The time has long gone when we would trek to Walmart to grab whichever antiperspirant smelled the nicest and was in our budget- until we learned about the hazardous effects of over-exposure to aluminum i.e. potential neuro-toxicity, Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. Today, thanks to companies like Tom’s of Maine, Ivory etc, we have an enormous aluminum free and in most cases animal-friendly deodorant variety within easy reach. The best part: they won’t break your bank either.
To learn more, do read this article: What to Know About Aluminum and Deodorant- Healthline- Noreen Iftikhar, MD
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7 Aluminum Free Deodorants on Amazon
1. Tom’s of Maine
Tom’s of Maine has long been a prominent name in green and natural products. You can look up the source of all the ingredients they use in their products. Their line of Aluminum-Free Deodorants is vegan and very popular on Amazon and easily available in supermarkets.
Fun fact: Tom’s is one of my two favorite brands of ‘natural’ deodorants. The second brand is:
2. Schmidt’s
I’m a fan of Schmidt’s deodorants because they are not only aluminum free, they are all vegan and cruelty free as well. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan of the variety of scents they offer. I purchased their Rose and Vanilla the first time. The moment I uncapped it, I knew I couldn’t tolerate a grandmotherly smell emanating from me so the next time I went to Walmart, I uncapped the entire line one by one (don’t worry, this was pre-Covid Era and all deodorants had a second, dryness protection cap on underneath that I didn’t mess with) and I found their Bergamot and Lime to be the one for me.
Schmidt’s deodorants actually explain the source or common name of most of their ingredients on the deodorant so you wouldn’t have to go looking for each online (which is way better than having no clue what a particular ingredient is). For example, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Esters, Tocopherol (Vitamin E, Sunflower Derived).
Their multi-packs are often on sale on Amazon (not always in the scent of your choice). Like this 3 pack is for $11.50 at this time when I’m writing this article.
Another fun fact: I got my sister hooked on these too. Haha!
3. Lume
While this option is certainly pricier than all others, Lume Natural Deodorant is actually a multi body-part deodorizer and that too for a whopping 72 hours! The formula is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin and the brand claims it’s hypoallergenic too. To top it off, it’s vegan and cruelty free also! Win-win-win for the concerned consumer.
Lume comes in a great variety of scents which is another plus point for people with picky olfactory sense like myself. Again, at $16.99, the price is more than twice the regular aluminum free deodorant.
4. Secret
In the world of antiperspirants, Secret is possibly the first that comes to mind. Lucky for us, they also offer an aluminum free option. As of June 2020, Secret is now certified vegan and cruelty free too.
The best part is, this deodorant has a time-released fragrance formula so the fresh feeling can last longer. Again, Secret Aluminum Free deodorants come in a variety of scents.
5. Ivory Deodorant
This is the same Ivory brand that we are familiar with for their liquid dish-washing detergents and bar soaps. This deodorant has a gentle formula and has been manufactured without aluminum, talc, baking soda, parabens, and phthalates.
Another plus is that this specific product by Ivory is both vegan and cruelty-free. (I found contradictory information about Ivory as a brand so I can’t speak for the brand as a whole.)
The scent is very mild (thus the phrase ‘a hint of aloe’ or ‘a hint of coconut’ on the front). This deodorant has been tested by dermatologists and is actually moisturizing to the skin.
6. Dove
Ah Dove, I have a soft spot for the brand for their Real Beauty Campaign. As a woman of color, who has struggled with weight issues on and off, and who comes from a third world country, I know too well what it feels like to not be comfortable in your skin.
I use Dove body wash, shampoo, unscented soap just not the deodorant. This brand is also cruelty-free and vegan.
This deodorant is composed of the signature 1/4th moisturizers that Dove is known for. Even better, it contains 0% alcohol, so people with dry or sensitive skin can use it too.
7. Native
Native Deodorant happens to be the only Gluten Free deodorant of the lot I’ve covered here. The formula is vegan and cruelty free.
While I love the neat and minimalist packaging, I do find the price to be a deterrent for myself. At the rate I use up deodorants, I think I’m good with Tom’s and Schmidt’s.
Native deodorant is made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and talc and contains naturally derived ingredients only.
While all the options mentioned above are aluminum free and cruelty free, please make sure to perform a skin test before using any of the deodorants. Even the most gentle of formulas can cause allergic reactions to some people with sensitive skin. Lucky for me, despite my sensitive and dry-like-an-elephant skin, I have had no issues with any deodorant ever.
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