It's no surprise that the natural deodorant movement is growing. As more people become conscious of environmentally friendly practices and ingredients that may cause harm to their bodies, there is a greater shift to cleaner and more natural products. Natural deodorants' popularity sparked when concerns began arising about the effects of aluminum salts and their link to causing diseases like Alzheimer's and breast cancer. Though there is no definite scientific evidence proving the claims, it was enough to cause worry in some.
However, there is the fear that when opting for natural deodorants, you're likely to sweat more, and that will increase your body odor. However, we'd like to assure you that with the best aluminum-free deodorant, you can be guaranteed a stink-free experience.
The transitioning experience will take your body a week or two to adjust, but after, you'll be feeling fresh and set to take on the world. It is also likely that you might have to try a couple of scents before finding the one that works for your body chemistry. Though, if you do find it on the first go, then you're lucky.
The picks below are the best aluminum-free deodorants, and though they won't stop you from sweating, they are sure to keep you smelling great throughout. We've also outlined guiding features to consider when buying them.
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Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants
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Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants - Reviews
Native Deodorant is the best natural deodorant in the market today. It has been known to convert even the die-hard antiperspirant fans since it is ideal for sensitive skin, unlike other natural deodorants. In addition, it contains coconut oil, an antioxidant that ensures moisturized underarms, shea butter and tapioca starch that keep your arms dry all day long. The Native deodorant comes in several fresh scents, including vanilla, coconut, rose and lavender.
Native Natural Deodorant is recommended for heavy sweaters for its high ability of odor neutralizing. Thanks to the pure essential oils present, you are guaranteed to have a fresh smell. However, its application can cause some yellow stains, so you need to apply and wait for it to dry before putting on your clothes and just after your shower.
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Toms’ of Maine Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant comes with a short ingredient list. It is a favorite scent for many people since it doesn't contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, aluminum, or mineral oil silicone and microbeads. The active ingredient in this aluminum-free deodorant is the botanical hops that eliminate any bacteria in the area of the skin, ascorbic acid as an antioxidant, soothing aloe which is excellent for sensitive skin, and the formula will hydrate the delicate skin with sunflower seed oil.
Toms’ of Maine Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant is made of 100% natural ingredients making it top of the list for best aluminum-free deodorants for men thanks to the effective formula that doesn't use any preservatives or artificial fragrances. Its natural fragrance is created from some ingredients, including sunflower seed, glyceryl laurate, ascorbic acid, Humulus lupulus extract (hops) and zinc.
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Ranks highly as the best aluminum-free deodorant in the natural deodorant community, and it's not hard to see why.
The aluminum-free deodorant is available in both fragrance-free and scented options. This is pretty great for those who are sensitive to smells and would prefer an option without.
The Chemistry aha serum deodorant is stain-free and is formulated with an AHA blend that aids in creating a pH environment to fight odor-causing bacteria, thus keeping your armpits smelling fresh.
It contains skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe vera juice that soothe and glycerin to hydrate. The Chemistry aha serum Deodorant Kosas also prevents the growth of ingrown hairs and brightens the darker underarm area.
The Scent version of the natural deodorant contains a blend of orange, lavender, vetiver, and ylang-ylang essential oils.
The natural deodorant is vegan and cruelty-free.
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Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant is a budget-friendly natural deodorant that will impressively absorb moisture and provide 48-hour superior protection. The natural deodorant is made with Secret OdorShield technology and formulated sweat-activated. A time-released fragrance keeps you fresh, odor-free and confident all day, no matter the activities you will need to take.
Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant is also dermatologist tested and therefore is suitable for use in sensitive skin. The formula is free of aluminum, dyes, parabens and talc and it will not prevent sweating but instead prevent the odors. However, some users have complained of some irritation which is not common, but it's important to state it.
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Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant is a beauty product that got its name from the odor-fighting hops, but this is not all it uses. Instead, the all-natural deodorant features Kaolin clay that helps absorb moisture, aloe vera that soothes your skin and essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus to give you a fresh feeling.
Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh is among the best smelling natural deodorants with a silky smooth formula that effortlessly glides onto your skin and a fantastic scent gotten from essential oils. It is among a few natural deodorants suitable for adventures. It will ensure you stay protected and fresh when out on the campsites, mountains or trails, and you will appreciate the cooling properties of rosemary, eucalyptus and peppermint. In addition, since it's an aluminum-free deodorant, it will absorb moisture and won't stain your clothes and will last all day long.
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Ranks highly as the best aluminum-free deodorant in the natural deodorant community, and it's not hard to see why.
The aluminum-free deodorant is available in both fragrance-free and scented options. This is pretty great for those who are sensitive to smells and would prefer an option without.
The Chemistry aha serum deodorant is stain-free and is formulated with an AHA blend that aids in creating a pH environment to fight odor-causing bacteria, thus keeping your armpits smelling fresh.
It contains skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe vera juice that soothe and glycerin to hydrate. The Chemistry aha serum Deodorant Kosas also prevents the growth of ingrown hairs and brightens the darker underarm area.
The Scent version of the natural deodorant contains a blend of orange, lavender, vetiver, and ylang-ylang essential oils.
The natural deodorant is vegan and cruelty-free.
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When you've got sensitive skin, it can sometimes feel like you have to go through 1000 more hoops to get the products that are right for you.
The Each & Every Natural natural deodorant is specially catered for those with sensitive skin. It was created by two women who worked in the beauty industry and were frustrated by the lack of high-quality natural deodorant options. Hence they decide to create a natural deodorant formulated from simple and clean ingredients that work.
The natural deodorant is formulated with 6 ingredients and essential oils. In addition, the formula uses Dead Sea Salt, which works as an antimicrobial ingredient preventing odor-causing bacteria.
The Citrus & Vetiver combination results in a fresh and refreshing scent. Vetiver is a type of grass that's similar to lemongrass.
The natural deodorant has different essential oil combinations that you can try: Rose & Vanilla, Cardamom & Ginger, Coconut Oil & Lime, and Lavender and Lime. Hence, if you find that one scent doesn't work for you, you can always try your luck with the rest.
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The natural deodorant contains non-toxic, clean, and paraben-free ingredients. Some of the ingredients include arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, baking soda, and coconut oil.
The natural deodorant comes in a tube hence making it super portable. In addition, it features an ergonomic tube applicator that aids in controlling how much you use by squeezing out just the right amount you need.
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When we talk about all-natural deodorants, Corpus definitely ranks highly. The brand takes it seriously when they refer to themselves as a natural brand in that everything down to how they manufacture is clean and natural.
This is the best aluminum-free deodorant if you highly value sustainability and vegan-friendly products.
The natural deodorant is formulated without synthetic fragrances and contains naturally derived enzymes and plant extracts. The all-natural deodorant contains plant and mineral-based ingredients.
The Corpus all-natural deodorant is packaged in a recyclable tube manufactured using renewable solar and hydroelectric energy.
The all-natural deodorant is offered in different scents, allowing you to find what works best for you.
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The Pretty Frank Natural Deodrant Stick ranks highly as the best aluminum-free deodorant that's baking soda-free.
The natural deodorant uses charcoal, magnesium hydroxide, and zinc to gently neutralize odor before it begins and organic arrowroot to absorb sweat. The brand claims that they only use safe ingredients like Organic Shea Butter and Organic Coconut Oil.
The natural deodorant contains a refreshing blend of lavender, palmarosa, lemon, and juniper berry resulting in a sweet floral scent that's sure to have you feeling fresh and clean all day.
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Why is Aluminum in Antiperspirant Deodorants?
Most antiperspirant products use aluminum as an active ingredient, which means aluminum is responsible for keeping your skin feeling fresh and smelling good. In addition, aluminum works by temporarily blocking your pores to prevent them from sweating, where most mainstream antiperspirants contain a synthetic group of aluminum salts.
These aluminum salts prevent perspiration, meaning there will be less opportunity to grow the odor-causing bacterias, which usually form sweat that may linger on your skin. Notably, studies have found a link between the daily use of aluminum-based antiperspirants with some conditions such as Alzheimer's and some cancers. Even though the link isn't direct, what is certain is that sweating is a natural and healthy skin process that helps regulate our body temperature and removes any toxins from our body.
