Apply to freshly-cleaned wet or damp underarms, ideally after a bath or a shower. Alternatively, wet the crystal before application. Do not use on broken skin. Keep the crystal dry between uses to enhance product life.

You won't currently find most of these products in high street stores (aside from Holland and Barrett, which has a good range), so it can take a bit of time and research to figure out what's out there and what's best for you. From an industry authority perspective, the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association (CTPA) has stated: “Parabens are officially approved for use under the Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC), the European legislation that regulates all cosmetics and toiletries. We can reassure the public that all cosmetic and toiletry products containing parabens may continue to be used safely.” For example, crystal products such as Salt Of The Earth contain potassium alum, and PitRok is made from ammonium alum - both aluminium salts.Key ingredients include magnesium oxide and bicarbonate of soda (except in the Gentle range) to help prevent odours, as well as arrowroot for the sweat and shea butter to moisturise. Certified COSMOS Natural by the Soil Association. It’s also certified by The Vegan Society and Leaping Bunny approved. This deodorant is gentle on your skin and formulated with natural mineral salts, magnesium, aloe vera and rosemary leaf extract. Be prepared for a transition period in which your armpits get used to the switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant - and don't give up in the first few weeks of use. There are sensitive formulas available. You might also wish to experiment with alternative hair-removal methods such as epilation or waxing, which might cause less irritation as they are longer lasting. There are three formulations to choose from with this creamy paste-based deodorant: 'Clean' - for daily use/all skin types, 'Gentle' - for sensitive skin, and 'Active' - for more demanding days.

A 45g jar lasts two months, so it's reasonable value for money, plus the availability of mini sizes is useful so you can try it before committing to a bigger size. For centuries, natural mineral salts have been used to prevent body odour. One of these natural salts, potassium alum, is the main active ingredient in Salt of the Earth’s Unscented Natural Deodorant Spray. Potassium alum creates an invisible antibacterial layer on the skin’s surface that helps to control the growth of bacteria, preventing body odour. The result is effective, long-lasting protection that allows your skin to breathe. There's a range of unisex scents available, largely based on essential oils such as peppermint, citrus, rosemary and bergamot, as well as gender-specific options.

Users of Fit Pit in the office had mixed opinions on it. Some told us it was 'effective and long lasting' but 'can be a bit messy to apply'.

This unisex Unscented Natural Deodorant Spray by Salt of the Earth offers long-lasting, effective protection from body odour and is made from 100% natural ingredients. However, Cancer Research UK says there is 'no good evidence' to suggest a link between aluminium in antiperspirants and cancer. Moisturising agents tend to be naturally derived options such as cacao or shea butter, coconut and almond oil.

Find in store

Subscription deodorant might seem a bit unusual, but you can pause, edit or cancel the subscription at any time, and adjust deliveries or swap scents to suit you. The rise in popularity of eco deodorants has several catalysts, but for some it's been prompted by concerns about ingredients in conventional products, particularly aluminium. This fragrance-free vegan deodorant (or 'anti-odorant' as it calls itself) comes in the form of a tube of cream that you apply to the underarms by hand. Some might react to the bicarbonate of soda. One user told us: 'My girlfriend said it was really good, but it irritated her skin after a few months due to the bicarbonate of soda in the ingredients.' Another user told us they found it effective, and that the initial itchiness from the bicarb settled down after a few months. So you might need to give it a trial to see if it works for you.

But it's worth knowing that this is not necessary for letting out toxins, as some brands claim. Your body already has sophisticated detoxing processes in the form of your liver and kidneys. Sweating is more about effective temperature regulation than detoxing. Some people find that they go through a 'detox' period of a few weeks as their pores gradually get rid of antiperspirant build-up, and this can temporarily lead to additional sweating and odour. Salt of the Earth says a 1-litre spray refill uses 70% less plastic than buying 10 individual 100ml sprays. Several brands offer this option and several also offer stronger or more gentle formulations (usually based on the amount of sodium bicarb) for different activity levels or those with more sensitive skin VEGAN FRIENDLY - The entire Salt of the Earth range is 100% vegan and approved by both the Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society.The company says its products are 100% natural, free from preservatives, alcohol, artificial fragrance and palm oil, and are registered with The Vegan Society. As for its eco credentials, Akt has a stylish recyclable aluminium tube and cap, and comes in cardboard boxes.