10 Best Unscented Deodorants in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Deodorants help keep your body smelling fresh, but some of their scents can be a bit too overwhelming for those with sensitive noses or skin. If that sounds like you, opting for an unscented deodorant could be the right call.
In this article, we've crafted a diverse list of the 10 best unscented deodorants available online. At the top of our list was Almay's clear gel, because it's hypoallergenic and contains no fragrances, but it also has a high percentage of aluminum to reduce sweat. For more guidance on how to buy the right deodorant for you, read our handy buying guide reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist.
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.
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How to Choose Unscented Deodorants
In this section, we'll walk you through all the important factors that you should consider when choosing an unscented deodorant.
Know the Difference Between Unscented and Fragrance-Free
A quick browse through the deodorant aisle and you'll find many deodorants labeled as unscented and fragrance-free. However, these two terms mean different things and can't be used interchangeably.
Fragrance-free deodorants are formulated with no added fragrance ingredients. But they might still have a light scent derived naturally from aromatic ingredients like essential oils. If you have sensitive skin and are allergic to fragrance ingredients, look for a fragrance-free deodorant.
Unscented deodorants are made to have no discernable smell. But what can be a bit tricky about these is that they may still contain natural ingredients with slight aromas. Unscented deodorants will try to cover up the smell of those ingredients by adding neutralizing ingredients.
This process helps mask any natural scents and make them unscented. For those with fragrance sensitivity, not all unscented deodorants may work. That's why we recommend always screening the ingredient list to see exactly what is in your deodorant.
If you are allergy-prone or have a history of contact dermatitis, make sure you check the ingredient list on the product. There are many chemicals and ingredients that give a product fragrance, so you need to make sure the specific product does not contain the ingredient you are allergic to.
Additionally, check the ingredient for essential oils, which can make the product smell good but may still cause a skin reaction. If you have had a skin allergy evaluation with a dermatologist, ask them for a list of products that are safe for you to use.
Look for Odor-Fighting Ingredients Like Baking Soda, Magnesium, and More
Many unscented deodorants use baking soda to neutralize underarm odor. This ingredient can also absorb moisture effectively to keep your skin dry and comfortable. However, its alkaline may negatively affect the pH level of your skin. It's advised to not use baking soda on sensitive skin or open wounds.
Since odors are a result of built-up bacteria, look out for a deodorant that is antibacterial or has antibacterial ingredients to help prevent or reduce odor-forming bacteria.
Some of the most common ingredients that reduce bacteria are magnesium hydroxide, zinc, silver, copper, and baking soda. Magnesium and zinc will likely be the ingredients you see most in deodorants.
If you're interested in natural antibacterial ingredients, keep an eye out for coconut oil and mineral salts, which are great at fending off odor-causing bacteria and neutralizing odor. Essential oils such as tea tree oil and lavender oil can also reduce bacteria, but note these can have natural fragrances and may cause some irritation for sensitive skin.
Baking soda is an excellent absorber of moisture and sweat. It can also absorb odors produced by bacteria on the skin, but it can leave a residue on clothes.
Since it is so good at wicking moisture, though, it can actually soak up the skin's natural hydration, leading to dry and irritated skin. Avoid this if you are prone to dry skin. Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient that can help reduce the bacterial load on the skin. But be cautious if you have sensitive skin as tea tree oil can exacerbate this condition.
Antiperspirants Help Control Sweat
Deodorants can only mask odor and don't prevent sweat. So, if you're struggling with both underarm wetness and body odor, look for products with both antiperspirants and deodorant properties.
To reduce sweat, look for active ingredients such as aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, or aluminum sesquichlorohydrate. These aluminum salts can all plug your sweat glands to prevent sweating. Among them, aluminum chlorohydrate has the most sweat-preventing strength, and aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is the gentlest on sensitive skin.
Keep in mind that aluminum can cause reactions in those with sensitive skin. The best way to avoid such reactions is to know your body and which ingredients can irritate your skin. To figure this out, we always recommend doing a patch test before your first application.
Aluminum is the gold standard antiperspirant ingredient. It is the ingredient that reduces the amount of sweat. If you are someone who produces a lot of moisture or suffers from hyperhidrosis, a condition with excessive sweating, then make sure you chose a product that has aluminum in it.
Many recent media publications suggest that aluminum can cause cancer; however, scientific and epidemiological studies to date have found no association between aluminum deodorant and breast cancer.
Consider Sweat-Absorbing Ingredients to Stay Dry
Aluminum is the most common ingredient used in antiperspirants to prevent sweat. However, it also has sweat-absorbing properties to help keep your underarms as dry as possible. Some other ingredients that prevent wetness are powders and starches.
Most commonly, talcum powder or baking soda are used to absorb sweat. In more natural formulas that are catered to those who have skin or ingredient sensitivities, alternative powders include corn starch, clay, charcoal, and tapioca starch.
