Is Charcoal Deodorant Good? Your Questions Answered

In recent years, activated charcoal has become increasingly popular in many consumer products, from ice cream and toothpaste to skincare.

In addition, activated charcoal has burst onto the scene as an essential ingredient in sweat and body odor management. It’s a proven sweat absorber, but more importantly, it’s a natural ingredient that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin while blocking odors.

So what about charcoal deodorant? Is charcoal deodorant good? Today we’ll answer some FAQs about charcoal deodorants, plus information on six charcoal deodorants to try.

  • What is charcoal deodorant?
  • How does charcoal deodorant work?
  • Is charcoal deodorant good?
  • Is charcoal deodorant safe?
  • Does charcoal deodorant stain clothes?
  • 6 top charcoal deodorants to try

What is Charcoal Deodorant?

Not surprisingly, charcoal deodorant has activated charcoal as one of its main ingredients. So what are the differences between traditional, natural and charcoal deodorants?


Traditional DeodorantNatural DeodorantCharcoal Deodorant
  • Uses chemicals such as aluminum and parabens
  • Can irritate sensitive skin
  • Typically works well against sweat and odor but might not be strong enough for heavy sweaters.
  • Contains no chemicals or toxins
  • Blocks odor but doesn’t absorb sweat
  • Causes less staining than traditional deodorants
  • Better than conventional deodorants for sensitive skin
  • Has all the benefits of natural deodorants
  • Neutralizes odor as well as natural deodorants
  • Absorbs sweat better than natural deodorants

How Does Charcoal Deodorant Work?

Charcoal deodorant uses activated charcoal to block odor and absorb sweat. In case you’re picturing a roll-on charcoal briquette, activated charcoal is different from what you buy for your barbeque. It’s a form of carbon processed to increase its surface area and make it more absorbent.

Regular deodorants use aluminum, which blocks your sweat glands and eliminates odor. However, it can sometimes cause adverse reactions in some people, most commonly skin irritation or hives. Charcoal deodorant is an excellent option if you have sensitive skin but need extra sweat protection.

Is Charcoal Deodorant Good?

Charcoal deodorant is a subset of natural deodorant, containing all the benefits of natural deodorant but with better sweat absorption. In addition, activated charcoal absorbs bacteria and other impurities, making it an ideal ingredient in deodorant.

Read Your Guide to Natural Deodorant

Is Charcoal Deodorant Safe?

In a word, yes – unless you’re sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients. Activated charcoal is made by burning coconut husks, olive pits, sawdust and other raw materials, combined with organic ingredients like coconut, shea butter, magnesium, vitamin E and beeswax.

Does Charcoal Deodorant Stain Clothes?

It depends. Some customers have noted that certain brands leave a stain, while others do not. It can also be affected by the application process and your body chemistry.

For the best prevention against staining, you should wait a few minutes after applying it before getting dressed.

6 Top Charcoal Deodorants To Try

1. Schmidt’s Charcoal and Magnesium Charcoal Deodorant - $9.99

Great for both men and women, Schmidt’s provides gentile, long-lasting odor protection with shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba and vitamin E.

Schmidt’s Charcoal and Magnesium Charcoal Deodorant

2. Native Charcoal Deodorant - $13.00

Native’s charcoal deodorant applies smoothly, is non-greasy and leaves no residue. Native’s ingredients include coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda and magnesium.

Native Charcoal Deodorant

3. PiperWai Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Stick - $15.00

Made for men and women, Piper Wai’s charcoal deodorant is aluminum-free, cruelty-free, paraben-free and vegan.

PiperWai Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Stick

4. Dr. Teal’s Aluminum Free Deodorant with Charcoal - $11.45

Dr. Teal’s charcoal deodorant is dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to absorb wetness and block odor all day. It features magnesium, arrowroot powder, baking soda and a blend of essential oils.

Dr. Teal’s Aluminum Free Deodorant with Charcoal

5. Duke Cannon Trench Warfare Natural Charcoal Deodorant - $12.00

Formulated for men, Duke Cannon’s deodorant is alcohol-free, aluminum-free and naturally derived. It’s available in scents like Sandalwood & Amber, Bergamot & Black Pepper and Fresh Water & Neroli.

Duke Cannon Trench Warfare Natural Charcoal Deodorant

6. Cleo+Coco Women’s Natural Deodorant with Activated Charcoal - $12.00

Formulated especially for women, Cleo+Coco offers a unique formulation of activated charcoal, plant-based powders, clay and essential oils that applies clear and keeps you smelling fresh all day long.

Cleo+Coco Women’s Natural Deodorant with Activated Charcoal

Try a Thompson Tee For Extra Sweat Protection

Whether you’re a fan of conventional deodorants or want to venture into natural alternatives, sweat absorption and odor blocking are the name of the game. Of course, there are pros and cons to each type of deodorant. Which one you choose depends on your skin sensitivity, view of chemicals, and how absorbent you need your deodorant to be.

Once you find the right deodorant, you can pair it with a Thompson Tee to double your sweat protection and keep you smelling fresh. In addition, our patented sweat proof undershirts are guaranteed to absorb 100% of underarm sweat and prevent sweat marks from showing through your outer layer.

Try one risk-free today!