Alba Botanica Clear Enzyme deodorant stick
$6 at Whole Foods (locations throughout the city)
How it works: Rub the clear, preservative-free stick on dry pits. Alba claims baking soda soaks up dampness while lichen kills stinky bacteria.
Doc says: “Lichen? That’s something that grows on trees as a symbiotic host. The absence of propylene glycol is probably helpful for people with sensitive skin.”
The sweet: The light tea-tree scent effectively covers up sweat smells, and it smells clean, not perfumey.
The smelly: It takes a while to dry, which is a pain in the ass during the morning-grooming process.

Henri Bernard crystal
$6.50 at Merz Apothecary (4716 N Lincoln Ave, 773-989-0900)
How it works: Gently rub the clear crystal stick on wet skin. Crystallized mineral salts are said to prevent bacteria from forming, which keeps the funk factor low.
Doc says: “Mineral salts are supposed to plug up the sweat ducts, like aluminum chloride does in antiperspirants.”
The sweet: You can’t find a better value—one stick lasts about a year. And it neutralizes odors well—we perspired but didn’t give off B.O.
The smelly: It’s not for the olfactory sensitive. If you’re not comfortable with your own scent, you may prefer a perfumed deodorant.
Tom's - Lush - Alba - Henri Bernard