Finding the right deodorant takes a surprising level of commitment, both financially and emotionally. First, there's picking a scent that will hopefully mask enough of the fact that you've taken the non-antiperspirant path. Then there's finding one that looks nice enough on your shelf without skewing too crunchy on the all-natural granola spectrum. But most importantly, there's the trial-by-fire aspect. It's the key measurement, and you won't know where you stand 'til you try it—the “Will It Stain Your Clothes?” test.

Certain brands will remain nameless here, either for their price or the fact that they've ruined one too many silk shirts of mine (feel free to fire off the comments though). However, I'm happy to say that PiperWai Natural Deodorant is neither too expensive ($12!), nor has it taken any of my clothes with it on its way into the garbage.

A quick warning before we proceed: PiperWai is a créme, meaning you'll have to touch your armpits when applying. But do this in the name of good hygiene and no questionable ingredients! I just scoop a pea-sized amount and rub it between my fingers to melt it a little. Then I'll get in there and massage it in quickly (it's charcoal in the jar—something about pH balance—but rubs on clear). There's no dry-down time, either—a rarity amongst natural deodorant. The scent is far from powder fresh—a blend of 11 therapeutic-grade essential oils has a pungent but warming scent at first, and fades with wear. About four months of usage later, I can finally say I'm set in the underarm category.

—Eva Alt

Photographed by Tom Newton.

Don't sweat: More deodorant recs from the likes of Amar'e Stoudemire and Jessica Stam can be found right this way.