There are some chemicals out there that tons of people are allergic to. Aluminum is one of them. No, we’re not saying people break into hives when they get around aluminum foil. But when it’s rubbed all over your body in deodorant form, some folks get irritated and have reactions.
Aluminum is typically included in men’s deodorants to keep you from sweating since it blocks up your pores. And that block can throw off the whole ecosystem that is your armpit—not good. But keep in mind, without that pore blockage, not even the best aluminum-free deodorants for men will keep you dry (minus a few choices in this guide).
When it’s time to make the switch to aluminum-free, you’re going to find a ton of options. If you’re lost and don’t know where to turn, I am here to help. I’ve put together a guide to the best aluminum-free deodorants on the market so you can skip the research.
Scroll down, find your favorite, and enjoy not rubbing aluminum into your body anymore.
Type: Stick | Size: 2.65oz | Scent: Eucalyptus & Mint | Active Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Probiotics, Tapioca |
Native has some of the best-smelling stick deodorants ever, and that stays true with their eucalyptus mint. They smell and work so damn good, I couldn’t help but choose them as the best aluminum-free deodorants for men overall. Pick one up, and it won’t take long to see why.
The eucalyptus and mint create a naturally fresh scent, not “fresh” (i.e., something made up in a
- All day power
- Refreshing scent
- All-natural
- Some complaints of white marks on clothes
Type: Stick & Bar | Size: 2.65oz | Scent: Birchwood Breeze, Fresh Falls | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot, Charcoal Powder, Probiotics |
Who doesn’t love getting a gift set for the holidays? And who doesn’t love a gift set of the best aluminum-free deodorant for men? With the stinky sasquatch in your life, this might be your first and last stop. This odor-squashing set comes with birchwood breeze and fresh falls deodorants (both amazing), plus two soap bars of each scent.
Birchwood breeze is a woody scent with a crisp edge and leaves your skin smooth as a baby thanks to the shea butter and jojoba. Fresh falls is supposed to smell like “Jumping in a cool forest waterfall in the crisp morning.” I haven’t tried that yet, but it sounds great. I can say it smells pretty damn good, though.
- Two scents
- Comes with two soap bars
- Great for any guys
- Giftees might not like the scents
Type: Roll-On | Size: 1.7oz | Scent: Pomegranate | Active Ingredients: Water, Licorice, Witch Hazel, Parfum |
A lot of guys have memories of seeing roll-on deodorant in their grandpa’s bathroom cabinet. Maybe he even talked you into trying it. If you’re one of the people who tried grandpa’s deodorant and ended up sticking with it, you’re in for a treat. I found the best aluminum-free deodorant for men in roll-on form. Everyone else, maybe now’s the time to give it a shot.
Roll-ons might have been inspired by the ballpoint pen, but that doesn’t mean they’re just a cheap novelty. Check out Weleda’s fruity pomegranate scent, and you’ll probably be convinced. It also won’t leave any marks on your underarms, so it works great in any environment.
- Interesting history
- Grandpa was right
- Unique pomegranate scent
Type: Gel | Size: 2.5oz | Scent: Mountain Air | Active Ingredients: Magnesium Chlorate, Silica, Propanediol, Zinc Lactate |
I’ve never heard of magnesium deodorant either, don’t worry. A lot of people seem to swear by having magnesium as part of their daily routine. Nfuse insists that having magnesium in your life can help reduce anxiety, stress, migraines, and depression, as well as a slew of other wonder usages.
But not everybody is completely sold on the magnesium thing. Whether magnesium is a cure-all or not, this is among the best aluminum-free deodorant for men that actually works. And trust me, there aren’t too many out there.
If you want an aluminum-free gel that may also give you a more peaceful sleep and improved mood, this might be your best option. Plus, mountain air is a pretty enticing scent.
