10 Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants for Women in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Are you tired of your current antiperspirant leaving yellow stains on your clothes? Are you trying to make the switch to skin-care products with ingredient labels that you can understand? Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant could be the solution for you! They are mostly made of natural ingredients and they can be found in vegan and cruelty-free versions.
Changing your regular antiperspirant for a non-aluminum deodorant is a great idea. However, the quest to find the perfect one can be excruciating and expensive. That's why we researched the best 10 aluminum-free that are currently on the market and we found that Native is the best on all counts. It is vegan, cruelty-free and it lasts all day! Keep reading our guide reviewed by a dermatologist to learn about nine other great deodorants.
Quick List - Top Aluminum-Free Deodorants For Women
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Why Do People Choose Aluminum-Free?
The worry is that because aluminum salts must dissolve to prevent sweating, they could cause harm in the body. However, most aluminum (and other substances or toxins) is filtered out by your kidneys.
The link to breast cancer in particular has been studied, and while scientists did find aluminum can accumulate in tissue, there was no increase in cancer rates in those patients. In fact, the breast cancer tissue didn't contain more aluminum than other tissue.
Be Ready to Get a Little Wet
Whether you have health concerns or not, you might still consider switching to an aluminum-free product to avoid yellow sweat stains on your clothing, since the aluminum reacting with your sweat is the likely culprit!
Most deodorants are aluminum-free because it is this chemical that makes the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Sweat is never smelly; what smells is the bacteria that accumulate in sweat. Deodorants neutralize these odors by preventing bacteria growth.
But, they don’t prevent you from sweating, so when you make the switch, expect to feel a little more of your sweat. But don’t worry; good deodorants feature ingredients like tapioca starch to help minimize the wetness.
How to Choose Aluminum-Free Deodorants For Women
Avoiding aluminum is all well and good, but there are some other things you need to consider to find the perfect deodorant for you.
Check the Other Ingredients
This is a tricky one, since for many, it’s hard to tell what exactly some ingredients are just by looking at their name. However, there are a few tips to ensure that you’re picking the best ingredients for your deodorant.
Avoid Baking Soda if You Have Sensitive Skin
Recently, some brands are adding a "baking soda-free" label, which may lead to the belief that baking soda is not good in deodorant. However, it turns out that it is not bad for most people.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a great way to handle moisture without having to resort to antiperspirants. The only problem with it is that it is highly alkaline and it doesn’t quite react well with some people's skin pH.
In addition to that, some deodorants that feature it among their ingredients don’t neutralize its rough texture completely, making it a little tough on the skin. So if you know that your skin is sensitive, watch out for this ingredient. On the other hand, if your skin is a little more resistant, then this is a great idea to avoid moisture!
Baking soda is like a sponge and absorbs moisture. It actually is a decent way to absorb sweat, especially in those who have a condition called hyperhidrosis, which results in excessive moisture and sweating.
Those with dry skin or eczema may find baking soda harsh because it is very good at removing moisture from the skin - even the natural moisture that is present in the skin. It can also leave a residue on clothes, which is why it is a less popular ingredient.
Look for Beneficial Ingredients in Your Deodorant
Every brand is different and they all claim great formulas to keep you fresh all day long. However, as we mentioned before, knowing which of those ingredients are good for you and which aren’t can be overwhelming. In order to keep it simple, here are some ingredients that will be tough on your odor and gentle on your health.
- Zinc oxide has the ability to kill the two types of bacteria responsible for body odor.
- Charcoal absorbs bacteria that cause odor. Most deodorants that contain it dry clear so you don’t have to worry about stains.
- Essential oils such as tea tree and lavender help to soothe the skin as they mask the odors.
- Apple cider vinegar has a low pH, which allows good bacteria to thrive and therefore prevents odor-causing bacteria from growing.
I recommend avoiding products with essential oils if you have a history of eczema, sensitive skin, or dermatitis. These are common causes of contact dermatitis and cause irritation and rashes in the underarms. Additionally, products with apple cider vinegar or other essential oils can cause a burning sensation when applied to underarm skin that has been recently shaved.
Find a Form That Works for You
Roll-on is the most common type of deodorant. The application is very simple and even. They go on silently, which makes them a discreet option if you need to apply them in public. The downside of this type is that you have to wait for them to dry if they're in gel form.
Spray deodorants are also popular. Only one or two applications is enough to cover your entire armpit without having to go back and forth. They are, however, impractical to travel with since the liquid could spill and the aerosol may not be permitted on an airplane.
Solid or stick deodorants are a great option since they're dry, easy to carry, and comfortable to apply. Also, deodorant cream was the way to go before the invention of the roll-on, spray and stick. Though this might be the most impractical form, some cream deodorants are highly effective, so they’re worth taking a look at.
