The Best Deodorants Without Aluminum and Parabens

Deodorant is a product that features in just about everyone’s daily routine. It is natural to sweat, and sometimes this sweat causes a process that produces an unpleasant odor. Making sure you are free from body odor is an important part of maintaining a good standard of hygiene, and using a deodorant is a surefire way to achieve this.

Unfortunately, many deodorants currently on the market contain harmful ingredients such as aluminum and parabens. To help to avoid using these harsh chemicals on your skin, we have rounded up the 21 best deodorants without aluminum and parabens.

1. Blu Atlas Classic Deodorant

The best deodorant without aluminum and parabens is, of course, the Blu Atlas Classic Deodorant. This deodorant uses bamboo extract and sage leaf to neutralize odors and keep you smelling fresh and clean throughout the day. The formula also contains volcanic ash, a highly absorbent ingredient that will help you have some control over the amount of sweat you produce. This powerful deodorant is both paraben and aluminum-free as well as vegan, cruelty-free, and derived from at least 96% natural sources, making it a great option for anyone who is wanting a clean, guilt-free, and high-quality product.

2. Salt & Stone Bergamot & Eucalyptus Natural Deodorant

If you’re looking for a natural deodorant that has a sweet and calming fragrance, look no further than the Salt & Stone Bergamot & Eucalyptus Natural Deodorant. The natural formula goes on clear and leaves no residue, meaning you don’t have to worry about staining your clothes. As a bonus, it also contains hyaluronic acid to help moisturize the skin on your underarms, which is important as regular deodorant use can leave this area dry and damaged. This deodorant is made without the use of artificial fragrances, sulfates, silicones, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, or aluminum, so you can be confident that your skin is getting the treatment it deserves. 

3. Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo

If you have been on the internet in the past few years, chances are you have come across Sol de Janeiro. The brand has developed a viral and cult-like following thanks to its products, which encapsulate living under the hot Brazilian sun. Their deodorant is no exception to this and it is one of our favorite products to use during the summer months. The Rio Deo deodorant neutralizes body odor at the source and also contains papaya extract to help to keep your underarms looking good, as well as smelling good. The product is scented with the brand’s iconic Cheriosa ‘62 fragrance, so it is a great addition to your self-care routine if you already use a Sol de Janeiro perfume or body lotion. 

4. Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti™ Deodorant Cream

If you’re looking for a product that is gentle on the skin but tough on body odor, the Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti™ Deodorant Cream might be the right choice for you. Using a blend of absorbent arrowroot and mandelic acid, this deodorant will absorb excess moisture from your skin and kill any bacteria that may cause an odor. As it is a Drunk Elephant product, there is also an element of skincare in the formula, featuring a skin-friendly pH of 4.0 as well as marula oil to help your underarms to stay smooth and look their best. As well as zero parabens and aluminum, this deodorant also does not feature any sulfates, silicones, essential oils, fragrances, dyes, and drying alcohols. 

5. Glossier Deodorant

The Glossier Deodorant is another fantastic product to try if you are looking for a deodorant that doesn't have any aluminum or parabens. The formula is coconut oil based, meaning it glides on and will moisturize your skin as well as work towards eliminating odor. The powers of elderberry extract, magnesium hydroxide, and potato starch are all harnessed in this deodorant to absorb and eliminate any body odor that may occur throughout the day. Formulated without aluminum, baking soda, exfoliating acids, or parabens, this is a simple product that is still highly effective and will keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. 

6. Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

If you have discolored or bumpy underarms, the Nécessaire Deodorant Gel is here to help you. This deodorant not only uses ingredients that will neutralize and eliminate any bad odors, but it also contains skincare ingredients that will leave your armpits looking their best. The formula contains AHAs to gently exfoliate away any lumps and bumps that may have occurred from the underarm from dryness or shaving. Niacinamide is also used in this deodorant to even out the skin tone and repair any hyperpigmentation in the underarms. We love this deodorant as it applies as a gel and dries very quickly, making it the ideal product to use during your early morning rush.

