Most of us swipe on deodorant every day without a second thought.
But that delicate skin under your arms? It’s thin, often freshly shaved, and highly absorbent. That means the ingredients in your deodorant can have a bigger impact on your health—and your skin—than you might realize.
Below, you’ll learn which common deodorant chemicals to avoid, the best top 10 ingredients you want in your deodorants, and WHY.
(Want to also know where to get all of these healthy deodorant ingredients? Then keep reading!)
Toxic Deodorant Ingredients to Avoid
Before we get to the good stuff, here are a few common additives worth steering clear of. If you see any of these on your deodorant’s ingredient label, it’s best to keep looking for a healthier option:
- Aluminum compounds – Found in antiperspirants to block sweat ducts. Research is mixed, but studies raise concerns about hormone disruption.
- Parabens – Chemical preservatives that can mimic estrogen and disturb hormonal balance.
- Phthalates – Used to fix fragrance and linked to endocrine disruption.
- Synthetic fragrance – A catch-all term that can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals. These often cause irritation and allergic reactions.
- Triclosan – A strong antibacterial agent that can upset the skin’s microbiome and may affect hormone function.
These ingredients may mask odor, but they also irritate, inflame, and potentially disrupt natural hormone activity.
How Good Deodorant Ingredients Work
But here’s the thing:
Smelling fresh doesn’t need to come at the cost of your health.
Sweat itself is almost odorless. The smell comes when skin bacteria feed on sweat and create smelly by-products. A well-formulated natural deodorant works by:
- Absorbing moisture so bacteria have less to feed on.
- Changing skin pH to slow bacterial growth.
- Calming and protecting the skin barrier so it stays healthy and less reactive.
The best ingredients handle all three while nourishing your skin. And now, let’s dive into them…
The 10 Best Deodorant Ingredients — And Why Your Skin Will Love Them
The right natural ingredients don’t just keep you smelling fresh—they work with your body to reduce moisture, balance the skin’s delicate microbiome, and nourish the underarm area.
Here’s a closer look at ten powerhouse ingredients—including all the heroes found in SomaLeaf’s Hemp Deodorants—and why each one deserves a spot in your daily routine.
1. MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is more than a trendy health supplement.
In a deodorant, it acts as a lightweight moisturizer and natural germ-fighter. The unique fatty acids in MCT oil—especially caprylic and capric acid—have proven antibacterial properties, which means they help keep odor-causing bacteria from multiplying on the skin. Because it’s so light and non-greasy, it absorbs quickly and won’t leave a sticky film.
At the same time, MCT oil softens delicate underarm skin and reinforces the moisture barrier, helping to prevent the dryness or chafing that can happen with shaving or waxing.
It’s the perfect multitasker: freshens, hydrates, and protects all in one swipe.
2. Cornstarch
This humble kitchen staple is a natural moisture-absorber that rivals the performance of talc, but without the health concerns.
Cornstarch particles soak up excess sweat before bacteria can feed on it, keeping underarms drier and minimizing odor at the source. Because it’s gentle and non-irritating, even sensitive skin can usually tolerate it well.
Cornstarch also leaves a smooth, powdery finish that helps deodorant glide easily and reduces friction, making it a great option for people prone to underarm irritation or razor burn.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is famous for neutralizing stubborn odors in everything from refrigerators to carpets, and it works just as well on the skin.
By gently raising the skin’s pH, baking soda creates an environment that is less friendly to odor-producing bacteria. The result: noticeable freshness that lasts for hours.
Many natural deodorant fans swear by its effectiveness. If you have extra-sensitive skin, consider patch testing or using formulas that balance baking soda with soothing oils and butters—like those in SomaLeaf’s blends—to avoid potential dryness.
4. Beeswax
Beeswax gives natural deodorants their silky glide and staying power. This nutrient-rich wax forms a breathable, protective layer over the skin that locks in moisture without clogging pores. That means your underarms stay comfortable and hydrated while still allowing natural perspiration to escape.
