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Is there anything worse than leaving the house, going about your activities, and then realizing that you forgot to apply deodorant? Now for the rest of the day, you have to clamp your arms down by your side in case your body odor reaches any poor, unsuspecting victim. And if someone unexpectedly goes in for a hug? Game over.
Using a natural, aluminum-free deodorant will not only prevent unwanted B.O., but it’s also a healthier option for your entire body. Brian Nourian, co-founder of Le Jolie Medi Spa, tells us that “aluminum gets into your lymphatic system and can disrupt hormone regulation and potentially lead to unwanted health issues.” Your underarms go through a lot – shaving, waxing, chafing, sweating – the list goes on. Treating it as gently as you can (like by using a natural deodorant) is key to preventing any rashes, irritation, or ingrown hairs.
Plus, using a natural deodorant will help you smell good all day, so you don’t have to cower in fear that a co-worker might try to give you a nice hug. Here, find 15 of the best aluminum-free deodorants on the market that actually work.
1
Best Overall
Native
Natural Deodorant
2
Best Eucalyptus Scent
Malin + Goetz
Eucalyptus Deodorant
3
Best Fresh Scent
evolvetogether
Havana Natural Deodorant
4
Best For Scent Layering
Each & Every
Citrus & Vetiver Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant
5
Best For Sensitive Skin
Vanicream
Aluminum-Free Deodorant
6
Best For Brightening
Nécessaire
The Deodorant Gel
7
Best Long-Lasting
Dove
Aluminum-Free Coconut and Pink Jasmine Deodorant
8
Best Unisex
Oars + Alps
Aluminum Free Deodorant
9
Best For Absorption
Beautycounter
The Clean Deo
10
Best For No-Mess
megababe
Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant
11
Best Drugstore Option
Secret
Coconut Aluminum-Free Deodorant
12
Best For Soothing
Kosas
Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
13
Best Earthy Scent
CORPUS
Natural Deodorant in Santalum
14
Best Multipurpose
Beekman 1802
Milk Stick All-Day Odor Protection Invisible Deodorant
15
Best Natural Ingredients
Tom’s of Maine
Long-Lasting Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant
Dr. Karan Lal is a celebrity dermatologist and director of pediatric dermatology and cosmetic surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Brian Nourian is the co-founder of Le Jolie Medi Spa.
“Aluminum salts are used to plug up the sweat glands in antiperspirants to reduce sweating,” says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. For a long time, there were concerns that aluminum in beauty products could be linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. However, according to Dr. Lal, that link has yet to be proven. Generally speaking, antiperspirants–products formulated to reduce sweat–are more likely to contain aluminum than deodorants, which are created to mask the scent of sweat.
Why should you use gentle deodorants?
So, even though it’s still unclear if aluminum-free deodorants are much healthier for you, gentle formulas for deodorants are usually a better choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Our underarms go through a lot–shaving or waxing, constant chafing, etc—so formulas with gentle, clean ingredients reduce the risk of irritation.
Tatjana Freund is ELLE’s Beauty E-Commerce Writer. She has interviewed countless skincare professionals and never smells bad, ever.
Tatjana Freund Beauty Commerce Writer Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends.
