Native Deodorant Review: Does This Natural Deodorant Really Work?

Hi there! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for personal care products that are not only effective, but also safe and natural. One brand that has been getting a ton of buzz lately is Native Deodorant. I decided it was time to put this aluminum-free deodorant to the test and share my honest thoughts with you.

In this comprehensive Native Deodorant review, I‘ll cover everything you need to know – from the company‘s backstory and ingredients to detailed product reviews and customer feedback. My goal is to help you determine if Native is the right natural deodorant for you and your unique body chemistry. Let‘s dive in!

About Native & Their Mission

Founded in 2015, Native is a personal care company on a mission to make safe and effective products with trusted ingredients and no harsh chemicals. All of their products, which range from deodorant to body wash to toothpaste, are made without aluminum, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and talc.

Native believes what you put on your body matters, and that you shouldn‘t have to sacrifice your health for the sake of smelling fresh. Their entire product line is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. The company also has strong values around sustainability, using paperboard packaging from responsibly managed forests.

One of the things I admire most about Native is their transparency. They fully disclose every single ingredient used in their formulas and even have an "Ingredient Glossary" on their website that explains the purpose and source of each one. It‘s clear Native has nothing to hide and genuinely wants to earn their customers‘ trust.

Native Deodorant Ingredients: What‘s Inside & The Science Behind Them

So what exactly powers Native‘s deodorants to fight odor and keep you smelling fresh? Let‘s take a closer look at some of the star ingredients:

Coconut Oil

This nourishing oil is known for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that coconut oil was as effective as mineral oil in treating xerosis (dry skin).

Shea Butter

Another powerfully moisturizing ingredient, shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that condition and protect the skin. One review suggested shea butter may have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits.

Tapioca Starch

Native uses this plant-based powder to absorb wetness and keep you feeling dry throughout the day. Tapioca starch has been shown to improve moisture uptake compared to other natural powders.

Baking Soda

Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer. It helps absorb odors and keep you smelling fresh. Some research indicates baking soda can also soothe irritated skin.

Probiotics

Native adds lactobacillus acidophilus (a healthy bacteria) to support the skin‘s natural microbiome. Numerous studies have shown the skin benefits of probiotics, including strengthening the skin barrier and reducing sensitivity.

Essential Oils

Finally, Native uses a blend of natural essential oils to give their deodorants a pleasant scent. Popular options include coconut, vanilla, lavender, rose, eucalyptus, and citrus oils.

The combination of these carefully selected, high-quality ingredients allows Native deodorants to effectively combat odor and wetness without the need for harsh or potentially harmful additives. Now let‘s see how well they perform in real life!

Native Deodorant Pros & Cons

Before we get into the detailed product reviews, let‘s go over some of the major pros and cons of Native Deodorant:

Pros:

– Made with safe, natural, and non-toxic ingredients
– Aluminum-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
– Effectively neutralizes odor
– Keeps you feeling dry and fresh
– Moisturizes and soothes sensitive underarm skin
– Scented with natural essential oils (fragrance-free also available)
– Attractive, eco-friendly paperboard packaging
– Easy to apply and non-sticky
– Doesn‘t stain clothes
– Offers a subscription option to save money
– Free shipping on orders over $30
– 30-day free returns/exchanges if you don‘t love it

Cons:

– On the pricier side at $12 per stick (though you can save by subscribing)
– Scents may be hit or miss depending on personal preference
– May not provide all-day protection for those who sweat excessively
– Some may experience temporary irritation during transition from antiperspirant (more on this later)
– Certain scents tend to sell out frequently

Overall, I believe the pros greatly outweigh the cons for anyone seeking a high-performing natural deodorant. No product is perfect for everyone, but Native has an impressive track record and is definitely worth trying in my opinion.