Look for a Nourishing Formula
Your underarm skin can get dry and damaged easily. Especially after shaving, it can get itchy and irritated. That's why it's important to keep your underarm skin moisturized to avoid skin aggravation and to keep it looking and feeling healthy.
Many unscented deodorants are made with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, and dimethicone. Aloe vera is a moisturizing agent known to also help soothe irritated or sunburned skin; glycerin is a popular moisturizing ingredient commonly found in facial moisturizers; and dimethicone helps protect skin barriers by maintaining its moisture.
Cotton seed oil, coconut oil, and shea butter are some other fantastic moisturizers that can soften your underarm skin.
Moisture in the armpit from sweating can lead to dry and irritated skin over time. Add in shaving to the mix, and you may develop a rash from irritation. If this is a concern, look for products with hydrating ingredients like shea butter. Avoid gel products as these can contain alcohol that can further dry out the skin.
Pick a Type That's Convenient for You
There are many types of deodorant, including roll-on, stick, and spray. Roll-on deodorants are available in either liquid or gel. They tend to leave behind a wet sensation and might take some time to dry. However, they usually go on clear and won't cause any white marks and staining.
Stick deodorants come in gel or cream formula and tend to go on dry and are easy to apply. Keep in mind that some stick deodorants leave behind white residues, which are easily visible on dark clothing. And since they are made with wax, they might be hard to wash off.
Spray deodorants come in aerosol cans and dry quickly. They are a great option for those who want a quick application. You can also use them to spray other areas such as the back of your neck or the back of your hand to eliminate foul odors.
They also go on clear, so you don't have to worry about getting unwanted white marks on your clothing. Make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area to prevent fumes from collecting and causing health hazards.
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.
10 Best Unscented Deodorants Ranking
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sensitive Skin Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Almay |  | No.1 | |
2 | Unscented & Fragrance-Free Deodorant Each & Every |  | No.2 | |
3 | Underarmed Unscented Deodorant Super Natural Goods |  | No.3 | |
4 | Unscented Roll-on Deodorant Ban |  | No.4 | |
5 | Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick Dove |  | No.5 | |
6 | Unscented Deodorant Native |  | No.6 | |
7 | Unscented Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll On Dry Idea |  | No.7 | |
8 | Ultra Max Unscented Deodorant Arm & Hammer |  | No.8 | |
9 | XX Antiperspirant Deodorant Arrid |  | No.9 | |
10 | Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant & Deodorant Mitchum |  | No.10 |
AlmaySensitive Skin Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant
Pros:
Cons:
This deodorant contains no fragrance ingredients and is a fantastic choice for those with fragrance sensitivity. Plus, it goes on clear and won't leave behind any white marks. Its formula also includes glycerin and dimethicone to help hydrate your underarm skin and its packaging makes applying the gel easy and mess-free.
According to a few reviewers, the gel formula made their skin feel a bit sticky and it took a while to dry. Nonetheless, many customers, including those with sensitive skin, confirmed that it was gentle on the skin and didn't trigger allergic reactions such as rashes.
Each & EveryUnscented & Fragrance-Free Deodorant
Pros:
Cons:
This deodorant from Each & Every is made with only six natural ingredients, including coconut oil, tapioca starch, and Dead Sea salt to provide protection against odor. Their unscented and fragrance-free formula is great for those with sensitive skin, as it's made without alcohol, aluminum, baking soda, or synthetic fragrances.
Some reviewers noted that the odor-fighting and anti-sweat effects didn't last a long time. On the other hand, the majority were happy that this unscented deodorant didn't cause any irritation and that it went on smoothly. They were also impressed that it didn't leave white marks on their clothes.
Super Natural Goods Underarmed Unscented Deodorant
Pros:
Cons:
This natural and organic deodorant combines coconut oil, baking soda, and mineral salt, all of which have natural antibacterial properties to help limit your body odor effectively. The infusion of avocado butter, castor oil, honey, sunflower oil, and vitamin E nourishes your skin and leaves it feeling moisturized.
A few reviewers noted that the deodorant stained their clothes and made their underarms feel a bit greasy. On the other hand, many buyers affirmed that it truly didn't have a scent and that it did a great job of controlling odor. They were also happy that it isn't irritating to their skin.
Pros:
Cons:
Ban's Unscented Roll-on Deodorant features an aluminum formula with extract from the Amur cork tree, which reduces your underarm odor and sweat by decreasing the accumulation of bacteria. The applicator's stick shape and roll-on balls facilitate easier application and leave behind no white flakes.
A few reviewers noted that it could take some time to dry after application. However, the majority of reviewers complimented the roll-on structure and how it glided on smoothly. They also noted the formula didn't leave behind white marks, and that the effectiveness lasted for a long time.
DoveAdvanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick
Pros:
Cons:
This deodorant is enriched with sunflower seed oil and castor oil which help moisturize and soften skin. On top of that, the formula is free of ethanol to prevent skin irritation, is cruelty-free, and isn't tested on animals.
One drawback of this product for some buyers was that it clumped and left a white residue on their clothing. Besides that, most said it works well in reducing body odor and keeping their skin dry. Many, including those with sensitive skin, added that it was quick-drying and non-irritating.
Pros:
Cons:
Native's Unscented Deodorant uses baking soda and magnesium to suppress the growth of odor-causing bacteria, absorb sweat, and reduce body odor. With moisturizers such as coconut oil and shea butter, this deodorant also moisturizes your skin.
A few reviewers said that the deodorant didn't hold up very long, so they had to constantly re-apply it. Even so, many others were happy with the natural formula and added that it didn't cause skin irritation and managed odor effectively.
Dry Idea Unscented Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll On
Pros:
Cons:
This deodorant from Dry Idea has 16% aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrex gly, which acts as an antiperspirant and kills stink-causing bacteria. It's also infused with cottonseed oil and packed with vitamin E to help moisturize your underarm skin.
Although some reviewers reported that this deodorant stains their clothes, many others vouched for its effectiveness in minimizing odor and sweat. They further mentioned that it's gentle on the skin and easy to apply. Plus, the effect lasted for a while, some added.
Arm & HammerUltra Max Unscented Deodorant
Pros:
Cons:
Arm & Hammer's Ultra Max touts a combination of baking soda, corn starch, talc and aluminum zirconium to neutralize odor and keep you dry. There's also castor oil and stearyl alcohol to keep your skin moisturized.
Some reviewers noted that this deodorant didn't go on clear and left a residue. Besides that, most were happy with the non-irritating formula and added that it was effective in keeping sweat at bay. Another plus point for many was its long-lasting effect.
Pros:
Cons:
Arrid's unscented deodorant contains aluminum to decrease perspiration to leave you feeling dry and comfortable. It's also formulated with castor oil and stearyl alcohol to moisturize your underarm skin.
Although it does contain a fragrance ingredient, most reviewers confirm they can't smell it and it caused them no allergic reactions. The majority of customers liked that this product lasted for a long time and held up during high-energy activities. They also commented that it had a smooth texture and was easy to apply.
MitchumTriple Odor Defense Antiperspirant & Deodorant
Pros:
Cons:
Mitchum's unscented deodorant is formulated with 25 percent aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, a sweat-preventing agent that kills the bacteria that cause odor. The formula also boasts a combination of dimethicone and glycerin to leave your skin feeling moisturized and nourished.
Some reviewers reported that this deodorant leaves behind white stains, and a few noted that products purchased after 2019 had a bit more fragrance than previous versions. Nonetheless, many were impressed that it kept their armpits fresh and dry for a long time. Another plus point for them was that this unscented deodorant didn't cause any irritation to their skin.
Dr. Levy's Recommended Unscented Deodorant
Vanicream's fragrance-free deodorant/antiperspirant is what I recommend for those with sensitive skin or a history of contact allergy. It does contain aluminum, which helps reduce sweating. I find it to be the deodorant that is least likely to cause contact allergies.
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 fragrance allergies and unscented deodorant.
How do I know if I have a fragrance allergy?
"Those with a fragrance allergy present with a red, itchy, and bumpy rash in the area the product was used," Dr. Levy explains. "This signifies to the dermatologists that you are allergic to the product. Fragrances are a collection of ingredients that are in most skincare and cosmetic products. Many people, especially those with a history of eczema or atopic dermatitis, are more prone to developing a fragrance allergy.
In order to find out what specific ingredient in the product you are allergic to (as there may be fragrance, preservatives, and other allergens in the product), you would have to undergo patch testing.
During this procedure, your dermatologist puts small patches of various ingredients on your back and checks the area in three days. If you develop a red and raised rash in the area of the patch, this signifies you are allergic to that specific allergen. This is the definitive way to identify a fragrance allergy, so if you think that is what you have, see a dermatologist for an evaluation."
Is unscented deodorant better?
Dr. Levy says, "If you do not have a fragrance allergy and enjoy scents, then it is totally fine to use a scented product. However, if you are sensitive to scents or have a fragrance allergy, these products are definitely better for you.
Unscented deodorant means that the product does not have a smell (like lavender or coconut) but it can still fight against odor-producing bacteria on the skin and prevent your sweat from producing an odor."
Some More Unscented or Fragrance-Free Products
We know it can be tricky to find the right products for sensitive skin. If you're looking for other skincare products that are unscented or fragrance-free, check out our other recommendations.
In Collaboration With 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.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
