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Here's the truth: The term "aluminum-free deodorant" is actually an oxymoron because all deodorants are already free of aluminum. 🤯 Yep. While deodorant has become the catch-all term for anything you swipe under your arms, it's actually a term for a specific type of product. Aluminum-containing products are actually referred to as antiperspirants as they actually help to stop sweat.
So how do these products work? "Deodorants cover up the smell with fragrances or ingredients that lower levels of odor causing bacteria, while anti-perspirants contain aluminum based salts that literally form a plug within your sweat glands, blocking sweat from reaching the surface of the skin," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. So, when you take out the aluminum, you also take out the antiperspirant qualities, which means you’re gonna sweat.
Meet our expert: Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
Ready to try an aluminum-free deodorant? Here is a list of the best expert-vetted ones to try for your stinkiest of workouts and those days you barely move off of the couch.
Pros
- Made with natural essential oils
- Cult favorite product
Cons
- Not easy to push up through the tube
The cult-favorite brand that figured out how to remove stink from your toilet has now also figured out how to remove stink from your pits. The proprietary "funk lock" technology traps the stink and actually works harder as you move more so it lasts all day. Without aluminum and made with natural essential oil fragrances.
Rave review: "Okay I actually love this stuff. Finally, one that works. I'm a little weirded out by how much I don't smell. At all."
Pros
- All-over body spray
- Convenient on-the-go bottle
Cons
- May be overly-scented for some
Like a grown up version of that glittery body spray you likely had in middle school except this one comes in more sophisticated scents (grapefruit cassis, white tea, or orange neroli), sans glitter, and will freshen up all your sweaty bits.
Rave review: "I’ve tried other natural deodorants only to find they didn’t work. This can be used as a perfume on your wrists or neck for those days you want to impress."
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3
Best Drugstore Formula
Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant Lavender
Pros
- Available at mass market retailers
- Pleasant scents
Cons
- May not last as long as others
If you're a Secret stan but also want to avoid aluminum, don't fret—they've come up with a solution. You get your same favorite scents just without the sweat gland-plugging of the original version.
Rave review: "I love this aluminum-free deodorant. It does the job, doesn’t get clumpy, and smells great."
Pros
- Refillable packaging
- Chic packaging
Cons
- On the pricey side
If you're looking for an option that actually works but will also look really chic in your bathroom, look no further. This aluminum free option comes in three scents and it's refillable—what more do you need?
Rave review: "This is the best natural deodorant I have ever used! The coconut smell is incredible. I get some many compliments and it keeps me dry all day.
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5
Best For Sensitive Skin
Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti™ Deodorant Cream
Pros
- Baking powder- and essential oil-free
- Uses sophisticated odor fighters
Cons
- Not for those who like a lot of fragrance
On top of being aluminum-free, this deo is also clear of baking soda and essential oils, making it a great option for sensitive skin types. The secret odor-fighting ingredient: Mandelic acid.
Rave review: "I never write reviews, but this deodorant cream works so well. It completely neutralizes odors, dries very nicely, and lasts all day."
6
Best Fragrance-Free
Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Cooling formula soothes skin
Cons
- Must reapply more than once
Kosas Chemistry Deodorant utilizes a special odor-fighting AHA blend to keep your BO at bay all day. It's available in fragrance-free and Serene Clean depending on how sensitive your pits are.
Rave review: "I used to have really bad BO after having my last baby and really needed something that worked and this one sure does. It drys quickly too, so you don’t feel sticky."
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Pros
- Chic packaging
- Treats underarms with AHAs
Cons
- On the expensive side
If you're into treating your underarms to bougie bliss, you'll wanna grab this aluminum-free deo. Available in eucalyptus, fragrance-free, and sandalwood, it's a bit of an upgrade from other natural options.
Rave review: "This works perfectly. I don’t miss my old deodorant at all."
Pros
- Excellent reviews online
- Refreshing scent
Cons
- Cream formula not liked by all
A non-irritating, aluminum-free, and non-toxic formula that smells of fresh citron—how refreshing. This deo is ready to take on your sweat and has great reviews from users.
Rave review: "The best natural deodorant I’ve used. It does need to be applied more frequently that normal deodorant, but works well."
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Pros
- Free of parabens and aluminum
- Variety of aromas to choose from
Cons
- Scent may be to light for some
Native is a dependable aluminum-free deodorant that comes in plenty of lovely scents like coconut and vanilla, and lavender and rose.
Rave review: "I apply aim this in the a.m. at bedtime, even though it works with one application."
Pros
- Great scents for men
- Available in a subscription option
Cons
- May be overly fragranced for some
With plenty of scents like fresh ocean breeze and California coast, and even special formulas for sensitive skin, you're bound to find one for you.
Rave review: "It has a pretty good scent—not overpowering—and it goes on clear with no sticky, icky feeling once applied."