Best-Selling Native Deodorant Scents Reviewed

Native offers an exciting and diverse range of scents inspired by nature. From floral and fruity to fresh and woodsy, there‘s something for every nose. Here are my thoughts on some of their most popular varieties:

Coconut & Vanilla

Smells like: A tropical beach vacation in a stick! The creamy, nutty scent of coconut blends beautifully with the warmth of vanilla.
My experience: This best-selling scent is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It smells sweet and yummy without being overpowering. The scent lasts all day and keeps me smelling like a coconut macaroon. Even after an intense workout, there was no hint of BO. Bonus: the coconut oil left my underarms feeling super soft and hydrated.

Lavender & Rose

Smells like: A relaxing spa day. The soothing floral aromas of lavender and rose instantly make you feel calm and refreshed.
My experience: I‘m a sucker for all things lavender, so I had high hopes for this one. The scent is very fresh and herbal, with just a hint of powdery rose. It‘s strong at first but mellows out during wear. I noticed it significantly reduced underarm wetness, even during stressful work meetings. The lovely scent also helped me unwind at the end of a long day.

Eucalyptus & Mint

Smells like: An invigorating breath of fresh air. The cool, crisp scent of peppermint mixed with the clean, pine-like aroma of eucalyptus.
My experience: This scent is like a natural wake-up call for your senses. It‘s ideal for hot summer days when you need long-lasting freshness. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it neutralized odor, even after a 5-mile run in 90 degree weather. One thing to note is that the minty scent can feel tingly/cold upon application, so keep that in mind if you have sensitive skin.

Citrus & Herbal Musk

Smells like: Sipping an orange-infused cocktail at a backyard BBQ. It‘s the perfect balance of bright citrus and earthy, spicy undertones.
My experience: I‘ll admit I was a bit skeptical of the "herbal musk" part, but this scent quickly won me over. It smells sophisticated yet approachable – not overly fruity or perfume-y. I loved catching whiffs of the energizing citrus throughout the day. It held up well during a weekend full of outdoor activities and social events. Even my boyfriend complimented how good I smelled!

Of course, scent preferences are highly personal, so what smells amazing to me might not be your cup of tea. Luckily, Native offers a wide variety of other options like Cucumber & Mint, Charcoal, Linen & Cotton, and seasonal releases. They even have an unscented sensitive skin formula for those who prefer to go fragrance-free.

My best advice? Take advantage of Native‘s custom deodorant pack and choose 3 scents that sound appealing to you. This allows you to try a few varieties and find your perfect match. Native also offers mini sizes that are great for travel or testing out new scents.

Who Is Native Deodorant Best For?

After testing Native Deodorant for several weeks and researching what other customers have to say, here are my thoughts on who would benefit most from trying Native:

• Anyone seeking a safe, natural alternative to conventional antiperspirants
• Those with sensitive skin that‘s easily irritated by harsh ingredients
• Eco-conscious consumers who prioritize cruelty-free and sustainably packaged products
• People who enjoy experimenting with unique, natural scents
• Anyone wanting to detox from aluminum-based deodorants
• Those looking for a deodorant that is moisturizing and nourishing to skin
• Folks who don‘t mind touching their armpits to apply deodorant manually
• Anyone with average sweat levels and odor concerns

Native may not be the ideal choice for:

• Those with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) who need a heavy-duty antiperspirant
• People who strongly prefer spray or roll-on formats over solid sticks
• Those with extremely sensitive skin triggered by baking soda or essential oils
• Shoppers on a tight budget, as Native is on the pricier side (~$12 per full-size stick)

What Customers Are Saying About Native Deodorant

While I had a positive experience with Native, I wanted to see what other customers had to say. I analyzed thousands of online reviews from the Native website, Amazon, Target and other retailers. Here are the key takeaways:

The vast majority of reviews are glowingly positive, with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars across platforms. Some common praises include:

"I‘ve tried every natural deodorant and this is the only one that actually works for me! It smells amazing and lasts all day."

"Native keeps me fresh and odor-free without any irritation. My sensitive skin loves it! Worth every penny."

