PHLUR, Salt & Stone, And Native — Best Natural Deodorants Reviewed
When it comes to deodorant, I prefer aluminum-free formulas because I’ve had trouble with underarm skin breakouts in the past. Sadly, many deodorant formulas do use aluminum. However, for those seeking a refined, natural alternative, a few brands in the space are redefining what deodorant can be. They’re prioritizing high-quality ingredients and fragrance as much as functionality — with PHLUR, Native, and Salt & Stone, leading the charge.
I took a look into each brand, to help you choose a natural deodorant that’s right for you.
Key Similarities:
- Natural Ingredients: Each uses natural, skin-friendly ingredients, avoiding unnecessary chemicals
- Aluminum-Free: All three brands use alternatives to aluminum for odor-control
- Gentle on Your Skin: Designed for sensitive skin — odor protection without irritation
- Cruelty-Free: PHLUR, Salt & Stone, and Native all commit to cruelty-free practices
- Residue-Free: All promise no residue or white marks
Key Differences:
Performance:
- PHLUR: 48-hour odor protection — Incorporates salicylic acid to neutralize odor-causing bacteria — arrowroot powder and zinc to absorb odor and keep you fresh
- Salt & Stone: 48-hour odor protection — Uses probiotics to balance skin’s microbiome to neutralize odor
- Native: 72-hour odor protection — Relies on baking soda to neutralize odor-causing bacteria
Skincare Benefits:
- PHLUR: Infused with salicylic acid and hydrating tamanu oil, which neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and brightens & moisturizes the skin, reducing red bumps
- Salt & Stone: Seaweed extracts & hyaluronic acid moisturize the skin while probiotics help neutralize odor — Comes in both stick and a gel formula
- Native: Shea butter and coconut oil replenish underarm skin and keep it hydrated
Sophisticated Scents:
- PHLUR: Features PHLUR’s bestselling Vanilla Skin scent — a complex, sophisticated fragrance crafted by world-class perfumers.
- Salt & Stone: Offers 5 unexpected pairings such as Santal & Vetiver and Bergamot & Hinoki
- Native: Offers the widest variety — 7 simple fragrance profiles like Coconut & Vanilla and Lavender & Rose
Fragrance Layering & Pairing:
- PHLUR: Encourages a fragrance wardrobe — Vanilla Skin Deodorant is an ideal subtle fragrance base. Layer with Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum, Body Mist, or other PHLUR fragrances for a more comprehensive scent experience
- Salt & Stone: Has body washes, lotions, mists, and deodorants. Their Signature Scent Duos include scent-layering their Santal & Vetiver Deodorant with nutrient-rich Santal & Vetiver Body Mist which infuses skin with moisture and fragrance
- Native: Offers sprays, lotions, washes, deodorants — Individuals can layer scents for a more tailored aroma
PHLUR Overview:
When it comes to natural deodorants, PHLUR’s bestselling Vanilla Skin’s aluminum-free and baking soda-free formula promises 48-hour odor protection. It’s formulated with potent skincare actives like Salicylic Acid that neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and helps brighten any underarm discoloration. Arrowroot Powder and Zinc Ricinoleate absorb moisture without causing the irritation that may come with other deodorants. Nourishing ingredients like algae and tamanu oil hydrate the skin, making this deodorant both functional and comfortable.
I just have to say that I’ve fallen in love with Vanilla Skin. The packaging is nice and feels good in the hand. The scent is a subtle — yet complex — fragrance that feels indulgent and distinctive. It’s a blend of warm vanilla, creamy sandalwood, and a hint of musk. It glides on without any white residue — the dream!
Salt & Stone Overview:
Salt & Stone deodorant’s natural ingredients provide freshness without the use of aluminum, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. I was intrigued by their blend of scent pairings like Saffron & Cedar and Black Rose & Oud. Salt & Stone is different from your run-of-the-mill deodorants. And its packaging complements the clean, cruelty-free formula.
When I applied it, I found it a bit gritty, almost like it’s an exfoliant. It’s a weird texture that felt like…. Well, salt and stone. The scent was nice at first — a full-bodied Bergamot & Hinoki — kind of like grapefruit, but it quickly got overpowering. Perhaps it’s because it’s extra-strength? But I was shocked when, 12 hours in, I smelled like a mix of B.O. and whatever scent remained.
Native Overview:
Native Deodorant offers a clean, effective way to stay odor-free with a formula free from aluminum, parabens, and sulfates. It slides on and keeps you protected all day without leaving a trace on your clothes. Crafted from simple, vegan ingredients, scents like Eucalyptus & Mint, and Cotton & Lily are a practical choice for those seeking a reliable natural deodorant.
I really wanted to like Native, but sadly it didn’t perform for me. It lasted a little longer than Salt & Stone, but it left my underarms a bit inflamed — so disappointing since it felt great going on. The scent is fine — especially for a $7 drugstore find. While the price and scent are spot on, the formula didn’t suit me.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, PHLUR is my winner. I was so disappointed when Salt & Stone didn’t last the full 24 hours for me. And with Native, my skin felt irritated and bumpy — not attractive.
Vanilla Skin is a splendid aroma that lasts all day — even into the next. I no longer stress about B.O. — a real concern! It’s no surprise that Vanilla Skin deodorant is a PHLUR bestseller.
Beyond their natural deodorant, PHLUR’s products come in several formats — including intoxicating perfumes, unisex fragrances, mists, and body oils. What an excellent way to build a personalized fragrance wardrobe that fits every need and occasion. I like to layer my deodorant with their Vanilla Skin Body Mist, but you could use one of their perfumes too. With PHLUR, you’ll stay comfy, confident, and smell divine all day and all night long.