Frustrated with the yellow stains on the armpits of your favorite white shirt? Or perhaps you have sensitive skin and want to avoid chemicals commonly found in regular antiperspirants? It's time to switch to aluminum-free deodorants! They can keep your underarms smelling fresh for a long time by attacking odor-causing bacteria or using ingredients like magnesium to block sweat.
After searching online, we've tracked down 10 highly-recommended products that can help you fight off your pit odor. Among them, Schmidt's Charcoal and Magnesium Deodorant was our favorite, as it's formulated with ingredients that fight odor-causing bacteria, absorb sweat, and keep your skin smooth and healthy. Curious about other products on our list? Keep scrolling down! There's also a buying guide at the end, reviewed by a board certified dermatologist, that gives you some tips on choosing the most suitable product.
Quick List - Top Aluminum-Free Deodorants for Men
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.
Table of Contents
When browsing through your favorite grooming blogs and magazines, you'll probably see suggestions about aluminum-free deodorants popping up here and there. So what's the big deal about them?
There have been a lot of rumors saying that the aluminum salts in antiperspirants can lead to diseases such as breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and so on. Yet, according to the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer's Association, that aluminum content can't get into the body and is, therefore, unable to cause any severe diseases.
The aluminum blocks your sweat ducts to help you get rid of underarm odor, which is caused by some of the bacteria that live in your armpits. It basically starves them, so they don't produce the waste product that causes bad odor. Aluminum-free deodorants address this with ingredients such as magnesium and coconut oil.
The main reason to switch to aluminum-free deodorant may be that it won't lead to those annoying yellow stains caused by the chemical reaction between your sweat and aluminum. This acidic mixture can easily stain white fabric in particular. So, taking out the aluminum minimizes the chance of ruined shirts.
With all the options, you might wonder which product works the best for you. To help you pick out the best one, we've compiled points that you might want to take into consideration before making a selection. So check them out!
Besides antibacterial ingredients to reduce odor, an effective deodorant can also contain moisture-absorbing agents to combat sticky underarm sweat from heavy workouts or scorching hot weather.
Some common ingredients that you'll find include cornstarch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot. They are great at absorbing moisture and will leave your armpits feeling dry and comfortable.
And don't forget about charcoal! It is effective in pulling away sweat so your underarms will feel fresh and clean all day. Despite its black color, deodorants crafted with charcoal won't discolor or stain your clothes.
If you want to reduce sweating in addition to odor, look for products that have charcoal or starch. These will help absorb sweat. They can be drying to your sensitive armpit skin, so make sure you are washing with a hydrating soap daily if you have a history of sensitive or dry skin.
Aluminum is an antiperspirant, meaning it helps reduce sweating. Deodorants simply reduce the scent of sweat. If your product lacks aluminum, you may still sweat since it is not an antiperspirant.
Many aluminum-free deodorants rely on baking soda to neutralize your body odor. However, baking soda can be irritating, and some people might experience rashes or redness. But, don't worry if baking soda isn't compatible with your body. There are other options for you to choose from!
Coconut oil, magnesium, zinc, and copper are some skin-friendly agents that can effectively restrict bacterial growth and keep body odor at bay. Not to mention, they can minimize irritation and are suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Some products are also infused with essential oils that have powerful antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil, to limit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Still, be careful with essential oils since they might be irritating to those with sensitive skin.
So make sure you check which ingredients are the most suitable for your skin type and choose a product accordingly. To be on the safe side, do a patch test beforehand as well.
As mentioned earlier, baking soda is a very effective ingredient, but unfortunately, it can cause irritation in some people. Since it's alkaline, it can take away too many of the needed oils on your skin. If you do use a deodorant with baking soda, look for added moisturizers to counter this effect.
Many people have skin that is sensitive to fragrances as well. Look for a formula labeled "fragrance-free" if you're prone to allergic reactions from skincare products containing them. Natural essential oils can also provide a nice scent; they're different from fragrances, but can also cause irritation in some.
Finally, alcohols like ethanol can dry out your skin. Check the label carefully, though, because some alcohols are good! Stearyl alcohol and other fatty alcohols can moisturize and are safe even for sensitive skin.
If you have a history of eczema, dry skin, or contact dermatitis, avoid products with essential oils or fragrances as these are common causes of contact dermatitis and skin irritation. The armpits are particularly prone to these reactions since the skin in the area is thin and is occluded by clothing.
Reactions in this area can be quite intense and very uncomfortable, so taking careful note of the ingredient list can avoid this reaction. Avoid using a product with alcohol in it right after shaving. This can cause a significant burning reaction and irritant dermatitis.
