I’ve tried a few different natural deodorants but not all of them performed as I would have expected. Then I started hearing a lot about Native and with all the hype, I knew I had to give their deodorants a try.
But was it as good as I’d been led to believe?
The answer is yes! I was very pleasantly surprised at how fresh and clean a deodorant that contains no aluminum made me feel. I also love that Native has so many many scents to choose from. By now I have tried almost all of them and I ranked my favorites further down in this article.
Why I Started Using Native Deodorant
Antiperspirants typically use aluminum as a main ingredient. While this is undoubtedly effective in the battle against sweat, I found scientific claims that it could be linked to breast cancer. So, finding a natural deodorant, like Native, that uses ingredients like tapioca and sodium bicarbonate assures me that my armpits stay dry and fresh without any risk to my health.
Also, after trying several natural deodorants, including the highly reputable Wild brand, I found that Native was one of the most effective. Even when I am having a heavy day, I still feel sweat and odor-free by the end of it when I use Native. I tried the Old Spice stick deodorants and found that these didn’t work anywhere near as well.
I’ve seen some people mention that Native does not work as well for heavy sweaters. If you perspire more than normal then you may find that you have to reapply later in the day. In these cases, I’d suggest choosing a clinical deodorant instead.
And of course, since I have sensitive skin, Native Deodorant is a gentle product that doesn’t irritate me.
As someone who’s heavily into fragrance, I am particularly intrigued by the choice of scents from Native. I like to match my scent to my mood and that’s right down to my personal care products like deodorant.
Native Deodorant Reviews
I think that’s enough from my perspective. One of the things that I frequently hear from user reviews is that Native deodorant costs a lot. Yes, it’s more expensive than off-the-shelf products but it has a lot of benefits so I do think it’s worth it. Moreover, there is an option to subscribe and pay just $11 per deodorant as opposed to $13.
Price aside, user reviews are pretty impressive across the board. The general consensus is that Native scents are long-lasting and noticeable without being too strong. I looked at some reviews for the Lavender and Rose scent where users raved about the fragrance and how well it worked. However, one user did state that you need to allow time to adjust to the deodorant. But once you do, it’ll really tackle wetness and odor.
One of the things I also picked up on when reading reviews was that the deodorant doesn’t leave marks on your clothing which I know is a problem for a lot of people.
For me, choosing a deodorant largely comes down to how it’ll affect my skin. Being sensitive, I need something that’s not going to cause irritation so I went in search of reviews that would help me make an informed decision.
What I noticed was that some people did have skin irritation whereas others found Native deodorants to be super gentle. I think it really comes down to your personal biology so I’d recommend patch testing first. That said, Native does offer a range of sensitive deodorants and they come in some gorgeous scents. Let’s take a look at some of my favorite Native deodorants.
10 Best Native Deodorant Scents Ranked
After trying out several of the Native deodorant scents, I found lots that made me smell fantastic. In the end, I narrowed it down to my top 10, so here they are.
1. Native Powder & Cotton
Powder & Cotton has a clean scent that makes it one of my favorite scents. If like me, you enjoy getting out of the shower and feeling super fresh without a heavy scent, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
I also feel as though this is a unisex scent. As with other similar scents, Powder & Cotton reminds me of fresh laundry and that’s something that both men and women can enjoy.
One thing that does let Powder & Cotton down is that it isn’t as good for people who struggle with heavy sweat odors. As one of the more delicate scents, it might not cover up very strong smells and instead I’d recommend something like Charcoal which is still a fresh, clean scent just slightly more intense.
2. Native Coconut & Vanilla
I had previously tried the Coconut & Vanilla Wild deodorant but I prefer Native since it is a lot sweeter and more comforting. This is a delicious and warm scent that I found lingered all day long without being too overpowering.
I feel as though this is more of a feminine scent and in some ways reminds me of gummy bears. I think this is due to how sweet it smells.
I tried this one on a warmer day where I was working hard and I was really pleased with how well it performed. I didn’t sweat and stayed smelling fresh all day. This is definitely one of the better performers which is why it ranks so high on my list.
3. Native Lavender & Rose
I’m putting Lavender and Rose in position 3 because I personally LOVE this floral scent. Now, it’s not going to be for everyone and I’ve read a lot of reviews from women who say that powdery floral deodorants make them smell worse.
However, I found that this one kept me smelling really lovely all day. That said, I’m not a heavy sweater and perhaps if you are, it may be better to choose one of the fresh scents like Citrus and Herbal Musk as I feel this has better odor-fighting abilities.
But for people who want a delicate and feminine scent, Lavender and Rose is definitely worth a try.
4. Native Candy Cane
Candy Cane is one of Native’s limited edition Holiday scents. If you’re a lover of a sweet, bright, fresh scent, then I’m sure you’ll fall instantly in love with this one.
I found Candy Cane to be one of the most intense Native scents so it’s great if you have trouble with strong sweat odors. It’ll literally cover up anything. That said, even when I was running around all day, this one did a good job of keeping me dry.
I really liked how sweet Candy cane smelled without being sickening. It’s a delicious blend of Mint and Vanilla and it seems to be one of the most popular. However, I couldn’t put it higher on my list as it’s only available for part of the year.
5. Native Sea Salt & Cedar
Sea Salt & Cedar is a gorgeous masculine scent that left me feeling as though I was walking along a breeze oceanfront. One of the first things I noticed about the scent was how invigorating it was which was great for waking me up after my morning shower.
