Your Sensitive Skin Will Thank You for These Gentle Deodorants

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If you deal with rashes or burning sensations in your underarm area, it’s a pretty good indication that you've got sensitive skin...so if you’re not already using a deodorant or antiperspirant for sensitive skin, now just might be the time to make the switch. Like, unless you just shaved five minutes ago (in which case all deodorants can cause irritation), then there's a good chance your skin is reacting negatively to some of the ingredients in your deodorant.

But before you immediately throw out your regular deo or antiperspirant and swap it for a natural deodorant—which, fun fact, can also be potentially irritating (see: baking soda and essential oils)—you need to understand what you're actually putting on your skin. That’s where this comprehensive list for the 15 best deodorants for sensitive skin comes in handy. Curated by myself and two expert derms (shoutout to Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Rahi Sarbaziha, MD), these top-rated picks are formulated with sensitive skin like yours in mind.

✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in June 2023 to add new deodorants for sensitive skin, complete with specs and reviews, and delete outdated oldies, just for you.

Just keep scrolling to take a look at our full list of the 15 best deodorants for sensitive skin, plus everything you need to know about choosing a new deodorant for sensitive skin.

Sensitive Deodorant

If you’ve determined that aluminum may be the irritant in your underarm life, this natural deodorant from Native as a great swap. With cyclodextrin to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and coconut oil and shea butter to keep your skin soft, it's a great gentle combo for your pits. It's entirely fragrance-free and baking soda-free too (both common irritants for people with sensitive underarms), says Dr. Sarbaziha, who is a fan of the formula.

• Scented? No
  ● Key ingredients: Cyclodextrin (odor neutralizing); tapioca starch (moisture absorbing); coconut oil, shea butter (moisturizing)
  

THE REVIEW: "I have been using natural deodorant for nearly five years now and it has been a struggle to find a brand I like and could stick with,” shares a tester. “Finally, I found this one that is perfect! It doesn't leave a residue and is long-lasting. Best brand I've ever used—hands down!”

Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Sensitive

If you don't mind aluminum (or like me, heavily rely on it for dry pits), this antiperspirant lasts up to 48 hours (!), meaning two full days of sweat-free bliss. And even better: It's ultra-moisturizing, thanks to added castor oil and sunflower seed oil in the formula.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY (sweat blocking); castor oil, sunflower seed oil (moisturizing)

THE REVIEW: “I'm not a fan of ultra perfumed deodorants but was always afraid to use an unscented one because I thought you needed the fragrance to overpower any odor that did occur,” writes a tester. “With this deodorant, I don't need the perfume. It works so well that there's no odor to cover up!”

Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

This fragrance-free antiperspirant/deodorant targets odor and wetness in one smooth swipe thanks to aluminum zirconium, and unlike other conventional antiperspirants on the markets it's made with minimal ingredients...all of which are safe for sensitive skin.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Aluminum zirconium (moisture and odor controlling)
  

THE REVIEW: "I developed a rash on my armpits. I tried many different deodorants and it kept coming back. This was the only deodorant that helped. After I ran out of the 1st bottle I defaulted back to my old one, and sure enough the rash came back. Needless to say, I'm ordering more," writes a tester.

Minimalist Unscented Deodorant Stick

If you’ve jumped on the plastic-free, low-waste beauty wave (hi, welcome), Ethique’s deodorant—which comes in a paper tube or bar form, FYI—is a great place to start. It’s made with zinc oxide and magnesium hydroxide to prevent armpit bacteria, along with jojoba oil and almond oil for extra moisture.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, magnesium hydroxide (odor-controlling); jojoba oil, almond oil (softening)

THE REVIEW: "This one is a unicorn!," writes a tester. "I only have to reapply once in a while, I stay dry all day nearly every day, I haven't had any kind of rash at all, and it comes in a cardboard tube!"

The Deodorant Gel

Not in this deodorant? Aluminum, fragrance, or baking soda. Instead, this deodorant for sensitive skin is formulated with a couple different acids (hi, mandelic acid and lactic acid) which gently exfoliate and brighten skin while also making your pits an unstable environment for odor-causing bacteria.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: AHAs (odor-controlling); niacinamide (brightening); chamomile extract (soothing)
  

THE REVIEW: "I hate to say how good this is, because then it will always be sold out,” shares a reviewer. “But honestly this is amazing! My search for safe and effective deodorant is over."

