Actually Work to Stop Odour?

If you’ve made the switch to natural deodorant or are thinking about it, you might be wondering — do they actually work? And if so, how?

We are the people to help break it down for you as we’ve been making our deodorants for 10 years now.

First things first: What causes body odour?

Body odour doesn't come from sweat itself — sweat is actually odourless. The smell happens when sweat mixes with the bacteria on your skin, particularly in warm, dark areas like your underarms. This creates the familiar (and often unwelcome) scent we associate with being sweaty.

How is natural deodorant different from regular antiperspirant?

Unlike antiperspirants, which use aluminium to block your sweat glands and stop you from sweating altogether, natural deodorants let your body do what it’s supposed to do — sweat! But they help keep odour at bay in smarter, more skin-friendly ways.

Here’s how natural deodorants fight odour effectively:

1. They neutralise odour-causing bacteria

Ingredients like bicarbonate of soda are used to deodorise and arrowroot or other starchy powders are used to help absorb sweat. Together, they work by creating an alkaline environment that bacteria don’t love — stopping odour at the source without clogging your pores.

2. They absorb moisture

While natural deodorants won’t stop sweat, they often contain absorbent ingredients like arrowroot powder or kaolin clay that help manage moisture, keeping you feeling drier for longer.

3. They include natural, fresh scents

Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, lemon, and tea tree not only smell amazing but also have antibacterial properties. So you're smelling fresh and benefiting from their natural protection.

4. They support your skin’s microbiome

Many conventional products can throw your skin’s balance out of whack. Natural deodorants are gentler and help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria — which can actually make your underarms smell better over time.

The bonus benefits?

✔ No aluminium
✔ No harsh chemicals
✔ Plastic-free packaging
✔ Better for your body and the planet

Switching to natural deodorant might take a short adjustment period as your body adjusts from conventional products — but it’s worth it.

🌿 So, does natural deodorant really work?

Absolutely — and it works with your body, not against it. Check out our range of natural deodorants from Earth Conscious.