- Magnesium Power
- Clear application
- Rose scent
- Can take time to acclimate
Type: Cream | Size: 2.4oz | Scent: Cucumber | Active Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Arrowroot Powder, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cucumber |
If you didn’t know there were cream deodorants before this I wouldn’t blame you. Most of them tend to fly under the radar since they don’t get the same marketing as sticks and sprays. If the cream scene is new for you, you might want to try an all-natural great like Little Seed Farm.
For guys who like fresh scents, Little Seed Farms cucumber is a perfect mix of freshness and juicy subtlety. It also has activated charcoal, which is great for absorption and covering stinks. And thanks to the charcoal, aluminum isn’t necessary. If you want to give cream deodorants a shot, this is the creme de la cream.
- Activated charcoal
- Small business
- Unique form
Type: Stick | Size: 2.6oz | Scent: Eucalyptus, Juniper, Coconut | Active Ingredients: Bentonite Clay, Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Arrowroot, Baking Soda, Avocado Oil, Eucalyptus Oil Juniper Oil, Hinoki Oil |
Jack Henry is one of those amazing brands you might not have heard of. They’ve only been around since 2017, so they’re pretty new, but that doesn’t mean their offerings don’t trade blows with the big boys. This bentonite clay-based deodorant is a perfect example.
Bentonite clay is a great material for soaking up unpleasant smells. Using bentonite clay instead of something like aluminum ensures a more natural deodorant that will work just as well. You also have a refreshing scent with Jack Henry deodorant, with a mingling of eucalyptus, juniper, and a light dusting of coconut.
Just remember that it won’t keep you dry on hot days, so don’t expect it to.
- 100% organic ingredients
- Sustainable packaging
- Fresh, subtle scent
- Not great for sweaty summers
Type: Stick | Size: 2.65oz | Scent: Coconut & Vanilla | Active Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Probiotics, Baking Soda, Shea Butter |
Coconut and vanilla aren’t exactly known as the manliest smells around, but who cares. Macho scents can be overrated; besides, if you’re trying to impress someone with your exquisite scent, you’re going to wear your favorite cologne. If you don’t like man-made fragrances, why not just choose a natural one you love?
When you’re ready to take the plunge, Native has the best around. This deodorant hero is completely cruelty-free and eco-friendly. It also has the power to tame the nastiest stank pits, yet isn’t overpowering for less warm-blooded folks. Of course, it’s also aluminum-free, and the ingredients are 100% natural. Your stink parts will be as close to the earth as possible.
- Coconut & vanilla are perfect together
- All-natural
- Fresh, subtle scent
Type: Spray | Size: 150 ml | Scent: Fresh | Active Ingredients: Water, Alcohol Denat, Castor Oil, Parfum |
“Fresh” might sound basic, and that’s because it is. But in this case, that’s not actually a bad thing. It’s the type of man-made scent that makes you smell like you’ve been hanging out in a sudsy bathtub for hours. Except your fingers won’t turn into prunes. For once, we’re glad something stayed as basic as possible.
So why a spray? Well, some guys know the terrible world of white pit stains on black t-shirts. If that’s all too familiar, you might want to consider a spray deodorant. Nivea’s aluminum-free spray deodorant does what other deodorants do, but it doesn’t leave any residue like some other best aluminum-free deodorants for men. Not great for fruity-smell fans, but for everyone else, it’s a solid pick.
- No white residue
- Works as good as sticks
- Smells super fresh
- Some find the scent boring
Type: Cream | Size: 3oz | Scent: Warm Vanilla | Active Ingredients: Mandelic Acid, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder, Tapioca Starch, Castor Oil |
Lume’s delicious natural cream deodorant is the best aluminum-free and paraben-free option. And it’s free of baking soda, so guys who get allergic reactions to any of these chemicals have found their new safe haven. It also has a cooling factor, so any hot spots will be tamed.
You can use this stuff wherever you have some stink. If you need deodorant there, Lume is safe to stick it there. There are better ball deodorants, but it still works as well on nasty sacks and asses as it does on rancid pits.
Did I mention that it smells like delicious warm vanilla? Because it does.