Whole Body Deodorant Invisible Cream Unscented

The mandelic acid (which targets and neutralizes the bacteria that causes underarm odor) and tapioca starch in this deodorant (it comes in a 2-pack, FYI) will keep your dampness to a minimum and eliminate funky smells. It’s free of baking soda, too, so that’s your main irritant, then this is a good pick.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Mandelic Acid (odor controlling), tapioca starch (moisture absorbing), allantoin (soothing)

THE REVIEW: "I am happy that this deodorant works and I haven't seen marks on my clothes—it feels nice and smooth going on and doesn't feel wet or sticky after it rubs in,” writes a reviewer. “I highly recommend it if you truly need a product free of artificial and natural fragrance.”

Sensitive Natural Deodorant

Unlike some drier, chalkier aluminum-free deodorants, this one goes on really smooth (ty, coconut oil), and won’t tug on or drag your sensitive skin. And instead of relying on aluminum, this gentle deodorant is formulated with magnesium hydroxide (which counteracts bacteria) and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil.

• Unscented? Yes

• Key ingredients: Magnesium hydroxide (odor controlling); coconut oil (moisturizing)

THE REVIEW: “I love this natural deodorant because it doesn’t use any fragrance—which is extremely difficult to find in a natural deodorant that actually works,” writes a tester.

Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant Fragrance-Free

This fragrance-free deodorant paste will become fast besties with your pits. A blend of AHAs makes the pH level of your armpits too acidic so that the odor-causing bacteria can’t thrive as easily. And for an added bonus, it’s also made with soothing aloe vera and hydrating hyaluronic acid.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid (odor controlling and exfoliating); aloe vera (soothing), hyaluronic acid (hydrating)

THE REVIEW: “If you are thinking about getting this, DO IT,” writes one tester. “I work out in this with no issues. I love that it’s clear and it also lightens your underarm...so far 10/10.”

Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream

This deodorant cream contains a blend of natural ingredients such as mandelic acid, marula oil, and shea butter—plus it's free from aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and baking soda, which makes it a good option for sensitive skin, says Dr. Sarbaziha. The mandelic acid helps to gently exfoliate and brighten the underarm area, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. While marula oil and shea butter work to provide hydration to the area."

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Mandelic acid (odor controlling); arrowroot powder (moisture-absorbing); shea butter (moisturizing)

THE REVIEW: “This is hands-down my favorite non-aluminum deodorant and I’ve tried a lot over the last couple of years,” writes a tester. “Sure it’s expensive, but if you are not over-applying the product, it will last a lot longer than regular deodorant does...I’ve been using the same one since mid -anuary!”

Prebiotic Probiotic Freshening Allover Body Deodorant

Okay, I know that $25 feels like a bit much for a deodorant, but hear me out: Not only is this deodorant paste spiked with allantoin, a super-soothing and wound-healing ingredient (which is helpful for nicks and broken skin if you shave), but it can also be used all over your body, like your thighs and feet (IYKYK).

• Scented? Yes

• Key ingredients: Pre and postbiotic blend (deodorizing); arrowroot powder (moisture absorbing); allantoin (soothing)

THE REVIEW: "This worked great for me,” writes a user. “Left no odor and prevented odor from occurring. Only thing is it didn't last a long time as I would've hoped for. But definitely using this deodorant from now on. There's no scent to it really and I no longer smell when I sweat. I have sensitive skin and didn't have any bad reactions to this formula.”

Deodorant 24 HR

One of the common ingredients in natural deodorants—including this one from French pharmacy brand Vichy—is zinc gluconate, an effective odor absorber. It’s a great alternative if the natural deodorants you’ve been trying are simply masking odors—i.e., formulas that just use a lot of fragrance to cover up smells—and not ideal for sensitive skin.

• Scented? Yes

• Key ingredients: Zinc gluconate (odor controlling); perlite (moisture absorbing); allantoin (soothing)

THE REVIEW: "I originally discovered this deodorant in a pharmacy in Europe this past summer, and although I cannot find the scent that I fell in love with, I decided to order the American version which I have now fallen in love with," reads a tester review. "It has a great smell and gets the job done."

Scentless Natural Deodorant Stick

The MVP ingredient of this sensitive skin deodorant? Charcoal, which, in addition to being in your favorite face mask, is also a pretty great ingredient for your pits, considering it's excellent as absorbing excess moisture and stinky odors. Also great? Magnesium hydroxide, which helps to neutralize odor, along with shea butter and coconut oil provide hydration and nourishment to the underarm area, says Dr. Sarbaziha.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Activated charcoal (odor and moisture control); prebiotics (odor control); coconut oil (moisturizing)

THE REVIEW: "This is a great product,” writes a tester. “It’s better and safer than regular deodorants, and it really keeps you dry and odor-free.”

