These Aluminum-Free Deodorants Actually Work

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I have spent hours awake at night googling best natural deodorants. I’ve always been one to avoid unnecessary chemicals and when I heard about the effects aluminum can have on the body I knew I needed to switch to a more natural deodorant. But in my quest to go all natural, I have experienced too much sweat and a whole lot of stink. I’ve had natural deodorants melt in my drawer leaving my eyeshadow palettes a slimy mess. I’ve had natural deodorants make me smell like oui’d, yes marijuana as told to me by my roommate which was a very pleasant experience. And at this point I don’t have a go-to deodorant, sometimes I borrow my boyfriend’s dove men’s (which he has about five open at any given point) which is not aluminum-free and it keeps me up at night that it isn't. Or I simply go truly all natural and constantly worry about my stench—just ask my roommates how much I ask them if I smell.

I don’t want you to experience any of this. All of us should be able to enjoy aluminum-free deodorant without it making us insecure about our sweat levels or our natural smells (which I’m sure are very sweet and not so bad despite your own insecurities.)

Naturopathic doctor is here to answer your nagging questions about if you need an armpit detox before you can expect an aluminum-free deodorant to work and which ones can actually make you smell good.

Here is a definite list of the best aluminum-free deodorants for your sweatiest of workouts and those days you barely move off of the couch.

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.

Pit-Pourri Coconut Vanilla Sandalwood

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."

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Full Body Deodorant Spray

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."

Aluminum Free Deodorant Lavender

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."

The Clean Deo

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.

Sweet Pitti? Deodorant Cream

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."

Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

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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The Deodorant

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."

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White Floral Linen Deodorant

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."

Deodorant

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."

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Natural Deodorant

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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Activated Charcoal Deodorant Stick

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."

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Deodorant

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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Natural Aluminum-Free Coconut Deodorant

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."

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Lavender + Sage Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant Stick

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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B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Deodorant

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."

Coconut Cream Clean Deodorant

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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Fresh Citrus Deodorant with Shea Butter

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."

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Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant

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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Beachy Pits

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."

Vinofresh Natural Deodorant

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."

0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea 48-Hour Refillable Deodorant Stick

This nifty little stick is refillable (yay!) and promises 48-hour odor protection. Plus, it glides on oh-so-smoothly and leaves behind no residue (your black tees will thank you).

Rave reviews: "I love the packaging—it feels heavy, it's soft on the hand, and looks expensive. I like how easy it is to put the refill in and out of it."

How do you choose the best aluminum-free deodorant?

So, to be sure you're actually getting a deodorant and not an antiperspirant, just double check the label. Most products now call out if they are aluminum-free, so it's easier than ever.

Is there an adjustment period to aluminum-free deodorant?

While you may have heard that there's an *extra stinky* transition period when making the switch to an aluminum-free deodorant, Dr. Zeichner says that's usually not the case—and that the biggest side effect is that your armpits may be a little more wet than usual.

How we chose the best aluminum-free deodorants

Women's Health editors, including beauty director Brian Underwood and beauty editor Danielle Jackson, as well as experts offered their favorite picks for the best aluminum-free deodorants. We also scanned tester reviews and narrowed our list down to the best-reviewed, editor-recommended products.

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