- Vanilla, mmmmm…
- Cools hot spots
- Works anywhere
Type: Cream | Size: 2.6oz | Scent: Unscented | Active Ingredients: Tapioca Starch, Coconut Oil, Aloe, Propanediol |
Happy Nuts marketing may be full of testicle puns, but don’t let that fool you. Their products work just as well as their jokes do. Happy Nuts managed to create the best aluminum-free deodorant for men and their balls you’ll find. All guys have suffered from chafing at one point, but this stuff will save you. You can rub it anywhere, too, not just your ballbag.
This cream-to-powder (literally a cream that turns into powder) also saves you from swampy sacks, miserable stenches, and the dreaded batwing. Guys, you know what the batwing is all about. If this stuff is commonplace for you, god forbid, you might want to run to a tube of Happy Nuts ASAP.
- Ball puns are always fun
- Keep you fresh everywhere
- Stops bat wings, etc.
Type: Powder | Size: 4oz | Scent: Fresh | Active Ingredients: Cornstarch, Aloe Vera, Menthol |
Men’s grooming supply brand DUDE is seeing to it that powder isn’t just for baby butts anymore. It works just as well on adult asses and crotches, no matter how sweaty or gross they get. Just puff some DUDE powder in your hand and rub it wherever you need it; this stuff can go anywhere.
This is a long-lasting powder and should take you through the whole day, thanks to the menthol and aloe. Whether you’re taking a city-wide stroll or getting in work at boxing class, this powder won’t quit on you. No matter what happens, your meat and potatoes will never get rotten when they’re caked in this stuff.
- Cooling menthol
- Talc-free
- Easy to apply
Type: Stick | Size: 2.6oz | Scent: Eternity | Active Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide |
Some guys have a favorite scent they just can’t shake, and a lot of those guys are in love with Calvin Klein Eternity. This deodorant version of the fan-favorite aroma is perfect for anyone who wants the luxury of Eternity in a deodorant form.
It works just as well as any of the best aluminum-free deodorants for men while imbuing your pits with the mandarin, lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood notes that makes Eternity such a timeless scent. If you want the classiest designer deodorant around, this might be for you.
- Eternity is awesome
- Smell classy without cologne
- Far from boring
Type: Clear Stick | Size: 3.2oz | Scent: Sandalwood, Fig, Tangerine | Active Ingredients: Cassava Root, Aloe Vera |
You probably weren’t aware that you can support the military by buying one of the best aluminum-free deodorants for men, were you? 5% of Bravo Sierra’s sales are used to help needy veterans. It will also support any readers who are soldiers in the field. That’s a cause worth getting behind.
It was designed to keep you smelling like sandalwood and fig, even in the most intense situations. You’ll no longer have your battle buddies fleeing from your nasty stench. The rest of the barracks will definitely appreciate your dedication to not stinking the place up.
- Supports US troops
- Stay dry without aluminum
- Military tested
- Clear sticks are not for everyone
Type: Stick | Size: 2.6oz | Scent: Extra Fresh | Active Ingredients: Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Glycerine |
It isn’t easy to find the best aluminum-free deodorant for men that will keep you dry (considering it’s the aluminum that keeps you from sweating), but Dove is swooping in to save the day. It’s almost guaranteed you’ve used dove products at some point, so you know they back up their claims, but this stick is so effective they don’t need to rely on their brand name.
The “extra fresh” scent is a citrus favorite that smells succulent and sweet. Some folks say it stains their shirts, but most people have no problem. It hasn’t happened to me, but I have no comment. That’s the most professional way I could think of to say, “don’t blame me if your pits get streaky.”
- Aluminum free
- Still works w/o aluminum
- Subtle and fresh
- Some complain of pit stains
Type: Stick | Size: 2.65oz | Scent: Hemp Seed Oil, Sage | Active Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Hemp Seed Oil |
Sometimes all-natural and aluminum-free just aren’t enough for a guy’s sensitive skin. For the fellas who get burning pits from added fragrances, Schmitts has a formula for sensitive skin. The hemp seed oil and sage tag-team sensitive skin problems, so you get the benefit of deodorant without the itch.