B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Natural Deodorant

This eucalyptus-scented deodorant is aluminum-free and instead is packed with aloe vera, tea tree oil, tapioca starch, and witch hazel to soothe, absorb sweat, and keep odors at bay. FYI, it's got some essential oils in it, so if those are on your absolutely-freaking-not list, skip it.

• Scented? Yes

• Key ingredients: Tea tree oil (soothing and cooling); coconut water (hydrating)

THE REVIEW: "My fav deodorant yet,” writes a tester. “A joy to apply, smells fresh, and no toxic ingredients. Plus it lasts forever so it's worth the extra cost IMO."

EveryDay Shea Dry Finish Deodorant

While antiperspirants are the typical stars for preventing sweat, if you want a gentler alternative, this charcoal-packed deodorant for sensitive skin will help absorb wetness. Think of charcoal as a magnet—it helps absorb excess moisture to minimize wetness and prevent your sweat from mixing with bacteria on the skin and causing unwanted odor.

• Scented? No

• Key ingredients: Arrowroot powder, charcoal powder (moisture absorbing); shea butter (moisturizing)

THE REVIEW: “I really enjoy using this deodorant,” reads a tester review. “It covers perspiration and is long lasting too."

Natural Deodorant Coconut Vanilla Sandalwood

This sensitive-skin friendly deodorant is spiked with magnesium hydroxide, which—time to get science-y—raises the pH of your skin to prevent bacteria growth. But since magnesium hydroxide is not as soluble as baking soda, the pH change happens slowly, meaning the you'll be odor-free even longer than you'd be with a regular baking soda-based deo.

• Scented? Yes

• Key ingredients: Magnesium hydroxide (odor controlling); prebiotics (promotes good bacteria growth); mandelic acid (exfoliating and odor controlling)

THE REVIEW: "I bought this deodorant for my partner, because their armpits smelled so bad with any deodorant...guess what it does not smell bad anymore! Thanks Pit-Pourri for an amazing deodorant!"

Why are my armpits prone to irritation?

The skin in the armpit area is typically very thin and delicate, which is why it's often prone to sensitivity. “The presence of many nerve endings and the intersection of the lymphatic system and blood vessels also leads to sensitivity,” says Dr. Sarbaziha. “In addition, the armpit area is usually a warm, moist environment that experiences a ton of friction, which may exacerbate sensitivity as well.”

What's the best deodorant for sensitive skin?

“Oftentimes, it takes some experimenting to figure out what deodorant is right for you,” says Dr. Zeichner. So while some people may find that their skin is highly sensitive to, say, essential oils or added fragrance (i.e., two well-known irritants for many people), you may find that your skin has zero problems with them.

“Many of the antiperspirants and deodorants have been allergy tested and are proven to be safe and effective—even if they contain a fragrance,” says Dr. Zeichner. And in those cases? Alcohol or baking soda—common ingredients in natural or gel deodorants—might be the real irritants.

The bottom line? The best deodorant for sensitive skin may take some trial-and-error to find, but the 15 options above are a great place to start.

How to choose a deodorant for sensitive skin:

Keep an eye out for certain ingredients

As mentioned earlier, if your skin is sensitive, it's a good idea to avoid deodorants with ingredients like synthetic fragrances and dyes, baking soda, essential oils, and drying alcohols. They're all considered potential skin irritants by derms.

“Alcohol can be drying and irritating to the skin, baking soda creates an alkaline environment—raises the pH of the skin—which results in redness and irritation," says Sarbaziha. "Artificial fragrances can also lead to skin irritation, while essential oils may cause sensitivity or allergic reactions.”

Consider skipping aluminum

Speaking of potentially irritating ingredients, aluminum salts, the active ingredient in antiperspirants may also be a trigger for ultra-sensitive skin types, so skip it if you're noticing your antiperspirant is causing discomfort under your arms.

Patch-test first

Everyone's skin is different, and even deodorants made without traditionally irritating ingredient can cause redness and itchiness in some skin types. I always recommend my patients test their deodorant on a small area of skin before using it all over the armpits to check for any potential allergic reactions or irritation, says Dr. Sarbaziha.

Meet the experts:

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York NY.

• Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, is an integrative aesthetics specialist in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Sarbaziha specializes in injectables, anti-aging treatments, hormone therapy, and more.

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Taylor Augustin is a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer with years of experience testing and reviewing products. Her work can be found in Teen Vogue, Popsugar, Byrdie, Cosmo, and more. When she’s not typing away, you can find her perusing the aisles at Sephora, going to pilates, and reading the latest psychological thrillers on her Kindle.

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