15 Aluminum-Free Deodorants That Really Work (2024)

Whether you're an avid exerciser, reside in a warm climate, or just live a generally sweaty existence, keeping your bathroom stocked with hardworking 'pit products is integral. Especially during stressful times and summer seasons, you'll want deodorants that work well enough that you don't even need to think about them throughout the day. However, some research suggests that aluminum, which is found in antiperspirants and plugs sweat glands to keep your pits dry, could have harmful effects on our endocrine systems.

For folks who want an aluminum-free option but don't want to smell like they went to Woodstock 1969, finding high-quality, effective deodorants can feel like an uphill battle. Thankfully, plenty of brands have taken note of natural deodorants' skyrocketing popularity in recent years, developing high-tech formulations with none of the unwanted ingredients.

We tapped dermatologists and scoured reviews to find the best natural deodorants that actually (like actually) work. These formulas leave out parabens, aluminum, and phthalates and are packed with ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, minerals, and even AHAs, to see you through killer workouts and the hottest, most humid days of the year. We found drugstore options and luxury picks alike, from brands and retailers like Megababe, Kopari, Dove, and more. Smell ya later, BO!

This is an OG natural deodorant that's still popular—because it really works, says Anna Guanche, a board-certified dermatologist at the Bella Skin Institute. It glides on smoothly, doesn't feel sticky, comes in scents that aren't overpowering (like this lavender option), and keeps odor at bay for up to 24 hours. Even better, it's budget-friendly, making it a good option for folks who are testing out the waters.

Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut, says that this deodorant from Dove is one of the most effective deodorant when it comes to keeping odor at bay—despite having no aluminum in its formulation. It also contains skin-loving moisturizers, like aloe and shea butter, to leave your armpits soft and smooth.

This deodorant harnesses the power of natural ingredients like the probiotic acidophilus, which fights the kind of bacteria that lead to stinky underarms. It also comes in a wide range of scents, including this tropical-smelling bestseller and seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice.

Baking soda is a surprisingly common irritant—especially for folks with reactive skin. But unfortunately, many natural deodorants are formulated with it to neutralize odor. Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia, recommends baking soda-free options, like this Amazon's Choice product, for anyone with sensitive skin.

This fresh-smelling deodorant is as clean as can be—it's paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, aluminum-free—but contains antiseptic eucalyptus extract and citronellyl to prevent body odor. And like the most popular conventional formulas, it won't leave streaks or residue on armpits or clothing.

Megababe's Daily Deodorant is hyper-popular for a reason: It's formulated without aluminum and baking soda but still absorbs wetness thanks to cornstarch. It also contains ingredients like sage and green tea that prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing in the first place.

This plant-based, baking soda-free deodorant contains coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil, which work in tandem to reduce odor and moisturize sensitive skin, says Sonia Batra, a board-certified dermatologist and cohost of The Doctors.

If you want to smell expensive (who doesn't?), opt for this option from Underarmed, which is scented with lavender and eucalyptus essential oils and moisturizes your pits while keeping odor away. More than 6,800 customers gave this deodorant five stars, touting it as a "game-changing" product that's easy to apply, effective, and pleasantly scented.

This long-lasting, stink-busting deodorant stick glides on with ease, won't streak or stain, and is formulated with peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary for a crisp, cool scent.

Another option from Megababe, this one contains powerful baking soda, kaolin clay, and zinc oxide to keep you smelling fresh. Take it from this writer, who swipes it on nearly every day and has never caught a whiff of BO. The only drawback: It tends to leave a white cast on dark clothing.

If you want to try something totally different, this popular mineral salt-based deodorant actually looks and feels like a crystal. It's excellent for sensitive skin because it has only one ingredient (potassium alum), and it's not formulated with fragrances and dyes.

If you're prone to perspiring, give this deo a try. The vegan and cruelty-free formula contains just a handful of ingredients but has a clinical strength that won't let you down even on sticky summer afternoons. Heads up, its hero ingredient for nixing sweat is baking soda, so if you have sensitive skin it might not be your best option.

Ilyas recommends this formula that's free from baking soda and aluminum for anyone prone to irritation. It contains gentle ingredients, including minerals like magnesium to neutralize odor, arrowroot powder to keep pits dry, and organic coconut oil to reduce odor and hydrate skin.

We recommend this option from makeup and skincare brand Kosas, as it relies on AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) to deodorize without baking soda and even discoloration, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe vera. It has a serum formulation that sinks in quickly and doesn't transfer onto clothing.

We're pretty sure nobody ever called deodorant sexy—until this one came along. The antioxidant-rich natural deodorant stick relies on ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and an earthy blend of essential oils to reduce wetness and fight odor.