Now, that description might lead you to believe that this crisp, woody scent is very overpowering. But it’s not. Sea Salt & Cedar is indeed noticeable as you move your body throughout the day but it’s not so strong that it’s too much.
One thing I want to point out is that I feel Sea Salt & Cedar isn’t as effective as something like Citrus & Herbal Musk (next on my list) at masking odors. If you sweat a lot then this one might not perform as well for you.
6. Native Citrus & Herbal Musk
There’s something almost high end about Citrus & Herbal musk that makes me feel as though it’s a deodorant I’d wear on a night out somewhere fancy. But even as a day-to-day scent, this one is ideal for guys and girls. Although, if I’m honest, it’s probably more masculine which is why it’s a little further down the list.
In terms of effectiveness, there aren’t many other Native scents that beat Citrus & Herbal Musk. It’s one of the strongest-smelling deodorants from the brand and does an excellent job at covering odors.
It doesn’t really prevent me from sweating but I did notice that I sweat less than usual. People I know that usually sweat a lot have also said that the deodorant definitely made them smell better at the end of the day.
7. Native Cashmere & Rain
Cashmere and Rain is a truly intoxicating scent. I’d have placed it higher on this list if it wasn’t a limited edition as it’s pretty hard to get your hands on.
But when you do, you’ll fall in love! This scent is light, fresh and delicate but kept me feeling clean throughout the day. I’ll admit that it probably isn’t the best option for people who have trouble with strong sweat odors as it is one of the softer scents. However, if you want something for light use, it’s a great choice.
One thing I noticed above all else was how long the scent lasted. No, it wasn’t super strong but even at the end of the day, I could still catch a whiff of Cashmere & Rain.
8. Native Charcoal
Out of all of the Native deodorant scents, I found Charcoal to be the most gender neutral. Guys and girls will love this fresh, oceanic scent that’s strong yet noticeable without being too over the top.
I found that there was a heavy burst of citrus which works really well when you’re fresh out of the shower. Plus, as a summertime deodorant, it’s really uplifting.
Of course, in summer, you may sweat more, so how does Charcoal fare against odors? Well, it’s good news; this scent really packs a punch against stinky pits and does a great job of keeping me dry, even when I’m working out or on the go.
9. Native Cucumber Mint
I’ve tried Cucumber Mint scents from other natural deodorant brands and I have to say, none of them impressed me. But the Native version was pleasant and gentle and I think it works well as an everyday deodorant because it’s not too strong at all.
That said, Cucumber Mint did make me feel clean all day and did a good job at covering any odors. However, I struggled to notice any mint and felt there was more of a hint of melon.
If you prefer a very strong scent, then Cucumber Mint probably won’t be right for you. It’s definitely a more subtle scent which is why it’s at number 9. For an intense yet still fresh fragrance, I’d recommend something like Native Eucalyptus & Mint.
10. Native Unscented
Because I’m reviewing my top Native scents, you might wonder why I included the Unscented deodorant. Well, let me explain. A lot of people, especially those who sweat a lot, find that scented deodorants can make them smell worse.
While this isn’t the case with all Native scents, the unscented version keeps you dry without any competing aromas. It’s ideal also if you want your other body products like soaps and lotions to stand out more.
But one thing that did stand out was that this one doesn’t perform as well in intense situations. On warm days or when you’re working hard, you’ll definitely need to make another application.
Frequently Asked Questions On Native Deodorant
Who owns Native Deodorant?
Moiz Ali is the founder of Native Deodorant although the parent company is Procter and Gamble. In the first two years of the company’s launch, it had already generated more than $100 million.
Is Native Deodorant black-owned?
The founder of Native Deodorant was born in Pakistan. The parent company, P&G is not black-owned but has placed a significant focus on creating opportunities for black creators and within the media.
Is Native Deodorant Safe For Pregnancy?
Native Deodorant is safe for use in pregnancy since it contains only natural ingredients. However, it’s always best to speak to your healthcare provider before using a new product during pregnancy.
Is Native Deodorant Safe?
Native Deodorant contains no aluminum, no parabens, and no phthalates so it’s one of the safest products you can use to protect your underarms.
Can you use Native Deodorant on private parts?
Native Deodorant is designed for the underarms. However, since it does contain only natural ingredients, you may use it on the external skin of the groin. But the product should never be applied internally.
Where is Native Deodorant made?
According to the Native website, all of their products are manufactured in the USA.
Why Is Native Deodorant Called Native?
According to Moiz Ali, the founder of the brand, he chose the name Native as it hints towards a natural product and is easy for everyone to pronounce.
Are Native containers recyclable?
Native offers a plastic-free version of their deodorants which comes in paperboard packaging that’s 100% recyclable and eco-friendly. However, the regular containers may only be recyclable in some areas.
Is Native Deodorant antiperspirant?
No, Native is a deodorant that is designed primarily to prevent odors. An antiperspirant is designed to stop you from sweating. However, the product will absorb moisture to keep you dry.
Does Native Deodorant lighten underarms?
While Native Deodorant is not designed to lighten underarms, the lack of aluminum could lighten skin that has previously become dark from using products that contain aluminum. That’s because aluminum is known to darken the skin so when you stop using it, the effect may be reversed.
Why is Native Deodorant so expensive?
The main reason that Native Deodorant is a lot more expensive than some other products is because it contains natural ingredients and these cost more to source. Moreover, these ingredients can make the product more effective which will increase the price. That said, there are more expensive options on the market.
