The brand claims Akt, developed by two West End dancers, has been tested on more than 1,000 professional dancers and athletes. It's claimed to be plastic, aluminium and cruelty-free and to absorb both wetness and odours (although it stops short of classing itself as an antiperspirant). As for its eco credentials, Akt has a stylish recyclable aluminium tube and cap, and comes in cardboard boxes. 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. Moisturising agents tend to be naturally derived options such as cacao or shea butter, coconut and almond oil. Natural deodorants are claimed to be kinder to skin by using largely naturally derived ingredients.

Another said they liked it for really hot days as you don't get the creamy residue you can get with some paste or cream formulas, though they did find it slightly more irritating on freshly shaved skin.

Pharmacy product

It's worth remembering that natural ingredients can still cause skin reactions. For example, bicarbonate of soda can irritate the skin and cause itchiness, especially if used after shaving, and some essential oils that are commonly found in natural deodorants might also cause skin irritation. It does this with a combination of natural plant and mineral powders to deodorise and absorb perspiration, including magnesium oxide and diatomaceous earth (a fossilised algae). It also contains sodium bicarbonate. If organic credentials are important to you, look for a Soil Association certified brand - either a COSMOS Organic logo or COSMOS Natural logo (where products contain lots of ingredients which cannot be organic, such as water, salt or clay, but might contain organic ingredients, too).

Natural and eco deodorants tend to work by neutralising odours and absorbing moisture, rather than preventing sweating. While plenty have moisture-absorbing ingredients, none are true antiperspirants. Helps moisturise the skin: Formulated with natural moisturising factor, this deodorant helps moisturise your skin while keeping you fresh and odour-free. The Salt of the Earth Natural Deodorant Spray bottles are recyclable and made from 100% plant derived plastic. Additionally, the Unscented Natural Deodorant Spray by Salt of the Earth can also be refilled using the Salt of the Earth 500ml or 1ltr Unscented Natural Deodorant Spray Refill, reducing plastic waste even further. NATURAL DEODORANT - Certified COSMOS Natural. Formulated without synthetic additives, the Salt of the Earth Unscented Natural Deodorant Spray is 100% natural, gentle on your skin and made from a mix of natural mineral salts, essential oils and aloe vera.

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They come in a range of formats, including creams, pastes, crystals, roll-ons and pump-action spray formulas. VEGAN FRIENDLY - The entire Salt of the Earth range is 100% vegan and approved by both the Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society. 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. There are no added extras here - just crystal in a box. So if you're after a no-frills eco deodorant product that will last for six plus months (if you look after it) for not much outlay, this could be the one for you. Aluminium spray cans often have some plastic parts, such as nozzles and lids, that are harder to recycle, while aerosol sprays have their own environmental implications.