How Does a Deodorant Without Aluminum Work?
Deodorants don't usually include aluminum to control sweat; instead, they control odor by going after the bacteria that live in your armpits. Sweat is virtually odorless, but it may help foster an environment that will allow bacteria to grow, thus creating a foul odor.
As such, deodorants contain specific ingredients that make your armpits less friendly to bacteria and when you reduce the number of bacteria, you may reduce the source of the odor. Some of these ingredients may include tapioca starch, an absorbent powder from the roots of a cassava plant and keeps you dry without blocking your sweat ducts. Another ingredient is baking soda, and it is antibacterial; hence, it prevents odor from forming and keeps you smelling fresh all day, even on busy days.
These ingredients work excellent and are gentle on your skin, making them an ideal aluminum substitute. Unfortunately, the aluminum found in the antiperspirant usually leaves annoying yellow stains on your clothes when you contact your sweat. Therefore an effective natural deodorant means you will have no stains, which is excellent news for your white t-shirts and shirts. Additionally, most deodorants usually contain fragrances that mask and neutralize odor with a fresh, clean-smelling scent and baking soda or other ingredients to absorb wetness.
Are There Benefits to Using a Natural Deodorant?
There are some benefits to switching to natural deodorants, but you need to know if there will be an adjustment period if you have been using an aluminum-based antiperspirant. Some of these benefits may include:
- Less armpit irritation
- Allows your body to sweat using its natural process freely
- Unclogged armpit pores
- Increases natural detoxification of your body through sweating
- Keeps your underarms moisturized especially if you opt for a deodorant with aloe vera and other moisturizing ingredients
- Masks and prevent odors with natural fragrances such as citrus, rosemary and lavender
- Flexible usage, unlike with aluminum deodorants
- Use plant-based ingredients such as corn starch and coconut oil.
What Are Some Health Concerns about Aluminum?
a). Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is among the most common concerns of aluminum in antiperspirants and any other skincare products linked to breast cancers. However, according to the American Cancer Society, there isn't any specific scientific evidence that using antiperspirants may worsen or cause breast cancers.
Notably, according to some studies, it shows that too much aluminum may change how your body responds to the female hormone known as estrogen and changes in the hormone system can cause harm to your body over time. It isn't clear whether aluminum causes cancer, and more research is needed, but it is said that aluminum from antiperspirants may build up in your breast tissue after being used for years.
b). Memory Problems
Scientists have noticed that people with chronic kidney diseases and high aluminum levels developed dementia and age-related memory condition. However, most of these patients had high aluminum from some medications and not only antiperspirants. More research is needed to know if aluminum and other metals in Alzheimer's patients are linked to these memory conditions. Even though memory condition groups have been seen to have high levels of aluminum in the system, the sources of the high levels are not definite and are more likely caused by medication and diet.
c). Kidney Disease
Generally, kidneys get rid of aluminum and other waste products in your body. According to the National Kidney Foundation, it's impossible to absorb enough aluminum through your skin to be able to damage your kidneys. However, it's best to avoid skincare products with aluminum if you have chronic stage 4 kidney disease.
Kidneys working at a 30% level may not clear aluminum fast enough, but it may allow the aluminum to build up in your body and therefore triggers health problems.
Factors To Consider When Buying Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant
When searching for the right deodorant, a few things to keep in mind, like ensure that it's paraben-free and contains natural ingredients. Second, if you have sensitive skin, try out a formula with kaolin clay instead, as it's less harsh. Lastly, it's essential to note that a deodorant masks the smell while antiperspirant stops the sweat. So you're likely to keep sweating but with a fresh scent when using natural deodorants. Other factors to consider include:
a) The Scent Matters
The main reason people invest in deodorants is to mask the smell produced when they sweat.
Most aluminum-free deodorants and antiperspirants use essential oils to scent their products. However, depending on your body chemistry, it is possible to find that certain scents don't work well for you. Hence, to find the best natural deodorant, it's essential to try different scents until you find the one that works.
