12 Deodorant Alternatives to Keep Your Pits Dry

Are you tired of looking for natural deodorants that actually work to stop sweat and odor? If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals but still sweat excessively, the deodorant aisle probably doesn't have the solutions you’re seeking.

Luckily, deodorant and antiperspirant aren’t the only solutions for fighting underarm sweat and odor. Let’s look at some common reasons to choose deodorant alternatives, plus what to use instead of deodorant to keep your pits dry and odor-free.

Why Choose Deodorant Alternatives?

There are several good reasons you might decide to ditch traditional deodorants and antiperspirants in favor of something more natural.

YOU WANT TO STAY AWAY FROM CHEMICALS

Deodorants and antiperspirants contain controversial toxins, including aluminum, parabens, phthalates and triclosan. If you prefer not to put harsh chemicals on your body, you can find peace of mind with a deodorant alternative.

YOU HAVE AXILLARY HYPERHIDROSIS

When you have axillary hyperhidrosis or excessive underarm sweating, regular deodorant just doesn’t cut it. If you feel like you’ve tried every deodorant and antiperspirant on the shelf, it may be time to experiment with alternatives.

YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN

Certain ingredients like alcohol, aluminum and baking soda can irritate sensitive skin. Many deodorant substitutes are derived from gentle ingredients that can help keep irritation at bay.

YOU’RE TIRED OF PIT STAINS

Daily application of deodorant or antiperspirant can cause pit stains and leave unwanted residue on your clothing. If you're tired of cleaning pit stains or throwing away shirts, you may want to ditch the deodorant or antiperspirant altogether and opt for deodorant alternatives.

12 Deodorant Alternatives and Natural Remedies

Check out these deodorant alternatives if you’re concerned about your health or the environmental effects of store-bought deodorants and antiperspirants.

1. SWEAT PROOF UNDERSHIRT

To block underarm sweat marks and yellow stains for good, putting a clothing barrier between your skin and your outer layer is an excellent strategy.

Try wearing a Thompson Tee sweat proof undershirt, available for men and women. Thompson Tee’s patented sweat proof technology completely blocks underarm sweat from showing through your shirts — or your money back.

2. ALL-NATURAL DEODORANTS

First, check the label on your current natural deodorant. Is it 100% all natural? Some so-called "healthy" deodorants still contain chemicals, so always read the label carefully before purchasing.

Learn more about natural deodorants and how they work.

3. BAKING SODA AND CORNSTARCH

Baking soda expertly masks almost any funky smell — including body odor. You can make this cheap deodorant alternative in your kitchen with a couple of basic ingredients.

Mix one-eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water, and rub it into your underarms. Don’t dissolve the baking soda — only add enough water to create a paste.

You can also add a little cornstarch to help combat wetness. Mix six parts cornstarch with one part baking soda and smooth it on your armpits.

4. LEMON JUICE

Applying lemon juice to your underarms is a simple way to stay smelling fresh. Lemon juice is packed with citric acid, which kills odor-causing bacteria. But remember that lemons are highly acidic, so be careful when applying lemon juice to your armpits after shaving (yes, it will sting!).

5. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Did you know apple cider vinegar is a natural alternative to deodorant? It’s naturally pH-restoring, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of water, then apply to your underarms with a cotton ball or pad.

6. RUBBING ALCOHOL

Rubbing alcohol also kills odor-causing bacteria. And the best part? You probably have some sitting in your medicine cabinet. Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spritz it in your armpits, or dab some on a cotton ball and apply.

7. ESSENTIAL OILS

If you’re worried about smelling like rubbing alcohol or baking soda, essential oils can help. Certain essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, thyme and rosemary have antibacterial properties. Mix a few of your favorite oils together to create your perfect scent, then dab on your pits with a cotton ball.

8. COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is antibacterial and antiviral, which can reduce or eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

Since coconut oil has a low melting temperature (80F), it can easily cause greasy stains on your clothes. Follow this recipe for a coconut oil deodorant that stays intact through the day:

Ingredients:

¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
Coconut oil

Combine cornstarch and baking soda in a bowl and mix. Add coconut oil gradually until it becomes a thick paste. DIY coconut can last for up to two years in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for best results – and extra-cool pits!

9. SHEA BUTTER

For an extra-moisturizing deodorant, try this shea butter treatment:

Ingredients:

3 T shea butter
3 T baking soda
2 tablespoons cocoa butter
2 T cornstarch
1 tsp vitamin E oil
Essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Combine and melt all ingredients (except the oils) in a saucepan over low heat and stir. Add the Vitamin E oil and essential oil of your choice. Pour into a container and place in the fridge to cool and set. Keep refrigerated between uses.

Check out more deodorant recipes made with natural ingredients.

10. WITCH HAZEL

Witch hazel is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, the solution kills bacteria and removes excess moisture from the skin, making it an ideal substitute for deodorant.

Witch hazel is a popular deodorant alternative because it doesn’t leave residue on the skin and zaps odor fast. However, you'll need to reapply it throughout the day because it wears off quickly.

11. UNDERARM BOTOX

Botulinum toxin (Botox) can treat the symptoms of severe underarm sweating. Botox works by blocking the secretion of the chemical that activates your sweat ducts.

Botox injections are relatively quick and painless for most people; however, Botox for hyperhidrosis is considered an invasive treatment with potentially serious side effects. If you experience excessive underarm sweating, speak to a dermatologist about less invasive solutions first.

12. HAND SANITIZER

Need deodorant in a pinch? If hand sanitizer is handy, squirt a small amount into your palm and apply it to each armpit to kill the stink. Bonus: Hand sanitizer dries fast, so you won’t have to wait long to get on with your day.

Stay Clean and Dry With a Thompson Tee

No deodorant alternative is completely sweat and odor-proof, and their effects don’t last forever. Most deodorant substitutes must be reapplied throughout the day to keep you odor-free.

Add an extra layer of sweat and odor protection with a Thompson Tee! Our breathable undershirts are guaranteed to block sweat while controlling odor and preventing sweat stains, leaving you feeling cool, confident and comfortable.

Try a Thompson Tee risk-free today!