7. Ursa Major Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant

The award-winning Hoppin' Fresh Deodorant from Ursa Major is another one of the best deodorants without aluminum and parabens. This formula is slightly unusual in the sense that it uses hops as the deodorizing agent, which will keep you smelling fresh throughout the whole day. The deodorant also uses kaolin clay to absorb excess sweat and moisture that can occur in the underarms. We love the fragrance of this deodorant as it is scented with peppermint and eucalyptus for an invigorating and fresh scent that is subtle enough to be worn with perfume or on its own. 

8. Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant 

If you’re wanting protection from body odor that is going to last you day and night, give the  Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant a try. This dry-stick formula is formulated without aluminum, parabens, or talc to give you 48-hour protection. It eliminates odor from the source and works to prevent further odors from forming as the day goes on, as well as moisturizing the skin and keeping it soft and smooth after the application of the product. This product is completely cruelty-free and has been certified by PETA, so you don’t need to worry about how it was made. 

9. Type: A. Aluminum Free Deodorant

Type: A. is on a mission to create the cleanest, greenest self-care products possible, and we think they have outdone themselves with their deodorant. This deodorant goes on as a cream and is sweat activated, meaning it will release odor-fighting compounds throughout the day, as and when it is needed. It has also been made with glycerin and organic aloe to soothe the skin in the underarms and to prevent it from drying out easily. The deodorant is made with no aluminum, parabens, or toxins, so you don’t need to worry about what you are putting on your skin. It also contains 50% less baking soda, meaning it will absorb quickly to ensure you receive maximum protection from body odor all day long. 

10. Curie Full Body Deodorant Spray

Struggling with body odor in places other than your underarms? The Curie Full Body Deodorant Spray has got you covered. This powerful formula has been designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it can be used wherever it is needed on the body. It is 100% baking soda free and is instead formulated with triethyl citrate and probiotics to destroy odor-causing bacteria and keep you smelling fresh for hours on end. It is easy to apply this product anywhere on the body thanks to its hand aerosol spray bottle and fast-drying formula. This is one of the best natural deodorants on the market today and should be a staple for anyone who deals with body odor in places other than underarms. 

11. Oars and Alps Natural Deodorant

Oars and Alps are here to help you switch to an aluminum-free health and skincare regimen, starting with your deodorant. Their powerful formula has been created with clean, safe ingredients and doesn’t include any aluminum, parabens, alcohol, or phthalates. It also features the brand’s signature alpine caribou moss complex, which allows for the skin to become hydrated and moisturized with every use. The formula is non-sticky and dries extremely quickly, yet still works to reduce friction in the underarm area, thus preventing irritation from occurring. This is a great product for those with sensitive skin, as it has been dermatologically tested and formulated with plant-based ingredients, so you can be confident there is nothing that will cause irritation. 

12. Kosasport Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Another deodorant that takes a skincare approach to deodorize your body is the Kosasport Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant. Unlike other deodorants, this one applies as a serum and is packed with additional skincare ingredients that go beyond preventing and eliminating odor. It contains both lactic acids to exfoliate away any lumps or bumps in the applied area, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and improve its overall look. Mandelic acid also features in the ingredient list to fade any discoloration that may have occurred in the underarm area. The formula is aluminum and paraben free and instead uses shikimic acid to fight and neutralize odor, which means you will feel and smell fresh all day long. 

13. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

If you’re a fan of the beloved Cashmere Mist scent from Donna Karan, you will be excited to know that it now also comes in the deodorant form. The sensual fragrance features lily of the valley and Moroccan jasmine combed with bergamot, sandalwood, amber, and musk to create a divine scent that will last throughout the day. The product is also highly effective at preventing and eliminating body odor and doesn’t simply mask any unpleasant smells with an additional fragrance. As a bonus, this deodorant also doubles as an antiperspirant, helping you to control the amount of sweat you produce as well as any odors that may form. This is a great choice if you are looking for a luxurious product that will deliver you results.

14. Caudalie Vino Fresh Natural Stick Deodorant

The Caudalie Vino Fresh Natural Stick Deodorant is another one of the best deodorants without aluminum and parabens thanks to its high-performance formula and 98% naturally derived ingredients. The key ingredients are organic grape water and organic eucalyptus, which work to kill off odor-causing bacteria and neutralize any odors that may occur throughout the day. It is also an intensely moisturizing formula, keeping the underarms looking and feeling soft, as well as soothing any irritation that may have been caused by shaving. We love how easily this formula glides on thanks to the inclusion of glycerin, and it also absorbs very quickly. This deodorant will keep you covered for a whopping 24 hours, so you can simply apply it and be confident you will smell great all day long. 

