The search for aluminum-free deodorants is on the rise, especially as smart shoppers start to think twice about the ingredients in the products that they use everyday. In recent years, there’s been widespread confusion that deodorants containing aluminum could potentially cause harm to the body.
“These concerns include theories linking aluminum exposure to an increased risk of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, although scientific evidence supporting these links is inconclusive,” says Lindsay Holdorf, Dermstore’s resident esthetician. Research shows that your body absorbs very little aluminum from deodorants. The American Cancer Society says that there has been no link found between aluminum deodorants and cancer risk and though studies have shown that there is a link between aluminum and memory disorders like Alzheimer’s, in these cases, presence of aluminum was thought to be from environmental exposure rather than from deodorant.
Even though deodorants with aluminum in them may not pose a major health risk, it doesn’t hurt to steer clear of the ingredient and opt for natural formulas. “Aluminum-free deodorants can still effectively control body odor through neutralizing bacteria and absorbing moisture, although they may not reduce sweat production as effectively as antiperspirants containing aluminum compounds,” says Holdorf. That doesn’t mean they don’t aim to curb sweat too—many formulas contain ingredients like baking soda or arrowroot powder to soak up moisture and acids to help stop odors. Keep reading for the best aluminum-free deodorants on the market, chosen by experts, ELLE editors, and rave online reviewers.
Pros
Perfume-like scents
Cons
- Some found it ran out quickly
This deodorant uses elderberry extract and coconut oil to help nourish the delicate skin on your underarms, while potato starch helps absorb sweat and keep them drier. It also comes in a refillable vessel, so you can keep swapping in different scents—like the subtle Glossier You or a sandalwood option.
Size: 2.2 oz
Glossier rating: 3.5/5 stars
A Glossier reviewer says: “I have extremely sensitive skin and have tried different deodorants over the years; some stained my shirts, most were unscented. This is the first deo I’ve tried that didn’t irritate my skin and yet has the best smell (I use Sandstone).”
Pros
- Helps absorb sweat and stop odors
Cons
- Some may not like the cream formula
If you prefer a cream deodorant to a roll-on, Drunk Elephant’s soothing formula fits the bill. Mandelic acid keeps odor at bay while arrowroot powder helps soak up sweat and shea butter moisturizes and conditions the underarms.
Size: 2 oz
Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “This has worked perfectly for me, the many years I’ve used this. Not the slightest hint of body order, no irritation, and since I wear perfume, I love that it’s unscented. It also doesn’t stain my black tops.”
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Pros
- Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- You will need to reapply
This deodorant treats your underarms the way you treat your skin: with AHA acids to brighten and de-odorize, hyaluronic acid to impart moisture to the skin, and aloe vera juice to soothe any irritation.
Size: 2.4 oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
An ELLE contributor says: “Natural deodorants don’t normally work that well for me since I tend to be sweaty, but the one thing I really like about the Kosas Sport Chemistry is how gentle and cooling it is on the skin. My skin is super sensitive, especially after I shave, and I appreciate that this aloe- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula went on so smoothly and caused zero irritation. What’s more, even on more humid days, the formula never pilled.” —Sam Peters, Hearst senior commerce editor
Pros
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Packaging can leak over time if not handled properly
Developed in a kitchen by two actors from London’s West End, AKT’s deodorant balm has quickly climbed up the ranks to become a favorite of celebrities and athletes alike. The natural deodorant is beloved by actresses like Rosamund Pike and Beyoncé’s backup dancers, a testament to its chic packaging, high-performance formula, and scents worthy of a luxury perfume.
Size: 1.7 oz
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This deodorant has single-handedly made me part of the ‘natural deodorant club’—but I don’t smell like it! It’s high-performing, and I dare you to put it to the test against your regular deodorants. I love the orange one, which faintly smells like Fruit Loops! For a luxurious experience, apply with AKT’s gold applicator. The gold key helps me squeeze every bit of product out of the tube.” —Danielle James
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Best for First-Timers
Saltair Santal Bloom Natural Deodorant
Pros
- Scent lasts all day
Cons
- Consumers complain it sticks to your clothes and leaves stains
When people hear “aluminum-free,” they instantly think of smelly pits. Who said you have to ruin your perfectly layered scent combo when using aluminum-free deodorants? Add Saltair’s Natural Deodorant to your lineup, and you’ll instantly become a convert. This deodorant is packed with skin-loving ingredients, like salicylic acid, to properly treat your pits and keep odor away.
Size: 1.76 oz
Saltair rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I shop for deodorants the way I do skin care—it should be packed with AHAs for correcting and other skin-loving ingredients for added nourishment. Saltair’s Santal Bloom addresses ingrowns and hyperpigmentation via a blend of acids to keep my ‘pits bump-free, brighter, and smoother. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm and refreshing scented deodorant?” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Masks strong body odor
Cons
- Scent might be too strong for some
Even the strongest B.O. can’t be detected when you wear this deodorant. With nine different scents, including unscented, you can find the perfect one to match your perfume.