If you tend to have dry skin, avoid clear gel products. These can contain alcohol in them and can lead to drying out the skin. Additionally, if you tend to be a heavy sweater, I find sticks more effective since you are more likely to get active ingredients on the skin. Sprays sometimes do not concentrate in the center of the armpit, which is where the majority of the sweat glands are located.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free Options are Not Hard to Find
If you have a concern about animal testing, you can opt for a brand that doesn’t use them or harm them. Some deodorants have a Leaping Bunny or a PETA certification, which means that they have officially made a commitment to not hurt animals.
Other brands say they are cruelty-free, but they don’t have the certification. That doesn’t mean it is not true; it only means that their commitment is not officially recognized yet.
Also, be aware that some deodorants use beeswax. Most of the time, they use it without harming bees, but if you are looking for a vegan product, watch out for this ingredient.
Be Aware That it May Take a Few Tries to Find Your Perfect Match
Every person’s skin is different. Therefore, we all will react differently to different types of deodorants. The ingredients that work perfectly to keep one person dry and smelling like roses may not work at all for another. If you want to see whether or not you’ll react negatively to a product, try a patch test first or consult your dermatologist.
By writing this guide, we are hoping to make this search as quick as possible, but make peace with the fact that there could be some trial and error involved, and that it may take some time using the product for your body to respond to it.
The good news is that when you find the right deodorant, you won’t want to use a different one ever. We tell you this because we’ve lived the experience!
10 Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants For Women Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Native Native Deodorant | | A Long-Lasting Vegan Deodorant Stick | |
2 | Underarmed Active Botanical Luxury Deodorant | | A Luxury Stick That Won't Dissapoint | |
3 | Each & Every Aluminum Free Deodorant | | An All-Natural Stick Designed by Two Women | |
4 | MagSol Magnesium Deodorant | | The Only 4 Ingredients You Need | |
5 | Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Natural Deodorant | | A Unisex Fragrance That Will Keep You Fresh | |
6 | Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream | | Easy-to-Use Deodorant Cream With an Applicator | |
7 | Weleda Citrus Deodorant | | A Spray a Day to Keep the Odors Away | |
8 | Real Purity Roll-On Natural Deodorant | | An Essential Oil-Based Deodorant for the Most Sensitive Skin | |
9 | Kopari Coconut Oil Deodorant | | A Fresh Roll-on That Smells Like the Beach | |
10 | Routine Superstar Natural Deodorant | | A Highly Effective Deodorant in an Old-Fashioned Style |
A Long-Lasting Vegan Deodorant Stick
Native is perhaps the most popular brand of non-aluminum deodorants. This stick deodorant is made of natural ingredients, featuring tapioca starch and magnesium which are great to neutralize moisture and odors.
It also has a long-lasting formula that will keep you fresh even if you're an athlete or if you're in really hot weather. However, some reviewers said it didn't stop odor, and others developed a rash after using it.
A lot of reviewers say that their search for the perfect deodorant finally stopped here. They mention that despite the fact that they are big sweaters, this deodorant keeps them comfortable and smelling great.
A Luxury Stick That Won't Dissapoint
This lavender and eucalyptus bar is made with the finest ingredients by a family-owned business in Tennessee. It has a 60-day money-back guarantee, which means that this is not going to be another deodorant that makes you waste money if you don't like it.
Some users reported allergic reactions, saying they suffered discoloration, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes. But most reviewers say that they were impressed by how well it works and how much better their armpits felt after using it.
They also say that even on the most stressful and highly hectic days in their lives, they got no odor whatsoever. Some reviewers mention that it doesn't slide on skin easily. They recommend that you hold it to your armpit for a few seconds to warm it up, and then it'll slide smoothly.
An All-Natural Stick Designed by Two Women
Two women who used to work in the beauty industry were done with the low-quality ingredients that were used to make deodorants. They decided to create a company that made products that everyone would feel comfortable using. This is how Each & Every was born.
Using all-natural ingredients and available in five different scents plus an unscented version, Each & Every is a deodorant that lives up to its promise!
Some reviewers say that the deodorant stained their clothes. So we recommend that you don't try for the first time on a day when you're wearing your favorite shirt! Reviewers love how it smells and its smooth consistency. They are very happy that after trying other brands, this one succeeded in keeping them fresh for about 15 hours.
The Only 4 Ingredients You Need
This magnesium bar is made out of only natural ingredients which makes it safe even for children. Magnesium oxide, beeswax, essential oils, and sweet almond oil will do the job of keeping you completely odor-free.
This bar is made in Houston, Texas, which means the creators built this formula thinking of making it work in really hot weather.
Some reviewers have complained that the package isn't great and they mention that the mechanism to bring out the stick stopped working. On the other hand, even reviewers who weren't crazy about switching from antiperspirants to natural deodorants say that they can really tell the difference in their bodies before and after. They also say that it glides very smoothly on the skin.
A Unisex Fragrance That Will Keep You Fresh
This magnesium-charcoal formula has a fresh rain fragrance that will smell great on anyone. The natural plant-based butters and oils that make the base of this deodorant make it very smooth on the skin. The magnesium helps to neutralize moisture and therefore keep you dry!
