I Finally Found a Natural Deodorant That Actually Works Against Odor (heatwave tested)

Version française ici

I regularly talk about products on this blog and, in any case, none of my articles are sponsored (the joys of having a small blog 😅). But since I’m going to be particularly enthusiastic in this article, I still wanted to mention it: I bought this product myself. And yes, the goal of this blog is obviously to share with you the products I test and discover, but I probably wouldn’t have taken the time to write a full article about it if I hadn’t been so impressed by its effectiveness.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that I’ve been paying more attention to the ingredients in the products I use every day. I’m not trying to switch to an entirely “natural” or “clean” lifestyle, but there are certain products for which I pay closer attention to the ingredient list, especially those I use daily.

Deodorants are one of them.

For several years, I’ve been trying to find a deodorant with a formula that suits me better while still being effective.

And that’s where the problems started.

Because until now, every natural deodorant I had tried came with at least one drawback: either it made my underarms itch, left white marks on my clothes, had a texture that was far too thick, or simply wasn’t effective against odor.

To give you an idea, I’m not someone who sweats excessively. However, like everyone else, I do have body odor and that’s mainly what bothers me. Honestly, a little moisture doesn’t really bother me. What bothers me more is being able to smell sweat.

While looking for something better, I was using the Sanex Zero % Sensitive Skin deodorant.

It wasn’t perfect, far from it, but among all the deodorants I had tried, it was the one that suited me best at the time.

I liked the texture because it felt more like a cream or a balm. It didn’t make my underarms itch, it didn’t leave white marks, and it was very easy to apply.

However, when it came to odor protection, it clearly wasn’t great.

Even on relatively quiet days, I could quickly smell sweat. I often had to reapply it throughout the day and even then, I wasn’t really convinced by the results.

So I kept using it because, despite its flaws, it was still the best option among the deodorants I had tested.

Then, a few weeks ago, during an event, someone told me about a natural deodorant sold at Kruidvat.

According to her, it was very effective and quite popular.

The problem was that she couldn’t remember the brand.

All I knew was that it was a natural deodorant sold in a small jar.

So when I went to Kruidvat a few days later, I was basically shopping blind.

In the end, a deodorant from the brand Ben & Anna caught my attention.

I chose the Persian Lime version.

The packaging mentions several things: Natural Deodorant, 48-hour effect, organic ingredients, palm oil free, and protection against both odor and moisture.

Before buying it, I also checked its rating on INCI Beauty: 19/20. I took the time to read reviews from other users on the app as well, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. That was one of the reasons I decided to give it a try.

And honestly, after the first few uses, I quickly understood why so many people recommend it.

Since I started using it, I haven’t noticed any sweat odor at all. None!

Even during the recent heatwave we have/had.

I’m not going to say it prevents sweating, because that’s not the case: I still sweat when it’s hot or during workouts. And during a heatwave, the moisture is naturally even more noticeable. However, it is extremely effective at neutralizing odor, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.

What I also appreciate is that once the sweating peak has passed, my underarms quickly feel dry again, without that feeling of residue or discomfort that some deodorants can leave behind.

What Does the Ben & Anna Deodorant Look Like?

Before getting into the ingredients, here are a few photos so you can take a closer look at the product.

Later in the article, you’ll be able to see the texture, the amount I use for each application, and what it looks like once applied.

Ingredients: What’s Actually Inside This Natural Deodorant?

Here’s the full ingredient list:

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Organic)
Zea Mays Starch
Sodium Bicarbonate
Cocos Nucifera Oil (Organic)
Zinc Oxide
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Organic)
Limonene (derived from natural essential oils)
Tocopherol
Fragrance (derived from natural essential oils)
Citral (derived from natural essential oils)
Linalool (derived from natural essential oils)

I’m obviously not a chemist or a cosmetic formulator, but I always like to understand what I’m putting on my skin.

And in this case, the formula is fairly easy to understand.

Organic shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter) is the first ingredient on the list. It gives the product its creamy texture while helping to nourish and protect the skin.

Corn starch (Zea Mays Starch) mainly acts as an absorbent. It’s probably responsible for the dry, powdery feeling you get after application.

Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) is one of the most common ingredients found in natural deodorants. Its main role is to help neutralize odor by limiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

A small but important note: I personally haven’t experienced any irritation, itching, or discomfort from the baking soda, even with daily use. I also tested it right after shaving and didn’t feel any stinging or burning, even on freshly shaved skin. This is worth mentioning because some natural deodorants can feel uncomfortable when applied after shaving.

The formula also contains organic coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil), which is known for its natural antibacterial properties. Once again, the goal is to help target the bacteria responsible for body odor.

Zinc oxide (Zinc Oxide) has absorbent and soothing properties. It’s an ingredient commonly found in products designed for sensitive skin.

Finally, organic sunflower seed oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil) helps make the application more comfortable.