15. By Rosie Jane Deodorant

Rosie Jane wants you to allow your body to sweat, as that is what skin is designed to do, but also wants you to be protected from any unpleasant odors. Their Deodorant is a natural solution to body odor that will keep you smelling great all day long. Using bacteria-fighting ingredients such as glycerin, organic aloe vera, and sugar cane alcohol, this deodorant eliminates odor at the source and prevents bacteria from combining with sweat to produce a smell. It also contains the brand’s signature essential oil blend, giving the product a deliciously herbal scent that will complement most perfumes or colognes. 

16. Native Deodorant Coconut & Vanilla

A list describing aluminum and paraben-free deodorants would not be complete without the mention of Native Deodorant. This bestselling formula is beloved in the health and beauty community as it is extremely powerful and prevents odor, but is still gentle on the skin and only includes skin-friendly ingredients. It uses probiotics and tapioca starch to kill odor-causing bacteria and also prevents excessive sweating. The base of the formula is coconut oil and shea butter, so it applies very smoothly and doesn’t leave any sticky or drying residue. It also means that this is a nourishing formula that will help to support the health of the skin it is applied to, creating soft and smoother-looking skin after every application. 

17. Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant

Megababe’s Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant is a product that truly works to fight body odor without the use of aluminum or parabens. This silky smooth formula contains enzymes that break down the bacteria that cause odor and prevent them from causing any smells. The product also focuses on restoring the underarms as often they have been damaged from years of using harsh, aluminum-based deodorants. Willow bark, oatmeal, and amino acids all work together to soothe and restore this delicate area, as well as fortify the skin’s barrier to protect it from further damage. Additionally, this is a water-based, stain-free formula, so you don’t need to worry about any sticky residue staining your clothes. 

18. Beautycounter The Clean Deo

If you’re wanting a deodorant that will also prevent excessive sweating, the Beautycounter Clean Deo is a great choice. Non-GMO cornstarch and baking soda work together to absorb any wetness caused by the underarms and also neutralize any odors that may try to form. The formula is coconut oil and shea butter based, so it glides on easily and conditions the underarms with a hit of intense hydration and moisturization. The best part? The packaging of this deodorant allows for it to be refillable, so not only is the product more sustainable for your skin, but it is also an environmentally sustainable choice as well. 

19. Beekman 1802 Milk Stick All-Day Odor Protection Invisible Deodorant

Are you starting to get annoyed with deodorants that leave behind a sticky or powdery residue or create white stains on your black clothes, and yellow stains on your white clothes? Beekman 1802 has come up with a solution to this - their Milk Stick All-Day Odor Protection Invisible Deodorant. This invisible formula uses citrus peel oil and coconut fruit extract for their antibacterial properties, to kill and permanently stave off any bacteria that may cause odor. The base of the formula is made with goat's milk to nourish and restore the delicate skin on your underarms. You can be confident that this deodorant will only benefit your skin as it is also free from sulfates, mineral oil, alcohol, fragrance, phthalates, synthetic colorants, formaldehyde, and talc. 

20. Hey Humans Rosewater Ginger Aluminum-Free Deodorant

If you have super sensitive skin and find that deodorants tend to irritate your delicate underarm area, consider trying the Hey Humans Rosewater Ginger Aluminum-Free Deodorant. This is a bare-bones deodorant that only contains the necessary ingredients, and doesn’t include any fillers or harsh chemicals that can cause your skin to flare up. It uses rosewater, ginger, and geranium, as well as coconut oil essential oils to absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors caused by sweating and bacteria. It is also a very affordable product, allowing clean and natural self-care to be accessible to all. 

21. Lume Lavender Sage Solid Deodorant Stick

If you’re looking for a deodorant that will last you through a big weekend out, the Lume Lavender Sage Solid Deodorant Stick will become your best friend. This deodorant will give you up to 72 hours of protection from body odor, allowing you to get on with your life without worrying about how you smell. This baking soda-free formula does not include any aluminum or parabens and is gentle enough that it can be used anywhere on the body. It is a game-changing product for anyone who needs super long-lasting protection without using a product that contains potentially harmful chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Body Odor? 

