Why More Australians Are Switching to Natural Deodorants

Australians are choosing natural deodorants for gentle daily wear and honest odour control. Learn how bicarb affects skin and how to pick the right formula.

You pick up a deodorant, flip it over, and scan the label. If you've started doing that more often, you're not alone. More people are looking more closely at what’s in their deodorant, especially when it’s used on skin that is shaved and exposed day after day.

Many people are moving away from aluminium-based antiperspirants toward aluminium-free deodorants. That’s not about fear; for many people, it’s a practical question of whether there is an option that helps manage odour, feels comfortable on skin, and still suits a regular day.

The short answer is yes, but it comes with realistic expectations. Natural deodorants work differently from antiperspirants, and understanding that difference upfront can make the switch easier.

Here’s what’s happening under the arm and how to choose the right formula for your skin.

Why Sweat Isn't the Problem

Sweat itself is odourless. Body odour develops when skin bacteria break down compounds in sweat, which produces the smell people are trying to manage.

That's why the job of a deodorant is to reduce that bacterial activity, not to stop sweating altogether. Sweating is a normal temperature-regulation function. Blocking it entirely requires aluminium salts, which is exactly what antiperspirants do by forming a temporary block in the sweat glands.

Natural deodorants take a different approach. Instead of blocking the glands, they target odour at the source by using ingredients with antibacterial or odour-neutralising properties, alongside moisture-absorbers like arrowroot powder or cornflour to help keep the underarm area feeling drier.

This is an important distinction because it shapes what you should expect. A natural deodorant is not a sweat-blocker. It's an odour manager, and for many people, that's exactly what they want.

What Makes a Deodorant "Natural"

Natural deodorants are generally aluminium-free formulas made with plant-based ingredients. Many use a mix of ingredients that help control odour, absorb moisture, and add fragrance or essential oils to support freshness.

Common ingredients include coconut oil, tea tree oil, arrowroot powder, cornflour, and sodium bicarbonate.

They’re also often chosen by people who prefer paraben-free formulas and simpler ingredient lists. For people with sensitive underarms, that ingredient profile can be one reason to consider switching.

What they don't do is make your skin dry. If you're used to an antiperspirant, you may notice more moisture at first. That's not a sign the product has failed. That simply means your body is perspiring as normal.

The Bicarb Question

One ingredient comes up in almost every conversation about natural deodorants: bicarb, or sodium bicarbonate. It is often used in natural formulas because it helps support odour control, but it can be too strong for some people.

A freshly prepared 0.1 M solution of sodium bicarbonate has a pH of 8.5, which is more alkaline than skin, so it may be a consideration for freshly shaved or reactive underarms.

That is why both formula types have a place.

Natralus Natural Deodorant is aluminium-free and bicarb-free, making it a gentler option for people with sensitive underarms or those who have reacted to bicarb before. The Natralus bicarb-based formula is an option for people who prefer a bicarb-containing deodorant and tolerate it well.

What to Expect When You Switch

Some people swap from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant and feel fine from day one. Others notice more moisture or odour for a little while as they adjust to a product that works differently.

This happens because antiperspirants use aluminium-based ingredients to reduce sweat flow, while deodorants are designed to help manage odour instead of blocking sweat. During that switch, consistency matters: apply it to clean, dry skin and give it a fair try before deciding whether it suits you.

If you are switching because your old deodorant was causing irritation or redness, you may notice comfort improvements sooner. That is often the most immediate change people notice.

Choosing the Right Formula for Your Skin

The simplest way to choose is to start with what your skin needs most. Here's how the two formulas compare:

Feature	Natural Deodorant (Bicarb-Free)	Natural Deodorant (Bicarb-Based)
Aluminium	Free from aluminium	Free from aluminium
Bicarb (sodium bicarbonate)	No	Yes
Odour control	A gentle, everyday option	A bicarb-containing option for people who tolerate it well
Best for	Sensitive skin, reactive underarms, first-time switchers	People who prefer bicarb in their deodorant
Skin feel	Lighter, less likely to irritate	Effective but may not suit very sensitive skin

If your skin is easily irritated, the bicarb-free formula is the better starting point. If you already know your skin tolerates bicarb well, the bicarb-based formula may be the better fit.

Both options are paraben-free and made in Australia. They’re practical everyday choices for Australian conditions, including heat and humidity.

Honest Expectations

Natural deodorant can work well for everyday life. It is not a performance antiperspirant, and it does not pretend to be. For Australians who want a gentler, plant-based option that helps manage odour through a regular day, it can be a practical choice.

The takeaway is simple: give it time, pick the right formula for your skin type, and set expectations based on what a deodorant actually does, not what an antiperspirant does. Those who make the switch with that mindset often find a natural deodorant that works for them.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have persistent skin reactions, a known allergy to any listed ingredient, or diagnosed skin conditions affecting the underarm area.

Written by Dennis, Pharmacist
Dennis is a pharmacist who collaborates with Natralus on educational skincare content.