"I was nervous to switch from antiperspirant but Native made the transition so easy. My body adapted within a week and I‘m never going back."

Of course, no product will work perfectly for everyone. The most common complaints cite issues like:

"The deodorant worked great at first but then I developed an underarm rash after a few weeks. I think I‘m sensitive to baking soda."

"I don‘t feel like it controls wetness as well as my old antiperspirant. I still sweat quite a bit while using Native."

"The scent I chose was too strong and perfumey for my liking. It gave me a headache. I wish they offered more subtle options."

It‘s important to remember that results can vary based on factors like body chemistry, diet, lifestyle, and fragrance preferences. Whenever you try a new deodorant (especially if you‘re transitioning from an antiperspirant), there‘s an adjustment period for your body.

Consistency is key – give Native a full 30 days before deciding whether it works for you. If you experience prolonged irritation, odor, or excessive wetness, you can take advantage of Native‘s free return/exchange policy.

How Native Compares To Other Natural Deodorant Brands

Native is far from the only natural deodorant brand out there. Some of their top competitors include Schmidt‘s, Kopari, Nécessaire, Myro, and Each & Every. So how does Native stack up? Here‘s my quick take:

Compared to Schmidt‘s: Native has a smoother, creamier texture that‘s easier to apply. Schmidt‘s is more affordable but some formulas can be gritty or crumbly.

Compared to Kopari: Native offers a much wider variety of scents. Kopari only has a few options but they excel at controlling wetness.

Compared to Nécessaire: Both are great picks for sensitive skin, but Native is more readily accessible in stores and online. Nécessaire has more elevated packaging.

Compared to Myro: Native‘s scents are more complex and natural smelling. Myro has fun, colorful packaging and a pod refill system.

Compared to Each & Every: Native is pricier but gentler on skin. Each & Every has an innovative sugar-based formula but limited scent options.

Ultimately, the "best" natural deodorant comes down to your individual needs and preferences. I recommend trying a few different brands to compare performance, price, and scent before settling on a favorite.

FAQ

Is Native deodorant an antiperspirant?

No, Native deodorant is not an antiperspirant. It will neutralize odor and absorb some wetness, but it won‘t significantly reduce or block sweating like an aluminum-based antiperspirant. Sweating is your body‘s natural way of regulating temperature.

Does Native deodorant have a transition period?

Yes, many people report a transition period of a few weeks when switching from antiperspirant to Native deodorant. During this time, your body is purging toxins and adjusting to the lack of sweat-blocking aluminum. You may temporarily experience more wetness, odor, or sensitivity. Native recommends applying a thin layer daily and giving it a full 30 days to work its magic.

Is Native deodorant good for sensitive skin?

Native deodorant is formulated with natural, gentle ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin. However, it does contain baking soda and certain essential oils that may cause irritation for some people. If you have very sensitive skin, opt for Native‘s baking soda-free formula or their unscented sensitive deodorant.

Where can you buy Native deodorant?

You can buy Native deodorant directly from their website, NativeCos.com, or at major retailers like Target, Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon, and more. Native offers free standard shipping and returns on all orders placed through their website.

Does Native deodorant have a subscription option?

Yes, Native offers a subscribe and save option that gives you 17% off each order and free shipping. You can choose your products and frequency (every 1, 2, or 3 months). Subscribers also get early access to limited edition scents. You can skip, change, or cancel your subscription at any time.

Final Thoughts

After thoroughly testing Native Deodorant and analyzing customer feedback, I can confidently say it‘s one of the best natural deodorants on the market. While no single product will work perfectly for everyone, Native offers a compelling combination of safe ingredients, effective odor protection, and delightful scent options.

If you‘re looking to detox your pits and make the switch to a natural deodorant you can feel good about, I highly recommend giving Native a try. With their 30-day free returns and exchanges, you‘ve got nothing to lose (except hopefully some body odor). Here‘s to smelling fresh the natural way!