The last ingredients on the list (Limonene, Citral, and Linalool) are naturally occurring compounds found in certain essential oils and contribute to the product’s scent.

Overall, the formula relies on three main principles: absorbing some moisture, limiting odor-causing bacteria, and protecting the skin with nourishing plant oils.

Texture, Application and Feel on the Skin

When I first saw that this deodorant came in a jar, I have to admit I had some doubts.

I was worried that the texture would be too thick or too greasy.

In reality, the texture is surprisingly difficult to describe.

It’s creamy, but it also leaves a fairly dry finish.

That’s actually what makes it hard to explain: when you scoop it out of the jar, it feels very creamy, but once applied and massaged into the underarm, it leaves a soft, dry, slightly powdery feeling that reminds me a lot of talcum powder.

(Small note: with the current heatwave, I noticed that the cream naturally becomes a bit softer and more fluid due to the heat. But even outside of hot weather, the deodorant is still very easy to spread on the skin, as you can see on my hand.)

I should also mention that I’ve only tested the jar version. The brand also offers stick deodorants, but I don’t know whether the texture or application is exactly the same. I imagine the stick might be slightly less easy to spread evenly, but that’s only my assumption.

A very small amount is enough.

Personally, I simply take a small amount with my fingertip, apply it to one underarm, then the other.

Once properly spread, the product completely disappears and leaves no white marks on clothing.

(Small note: it’s best to apply the deodorant before getting dressed. If you apply it after putting on your clothes, it may leave visible marks.)

I don’t get any visible residue or the thick layer that some natural deodorants can leave behind at the end of the day.

And contrary to what I expected, applying it with my fingers doesn’t bother me at all.

PS: I did notice that it’s best to apply it on completely dry underarms. For example, right after a shower, if the skin is still slightly damp, the cream doesn’t spread as well and the texture feels less pleasant to work with.

What Does the Persian Lime Scent Smell Like?

I chose the Persian Lime scent.

It’s mainly citrusy, but I also notice a slightly peppery note.

I don’t know if that’s the best way to describe it, but that’s genuinely what comes to mind whenever I use it.

Personally, I really like the scent because it feels fresh without being overpowering.

The only small thing I’ve noticed is that if I apply too much product, I sometimes smell the peppery note more than the citrus one. That being said, I’m very sensitive to scents, so this is the kind of detail I tend to notice more than most people probably would.

And since it only happens when I’ve applied more product than necessary, it’s really a minor detail compared to all the positive points I’ve noticed.

Price, Quantity and How Long the Jar Lasts

I bought my jar on April 28th, 2026.

At the time of writing this article (June 11th, 2026), I’ve been using it every day.

Twice a week, on Pilates days, I even apply it a second time as a precaution.

And yet, I still have enough product left to easily last another month.

The jar contains 45 grams of product and costs €6.99.

Considering how little product is needed per application and how long the jar lasts, I think the value for money is excellent.

Where Can You Buy Ben & Anna Deodorant?

I bought mine at Kruidvat for €6.99.

You can also find the brand online through its official website, where you can browse the different product ranges and available scents.

Pros

✓ Very effective against odor

✓ A little goes a long way

✓ Easy to apply

✓ Doesn’t leave white marks on clothes

✓ Doesn’t cause itching

✓ Doesn’t leave a thick residue on the underarms

✓ Underarms quickly feel dry again after sweating

✓ Pleasant scent

✓ Economical jar

✓ Good ingredient list

Cons

✗ The lid isn’t always easy to open

✗ The jar gets messy quite quickly when closing it after use

✗ Despite the “Wetness Protection” claim on the packaging, it doesn’t completely stop moisture like an antiperspirant would

✗ The peppery note can occasionally feel a bit strong if too much product is applied

My Opinion After More Than 6 Weeks of Use

I’ve now been using it daily for over a month and I completely understand why it’s so highly recommended.

I’ve already recommended it to several people around me and I’m curious to hear their feedback because, in the end, results can vary from person to person.

It’s also worth mentioning that I sweat at what I would consider a fairly normal level, so my experience may be influenced by that.

But as far as I’m concerned, this is probably the best natural deodorant I’ve tested so far.

What impresses me the most is that one application in the morning is usually enough for the entire day, even during very hot weather. I also haven’t noticed any odor during my Pilates sessions, which is always a good sign.

Honestly, finding a natural deodorant that neutralizes odor this effectively is a real gem.

Will I continue testing other natural deodorants? Probably, because I always enjoy discovering new products.

But one thing is certain: this Ben & Anna deodorant has become my current benchmark.

And when this jar is finished, I already know I’ll be buying another one.

What about you? Have you found a natural deodorant that really works for you? Feel free to share your recommendations or experience in the comments. I’m always curious to discover new products.

See you soon, Beautifully Moi!