Is Aluminum-Free Deodorant Better for Sensitive Skin?

It might seem intuitive that aluminum-free deodorant is good for sensitive skin—but it’s important to note that not all aluminum-free deodorants are the same. The ingredients inside aluminum-free deodorants can vary greatly, so what works for one person might not work for you and your skin. That all depends on your body’s chemistry and which products you’re using right now. 

Ultimately, aluminum-free deodorant is made for anyone who wants safer ingredients in their products—not just those with sensitive skin. Although there are many types of aluminum-free deodorants out there, generally speaking they don’t contain as many harsh chemicals that are known to lead our skin to react. So of course that’s beneficial for sensitive skin, but really it’s good for all types of skin. To understand whether an aluminum-free deodorant is compatible with sensitive skin, we first need to understand what sensitive skin is.

What exactly is sensitive skin? 

As it turns out, sensitive skin isn’t uncommon. One recent study said 50 to 60% of guys self-reported that they have sensitive skin. Which makes you wonder: Is their skin really sensitive? Or are some of them using grooming products that contain certain chemicals and other known irritants that make their skin appear sensitive? 

“Sensitive” is a relative term with no official qualifications. It means different things to different people. That said, sensitive skin is generally skin that easily becomes irritated, with symptoms that can include redness, inflammation, and itching, among others. Similarly, some people have allergic reactions to specific ingredients, even seemingly innocuous ones like baking soda. Those reactions can look similar to sensitive skin, but may also include rashes, bumps, swelling, and discoloration. 

How do I know if I have sensitive skin? 

One way to determine whether your skin is sensitive to a particular antiperspirant or deodorant is to switch to one with different ingredients. Simply apply the new deodorant to a small patch of skin and see if a reaction occurs. If not, you’ll know the reaction was caused by one or more ingredients in your old deodorant. 

Some of the most common irritants and allergens in deodorant are certain kinds of fragrances, according to a recent study. It even cited essential oils among the culprits of unwanted skin reactions. That’s why our line of aluminum-free deodorants has several allergen-free fragrances like Deep Sea Glacier and Mandarin Woods, which smell great with less risk of triggering allergies. 

If you’re averse to fragrance or have super sensitive skin, we also have a fragrance-free deodorant. By taking fragrance out of the equation, its formula is designed to be extra gentle on skin. It should be noted, however, that although not typical or expected, even aluminum-free deodorants designed for sensitive skin can cause irritation for those with sensitivity to specific active ingredients.

What difference does aluminum-free deodorant make? 

As one of the most popular new grooming categories, aluminum-free deodorant is meant to deliver equal or better results than conventional products. 

There’s no definitive answer on the long-term effects of antiperspirants that use aluminum. But there’s also no downside to using a deodorant with clean ingredients you know to be safe. Many personal care products have molecules that are small enough to be absorbed by the skin, so in that sense we are very susceptible to the products we apply to our skin. 

Be aware that some aluminum-free deodorants may leave out aluminum, but still use other chemicals that you may not want to put on your skin. For example, parabens—a common preservative in personal products and even food—have a weak, estrogen-like effect on the body, according to the American Cancer Society. It isn’t enough to cause serious harm, but some may rest easier knowing their products don’t contain these or any other ingredients that can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance.

Our deodorant is free not only of aluminum but parabens or sulfates and only uses clean ingredients to be effective. It uses cornstarch to control sweat, aloe vera to soothe skin, and other botanical ingredients to prevent odor—all while being gentle on your skin. 

Is it worth trying an aluminum-free deodorant? 

If you’ve experienced itching, burning, dryness, or inflammation from your antiperspirant or deodorant—regardless of whether you have sensitive skin—an aluminum-free deodorant might be a good option for you. 

If you’re pretty confident that you have sensitive skin, consider starting with a aluminum-free deodorant that’s made with an allergen-free fragrance or is fragrance-free. Just always keep in mind that no product is universal, so be sure to test new products on a small patch of skin prior to see if the product is compatible with your skin.

Whether you’re trying an aluminum-free deodorant for the first time or looking for a solution that works with your sensitive skin, aluminum-free deodorant is something that can work for everyone—especially those who want products that work with, and not against, your body’s chemistry.