Additionally, when shopping for the best aluminum-free deodorant, you'll likely come across labels like 'fragrance.' It's good that you take a look at the label as sometimes the fragrance formulas tend to be quite complex, with dozens if not hundreds of ingredients. Frequently they contain phthalates, which again are concerning for hormone/endocrine disruption.
b) Antiperspirant vs Deodorant
Before you invest in natural deodorant, it would be helpful to know the difference between the two, and people often get confused about their uses.
Deodorants are formulated not to stop sweating and mask the body odor. In contrast, antiperspirants stop your sweat glands from sweating. Some of the ingredients to look out for in an antiperspirant include baking soda, arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, cornstarch, or vegetable glycerin.
Natural deodorants come in various forms. Some come in jars, thus requiring you to apply them with your fingertips. At the same time, others come in the standard stick form. It all depends on your preference.
c) Be Cautious of Irritants
Though natural deodorant is considered a better choice for you and a cleaner option for the environment, it can often be formulated with ingredients that irritate sensitive skin.
Hence it's essential to pay attention to things as you're making the switch as everything from the essential oils to the baking soda can cause skin irritation.
Suppose you're prone to breakout or you have sensitive skin. In that case, you can consider trying a product with kaolin clay or magnesium instead of baking soda, but be careful and watch out for any irritation on the underarm skin.
In addition, some of the base ingredients in natural deodorants can stain clothing. For example, though coconut oil is a great base, it can stain a white clothing, turning it yellow after a couple of washes, and getting out is tricky.
If you wear dark clothing, you may notice that some natural deodorants leave a whitish sparkle as well. This is a result of the dry ingredients mixed into the product.
d) The All Natural Debate
This depends on your values and the type of products you're willing to buy.
Some natural deodorants simply mean that they don't contain any aluminum salts, are paraben-free, and might not contain any artificial fragrance.
Other Natural deodorants take it a notch higher in that their products are formulated with natural ingredients, their manufacturing process is sustainable, and their packaging is green and recyclable.
Hence when deciding on a product, it largely depends on what you believe as an individual. For instance, if someone values vegan products, they wouldn't buy from a company that's not vegan and cruelty-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Deodorants (FAQs)
a). Is Natural Deodorant Better For You?
Conventional deodorant is generally formulated with aluminum with aids as a plug-in preventing your pores from sweating. While some health myths suggest aluminum increases your risk of disease, there is no conclusive evidence to support this.
Natural deodorants are growing in popularity and have many benefits, such as promoting the growth of immune-boosting bacteria. They are also free from ingredients that cause your skin to become dry, such as alcohol, parabens, and phthalates. This is great as you don't have to suffer from razor burns or ingrown hairs.
b). How Can I Switch Over To A Natural Deodorant?
Taking the leap and joining the natural deodorant community means that your body also needs time to adjust.
It's helpful to keep in mind that you may need to tweak your body care routine to make the transition a smooth one.
Some natural deodorant users swear by an armpit detox when transitioning, though not medically backed. The detox aims to aid in unclogging any residual chemicals the underarm skin may have accumulated before introducing a new type of deodorant.
At first, it won't smell the best, but once your body has adjusted ( usually within a month), the natural deodorant will be just as effective. The goal is to be bear with it.
If you find the idea of an armpit detox isn't for you, then you don't have to. The body is constantly detoxing, and sweating is natural. You can opt to exfoliate your armpits once a week by using a washcloth or a gentle body scrub with oat flour (mix flour 1-to-1 with oil or water). Then, moisturize daily with unscented oil, like coconut, to help with absorption.
c). Can I Use Deodorant With Baking Soda?
Baking Soda tends to be a tricky ingredient as some people swear by it while others warn against it. This is because it tends to be quite irritating for many people, even though it's excellent at absorbing odors. However, when on our skin, it does have an opposite reaction since it's alkaline while the skin leans acidic, thus resulting in various irritations for most.
d). Are aluminum-free deodorants for women different from those for men?
No, the best aluminum-free deodorants don't have different formulations for men and women, even though they may be marketed to be used with a specific gender. Instead, finding the best aluminum-free deodorant is about finding the best formula for your skin and one that comes with a smell you like. These beauty products come in different scents such as lavender, tea tree, mint, sage and rose, and many of these formulas may contain essential oils that don't add any artificial ingredients to their list.
