12 Aluminum-Free Deodorants That Really Work

MALIN+GOETZ Botanical Deodorant ($22)

You may already be a fan of the brand’s best-selling Eucalyptus and Bergamot deos, but this new, sensitive skin–friendly version rounds out the trio with a new blend of natural ingredients: witch hazel, arrowroot powder and a botanical blend of 12 natural plant extracts. The formula offers the brand’s strongest protection against body odor while helping to also absorb some excess moisture on sweaty days (hello summertime!). And as far as the lavender-citrus scent, it was inspired by founders Matthew and Andrew’s upstate garden and the scents of Old World apothecaries of which the brand is inspired by.

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Deodorant ($16)

For me personally, this one takes the cake for best-smelling of the bunch (if you’re into SDJ’s cult-favorite iconic Cheirosa ‘62 fragrance, you will love it, and who isn’t?!). The medley of exfoliating papaya enzyme, moisturizing coconut oil and mango seed butter, sweat-absorbing tapioca starch (no baking soda), and odor-fighting citric acid ester, works to combat odors while treating your pits to a Brazilian skin-care treat.

Indie Lee Energize Deodorant ($19)

Founder and CEO Indie Lee says her customers had been requesting a deodorant for a long time, and it’s a category she really wanted to do right. “Around the time I started exploring formulas, I was introduced to Taos AER and absolutely fell in love with their products. We decided to collaborate to create a highly effective, clean deodorant while highlighting one of my favorite scents from our Energize collection. It’s such an uplifting scent and invigorating way to start the day. I hope you love this product as much as I do.” In addition to the incredible scent that gives off major spa-like vibes, the formula combines organic tapioca, non-GMO cornstarch and a small amount of natural baking soda to keep sweat to a minimum.

Each & Every Citrus & Vetiver Worry-Free Deodorant ($15)

Vegan, gluten-free, EWG-verified, and only six ingredients, this deo stick is as clean as they come (the packaging is sustainable, too) and comes in 10 scents made entirely from essential oils—my faves are Rose & Vanilla and Citrus & Vetiver. You can also subscribe to get the deodorant every month (or every 2, 3, 4) and the price drops to $12.75 per stick. And if you’re not sure which scent to try, the brand also offers a Discovery Set ($20–$30) of four or eight mini deos, which are so cute!

Blume Hug Me Deodorant ($14)

Unscented, vegan and suited for all skin types, this deeply nourishing deodorant—it soothes skin with coconut and jojoba oils—is powered by probiotics and baking soda to fight stubborn body odor throughout the day. Plus, supermodel Gigi Hadid is a big fan, touting it on Instagram as “one that actually works” that she started using when she got pregnant and “decided to find a good natural deodorant.”

Bella Skin Beauty Watermelon Probiotic Underarm Toner ($25)

Though not a deodorant per se, this is a first-of-its-kind product that actually works as an underarm primer of sorts, prepping your pits for deodorant. And eventually, it can actually have you not reaching for deodorant at all. (True story, this actually happened with me, and the brand has several testimonials from other people as well.) Made without harsh ingredients—lactic acid, fermented coconut fruit and fermented peptides from coconut provide gentle exfoliation and bacteria removal—the mist also contains probiotics to add good bacteria back in, and watermelon extract cleanses and hydrates skin. Spray it on pre-deo, blot dry and then swipe on your favorite deodorant to make your no B.O. results last even longer. You can also spray it on over deodorant if you need a midday refresher.

Frank Body Clean Deodorant: Unscented and Cucumber & Green Tea ($15 each)

Rice bran oil-based so they glide on super-smooth, these two new deos from cheeky brand Frank Body are not only fun and pretty to keep on your vanity, but they also pack a punch of vegan, armpit-friendly ingredients that leave you smelling B.O.-free all day long.  

type: A The Innovator Aluminum Free Deodorant ($11)

A new supercharged version of the brand’s original formula—which I also love, especially The Achiever’s Ocean Mint scent—The Innovator contains the odor-fighting duo of activated charcoal and spirulina that activate as you work up a sweat. Plus, the Fresh Rain and Bergamot scent is so good, it could be a perfume, and the plastic applicator is easy to keep clean.

Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream ($16)

If you’re reactive to essential oils or baking soda, both of which can be harsh on some skin types, this almond-scented deo (it’s such a yummy smell, and a common thread in all of the brand’s new body products) is a good one to try. Mandelic acid shields against odor while arrowroot powder helps sop up sweat, and nourishing plant oils and butters give it its creamy texture that goes on so smooth.

NATIVE Cotton & Cedarwood Deodorant ($12)

Part of the brand’s seasonal collection—all three scents are so good, and you can actually get them in one set—this Cotton & Cedarwood Deodorant stick keeps me smelling fresh from morning to night. It’s also loaded with gentle, good-for-your-skin ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil and probiotics that keep your underarms healthy and moisturized. A monthly subscription service is available, too, and comes with cost savings, as each stick is only $10. Travel-size options and multi-scent packs are also good buys.

Dove 0% Sensitive Skin Aluminum Deodorant ($6)

Zero aluminum, zero alcohol and a hefty dose of Dove’s signature moisturizers make this sensitive skin­–friendly formula a triple threat. It glides on like a charm without irritating my skin, even if I’ve just shaved. However, it does contain fragrance—I like the fresh, not-overpowering scent—so if that is the cause of your sensitivity, you probably want to go with a fragrance-free option.