Which Formula Is Right for You?

Not sure which formula is right for you? You’re not alone—each of our deodorants has a slightly different purpose and strength. The chart below offers a quick side-by-side comparison, and below that, you’ll find more detail to help you choose the one that fits your skin and lifestyle best.

Comparison chart of Island Deodorant formulas

Meet the Formulas

🌴 Original Formula

Our most popular deodorant. It contains baking soda and probiotics for long-lasting odor protection. Works best for most people—especially those not sensitive to baking soda.
Best for: Strong protection with minimal application.
Goes on: Smooth and clear.
Not recommended if: You’ve had irritation from baking soda in the past.

🌴 Sensitive Formula (Baking Soda Free)

Gentler on skin, made without baking soda. Still offers odor protection thanks to magnesium hydroxide and zinc oxide, but may not be as long-lasting for everyone.
Best for: those who can't use baking soda formulas.
Goes on: Soft and white.
Not recommended if: You need stronger odor protection for long days or workouts.

🌴 Extra Strength Sensitive (1/3 Strength Baking Soda)

 A happy medium. Designed for those who want better odor protection than our baking soda-free formula but find the baking soda in the Original too strong.
Best for: Sensitive skin that still needs serious odor control.
Goes on: Soft and white.
Note: Contains less baking soda, so it’s not baking soda free.


 Still Not Sure?

  • Try starting out with a single stick of our Original formula —we offer a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work out.  

  • Prefer to try something else? You can always request a replacement instead of a refund. Just contact us and we’re happy to help troubleshoot your experience!


Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’ve reacted to other natural deodorants?

Reactions can happen—especially with baking soda-based formulas—but they’re not the norm. If you know you're sensitive to baking soda, we recommend starting with our Sensitive formula, which is completely baking soda free. If you're unsure, our Original formula is a great place to start and comes with a money-back guarantee on single stick purchases. And if something doesn’t work out, we’re always happy to help you troubleshoot or try another option.

Do your formulas work for teens and preteens?

Yes! Many of our customers use our deodorants for their kids. For younger users or those just starting out with deodorant, we usually recommend our Original formula, since it works well for most people. If your child has very sensitive skin or has had reactions to baking soda deodorants in the past, our Sensitive formula or Sensitive Cream may be a gentler option. A little goes a long way, no matter which formula you choose!

Can I switch formulas later?

Absolutely. While many people find their perfect fit with our Original formula, others choose to switch based on personal preference or skin sensitivity—especially if they know they don’t tolerate baking soda well. If the formula you try doesn’t work for you, we offer a refund or replacement on one single stick, one time, with no time limit. We’re always happy to help you find the right fit!

What’s the difference between the cream and the stick?

Same great formulas, just in different formats—with a few small ingredient differences. The stick is firmer and more convenient for quick application. It contains candelilla wax to hold its shape and does not include shea butter.

The cream comes in a jar and is soft enough to apply with your fingers. It contains shea butter for added nourishment and no wax, making it a good choice for those who prefer a softer texture or want more control over application. Some people like using the cream to apply to smaller areas, mix in their favorite essential oil, or just prefer applying deodorant by hand.

Will this leave white marks on my clothes?

Only our Sensitive and Extra Strength Sensitive formulas contain zinc oxide, which can leave a white cast if not fully absorbed. To minimize this, apply a very thin layer and allow it to absorb before getting dressed. Our Original formula goes on clear and smooth, and doesn’t leave white marks for most people.

Do you offer scented deodorants?

All of our stock deodorants are unscented, with no added fragrance or essential oils. We’ve chosen to keep them this way because many people are sensitive to fragrance, and even natural essential oils can cause irritation for some. In addition, there are growing health concerns around synthetic fragrance ingredients, especially their potential to disrupt hormones or trigger allergic reactions.

Another bonus: unscented deodorant won’t compete with any perfume or essential oil you might like to wear, so you can wear your signature scents without interference.

Do you offer plastic-free packaging?

Yes! We offer several plastic-free options, including stick deodorants in compostable containers and cream deodorants in glass jars or refills in compostable bags. We ship most orders using compostable shipping materials.
You can learn more about our eco-friendly packaging and practices here on our Eco-Friendly Commitment page ».


If you’ve made it this far—thank you! We hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about choosing the right formula. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re always happy to help.