Let’s talk armpits. More specifically, what we’re putting on them every single day.

If you’ve started questioning what’s really in your personal care products (especially if you’ve got kids, are pregnant, or are just trying to reduce your toxic load), deodorant is a solid place to start. Why? Because most conventional deodorants are packed with synthetic ingredients and hormone-disrupting chemicals that your body absorbs right through your underarm skin—which, by the way, is incredibly sensitive and close to major lymph nodes and breast tissue.

Even though science continues to evolve regarding these ingredients, there’s enough research and concern to raise eyebrows—and make a strong case for switching to low-tox alternatives.

🚩 What’s Actually in Your Conventional Deodorant?

Let’s break it down. These are the biggest red flags when it comes to mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants:

  • Aluminium compounds
    Used in antiperspirants to block sweat glands. These compounds are absorbed through the skin and have been found in breast tissue. Some studies suggest a possible link to breast cancer, although not conclusive.

  • Parabens
    Used as preservatives, they’re known endocrine disruptors. They can mimic oestrogen and breast cancer has an oestrogen-sensitive component.

  • Phthalates
    Usually hidden under “fragrance,” these chemicals mess with your hormones. They’re also linked to reproductive and developmental issues.

  • Triclosan
    An antimicrobial agent that may contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt thyroid function.

  • Synthetic fragrance/parfum
    This umbrella term can hide hundreds of chemicals. Many of them are allergens or hormone disruptors.  Artificial fragrance is toxic to our health.

🧪 But Is There Proof?

Let’s be real—the science isn’t black and white, but there are valid concerns. Here are some studies and facts worth noting:

  • A 2003 study published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention found that women who shaved their underarms and used antiperspirants were diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age. It didn’t prove causation, but it’s definitely a red flag.
    👉🏻 Study Link

  • A 2017 review in Environmental Health reported that aluminium compounds from antiperspirants are absorbed through the skin and detected in breast tissue.
    👉🏻 Study Link

  • Parabens have been detected in breast tumours.
    👉🏻 Study Link

No one’s saying your deodorant is going to cause cancer overnight (or at all)— but the precautionary principle matters. If you can avoid this stuff easily, why wouldn’t you?

✅ What Makes a Deodorant “Low-Tox”?

Look for these good guys:

  • Aluminium-free
    Let your body sweat—it’s meant to! Low-tox deodorants neutralise odour without clogging your sweat glands.

  • Bicarb or magnesium-based odour control
    These help absorb moisture and neutralise odour to keep you smelling fresh.

  • Plant-based ingredients
    Like coconut oil, arrowroot powder, shea butter, and natural essential oils.

  • No synthetic fragrance
    Choose brands that use essential oils or are fragrance-free.

  • Eco-conscious packaging
    Compostable, recyclable, or refillable options are ideal.

The good news is that there are so many low-tox deodorants that are readily available these days.  We can think back not too long ago, when it was hard to even find 1 better deodorant alternative, but now there are heaps!

😷 “Why Do I Smell WORSE After Switching to Natural Deodorant?”

Ah yes, the “natural deodorant makes me stinkier” dilemma — we hear it all the time! And here’s the truth: it’s not the deodorant… it’s your body doing what it’s meant to do.

When you stop using conventional deodorants and antiperspirants (especially those packed with aluminium and synthetic fragrance), your body finally gets the green light to sweat naturally — and detox. That stink you’re noticing? It’s your body pushing out a backlog of built-up bacteria, toxins, and heavy metals from your pits. Gross? A little. Necessary? Absolutely.

This “detox phase” can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your body, diet, stress levels, and how long you’ve been using mainstream deodorant. But once you get through it, your body recalibrates, your microbiome balances out, and natural deodorant actually starts to work — without the nasties.

Pro tip? You can support the process by gently exfoliating your underarms, drinking plenty of water, using a clay armpit detox mask (like the one from KIND-LY), and keeping up your low-tox lifestyle across the board.

The stink is temporary. The benefits? Long-term.

