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Deodorant is something you want to do once a day and forget about. It better work. And hopefully, it doesn’t have ingredients linked to cancer. The deodorant industry has come a long way and the number of green beauty options is vast compared to just a couple of years ago. Whether you want conventional, middle-of-the-road, or non-toxic deodorant, there’s a deodorant brand for you. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you investigations like shampoo, cookware, & sunscreen, now join us as we explore the best natural deodorants and best aluminum-free deodorants.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and was medically reviewed by Rebecca Elizabeth Sherrick Harks, Registered Nurse. 

Woman sniffing her armpits and she needs deodorant

The Deodorants We Grew Up With Were Kinda Toxic

Let’s just get through this real quick. Years ago, most deodorants were full of toxic & hormone-disrupting chemicals. If your preference is to avoid this cancerous mess, nontoxic deodorant options are available. The good news is they are getting sophisticated, smell good, and actually work (provided you do the armpit detox to get the gunk out of your pits first!) and are paraben-free.

Chemicals within products that can disrupt hormones are suspect when considering the cocktails building in bodies over time. These hormone-disrupting chemicals building up within our bodies are linked to various conditions such as obesity, diabetes, infertility, hyperactivity & behavioral problems in children, reduction in IQ, loss of memory, organ failure, and then, of course, cancer. More on this soon!

Woman with sweat on her brow exposes her armpits

The Cosmetic Industry Polices Itself. That’s Bad For Consumers Wanting to Avoid Breast Cancer.

Body-care products seem to be more and more dangerous, especially for women, and that’s unfortunate because It’s estimated that 1 in 3 women will get cancer within their lifetimes, breast cancer being the most prevalent. Globally, breast cancer affects more women than any other type of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

One thing of note about the cosmetic industry in the United States is that it’s willfully flawed and downright dangerous at times. Ingredients inside products on the shelves are not independently tested nor are they evaluated by the FDA for safety before they are sold. And that’s because the cosmetic industry effectively polices itself. They determine what chemicals are safe and which are not, leaving us dangerously behind Europe in terms of safety.

To put things into perspective, Europe has restricted or banned 1,328 ingredients in cosmetics and the United States has banned and restricted approximately 30+–most recently to restrict the number of plastic microbeads and triclosan within our water supply. But 30 compared to 1,328? That’s a huge discrepancy that underscores the danger inherent in the American cosmetic industry.

So why do we need to watch out for deodorants? Well, basically they can be a clusterf*ck of chemicals that disrupt hormones. We get it, no one wants to deal with BO and the idea of a natural deodorant can cause some to literally turn up their noses. But it’s still important to find a safer deodorant that works for you in order to reduce your toxic load.

So if natural deodorant doesn’t work on you, do an armpit cleanse and get on with it. When you do an armpit cleanse, you’ll be shocked by how natural deodorant works afterward.

So What Stinks About Deodorant? Nasty Ingredients to Avoid

Most deodorants are a chemical concoction of unholy body burden. In other words, there are a ton of problematic chemicals inside that are linked with a chronic disease you would rather avoid. So let’s get down to brass tacks. Deodorant fights odor by killing bacteria and providing a covering scent while antiperspirants use an aluminum compound to stop up sweat glands temporarily. The controversial gland-plugger aluminum has constantly been under attack for breast cancer and other risks but it is of concern, especially to those with kidney disease since the aluminum is cleaned out through the kidneys.

  • Parabens: Another problematic ingredient inside deodorant is parabens. Parabens are those sneaky little ingredients linked to cancer, and developmental and reproductive toxicity. In fact, they are typically found inside breast cancer tumors. Parabens are used in cosmetics to prevent mold, yeast, and odor-causing bacteria from forming. And they are used in cosmetics to give the product a longer shelf life. Are there alternatives? Yes. But parabens are cheaper to use and allow the product to stay on the shelves for years and years and years…until it’s sold. So this is why cosmetic companies use them.

Paraben Ingredients Hide as: Methylparaben, propylparaben, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and propyl 4-hydroxylbenzoate

  • Triclosan: Triclosan is another very common ingredient that has been banned for use in other personal care products in the United States. But for some reason, the Feds didn’t ban triclosan from things like deodorant or toothpaste. Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is added to products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Its chemical structure is very similar to thyroid hormones but the frightful part is It’s been linked to decreasing levels of thyroid hormones. It’s also been linked to making antibiotics ineffective by spreading and encouraging the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Over millions are infected and over 23,000 people die each year in the United States from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections that are not treatable with antibiotics. And it’s also causing skin cancer during animal testing. So it would not be beneficial to put on a product that contains triclosan and then expose your skin to ultraviolet rays.

