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The 16 Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants for All-Day Freshness
Keep your underarms happy with these top-rated favorites
When comparing antiperspirants to some of the best aluminum-free deodorants, experts say there’s one clear difference.
“Deodorants don’t prevent wetness, they limit odor,” board-certified dermatologist Hadley King tells Bazaar. “Antiperspirants contain aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium or aluminum chloride, which act by blocking the eccrine (sweat) glands and preventing wetness.” Odor reduction aside, many people opt to use more natural deodorants because they believe these options contain safer formulas.
Shop the Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants
Though studies indicate there’s no direct link between aluminum-based antiperspirant use and breast cancer, we understand the desire to incorporate cleaner, more streamlined products into your beauty rotation. If you’re looking to make the official underarm switch, we’ve rounded up the best aluminum-free deodorants Bazaar editors love and trust to keep us smelling fresh on a daily basis.
Related: The Best Deodorant Brands, According to Derms and Sweaty People
Pros
- Eco-friendly
Cons
We previously covered the launch of Glossier's first-ever deodorant, which is technically available in four scent options (three of which are already sold out). Along with a hydrating coconut oil base, each deodorant is formulated with a blend of superfruit elderberry extract, magnesium hydroxide, and potato starch, to keep odor and wetness at bay. And did we mention its tube is completely refillable and recyclable?
Customer review: “I have the most sensitive armpits, I can’t use aluminum or baking soda deodorants or even scented deodorants. This is legit the only deodorant I have found that doesn’t break me out in a rash and is still effective. It works all day for me even after a long walk/workout. The packaging is super cute and aesthetically pleasing which is a plus for me, it looks cute on your bathroom sink. Glossier please never stop making this product, sincerely, a sensitive armpit gal." —Rebecca Y.
Beekman 1802 Milk Stick All-Day Odor Protection Invisible Deodorant
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
This odor-stopping stick uses a combination of goat milk powder, citrus peel oil, and coconut fruit extract to soften underarms, and is safe for even the most sensitive skin. As an added bonus, each stick contains up to 600 swipes of product, which means you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck.
Customer review: “I am allergic to almost every deodorant out there and it gets very frustrating trying to find something that works that doesn’t cause me to break out … this works!” —Vera
Lume Lavender Sage Solid Deodorant Stick
Pros
- Can be used all over
Cons
The commercials for this aluminum- and baking-soda-free deo may have caught your eye, and for good reason. It be used not only on your underarms, but also everywhere else on your body. (We’re talking underboob, feet, and anywhere else you might be sweating.) It has a crazy cult following and is said to last up to 72 hours.
Customer review: “This stuff is amazing. Smells good and doesn’t get all over my clothes. Keeps odor away even at the gym after a sweaty spin class. By far, the superior natural deodorant to all others on the market. I could never find one that kept up with Texas heat and sweat but this one does. Highly recommend.” —Margaret P.
Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
Pros
- Fast-drying
Cons
- Contains AHAs, which may be irritating to some
Nécessaire's gel deodorant uses 5 percent lactic and mandelic acid to prevent odors, along with niacinamide and witch hazel to soothe and moisturize skin. It’s available in a spalike eucalyptus scent, or this fragrance-free version if you’re extra sensitive.
Customer review: “This is the best deodorant that I’ve ever used! Since becoming a mom I’ve needed a stronger deodorant as my hormones changed and let me tell you that before I bought this only men’s deodorant would work for me. This works even better! No more smelling like B.O.” —TaylorJordan92
Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Pros
- Features 98 percent naturally derived ingredients
Cons
Sol de Janeiro’s signature scent (the same one in the brand’s famous Brazilian Bum Bum body cream) always felt like it was made to be in deodorant form, and now it is. It uses tapioca starch to absorb sweat, plus papaya enzyme to exfoliate skin and prevent ingrowns.
Customer review: “The smell is great and a little goes a long way. I think I found my new go to deodorant.” —Michelle M.