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Pros
- Vegan formula
- Free of parabens and aluminum
Cons
- Formula is firm and may not spread as easily
Aluminum-free, paraben-free, vegan, and suitable for sensitive skin—this Piper Wai deodorant will suit any sort of armpit needs you may have.
Rave review: The 24-hour sweat protection is no joke—this has my back through long days at work, intense workouts, and even humid summer afternoons."
Pros
- Glides on smoothly
- Available at mass retailers
Cons
- May not last as long
Love, Beauty And Planet is readily available at your favorite retailers and stores. It's the perfect one to try if you love switching up your scent every now and then, and according to some customer reviews, it'll even keep you dry during a sweaty workout.
Rave review: "This is the only deodorant that seems to do so so well on my skin. I'm a former athlete and live in very hot humid weather, and I never worry about smelling with this."
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13
Best With Coconut Oil
Kopari Natural Aluminum-Free Coconut Deodorant
Pros
- Contains skin-nourishing coconut oil
- Available as a 2-pack
Cons
- May not last as long
Coconut oil can do just about anything. And turns out in this deodorant, it can also stop you from smelling. This deodorant also uses activated charcoal to keep the smell away and keep you feeling confident.
Rave review: "This is the best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried! The smell is pleasant and not too strong, it doesn't stain my armpits, and there's no burning or itching."
14
Longest Lasting
Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant Stick
Now 16% Off
Pros
- Free of potentially harmful chemicals
- Lasts 24 hours a day
Cons
- Scents may not be for everyone
Schmidt's guarantees 24-hour odor protection and it never contains aluminum salts, artificial fragrance, filler ingredients, propylene glycol, phthalates, or parabens. Major wins all around!
Rave review: "I like this product a lot. It really has a great smell and the price is fair for the product you’re buying."
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Pros
- Uses natural ingredients to fight odor-causing bacteria
- Convenient stick formula
Cons
- Tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin
This clean deodorant uses tea tree oil to fight bacteria and soothe sensitive skin. The subtle touch of eucalyptus will keep you feeling fresh and ready to go all day.
Rave review: "This smells great and goes on clear. It's nice for sensitive skin. This is my go-to for most days."
16
Best With Baking Soda
Pacifica Coconut Cream Clean Deodorant
Now 22% Off
Pros
- Cute packaging
- Contains odor-fighting enzymes
Cons
- May not last as long
Odor-fighting enzymes, arrowroot powder, and baking soda work together in Pacifica's clean deodorant to fight your stinkiest of days. Plus, is this not the cutest packaging?
Rave review: "This is a must have for any person weaning off deodorant and moving to more natural products. I've used this for six months and it's helped me so much."
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17
Best Cruelty-Free
Hello Fresh Citrus Deodorant with Shea Butter
Pros
- Cruelty-free formula
- Nice scent variety
Cons
- Needs to be reapplied
You may recognize Hello as a more natural toothpaste brand but did you know they make deodorant as well?! Hello is always cruelty-free and this product has no aluminum and no baking soda (which can be irritating to some).
Rave review: "The scent is very refreshing and definitely keeps you fresh all day long, even while outside in the hot, humid South."
18
Best Moisture Absorbing
Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant
Pros
- Uses kaolin clay to absorb sweat
- Essential oils fight odor
Cons
- Doesn't last all day
Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant gets its name from its odor-fighting hops. But don't worry, that's not all that it uses. Kaolin clay absorbs moisture. Aloe vera soothes, and peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary essential oils keep you smelling fresh.
Rave review: "This is the absolute Holy Grail for deodorants. It has a very subtle and fresh scent and works great on my sensitive skin."
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Pros
- Can be used on legs to fight chafing
- Nice aroma
Cons
- Essential oils may be irritating on very sensitive skin
Possibly the inventor of use-everywhere deo, this stick can do just that. Swipe it between your legs, your boobs, under your knees, or just on your armpits to keep your skin feeling and smelling fresh. The blend of Sage, Sandalwood and Horsetail Plant not only smells good, it also helps prevent bacteria which in turn prevents stink!
Rave review: "Beachy Pits has kept me smelling great all day after only one application. So glad I gave it a try and now it’s my favorite."
20
Best Stick
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Deodorant
Pros
- Glides on smoothly
- Alcohol free
Cons
- Doesn't last as long for some
Sure, it fights odor and lasts all day, but this premium formula does so much more. Infused with organic grape water, it moisturizes and soothes skin plus protects the delicate underarms from free radical damage. We likey!
Rave review: "This worked for me, and let me tell you I was beginning to smell badly using all other natural deodorants."
Josey Murray
Josey Murray is the editorial fellow at Women's Health. She's passionate about storytelling, sustainable wellness, and the plant-based lifestyle. When she's not writing, she loves learning about mushrooms and discovering new wellness products.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.