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Many conventional deodorants use aluminum to block sweat ducts and keep our underarms dry. However, there are a slew of potential health risks associated with prolonged aluminum exposure. For a safer approach, opt for an aluminum-free deodorant to keep your underarms dry.
There are quite a few non-toxic deodorants that actually work these days, allowing you to prioritize your health while keeping B.O. at bay. Here are my top picks for the best safe deodorants, starting with a quick look at the problem with aluminum and other toxic ingredients in conventional options.
Concerns Over Aluminum in Anti-Perspirants
Although there are mixed opinions about the risk of aluminum in deodorant, here are some of the main concerns to be aware of:
- Breast cancer risk: Research has suggested that aluminum could have estrogen-like effects, which might promote the growth of breast cancer cells. However, most studies have not found a conclusive link, and more research is needed.
- Kidney function: Aluminum-containing antiperspirants carry a warning for people with kidney disease. When kidneys aren’t working properly, they can’t effectively remove aluminum from the body. However, for people with normal kidney function, aluminum use is not considered a risk.
- Skin irritation: In people with sensitive skin or allergies, aluminum compounds can lead to redness, itching, or swelling.
- Impact on how much you sweat: By blocking sweat ducts, aluminum can interfere with the body’s natural sweating process. Some argue that it’s healthier to allow the body to sweat naturally. It can also impact the skin’s microbiome.
- Environmental impact: The production and disposal of aluminum-containing products can pollute our waterways and soil. We’ve now found heavy metals in various products, including baby foods.
Other Ingredients To Avoid In Your Deodorant
While aluminum in deodorants has captured a lot of attention, there are also other questionable ingredients in deodorants to watch out for.
- Parabens: Widely used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to breast cancer. Common parabens include methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are also known for their hormone disrupting effects and have been linked to reproductive system issues in both men and women. It’s best to avoid phthalates in personal care and household products, such as cleaning sprays and air fresheners.
- Triclosan: Used to prevent bacterial growth, triclosan can contribute to antibiotic resistance and is suspected to disrupt hormonal balance. The FDA has banned triclosan in certain products, but it may still be found in others.
- Propylene glycol: Initially developed as an anti-freeze, propylene glycol is used in some deodorants to enhance absorption. At high levels, it can cause skin irritation and has been linked to liver and kidney damage.
- Artificial fragrances: While they make products smell pleasant, artificial fragrances can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
- Talc: Used in some deodorants for its moisture-absorbing properties, talc can be contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. It’s especially important to avoid talc when it comes to baby products.
- Alcohol: While effective at killing bacteria that cause odor, alcohol can dry out your skin.
- Silica: A common abrasive in deodorants, silica can be contaminated with crystalline quartz, known to cause skin irritation and respiratory problems.
7 Best Non-Toxic Deodorants (Aluminum-Free)
Now that you know which ingredients to avoid, let’s take a look at the best deodorants made without aluminum that help disguise body odor naturally. Remember that a natural deodorant might work perfectly for one person and not for another, so you may need to try a few different brands before you find the right one for your body chemistry.
1. Native Deodorant – Top Pick
Native deodorant is our top pick for two reasons: 1) it offers a variety of different scents, so you can find one you like, and 2) it actually works! I’ve tried many different non-toxic deodorants over the years, and Native has been the most effective for me of all the ones I’ve tried.
Would I wear this natural deodorant on a day where I have to give a presentation in front of a hundred people? Maybe not. But for normal daily use, it definitely does the trick.
I find that I sweat more with aluminum-free deodorants than with an anti-perspirant (whose job is to stop you from sweating), but Native keeps the odor away. I also find that the key to making natural deodorant work for me is multiple applications throughout the day.
Native deodorant is free from aluminum, parabens, sulfates, and talc. It has natural fragrances rather than synthetic ones, which smell really great and come in non-overpowering yet effective scents like coconut and vanilla, cucumber and mint, lavender and rose, and honey and white oak.
I like that this deodorant goes on smoothly, and it doesn’t leave behind any residue or stains on your clothes. Overall, Native is a great option for those of us seeking a deodorant that cuts down on synthetic chemicals and is free of aluminum salts.