Triclosan Ingredients Hide as: Triclosan & triclocarbon. But anytime you see the words “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” make sure to look at the ingredient label. If you see alcohol as the active ingredient instead, that’s okay.

  • Phthalates: Phthalates are another class of ingredient that is also hormone-disrupting and found in most conventional deodorants. And when I say hormone-disrupting, I’m meaning links to things like obesity, hyperactivity in children, and the kicker is infertility in men by degrading sperm quality. In fact, phthalates are so problematic to male fertility, they are being restricted in places like China. Phthalates, although worse for men, is also problematic to women.

Phthalates Hide as: “Fragrance,” “perfume” or “parfum”

toxic deodorant

Shortlist of Ingredients in Deodorant to Avoid Like the Plague

This list includes endocrine disruptors, undeclared chemicals, possible and known carcinogens, petroleum-derived synthetic colors, antifreeze agents, and ingredients declared unsafe by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) but not by the FDA. Funny how that happens…

  • Propylene glycol
  • Triclosan (or triclocarban)
  • Aluminum
  • Parabens
  • Formaldehyde releasers like quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and glyoxal
  • Fragrance (can contain any of thousands of chemicals and ingredients are not listed individually)
  • Triethanolamine and diethanolamine (TEA and DEA)
  • Talc (can contain asbestos)
  • Petroleum
  • Isobutane
  • FD & C colors (dyes)
  • Zinc oxide (nano-based)

Solutions: What To Do If Natural Deodorant Brands Don’t Work On You

When you pick natural deodorant and find that it doesn’t work on you, don’t fret! Consider an armpit cleanse to clear out the pores under your arms and release build-up and toxins. (Mamavation’s armpit cleanse is one of our most popular posts!)

Then after all of the sweat-clogging gunk is out of your body, check out an aluminum-free deodorant from the better or best category for healthy protection from body odor.  Look for ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, magnesium hydroxide, mineral salts, coconut oil, and essential oils like sage oil or tea tree oil.

If you find that you are sensitive to baking soda, red spots or irritation may develop on your armpits. Don’t worry, just pick up another type that doesn’t have baking soda. Once you stop using it, those spots should go away.


Featured Deodorant: Primally Pure Deodorant

Primally Pure has been one of my favorite deodorants for many years now. The ingredients are pure, simple, and effective yet have major odor protection. It’s the kind of deodorant that can carry me into the next day if I forget to put it on in the morning too. (It does contain some baking soda, so if baking soda causes you skin irritations, there are plenty of the other deodorants we have recommended that do not contain baking soda inside our investigation.)

This is what I mean by simple ingredients. Primally Pure Lavender Deodorant Ingredients: Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows, Organic Beeswax, Baking Soda, Non-nano Zinc Oxide, White Kaolin Clay, Organic Lavender Essential Oil

If you would like to try Primally Pure, they are offering Mamavation community members 10% off by using coupon code “MAMAVATION” at checkout. Discover all the different Primally Pure Deodorants and here they are linked individually below.

Red hair woman buying deodorant in a cosmetics department

Not Our Favorite Deodorants

These have high amounts of chemical fragrances, possible carcinogens, aluminum, petroleum, polyethylene glycol compounds (PEGs), and allergenic ingredients that will affect sensitive skin. Mamavation doesn’t recommend brands from this list, but please note that as we have updated this post over the years brands and products have shifted around due to changing their ingredients.