Some reviewers who have bought this product more than once mention that they have encountered a few bad batches in which the product has clumps. Others say it caused a rash. However, most reviewers are very happy by how well this works at keeping them fresh all day long. They also loved how in spite of the sweat, their clothes never get stained.
Easy-to-Use Deodorant Cream With an Applicator
This deodorant is cream-based but there are no practicality problems with it because it works exactly like a stick. You just have to roll the base and the product will come right up! Its formula features mandelic acid from almonds, which kills odor-causing bacteria without being too tough on your skin.
Some reviewers say that your body needs an adjustment period during which your armpits may get darker, but they assure that the darkening is not permanent.
Other users are delighted by the fragrance. They love that the effect lasts for several hours even with physical activity in hot weather. Those with sensitive skin say they had no trouble with reactions or rashes.
A Spray a Day to Keep the Odors Away
This lemon-scented spray re-balances body odors through the zing of natural and essential oils. The bottle is non-aerosol, so you can rest assured that you're not hurting the environment by using this deodorant.
This is ideal for people who can't stay fresh with powder and who like a quick application. Reviewers that were skeptical about the spray bottle were surprised by how well it actually works. A lot of self-proclaimed smelly sweaters say that this deodorant really worked for them.
Other less-fortunate reviewers mention that one application a day is not enough for them. However, they say that if they put it on halfway through the day, they are all ready for the second half.
An Essential Oil-Based Deodorant for the Most Sensitive Skin
This all-natural organic roll-on keeps your skin dry and odor-free. While the essential oils have a natural good scent, the aloe and glycerin work to neutralize humidity and dry your sweat in a prompt manner.
This is the favorite deodorant of those who have strong body odor and had looked into all kinds of harsh remedies to fight it. People with sensitive skin say that while other deodorants gave them a rash, this was the only one that didn't.
Other reviewers said that it is hard to get the liquid to actually roll, so they advise shaking it before using it.
A Fresh Roll-on That Smells Like the Beach
This roll-on has everything that you are looking for: it is organic, plant-based, and cruelty-free. It also dries clear so it will never leave stains on your clothes. The coconut and sage oil will soothe even the most sensitive skin.
Some users developed a rash from the product, but many who have sensitive skin normally had no problems with this one.
Reviewers really like its fresh smell and smooth texture. They say that it dries off very quickly. Other reviewers mention that they notice a slight smell toward the end of the day, but they said it was barely noticeable.
A Highly Effective Deodorant in an Old-Fashioned Style
This cream is made of a high-performance formula that attacks from all sides. The charcoal detoxifies the skin, the magnesium reduces sweating, and the probiotics nurture the skin. It also contains baking soda to reduce moisture.
Though the cream presentation may feel like a downside, the manufacturer says that it's a good way to keep the product free from bacteria.
A lot of satisfied reviewers affirm that this is a highly effective deodorant. They mention that it keeps them from smelling bad even in hot weather and at hot yoga classes! They also say that their skin feels healthier after using it.
Dr. Levy's Recommended Aluminum-Free Deodorant
I recommend Lume Deodorant to my patients as an aluminum-free product often. It was created by an OB/GYN and is quite effective at reducing odors. I also like the fact they have products for other areas besides the armpits that can significantly reduce odor for long periods of time. Besides being aluminum-free, it is also baking soda-free (won’t leave a residue on your clothes), as well as sulfate-free and vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Dr. Levy also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about deodorant.
Does aluminum deodorant cause cancer?
Dr. Levy says, "This is actually a very common concern of my patients since there have been some media publications on this topic in recent years. Some articles have postulated that aluminum seeps through the armpit skin or razor nicks and deposits in the breast tissue leading to breast cancer.
However, the scientific and epidemiologic studies show that there is no proven association between aluminum deodorants and breast cancer. Additionally, studies have found that the absorption of aluminum through the skin is very low. The American Cancer Society states that these claims about antiperspirant causing cancer are untrue."
Is aluminum-free deodorant better?
"I do not necessarily say that aluminum-free deodorants are better for everyone," Dr. Levy says, "but it depends on what you are looking for out of your deodorant. Aluminum is an antiperspirant, meaning it blocks the production of sweat through the sweat glands. Aluminum-free deodorants do not block sweat, but rather block the odors produced by sweat.
Additionally, many aluminum-free deodorants are "natural" and do not use chemicals, which is why many are drawn towards them. If your main concern is not the amount of sweat, then using an aluminum-free deodorant is for you, since you are blocking the odor. For many people and those who sweat a lot, though, antiperspirants are necessary to help reduce sweating. "
Ride the Natural Ingredients Wave
If you already decided to try a different deodorant, you may want to look into other natural-ingredient based personal care products. Here's a list of our buying guides with more products to add to your shelf!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Aluminum-Free Deodorants For Women
No. 1: Native｜Native Deodorant
No. 2: Underarmed｜Active Botanical Luxury Deodorant
No. 3: Each & Every｜Aluminum Free Deodorant
No. 4: MagSol｜Magnesium Deodorant
No. 5: Schmidt's｜Charcoal + Magnesium Natural Deodorant
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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