Native also offers a plastic-free applicator version of its non-toxic deodorant, which I appreciate for its smaller impact on the environment than the traditional plastic tubes. You can pick up the plastic-free version at Target.
2. HeyHumans Natural Deodorant
HeyHumans’ deodorant comes in many different lovely combination scents, including lavender/vanilla, cucumber/kiwi, sandalwood/cypress, and rosewater/ginger. Their deodorant is made with naturally-derived ingredients and is entirely free of aluminum.
These natural deodorants include coconut oil to moisturize the skin, rosemary extract for odor neutralization, and arrowroot powder for sweat absorption. It also has vitamin E and shea butter, both of which are known for soothing sensitive skin.
HeyHumans’ natural deodorant is free from parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and silicones. As an added bonus, it comes in recyclable paper packaging. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
HeyHumans deodorant has a light, pleasant scent and best of all, many people find it effective at keeping them fresh for hours at a time. As with the Native deodorant, I recommend reapplying throughout the day as needed for best results.
3. Lume Whole Body Natural Deodorant
I learned about Lume last year. It was developed by a an OB/GYN doctor trying to find a solution for patients looking to deodorize their, shall we say, lady parts. Lume deodorant is an “all over” body deodorant, meaning it offers odor control for various body areas, including underarms, feet, and yes, even one’s undercarriage, if needed.
Lume is an easy to apply deodorant that’s free of aluminum, baking soda (which some people are sensitive to), and parabens. It has a light, nice scent that does a great job of deodorizing otherwise stinky body parts.
Side note: I would love to see Don Draper try to come up with the perfect slogan for Lume’s all-over body deodorant.
4. Weleda Non-Aerosol Natural Deodorant Spray
Weleda makes my all-time favorite non-toxic face moisturizer, and among many other products, they also make this part deodorant/part aromatherapy spray. The spray is notably non-aerosol, which is good news for the environment. It smells really great (Weleda does citrus very well), and it neutralizes body odor effectively by using lemon peel oil and other essential oils.
Weleda’s spray is free from aluminum salts, synthetic preservatives, and artificial fragrances. Although it’s safe for sensitive skin, you should know that it does contain alcohol as one of its main ingredients, so it may not be an ideal product for everyone.
5. Humble Non-Toxic Deodorant
Humble is another aluminum-free non-toxic deodorant that’s made from a few basic ingredients: corn starch, beeswax, baking soda, MCT oil, and essential oils for fragrance. Its list of what it doesn’t use is just as long: this deodorant is free from aluminum, dyes, alcohol, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Humble deodorant is cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified. It comes in great scents, it’s non-irritating to sensitive skin, and it lasts a long time compared to other non-toxic deodorants.
6. Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant
Schmidt’s non-toxic deodorant comes in a variety of great scents, including lavender and sage, bergamot and lime, cucumber, coconut, and fresh fir and spice. Its scents come from essential oils, and it is very sensitive on the skin.
Although I haven’t personally tried this natural deodorant, it gets an impressive amount of 5-star reviews from customers saying that they’ve found it highly effective at odor control, as well as sensitive on their skin.
7. Salt and Stone Natural Deodorant
Salt and Stone is another great option if you’re looking for a non-toxic deodorant that’s aluminum-free. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and seaweed extracts that moisturize the skin, and it also contains probiotics to neutralize odor.
Some people swear by how effective this deodorant is at controlling body odor, while others say it doesn’t work for them and is a bit messier than other options. Again, everyone is different, and what works for one of us may not work for another. You have to be willing to try a few different brands until you find what works for you.
Wrapping Up: Non-Toxic Deodorants
There are plenty of non-toxic deodorants to try out if you’re looking to shift away from antiperspirants with aluminum and other concerning ingredients. They use natural ingredients and essential oils to keep you feeling fresh, dry, and B.O.-free.
If you’re looking for more non-toxic personal products, we also review the best organic and non-toxic body lotions, shampoo/conditioners, and body washes made from thoughtful, plant-based ingredients.