Beeswax also contains vitamin A, which supports healthy skin cell turnover, and it naturally soothes minor irritation—ideal for freshly shaved or waxed skin.
It’s the ingredient that makes a stick deodorant feel luxurious instead of sticky.
5. Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil Extract
Hemp extract brings a powerful combination of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds. These nutrients help calm irritation, reduce redness, and protect against environmental stress—benefits that are especially welcome on the delicate underarm area.
Hemp’s gentle antibacterial properties further help keep odor at bay.
And because full-spectrum hemp oil is rich in skin-loving omega-3 and omega-6 fats, it nourishes and strengthens the skin barrier, leaving your underarms soft, smooth, and more resilient.
6. Arrowroot Powder
Silky and ultra-fine, arrowroot powder is a superstar when it comes to absorbing moisture without clogging pores. It soaks up sweat to help keep you dry, but it’s so lightweight that you won’t feel a heavy layer on your skin.
Arrowroot is also naturally soothing and can calm mild irritation, which makes it an ideal partner for ingredients like baking soda.
Its smooth texture improves the feel of the deodorant, creating a soft, powdery finish that helps prevent friction and chafing.
7. Shea Butter
Long prized in skincare, shea butter is packed with vitamins A and E as well as natural fatty acids that hydrate and protect.
In deodorant, shea butter helps counteract any dryness from odor-fighting ingredients like baking soda. It nourishes freshly shaved skin, supports healing of micro-nicks, and leaves underarms feeling soft and supple.
Shea butter’s natural anti-inflammatory properties also make it a gentle choice for sensitive skin, helping to reduce redness or irritation.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal thanks to its high lauric acid content, which means it directly combats the microbes that cause underarm odor.
Beyond its germ-fighting power, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer that sinks in quickly and leaves skin soft and smooth.
Its light tropical scent also contributes to a naturally fresh aroma—without synthetic fragrance.
9. Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano)
Non-nano zinc oxide is best known for its role in mineral sunscreens, but it’s also a quiet hero in natural deodorants.
Zinc oxide creates a protective layer on the skin that neutralizes odor by reacting with the volatile compounds produced by bacteria.
At the same time, it helps calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Because it’s non-nano, the particles stay on the skin’s surface and don’t penetrate, offering protection and comfort without risk.
10. Aloe Vera or Calendula Extract
Both aloe vera and calendula are renowned for their soothing, healing properties. They help calm freshly shaved skin, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy skin barrier.
Aloe is rich in polysaccharides that hydrate and cool, while calendula contains natural antioxidants and compounds that help speed minor skin healing.
Adding either of these botanicals to a deodorant ensures your underarms get the same kind of care you’d give the rest of your skin—soft, nourished, and irritation-free.
👃 These ten ingredients work together to control odor naturally, absorb excess moisture, and nourish one of the most sensitive areas of your body. By choosing a deodorant formulated with these skin-friendly all-stars—like SomaLeaf’s Hemp Deodorants—you’ll stay fresh all day while giving your underarms the gentle care they deserve.
Choose Deodorant That Cares for Your Health
Deodorant isn’t just about smelling better — it’s about protecting one of the most delicate areas of your body. The skin under your arms is thin, often freshly shaved, and home to the very bacteria that create odor. What you swipe on every day has a direct impact on both freshness and skin health.
That’s why choosing a formula built from clean, proven ingredients matters so much. When your deodorant contains natural odor fighters like MCT oil and cornstarch, plus skin-loving botanicals like full-spectrum hemp extract and beeswax, you’re doing more than covering up odor — you’re nourishing and calming the skin where bacteria linger.
SomaLeaf’s Hemp Deodorants are crafted with exactly those ten powerhouse ingredients highlighted above. They’re free from aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, yet still provide reliable, all-day protection and a soothing, skin-friendly glide.
>>> Click to explore SomaLeaf’s Hemp Deodorants here and give your underarms the same thoughtful care you give the rest of your skin.
By choosing clean, proven ingredients, you can stay fresh and protect your skin’s health—every single day.