Size: 2.5 oz
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I put this on in the morning and it lasts all day, no problems. I don’t sweat as much, so it’s effective as an antiperspirant, at least for me. I was impressed that at the end of the day I wouldn’t feel gross and notice my armpits smelling.”
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Pros
- Provides up to 24 hours of odor protection
Cons
- Does not prevent sweat stains
If you’ve been using Dove deodorant for years, it’s time for an upgrade. This three-pack doesn’t contain alcohol or aluminum, but promises to leave your underarms smelling like jasmine and coconut for up to 24 hours.
Size: 2.6 oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Very smooth, great protection, and lasts a long time.”
Pros
- Clinically proven for effective odor protection
Cons
- May have to reapply multiple times throughout the day
If you want to smell delicious from dusk until dawn, this deodorant will do the job. It also comes in a myriad of other scents, so you can find the one that speaks to you. You’ll be amazed at how long the scent lasts.
Size: 2.65 oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I don’t think I’ve ever written an Amazon review before, but it’s rare that I’m this happy with a purchase, and I had to give credit for how psyched I am with this deodorant.”
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Pros
- Catered toward sensitive skin
Cons
- Application may feel sticky due to gel formula
For people with extremely sensitive skin, this deodorant is free of all the irritants present in traditional formulas; it doesn’t contain any dyes, scents, clays, or minerals. Instead, you’ll be left with only the good stuff and pleasant-smelling underarms.
Size: 2 oz
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I find it gives all-day odor-free protection with zero irritation.”
Pros
- Completely invisible formula
Cons
- Fragrance may not last all day
For a completely invisible formula, this eucalyptus-scented deodorant stays away from alcohol and harsh chemicals, but still battles body odor all day long.
Size: 2.6 oz
Amazon rating: 3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It's genuinely a struggle to find an effective deodorant that does not cause a reaction, and this one absolutely has done IT!”
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Pros
- Plastic-free
Cons
- May not work well for sweatier people
From the makers of your favorite face masks, this plastic-free deodorant actually absorbs sweat instead of only masking it. It also has a clear formula, so you won’t look down and see white streaks on all your clothing ever again.
Size: 1.7 oz
Evolvetogether rating: 4.9/5 stars
An Evolvetogether reviewer says: “I love this all natural product as well as the packaging. No chemicals. Nice and light. Amazing.”
Pros
- Made without aluminum, alcohol, and baking soda
Cons
- Takes a while for it to fully stop body odor
Nourian recommends looking for a deodorant with clean ingredients, which is key to ensuring your pores won’t clog. This deodorant never uses aluminum, alcohol, or baking soda. However, it does use incredible natural ingredients and prebiotics that fade body odor over time.
Size: 2.6 oz
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Awesome deodorant. I typically get itchy and hate wearing it, but this feels like it’s not even there, which I love. Smells great.”
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Pros
- Brightens dark underarms
Cons
- Reapplication may be needed
This gel formula prevents odors, brightens dark underarms, and soothes any bumps or irritation. If you suffer from chronic ingrown hairs, this deodorant is the antidote.
Size: 1.7 oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This deodorant smells delightful. It did not irritate or darken my armpits. If you want no body odor, apply this multiple times throughout the day. I found I started to smell myself after four to five hours.” —Danielle James
Skin Soother
Beekman 1802 Milk Stick All-Day Odor Protection Invisible Deodorant
Pros
- Goes on clear
Cons
- May melt in warmer conditions
This product treats your skin instead of covering up unpleasant scents. After using it a few times, you’ll be amazed at how soft your underarms feel.
Size: 2.5 oz
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “This is expensive, BUT one stick has lasted me over a year!! I think it smells great and works great!!”
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Pros
- Goes on clear
Cons
- Slow drying
Unwanted smells and irritation are some of the most common underarm complaints. This deodorant works against those two common woes by using corn starch, healthy butters, and non-irritating scents to make your pits smell like a bouquet of roses.
Size: 2.6 oz
Ulta rating: 4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “Great purchase. I have a sensitivity to baking soda, which is in most aluminum-free deodorants. No sensitivity to Megababe Rosy Pits.”
Meet the Experts
Lindsay Holdorf is a licensed esthetician and Dermstore’s resident esthetician.
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.
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Is aluminum bad for you?
“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–aka 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?
Even though it’s still unclear if aluminum-free deodorants are much healthier for you, gentle formulas 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.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. ELLE editors and contributors tested a few top-rated aluminum-free deodorants for this piece. They also pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.
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Tasha Nicole Smith
Beauty Assistant
Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine's beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of vintage heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
Carol Lee
Associate E-Commerce Writer
Carol Lee is the Associate E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
