10 Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants for Men in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

Dr. Levy is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.

We asked her to evaluate our buying guide below for accuracy, and she also contributed some extra tips and advice. You can also follow her on Instagram for more skincare tips!

When browsing through your favorite grooming blogs and magazines, you'll probably see suggestions about aluminum-free deodorants popping up here and there. So what's the big deal about them? 

There have been a lot of rumors saying that the aluminum salts in antiperspirants can lead to diseases such as breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and so on. Yet, according to the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer's Association, that aluminum content can't get into the body and is, therefore, unable to cause any severe diseases. 

The aluminum blocks your sweat ducts to help you get rid of underarm odor, which is caused by some of the bacteria that live in your armpits. It basically starves them, so they don't produce the waste product that causes bad odor. Aluminum-free deodorants address this with ingredients such as magnesium and coconut oil.

The main reason to switch to aluminum-free deodorant may be that it won't lead to those annoying yellow stains caused by the chemical reaction between your sweat and aluminum. This acidic mixture can easily stain white fabric in particular. So, taking out the aluminum minimizes the chance of ruined shirts.

To choose the best aluminum-free deodorants for men, we took into consideration the following:

• What ingredients it has to stop odor, by reducing bacteria or masking it
• If it can also absorb wetness
• Any potential irritants in the formula
• Whether it conditions the skin or not
  

Don't forget to check out our buying guide after the products to make sure you have all the information you need to make a good decision about aluminum-free deodorant.

If you're new to aluminum-free deodorants, don't worry! We've tracked down 10 products that all have different formulas, so check to see which one works the best for you. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Dr. Lauren Levy unless explicitly stated so.

With all the options, you might wonder which product works the best for you. To help you pick out the best one, we've compiled points that you might want to take into consideration before making a selection. So check them out! 

Besides antibacterial ingredients to reduce odor, an effective deodorant can also contain moisture-absorbing agents to combat sticky underarm sweat from heavy workouts or scorching hot weather. 

Some common ingredients that you'll find include cornstarch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot. They are great at absorbing moisture and will leave your armpits feeling dry and comfortable. 

And don't forget about charcoal! It is effective in pulling away sweat so your underarms will feel fresh and clean all day. Despite its black color, deodorants crafted with charcoal won't discolor or stain your clothes. 

Many aluminum-free deodorants rely on baking soda to neutralize your body odor. However, baking soda can be irritating, and some people might experience rashes or redness. But, don't worry if baking soda isn't compatible with your body. There are other options for you to choose from! 

Coconut oil, magnesium, zinc, and copper are some skin-friendly agents that can effectively restrict bacterial growth and keep body odor at bay. Not to mention, they can minimize irritation and are suitable for those with sensitive skin. 

Some products are also infused with essential oils that have powerful antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil, to limit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Still, be careful with essential oils since they might be irritating to those with sensitive skin.

So make sure you check which ingredients are the most suitable for your skin type and choose a product accordingly. To be on the safe side, do a patch test beforehand as well. 

As mentioned earlier, baking soda is a very effective ingredient, but unfortunately, it can cause irritation in some people. Since it's alkaline, it can take away too many of the needed oils on your skin. If you do use a deodorant with baking soda, look for added moisturizers to counter this effect.

Many people have skin that is sensitive to fragrances as well. Look for a formula labeled "fragrance-free" if you're prone to allergic reactions from skincare products containing them. Natural essential oils can also provide a nice scent; they're different from fragrances, but can also cause irritation in some.

Finally, alcohols like ethanol can dry out your skin. Check the label carefully, though, because some alcohols are good! Stearyl alcohol and other fatty alcohols can moisturize and are safe even for sensitive skin.

It might sound a little bit strange to moisturize your armpits! But, just like other body parts, your underarm skin deserves some TLC to stay healthy, too. Giving your pits the moisture they need also helps prevent skin irritation and inflammation.

So look for effective moisturizers such as shea butter, castor oil, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil in your deodorant. These ingredients are loaded with vitamins and fatty acids to leave your underarm skin feeling hydrated and smooth all the time. 

Another key factor to think about while choosing a deodorant is the scent. Manufacturers often offer a variety of aromas for you to pick from. Products with woodsy and musky scents can make you feel confident. There are also refreshing scents such as coconut or ocean surf to bring you a summery vibe.

The choices are limitless, and it's really up to you which one you choose. But for those with smelly armpits, you might want to use products with a strong scent to mask body odor. It might be tough to know what scent is strong enough, so take into consideration all the reviews to see what users think. 

But keep in mind that the fragrance ingredients might be quite irritating, especially if you have fragrance sensitivity. In this case, you can opt for a fragrance-free product that doesn't contain any added fragrance ingredients. 

Many products have a natural aroma that comes from the essential oils used in the formula. For example, a deodorant that's infused with sandalwood oil usually has an earthy scent, while one that's infused with ginger often smells a bit spicy. 

Those natural fragrances are usually safer for sensitive skin and less likely to trigger allergic reactions in comparison to synthetic fragrance ingredients.

Still have some questions about aluminum-free deodorants? Dr. Levy is here to answer some commonly asked ones!

Dr. Levy says, "Avoiding aluminum in your product can help reduce the yellow-brown stains that may occur on light-colored clothing. Yellow stains on white clothing result from the bacteria, proteins, and fats in sweat reacting with aluminum, one of the main ingredients used as an antiperspirant. 

However, if your deodorant contains a white powder, it can lead to a white or chalk-like stain on darker clothing."

"It depends on what irritant is causing the dark underarms," Dr. Levy explains. "Underarm hyperpigmentation or discoloration usually occurs after an irritant reaction in the area. This reaction can occur as a result of your deodorant. Aluminum, a commonly used ingredient in antiperspirants, can cause an irritant reaction that leads to hyperpigmentation. 

Other ingredients like fragrance or preservatives can also trigger this reaction. In addition, some medical diseases can cause darkening of the armpits, regardless of what deodorant you use - like a condition called acanthosis nigricans - so seek an evaluation with a board certified dermatologist if you have concerns."

Keep yourself always feeling fresh and smooth with these other body care products!

Still not sure which product is best for you? We understand - there are a lot to choose from! See what Amazon buyers like, and maybe that'll help you decide.