Pros
- Available in six scents
Cons
- Less transparent than other formulas
This aluminum- and fragrance-free deodorant duo from Cleo + Coco is a must-have for the most sensitive armpits. Their charcoal version is like a daily detox for your underarms, while the Lavender Vanilla scent keeps you feeling fresh all day. As an added bonus, you need only three to four swipes to stay fresh and dry all day.
Customer review: “This product smells great and works! Just make sure to detox from other deodorants before switching!” —LaurenSchechter
Pros
- Has fine fragrance in the formula
- Moisturizers skin
Cons
This aluminum-free and vegan deodorant comes in the form of a nourishing balm that can applied anywhere on the body and even used a moisturizer, thanks to the vitamin E and shea butter within the formula. Plus, the six deodorants have a level of fine fragrance to–from a combination of lavender, vetiver, and yuzu to mint, pomelo, and tomato vine (our favorite of the bunch).
Customer review: "This is the first natural deodorant I’ve found that not only smells good, but actually works all day long! After hard sweaty workouts I don’t stink anymore!!!" – Megs
By Rosie Jane Wake the F*ck Up Deodorant
Pros
- Easy to apply
Cons
You can essentially apply this refreshing deodorant—scented with lemon verbena, grapefruit, and eucalyptus—just like one of your favorite perfumes or body mists, but exclusively to your armpits. Plus, its witch hazel and glycerin formula won’t stain your clothes and dries down in seconds.
Customer review: "I love how it uses natural ingredients to kill odor causing bacteria. What a great product!" —bperec
Alo Yoga Supernatural Deodorant
Pros
- Hydrating
- Vegan
Cons
- Smaller size than other deodorants
This best-selling vegan deodorant is made with movement in mind, and features vitamin C, tea tree, and anti-odor probiotics that help you stay fresh—no matter how much you sweat. And if you’re not one for Alo’s citrus-scented version, the deodorant also comes unscented as well.
Customer review: “Alo has hit a home run with this new formulation of their deodorant. Purchased for an extended photography trip to Jordan and it performed beyond expectation. Light, clean scent was perfect and is lasted throughout the 15 hour days of photography, hours of hiking and walking and still good when we sat down for dinner!” —Robin B.
Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Spray in Cucumber & Green Tea
Pros
- Features a conditioning formula
Cons
The day has come for Dove’s signature skin-coddling conditioners and fresh scents to exist in an aluminum-free deodorant formula. It’s the perfect 1:1 swap if you’re currently using one of its best-selling antiperspirants, as this version uses zinc neodecanoate to reduce odor and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Customer review: “I only use this deodorant. It dries instantly and lasts all day with out leaving residue on my clothing.” —JP
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Pros
- Vegan
Cons
- Applies wet
Many natural deodorant connoisseurs claim this is the best one ever, and we might have to agree. Available in both fragrance-free and scented, this stain-free, roll-on deodorant from Kosas uses an AHA blend to fight odor-causing bacteria, aloe vera juice to soothe, and glycerin to hydrate your skin.
Customer review: “This deodorant works well. I don’t have to reapply. I don’t stink when I wear it and it lasts all day. It doesn’t break out my skin and it’s aluminum-free! I finally found something that checks all my boxes.” —Megannicole121
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant
Pros
- Features 100 percent naturally derived ingredients
Cons
If you find that your underarms tend to get a warmer than average, Ursa Major’s Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant might become your new favorite body care staple. It neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and absorbs excess moisture, and its cool-touch formula is also highly soothing.
Native Lavender & Rose Deodorant
Pros
- Great for sweat
Cons
This coconut oil and shea butter deodorant is known to convert even the most diehard antiperspirant fans—and over 81,000 Amazon customers agree it’s one of the best available. Featuring an aluminum-, talc-, and paraben-free formula that glides on like butter, this deodorant feels like next to nothing, thanks to its silky formula.