🌿 Our Favourite Low-Tox Deodorants

We’ve tried and tested a bunch of them, and these are our top picks available right here in Australia:

1. doTERRA Balance® Deodorant

Infused with calming Balance essential oil blend, this gentle stick uses arrowroot and baking soda to naturally absorb moisture and reduce odour. No aluminium, talc, or artificial fragrance.
👉🏻 Buy here if new to doTERRA, otherwise log into your doTERRA account and purchase it from there

2. No Pong

An Aussie cult fave. Comes in Original, Bicarb-Free, and Fragrance-Free formulas. Affordable, effective, and genuinely keeps odour away all day.
👉🏻 Buy here – also available in supermarkets

3. Asuvi

Sleek, gender-neutral, refillable tubes with compostable refills. Made in Sydney and designed with sustainability in mind.
👉🏻 Buy here

4. Noosa Basics

Handcrafted and certified organic, with bicarb-free options. Scents are divine and it comes in jars, tubes, and sprays.
👉🏻 Buy here – available in some supermarkets and priceline

5. Black Chicken Remedies – Axilla Paste

A pioneer in the low-tox deodorant space. Thick, creamy, and powerful. Available in original and sensitive formulas.
👉🏻 Buy here

6. Eco by Sonya Driver – Lemongrass Deodorant

Beautifully fresh scent, excellent ingredients, and created by a brand known for certified organic skincare.
👉🏻 Buy here

💚 Other Amazing Aussie Low-Tox Deodorants You Might Not Know (Yet)

9. Woohoo Body

From Newcastle, these pastes and sticks are plastic-free and come in multiple scents and strengths. Their bicarb-free formula is a winner for sensitive pits.
👉🏻 Buy here
This will take you to Part & Parcel, our preferred low-tox and additive-free online grocery store, who stock this brand. Use code additive-free-20 for $20 off orders over $99.

10. Skin Juice

An Aussie all-natural skincare brand with a desire to create nutrient-rich professional-grade skincare that feed the skin like a healthy diet feeds the body.
👉🏻 Buy here

11. Totem Eco

Certified organic, vegan, and plastic-free with compostable packaging. They smell great and perform well, even on sweaty days.
👉🏻 Buy here

12. Frank + Bare

AHA-powered deodorants that gently exfoliate and fight odour naturally. Bonus: they come in chic, minimalist packaging.
👉🏻 Buy here

13. Natural Approach

Family-run and handmade in Australia. Their bicarb-free options are super gentle and perfect for first-timers going natural.
👉🏻 Buy here

14. Sukin Natural Deodorant Spray

A great supermarket-friendly option that’s affordable. Whilst it’s not a perfect option, it is better than most mainstream picks. Spray formula with a fresh citrus scent.
👉🏻 Buy here – available in supermarkets

15. Mukti Organics Botanique Deodorant

Organic and high-end. A great pick for someone who wants a luxe feel without toxins.
👉🏻 Buy here

16. Schmidt’s Certified Natural Deodorant

Now available Australia. Good performance and a great supermarket option.
👉🏻 Buy here – also available in Woolworths

17. Wanderlightly

Zero-waste balm packed in tins with amazing scents and serious staying power. Plus, they support planet-loving initiatives.
👉🏻 Buy here

18. KIND-LY Natural Deodorants

Roll-on deodorants powered by probiotics and magnesium. Natural, aluminium-free, and gentle on sensitive skin.
👉🏻 Buy here – also available at Chemist Warehouse

19. Tuttofare Natural Deodorant

Handmade in Australia using clean, effective ingredients like tallow, bicarb, coconut oil, and essential oils. Comes in paste and stick form.
👉🏻 Buy here

Want to Make Your Own?

If you’re keen to DIY your way to low-tox armpits, making your own deodorant can be super simple, cost-effective, and totally customisable. You’ll avoid all the nasties and know exactly what’s going on your skin—plus, it’s surprisingly fun!

One of our favourite low-tox advocates, Krissy Ballinger, has a tried-and-tested natural deodorant recipe that’s loved by many. It uses a handful of basic ingredients you probably already have at home—like bicarb, coconut oil, and essential oils—and it actually works.

👉🏻 Check out Krissy’s DIY deodorant recipe here

Whether you buy or DIY, making the switch to low-tox deodorant is one of the easiest and most empowering changes you can make for your health.

✌️ Final Thoughts

Look, your armpits may be a small part of your body—but what you put on them matters. Every day, you’re exposing your lymph nodes and breast tissue to a cocktail of chemicals. And while the science hasn’t caught up to give us black-and-white answers, there’s enough concern to justify playing it safe.

Switching to a natural deodorant isn’t just about BO—it’s about reducing your chemical exposure, protecting your health long-term, and supporting brands that actually care about people and the planet.

We’ve listed plenty of options that are tried, tested, and don’t make you smell like a foot halfway through the day. Give one a go—your pits (and your hormones) will thank you. 🙌

Much love,
Jo & Tracey x