It might sound a little bit strange to moisturize your armpits! But, just like other body parts, your underarm skin deserves some TLC to stay healthy, too. Giving your pits the moisture they need also helps prevent skin irritation and inflammation.
So look for effective moisturizers such as shea butter, castor oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil in your deodorant. These ingredients are loaded with vitamins and fatty acids to leave your underarm skin feeling hydrated and smooth all the time.
If you are prone to folliculitis, avoid products with oils as these can clog the hair follicles and result in pustules. An oil-based product or greasier product can clog the pores, which leads to inflammation around the hair follicle.
Another key factor to think about while choosing a deodorant is the scent. Manufacturers often offer a variety of aromas for you to pick from. Products with woodsy and musky scents can make you feel confident. There are also refreshing scents such as coconut or ocean surf to bring you a summery vibe.
The choices are limitless, and it's really up to you which one you choose. But for those with smelly armpits, you might want to use products with a strong scent to mask body odor. It might be tough to know what scent is strong enough, so take into consideration all the reviews to see what users think.
But keep in mind that the fragrance ingredients might be quite irritating, especially if you have fragrance sensitivity. In this case, you can opt for a fragrance-free product that doesn't contain any added fragrance ingredients.
Many products have a natural aroma that comes from the essential oils used in the formula. For example, a deodorant that's infused with sandalwood oil usually has an earthy scent, while one that's infused with ginger often smells a bit spicy.
Those natural fragrances are usually safer for sensitive skin and less likely to trigger allergic reactions in comparison to synthetic fragrance ingredients.
To avoid this problem, you can choose a product crafted with fewer of these ingredients. You can also go for clear deodorants that promise to leave behind no white residue. However, keep in mind that even a clear deodorant might still cause stains. So, you might want to let the deodorant sink into your skin for a moment after application.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Schmidt's Natural Deodorant | ![]() | Best to Attack Odor and Sweat From All Angles | |
2 | Old Spice Eav des Baux Deodorant | ![]() | Best Deodorant With a Timeless Scent | |
3 | MagSol Magnesium Deodorant | ![]() | Best Simple Formula Suitable for Sensitive Skin | |
4 | Arm & Hammer Essentials | ![]() | Best Deodorant From the Baking Soda Experts | |
5 | O'Deo Liquid Silver Body Deodorant | ![]() | Best Spray With Only Water and Metals for Odor Control | |
6 | Native Deodorant | ![]() | Best for Dry Skin, With Coconut Oil and Shea Butter for Extra Hydration | |
7 | Kopari Coconut Deodorant | ![]() | Best One With Sage Oil to Reduce Odor | |
8 | Humble All Natural Deodorant | ![]() | Best Simple Formula With a Unique, Mystical Scent | |
9 | Each & Every Aluminum-Free Deodorant | ![]() | Best Warm and Zesty Aroma Plus Odor Elimination | |
10 | Ivory Gentle Deodorant | ![]() | Dermatologist-Tested Deodorant With an Aloe Scent |
Pros:
Cons:
This deodorant is powered by natural ingredients, including magnesium and activated charcoal, to drive away unpleasant odor. The fragrance is derived naturally from essential oils. Schmidt's is also certified by Leaping Bunny as a cruelty-free brand.
Some reviewers experienced rashes, but on the other hand, many reviewers were absolutely hooked on this deodorant. It eliminated all the stink and helped their underarms stay fresh all day. Plus, the texture was pretty smooth, so application wasn't a hassle.
Pros:
Old Spice has always been aluminum-free, since it's not an antiperspirant. The scent has been loved by generations, so there's a good chance you'll love it too! Although there are modern formulas available, like Swagger and Sport, you probably can't go wrong with the Classic.
The alcohol is drying, which caused irritation in some users. But the large majority say they've used this for years and have no plans to switch.
Pros:
Cons:
This no-nonsense deodorant is crafted from only four simple ingredients: sweet almond oil, magnesium oxide, beeswax, and essential oils. There is no aluminum, baking soda, or chemicals that might irritate your skin.
Those with sensitive skin found this deodorant a game-changer. Compared to previous products that caused rashes, this simple formula didn't trigger skin irritation. Plus, it withstood workouts and didn't stain clothes. Reviewers also enjoyed that it glided on nicely, so the application was easy.
Pros:
Although baking soda may cause skin irritation in some people, it's an extremely effective ingredient for absorbing odor and reducing smelly bacteria. Arm & Hammer's deodorant adds citrus peel and juniper oil to cover any leftover stink, for a fresh, clean smell.
