Aluminum Free Deodorant aims to keep you fresh without interfering with the body’s natural physiologic processes. These clean alternatives focus on odor control instead of blocking or preventing sweat and reflect a growing trend toward mindful personal care.
You may notice that your pits feel drier in the first week as you adjust to an aluminum-free formula. This is normal and a sign that your body is adapting to its new home.
If you’re looking for a deodorant that’ll keep your underarms dry, look for aluminum free options. But, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different and you may find that an aluminum-free product gives you a rash or causes other side effects. If you notice any redness, burning or itching, stop using the product immediately and talk to your dermatologist. Those are signs that you might have an allergy or sensitivities to one of the other ingredients in the formula.
You may have heard rumors that aluminum compounds in antiperspirants can cause Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer, but these claims have been debunked and are not proven true. Instead, a few years ago a new generation of products began popping up called natural deodorants that focus on odor-neutralizing and not blocking pores. These options are also often free of other common irritants like fragrance, talc and artificial dyes.
These products are available in sticks, sprays, gels and even stones that you can rub under your arms. Some contain baking soda and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, while others use tapioca starch to soak up moisture. Many of these clean beauty products are free of talc, alcohol and phthalates and come in a wide array of scents, including unscented and vegan options.
One of the most popular is Native’s aluminum-free formula, which comes in a stick, spray and gel. The brand’s signature bergamot and lavender scent is one of Bazaar editors’ favorites.
Another option is Le Labo’s quick-drying, plant-based deodorant in a classic cologne-like scent. The brand’s signature grooming fragrance contains eucalyptus and lavender for a masculine aroma.
Of course, if you’re not interested in going the natural route, you can try some of the other countless options out there, which are usually made with ingredients that most people’s skin can tolerate. Just make sure that whatever you choose doesn’t contain sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate, which are known to irritate some skin types.
Reduces Underarm Irritation
Those pesky yellow pit stains on your white shirts are caused by the aluminum salts in standard deodorants. They react with underarm sweat to create the staining effect. Switching to an aluminum free deodorant helps reduce those stains, which will keep your clothes looking fresh and clean.
Aluminum has also been linked to a range of health issues, including breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The concerns around aluminum have to do with the fact that it plugs up the sweat ducts, which then causes the body to stop sweating entirely. The fear is that this prevents the elimination of potentially harmful toxins, which would otherwise be released through the axillary lymph nodes and into the urine and feces.
The truth is that the vast majority of health professionals have not found any direct link between aluminum and these serious issues. It is more likely that the odor-fighting ingredients in standard antiperspirants—particularly the synthetic group of aluminium salts known as phthalates and propylene glycol—are to blame for these health concerns.
Unlike standard deodorants, clean beauty products that are aluminum-free use natural ingredients like baking soda and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and tapioca starch to help keep underarms dry. Our aluminum-free deodorant goes on clear, so you don’t have to worry about it leaving any white marks or cakes of talc under your arms.
Another reason to choose an aluminum-free deodorant is that it’s gentle on the skin, whereas standard antiperspirants can irritate it. This is because the chemicals in these products clog the pores and block the sweat ducts, which can cause itchy and abrasive red bumps called prickly heat rash. The best way to avoid a rash when you’re first trying out an aluminum-free deodorant is to apply it gently after shaving, waxing, or other hair removal practices and to moisturize regularly with a soothing product like extra virgin coconut oil or Manuka honey.
You can further reduce irritation when you switch to an aluminum-free deodorant by allowing a few weeks for your body to adjust. If you’re still having trouble, try experimenting with different products and applying them in the morning instead of after shaving.
Reduces Underarm Sweating
The aluminum in antiperspirants plugs your sweat glands, which prevents your body from properly regulating itself and releasing the toxins it naturally needs to. The problem is that your pores may become overloaded with the buildup of aluminum, which can lead to rashes, itchy underarms, and even skin irritation and inflammation. Luckily, switching to an aluminum free deodorant will help your underarms get back to normal.
In the first week or two of using a new aluminum-free deodorant, you’ll probably sweat more than usual. This is because your underarm pores are shedding the aluminum chemicals they’ve stored up for so long. Some bodies process these metals faster than others, which can cause some people to experience a more pronounced detox period than others.
After the detox period, most people don’t notice much of a difference between their regular antiperspirant and an aluminum free deodorant. However, if you’re sweating more than usual, you should try to stay well hydrated and avoid wearing tight or dark clothing, which can make the stains from your old deodorant more visible.
While any product that is slathered on your underarms can technically be considered a deodorant, the type of deodorant that’s growing in popularity is one that does not contain aluminum. Known as natural or safe deodorants, these formulas minimize, neutralize, and mask underarm odor. They also forego harsh chemicals like sulfates, which strip essential oils from the skin; fragrances that can trigger reactions; estrogen mimickers called parabens; and pore-clogging metals.
Instead, they use ingredients like baking soda and shea butter to keep you fresh all day long. And while they don’t offer the same level of protection as antiperspirants, many are just as effective. Some natural deodorants even come with added benefits, like moisturizing your underarms or giving you a light, fresh scent. For example, the Duke Cannon deodorant is designed to keep you dry and smelling good all day, with a masculine, clean, and refined scent. The aluminum-free formula is made with shea butter, aloe, and other natural ingredients that will leave your underarms smooth and healthy.
Reduces Underarm Odor
One of the most common reasons for using deodorant is to reduce underarm odor. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum, which blocks sweat glands and prevents you from sweating. Unfortunately, aluminum is also linked to several health issues including Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. That’s why going aluminum free is the best way to avoid the negative effects of this ingredient.
The good news is that aluminum free deodorants still keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. While they may not block underarm sweating the same way that antiperspirants do, many of these products use natural ingredients to neutralize and mask odor. They’re also free from other irritants like baking soda and talc. These types of ingredients are known to cause white marks or yellow stains on clothes, which can be hard to get out. Aluminum free deodorants avoid these ingredients so you won’t have to worry about unsightly stains on your favorite tops.
When you’re switching to an aluminum free deodorant, it’s important to understand that your body will likely go through a bit of a detox for the first few weeks. This is because your pits will be purging any remaining aluminum from the pores and recalibrating their balance of microscopic bacteria. This is what causes that temporary body odor during the switch.
However, if you stick with your new aluminum free deodorant, it shouldn’t last long. Once your pits adjust, they should be able to fight odor with the help of natural and safe ingredients like zinc oxide and shea butter.
You can also try products that are formulated with tapioca starch, an absorbent powder that works to stop sweat from soaking into the skin. This is a great option for people who have sensitive skin or have to wear a lot of clothing made with wool and other materials that can irritate the underarms. It also works well for those who have a harder time getting used to the feel of a regular aluminum free deodorant. This product from Wild uses this natural ingredient to provide the same amount of odor protection that their other products do.