You may think that body odor is caused by sweat, however, this isn’t the case. Sweat on its own is completely odorless, but it is still part of the creation of body odor. Body odor happens when the bacteria in the skin break the protein molecules that are contained in sweat into an acid, which is what causes a strong smell. This means that the more you sweat, the higher the  chances of you producing body odor. This is why it is common for people to start producing body odor during puberty, as this is when the sweat glands start to become more active, thus causing body odor to occur. 

While body odor is most commonly found in the underarms, it can also be produced in the feet, belly button, and even in the groin. Luckily, there are products available that can be applied to these areas and help to stave off any unpleasant and unwanted smells. 

What Does A Deodorant Do?

Deodorant is the best way to eliminate and prevent body odor from occurring. Most deodorants are typically applied on the underarms, however, there are products available that can be applied elsewhere on the body if needed. Deodorant works by using an alcohol-based formula to alter the pH of your skin, turning it slightly acidic and making the environment too hostile for the bacteria that cause body odor to thrive. 

It works differently from an antiperspirant, as it still allows for sweating to occur. It eliminates and prevents odors from being produced when the skin’s bacteria and sweat combine. Deodorant is ideal for those who don’t sweat excessively, as there is no need to prevent the sweat from actually occurring as long as you are managing the smell. However, if you sweat excessively and you find that it damages your clothes, gets in the way of your workouts, or even just reduces your confidence, then it is likely that antiperspirant is the right product for you. 

Why Should I Avoid Aluminum In My Deodorant? 

In products that are aimed to reduce sweating, aluminum is a popular ingredient as it is highly effective. Aluminum salts are added to products as they dissolve on the skin and melt into your pores, effectively plugging them up and preventing sweat from being released. However, there have been some concerns as to whether aluminum is safe for use in these products. Some studies have indicated that aluminum in deodorant/antiperspirant could potentially increase the likelihood of breast cancer due to the proximity to this area.

While the research on this risk is very conflicting, it is better to be safe than sorry. Regardless, aluminum can be very harsh on the skin, so if you are merely looking to reduce irritation, then switching to an aluminum-free deodorant is a good idea.  

Additionally, did you know that the yellow or dark stains on your clothes that appear after using deodorant are caused by aluminum? Simply wanting to reduce the stains on your clothes is just another reason why you should consider switching to an aluminum-free deodorant. 

Why Should I Avoid Parabens In My Deodorant? 

Parabens are added to deodorant to prevent any bacteria, fungi, or yeast from growing on the product. However, there are some serious concerns as to whether exposure to parabens is harmful to your health. There are some concerns that parabens can influence and change how your body produces and regulates estrogen, and could potentially lead to cancer. Again, while there is no hard, concrete evidence that exposure to cosmetic products such as deodorants can be enough to significantly increase the risk of cancer, it is a good idea to avoid products with parabens anyway. It is good to be safe rather than sorry, as more research and development are done around these products, a definitive answer will eventually emerge. 

What Should I Look For In a Deodorant? 

Aside from looking for a deodorant that is free from parabens and aluminum, there are some other things to look out for when choosing the product you will be using. The main function of a deodorant is to eliminate and prevent body odor. Sometimes, brands focus too much on the scent or packing of their products and lose sight of this goal. The result is a product that merely masks the smell of body odor rather than eliminating or preventing it. This means that after a while, the smell of the body odor will start to poke through the smell of the deodorant, completely defeating the desired effects of using the product in the first place. To avoid this, look for a high-quality product that has been designed to eliminate the smell at its source. Not only will this make you smell better, but it will give you peace of mind as the day goes on that your body odor won’t start to creep back in. 

You also need to think about what kind of fragrance you are looking for in a deodorant, as often this will dictate what your natural “signature” scent will be. Make sure you pick something that you like, as you will be wearing it every day. If you are more into your perfumes or colognes, pick a deodorant fragrance that is compatible with your current signature scent to ensure that the two products don’t clash and end up smelling worse than intended. Alternatively, you could go for an unscented deodorant if you are wanting to maintain the purity of your perfume or cologne.