A few reviewers actually thought the scent was too strong. But almost all of them agreed that it works, lasts, and doesn't go on sticky. Many with sensitive skin found it didn't bother them, either.
Pros:
Cons:
This deodorant is enriched with the microelements silver, copper, and zinc to effectively reduce the growth of bacteria to keep your underarms free from unpleasant odor. Not to mention, these ingredients can minimize skin irritation and are therefore suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Those with sensitive skin vouched for the effectiveness and gentleness of this deodorant, saying it didn't burn their skin at all. It also got rid of body odor throughout the day and remained effective even during heavy sweating. Others further noted that the product really has zero scent.
Pros:
Cons:
This product from Native is void of potential irritants such as parabens and sulfates as well as aluminum. The formula also touts shea butter and coconut oil, ingredients that are packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to leave your skin feeling moisturized and fresh.
A few were less than impressed with it since it stained their clothes. Nonetheless, many reviewers say it kept their armpits dry and fresh all day long and held up against workouts pretty well.
Pros:
Cons:
This aluminum-free deodorant has skin-loving ingredients like glycerin. Coconut oil and coconut water further moisturize your skin and leave it feeling refreshed. The coconut and sage oil also work against the bacteria that cause bad smells.
Some users noted that their armpits developed rashes, so check the ingredients to see if there's anything you're allergic to. Nonetheless, many reviewers were impressed with this product, saying it eliminated odor effectively and was easy to apply. Plus, it didn't dry out their armpits.
Pros:
Cons:
Living up to its motto "Nothing bad," this deodorant is free from potential irritants such as alcohol and dyes. It boasts a blend of coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch, and beeswax that can help drive away body odor and keep your skin feeling great.
Users said it had a woodsy, earthy aroma, but if you're not into it, the company does offer other scents and an unscented option. Most said it didn't leave behind any clumps and was able to maintain its solid form. Plus, it's non-staining and lasted for the whole day.
Pros:
Cons:
Each & Every's deodorant features coconut oil and Dead Sea salts to help you keep stink at bay. It's infused with a combination of ginger, cardamom, and orange essential oil to bring you a warm, slightly spicy aroma. This deodorant is verified by the Environmental Working Group as not containing any chemicals of concern.
Some said it stained their clothes. A few others mentioned that it didn't hold up to heavy sweating. Nonetheless, most reviewers found this product didn't cause skin irritation and gave their armpits a moisturized and fresh feeling. Users further added that one or two swipes were enough, so you don't have to apply a lot.
Pros:
Cons:
This dermatologist-tested deodorant is crafted without harsh chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and of course, aluminum. What's more, it's formulated with moisturizing mineral oil and hydrogenated castor oil, so it won't dry out your skin.
A few users commented that the effect of this deodorant faded away after heavy workouts. Nonetheless, they all agreed that this product helped them fend off their body odor when they're not sweating that much. They further shared that the product didn't feel greasy at all or leave behind white clumps.
Dr. Levy says, "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's also baking soda-free (won’t leave a residue on your clothes), sulfate-free, and vegan."
Still have some questions about aluminum-free deodorants? Dr. Levy is here to answer some commonly asked ones!
Dr. Levy says, "Avoiding aluminum in your product can help reduce the yellow-brown stains that may occur on light-colored clothing. Yellow stains on white clothing result from the bacteria, proteins, and fats in sweat reacting with aluminum, one of the main ingredients used as an antiperspirant.
However, if your deodorant contains a white powder, it can lead to a white or chalk-like stain on darker clothing."
"It depends on what irritant is causing the dark underarms," Dr. Levy explains. "Underarm hyperpigmentation or discoloration usually occurs after an irritant reaction in the area. This reaction can occur as a result of your deodorant. Aluminum, a commonly used ingredient in antiperspirants, can cause an irritant reaction that leads to hyperpigmentation.
Other ingredients like fragrance or preservatives can also trigger this reaction. In addition, some medical diseases can cause darkening of the armpits, regardless of what deodorant you use - like a condition called acanthosis nigricans - so seek an evaluation with a board certified dermatologist if you have concerns."
Keep yourself always feeling fresh and smooth with these other body care products!
No. 1: Schmidt's |Natural Deodorant
No. 2: Old Spice|Eav des Baux Deodorant
No. 3: MagSol|Magnesium Deodorant
No. 4: Arm & Hammer|Essentials
No. 5: O'Deo|Liquid Silver Body Deodorant
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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