The 15 Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants for All-Day Freshness

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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.

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.

Deodorant in Sandstone

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.

Milk Stick All-Day Odor Protection Invisible Deodorant

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

Lavender Sage Solid Deodorant Stick

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.” —MargaretP

The Deodorant Gel

Necessaire’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

Natural Deodorant

Over 1,400 Amazon shoppers agree: This deodorant is a must-have. Made with charcoal and bentonite clay, it’s just like a daily detox for your underarms. 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

Wake the F*ck Up Deodorant

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.

Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Deodorant

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.

Supernatural Deodorant

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.

0% Aluminum Deodorant Spray in Cucumber & Green Tea

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

Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

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

Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant

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.

Lavender & Rose Deodorant

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

Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant

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

Deodorant

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

Eucalyptus Deodorant

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.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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