Customer review: “I love that it leaves no residue on my clothes and I’m able to use it with sleeveless clothing without having to worry. Love the smells it’s not too strong because I have a very sensitive nose.” —Yve
Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant
Pros
- Glides on clear
Cons
Any good deodorant aims to keep your armpits dry and soft. We love this one from Megababe because its aloe and sage blend makes us smell like fresh-squeezed lemonade (in a good way).
Customer review: “This deodorant is the best thing I have ever smelled. I wish it were a perfume. It kept me dry all day long unlike other natural deodorants. I was so suspicious I reread the label multiple times because I couldn’t believe it didn’t have aluminum in it. It’s the best!!!” —Sarah
Le Labo Deodorant
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight formula
Cons
This quick-drying, plant-based deodorant is created by the viral fragrance brand worn by practically every man, woman, and child in New York City (think: Santal 33). This Le Labo body care essential features its signature grooming fragrance, combining bergamot and lavender, plus violet and tonka bean for extra freshness.
Customer review: “I am extremely picky when it comes to deodorants. I have tried almost everything on the market, but nothing seems to work for me, except this Le Labo deodorant.” —Hazelsmom64
Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant
Pros
- Glides on clearly
- Alcohol- and baking soda-free
Cons
- Subtle eucalyptus scent may be off-putting to some
The bold eucalyptus and citrus scent of this deodorant isn’t for everyone, but its slick, gel-like formula is one of the best some Bazaar editors have ever used. It keeps us smelling fresh until the end of the day—even in warmer months, when sweat is nonnegotiable.
Customer review: “I love Marlin and Goetz products in general, but this is the only one that I absolutely have to have. It is the best deodorant on the market.” —Aaron60613
Is it safer to use aluminum-free deodorant?
“There is a trend right now of ‘natural’ beauty products, and for some this includes forgoing conventional aluminum-containing antiperspirant,” King explains. “For some this may be because of concern that ingredients in conventional antiperspirants can contribute to breast cancer risk, but please keep in mind that there is no research data showing that ingredients in deodorants or antiperspirants result in breast cancer.”
Does aluminum-free deodorant actually work?
As a reminder, “There are aluminum-free deodorants, but not aluminum-free antiperspirants,” King notes. Some options may help reduce sweat, but they work differently from antiperspirants. “Most of these products contain ingredients that absorb moisture and/or slow down bacterial growth. Moisture-absorbing properties are helpful for absorbing underarm wetness. Antimicrobial properties slow down bacterial growth, which is responsible for odor.”
What happens when you stop using deodorant with aluminum?
“When people make the change from conventional antiperspirants to ‘natural’ deodorants, they can notice that they are smellier than they are accustomed to being,” the expert adds. “The idea is that an armpit detox can make this transition easier.” The detox in question is similar to a deep-cleansing face mask, but for your underarms. “Armpit detoxes usually consist of a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, and some also include water to dilute the vinegar.” (King recommends not skipping the water step.)
The mask is then applied and left on armpits for five to 20 minutes before rinsing. However, King advises, “There's no proof that these masks can reduce odor, but deodorants, antiperspirants, and these masks can affect the amounts and types of bacteria in the armpit, and the amounts and types of bacteria are largely responsible for odor.”
Meet the Experts
- Hadley King, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Jenna Rosenstein is the Beauty Director at Harper's BAZAAR across both print and digital. While attending NYU, she held internships at Women’s Wear Daily, Bloomingdale’s, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Allure, the latter of which she parlayed into her first job as the Beauty Assistant. She left Allure three years later as the Senior Beauty Editor. She spent a few months at Refinery29 overseeing branded content in the same title, before finally landing back at BAZAAR to manage all beauty content. When she's not testing every lipstick known to mankind, getting zapped by new lasers, or interviewing experts and celebrities, you can find Rosenstein at home in New Jersey with her son, husband, and black cat named Maddie.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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