Aluminum is a very common ingredient in deodorants–in fact, it’s the gold standard ingredient when it comes to actually reducing the amount of sweat on our skin. Because it’s so popular, it might seem virtually impossible to find an aluminum-free deodorant these days–but we’re here to tell you it’s not quite that hard.
Whether you’re looking for a stick, roll-on, or cream deodorant, there are plenty of options available out there; keep reading to get to know some of our favorites!
Aluminum in deodorant: What you need to know
Antiperspirant vs deodorant
We often use the word “deodorant” to refer to all sorts of anti-sweat solutions; if it goes under our arms, we call it “deodorant.” However, that is not quite precise enough.
Strictly speaking, a deodorant keeps you fresh by neutralizing body odor–but it doesn’t actually reduce the amount of sweat on your skin. If you want to control sweat, you need an antiperspirant.
Antiperspirants usually contain aluminum, which blocks the sweat ducts in order to reduce the amount of sweat that reaches the surface of the skin. Antiperspirants are also deodorants, in the sense that they also neutralize body odor, but their main function is to keep sweat in check and help you avoid underarm wetness.
Now that you understand the key difference between antiperspirants and deodorants, you’re ready to choose your anti-sweat solution. If you’d like to reduce the volume of sweat, antiperspirants may be the right choice for you; if you’re looking for an underarm solution that doesn’t contain aluminum but will help you minimize body odor, keep reading.
Is aluminum in deodorant safe to use?
If you have some concerns regarding the use of aluminum in your skincare and beauty products, you’re not alone–but we hope you’ll find some comfort in recent scientific data! In 2024, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which provides the European Commission with scientific advice on the safety non-food items, presented its latest opinion on the safety of aluminum in personal care products.
According to the SCCS, the use of aluminum compounds in deodorants and antiperspirants is safe under specific concentrations, which vary depending on the format of the product (whether it’s a spray, roll-in, stick, etc).
This final opinion takes into account the latest scientific data, and as scientifically-minded Europeans ourselves, we feel rather comfortable with it here at Care to Beauty. If you’re team antiperspirant-with-aluminum, we’ve got your back; if you prefer to use an aluminum-free deodorant, we’ve got your back too!
How do you know if deodorant is aluminum-free?
Let’s say you’ve decided to pursue aluminum-free deodorant. How will you know, standing in the deodorant aisle, if any given deodorant is aluminum-free? It’s actually pretty simple:
Avoid “antiperspirants”, look for “deodorants”
Start by avoiding anything labeled “antiperspirant”–as we’ve seen, antiperspirants contain aluminum, so by avoiding them as a whole you’ll be avoiding aluminum.
Instead, seek out “deodorants”. Products labeled “deodorant” are very likely to be what you’re looking for: products that minimize body odor and absorb excess sweat without actually blocking sweat ducts through the action of aluminum.
Check the ingredients list
To make sure a deodorant is aluminum-free, check the ingredients list on the back of each product: aluminum often shows up in ingredients lists as “aluminium chlorohydrate” or “aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly”, which makes it quite easy to spot.
Look beyond “aluminum-free” claims
Some deodorants will have an “aluminum-free” claim right on the front, while others will not. The decision to label a deodorant as “aluminum-free” may depend on legislation and brand positioning, so don’t reject a product just because it doesn’t feature the words “aluminum-free” right across the label in big, bold letters. Checking the ingredients list is always your best bet.
6 aluminum-free deodorants to get you started
Wild Aqua Case and Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt Refillable Natural Deodorant
Wild Aqua Case and Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt Refillable Natural Deodorant
For a deodorant that checks every “free from” box, try the Wild Natural Deodorant: it’s free from aluminium, alcohol (specifically ethyl alcohol and alcohol denat), it doesn’t contain any ingredients of animal origin, and it’s refillable–with plastic-free, compostable refills.
To help sweat-proof your underarms, this deodorant features tapioca starch to absorb moisture and sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) to help minimize odors. Plant-based oils and butters round out the formula with hydrating benefits, so your skin is both comfortable and odor-free.