  • Alvera All Natural Roll-on Deodorant Aloe and Almonds
  • Arbonne Deodorant #4112
  • Arm & Hammer Essentials Unscented
  • Arrid
  • Axe
  • Ban Purely Gentle Roll-On Unscented Deodorant
  • Ban Unscented Solid Deodorant
  • Bee Maternal Clean Bergamot Deodorant
  • Corpus Three Roses
  • Degree Dial Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, Crystal Breeze
  • Deonat Mineral Deodorant Roll-On (Natural, Aloe, or Papaya)
  • Deonat Mineral Deodorant Spray (Natural, Aloe, or Papaya)
  • Doterra Natural Deodorant Infused with Doterra Balance Grounding Blend Essential Oil(Mamavation’s independent testing found indication of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside one product made by this brand. Read more about it here.)
  • Dove
  • Dove Men
  • Dr. Teals Aluminum Free Deodorant (Mamavation’s independent testing found indication of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside one product made by this brand. Read more about it here.)
  • Each & Every Citrus & Vetiver Aluminum Free Deodorant (Mamavation’s independent testing found indication of PFAS inside one product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Each & Every Unscented & Fragrance-Free Deodorant (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS inside one product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Equate Beauty Deodorant, Aluminum-free, Lavender
  • Gillette
  • Harry’s Odor Control Deodorant Stone
  • hello® clean + fresh deodorant with charcoal (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside one product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • hello® fragrance-free deodorant with shea butter (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside one product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Hey Humans Lavender Vanilla Deodorant (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside one product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Kiss My Face Active Life Fragrance-Free Stick Deodorant
  • Kiss My Face Sport Stick Deodorant
  • Kopari Fragrance-Free Deodorant
  • Kopari Deodorant Beach Scent
  • Lady Speed Stick
  • Lume Lavender Sage (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside a product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Lume Scented Deodorant Tube (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside a product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Lume Unscented Deodorant Stick (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside a product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Magsol Magnesium Deodorant Smooth Glide Format Jasmine 100% Natural Deodorant (Mamavation’s independent testing found indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” inside a product made by this brand. Read more here.)
  • Melaleuca Sheer Confidence Antiperspirant & Deodorant perfect powder
  • Mitchum Clinical Powder Fresh Solid
  • Mitchum Unscented Gel
  • Modere Deodorant
  • Myro
  • Right Guard
  • Oars and Alps Natural Deodorant
  • Old Spice
  • Public Goods Deodorant
  • Salt & Stone Eucalyptus Sensitive Skin
  • Secret
  • Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel Deodorant
  • Soft & Dri
  • Suave
  • Teen Spirit
  • Tom’s Of Maine Creamy Coconut Plastic Free Deodorant
  • Tom’s of Maine Original Care Deodorant Unscented

african american woman putting on deodorant

Better Deodorants

This section is lightyears better than the “not our favorite” category, but it still has some issues. These brands may have some of the following issues: undisclosed “natural” fragrances, undisclosed probiotic strains, too many preservatives, nano-based zinc oxide, or just too much junk. Lots of brands have shifted around since our last update and some may have products in different categories. Note: may need to do an armpit cleanse if they do not work for you.

african american female holding non-toxic deodorant

Best Deodorants

These contain mostly simple ingredients, antibacterials like coconut oil, baking soda, and/or and salts to control odor, essential oils, and more. These products use 100% fragrance transparency and do not rely heavily on preservatives. Lots of brands have shifted around since our last update and some may have products in different categories. Note: may need to do an armpit cleanse if they do not work on you.

Green enough book by Leah Segedie

Want More? Pick Up a Copy of Green Enough

If you pick up a copy of Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Healthier (All Without Driving Your Family Crazy!), I’ll take you through all the challenges in personal care products to be aware of when shopping for your family.

If you would like to try my special deodorant recipe, it’s inside the book! It only has 4 ingredients and will keep you smelling fresh all day provided you do an armpit cleanse to unclog your armpit pores.

But don’t miss out! Sign up for our FREE newsletter here and you’ll never miss another investigation of brands and products ever again.

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Comments

  1. bolo Jean

    I’m sorry to put the name on here. “Fatco” disagrees with my armpit, It contains tallow in it. Tallow is highly comedogenic, can clog your pores, and create an engulfed condition. My armpits have been hurting me for two weeks now. I hope some other people can report their findings.

    Reply

  2. Susan

    I don’t need a deodorant, I need an anti-perspirant to stop the sweating! Is aluminum the ONLY ingredient that stops sweating? So no cleaner/greener option?

    Reply

  3. Debbie

    Leah,
    If we click on a linked item from your lists, do you get some credit for this, or do I have to do something else for you to receive the credit? Thank you, Debbie

    Reply

      • bolo Jean

        I’m sorry to put the name on here. “Fatco” disagrees with my armpit, It contains tallow in it. Tallow is highly comedogenic, can clog your pores, and create an engulfed condition. My armpits have been hurting me for two weeks now. I hope some other people can report their findings.

        Reply

  5. Liisa Plante

    Has anyone found a deodorant in the “Best” category that is both unscented and free from coconut oil?
    My tween is sensitive to coconut and essential oils. She’s doing well with unscented Lume, but wondering if there is a better option. I’m planning to go through the list myself, but it is long! (Which is great, when I began my toxin-free journey in 2008 the options were extremely limited!)
    Thanks!

    Reply

  8. Todd

    There’s alot of items on your good lists that include potassium alum or alum…. how are these acceptable when this is aluminum?

    Reply

  12. Christina Sullivant

    Did you not add Native to the testing for this one? This is one I have been using for awhile..
    thanks!
    Chris

    Reply

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