It’s available in multiple scents too, so you never get bored!
| Format | Stick |
|---|---|
| Aluminum-free | Yes |
| Free from ethyl alcohol & alcohol denat | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
SVR Spirial Long-Lasting Deodorant Roll-On Vegetal
SVR Spirial Long-Lasting Deodorant Roll-On Vegetal
Formulated with over 90% ingredients of natural origin (and 0% aluminum), the SVR Spirial Long-Lasting Deodorant Roll-On Vegetal is a very popular deodorant among French pharmacy enthusiasts–and even more so now, that it’s available to buy as a refill.
The formula features probiotics to rebalance the skin microbiome and reduce the appearance of unpleasant odors, and diatomaceous earth to absorb perspiration and leave the underarms feeling dry and fresh for up to 24 hours. Because it’s so gentle, even on sensitive skin, this deodorant is suitable for everyone, including children aged 10 and over.
| Format | Roll-on |
|---|---|
| Aluminum-free | Yes |
| Free from ethyl alcohol & alcohol denat | Yes |
| Vegan | Pending confirmation |
| Refillable | Yes |
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant
The Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant is a natural stick deodorant made from 98% ingredients of natural origin. The star ingredients in the formula are organic grape water, which moisturizes and soothes the skin of the underarms, and organic eucalyptus oil, which offers a feeling of natural freshness throughout the day.
The stick is also infused with glycerin, which provides a smooth glide over the skin, without tugging or drying. Use it for 24 hours of protection against body odor, and enjoy the invigorating eucalyptus scent, suitable for any gender!
| Format | Stick |
|---|---|
| Aluminum-free | Yes |
| Free from ethyl alcohol & alcohol denat | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Refillable | No |
APIVITA Bee Fresh 24h Deodorant Propolis & Probiotics
APIVITA Bee Fresh 24h Deodorant Propolis & Probiotics
From Greek brand APIVITA comes the Bee Fresh 24h Deodorant Propolis & Probiotics, a 98% natural deodorant that harnesses the power of propolis to target the bacteria that cause body odor. The formula also features rebalancing probiotics and soothing hamamelis infusion, all in order to keep the skin of the underarms feeling comfortable and smooth.
The lightweight formula and invigorating unisex fragrance are perfect for anyone looking for a natural, aluminum-free deodorant that offers 24 hours of freshness–without them even noticing they’re wearing it.
| Format | Roll-on |
|---|---|
| Aluminum-free | Yes |
| Free from ethyl alcohol & alcohol denat | Yes |
| Vegan | No |
| Refillable | No |
Freshly Cosmetics Caring Microbiome Smart Deodorant
Freshly Cosmetics Caring Microbiome Smart Deodorant
The Freshly Cosmetics Caring Microbiome Smart Deodorant is a cream deodorant, formulated with 99% natural ingredients, that helps absorb excess sweat and control body odor, for a feeling of prolonged comfort and freshness.
The formula combines diatomaceous earth, which absorbs sweat, with a series of active ingredients (including zinc ricinoleate, a sea salt complex, and a plant-based complex) that help inhibit the activity of bacteria that cause bad odors–so you can minimize body odor without blocking perspiration, and always respecting the skin microbiome.
| Format | Cream |
|---|---|
| Aluminum-free | Yes |
| Free from ethyl alcohol & alcohol denat | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Refillable | No |
HAAN Morning Glory Nourishing Prebiotic Deodorant Roll-On
HAAN Morning Glory Nourishing Prebiotic Deodorant Roll-On
If you love a beautifully perfumed deodorant, you’ll love the HAAN Nourishing Prebiotic Deodorant Roll-On–available in a range of inspiring scents to get your day started on the right note. Formulated with 93% natural ingredients, this roll-on formula is infused with a prebiotic complex that helps rebalance the skin microbiome, all in order to reduce the activity of bacteria that cause unpleasant odors when in contact with perspiration.
The moisturizing formula brings comfort and protection to your underarms, all the while providing 24 hours of freshness. (And there’s a refill too!)
| Format | Roll-on |
|---|---|
| Aluminum-free | Yes |
| Free from ethyl alcohol & alcohol denat | No |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Refillable | Yes |
Want to see more? We’ve got a wide selection of aluminum-free deodorants in the shop–we’re sure you’ll find what you need there!