You’ll probably love the woodsy hemp oil (hemp doesn’t mean you’ll get stoned) and sage scents as well. It’s not overpowering, it’s just enough that you can catch a whiff of yourself throughout the day, but passersby’s noses won’t feel attacked. Plus, you won’t even have to sacrifice your underarms for a little smell help.
- Doesn’t burn pits
- Light, woody scent
- Won’t accost strangers
What To Look For When Buying The Best Aluminum-Free Deodorants For Men
Scent
Scent is always important when deciding on the best aluminum-free deodorant for men. It won’t change how well it works, but it’s a quality-of-life thing. Deodorant is meant to keep you from being stinky, at least I know that. The question is, do you want a smell that’s better than BO, or would you rather smell like nothing?
You probably know what smells you like and what you don’t (hopefully, BO isn’t one of them). If you catch a whiff of yourself, you want it to be pleasant, so choose a deodorant with scent ingredients you’re a fan of. If you’re the type who doesn’t care about smelling good and you just don’t want to stink, consider something unscented.
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary greatly from deodorant to deodorant. One thing all the deodorants in this guide will have in common is the absence of aluminum. Aluminum is what makes the antiperspirants work, so obviously, taking that out changes the effect.
Some people prefer all-natural ingredients, some prefer organic only, and others really don’t care as long as it works. If you’re curious about the active ingredients found in the best aluminum-free deodorants for men, scroll up and check out the guide again.
Skin Type
Skin type plays a huge role in which of the best aluminum-free deodorants you’re going to buy. If you’re here, there’s a good chance it’s because regular deodorant-antiperspirants irritate your skin. Whether it’s eczema, psoriasis, or whatever other painful skin stuff (we’re not doctors), aluminum can have a nasty effect.
Pay attention to any other ingredients you’re sensitive to when looking at the best aluminum-free deodorants. Read what they’re best for and what’s in them, then compare that to your list of allergies (hopefully it’s short) and go from there.
Final Verdict
For the best aluminum-free deodorant for men overall, the winner in this guide is Native Deodorants Eucalyptus and Mint stick. It works great all day, has a truly refreshing scent, it’s all-natural (as the name suggests), and, of course, it’s aluminum free. If you want the best of the best, this is a great place to start.
FAQ
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Aluminum-free deodorant is exactly what it sounds like; it’s deodorant without any aluminum in the active ingredients. What that means is if your old deodorant kept you dry, even the best aluminum-free deodorant for men (save a few entries). Aluminum stops you from sweating. It’s the antiperspirant half of the “deodorant & antiperspirant” combo. It’s also something guys with sensitive skin might hate.
If you react badly to typical antiperspirants, there’s a chance you’re allergic to aluminum. Guys like that can really benefit from the best aluminum-free deodorants. Basically, aluminum-free doesn’t make it any better or worse of deodorant, but it usually does make it a bad antiperspirant.
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That’s really up to you. If you’ve been using a deodorant with aluminum for years, chances are that switching to aluminum-free will leave your pits a fair amount wetter. That’s what being natural is all about, though, isn’t it?
Aluminum is the ingredient that keeps you from sweating, so yeah, you’re going to be a little damp. On the other hand, if your deodorant is irritating your skin, aluminum-free deodorant might be worth a shot. If you find that the aluminum deodorant hurts your skin, trying this might help.
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The best aluminum-free deodorant for men isn’t necessarily better than deodorant with aluminum. They’re just good for different things. If you’re getting a deodorant with aluminum, it’s going to be working to stop sweat as well as smell (i.e., deodorant & antiperspirant combos).
The other thing is, if you’re allergic to aluminum or have sensitive skin, you will be very uncomfortable using most antiperspirants. Most of the best aluminum-free deodorants will be great for stopping stink but won’t stop sweat (though some will). They also won’t irritate men’s skin who tend to react badly to products containing aluminum.
So, if you’re allergic to aluminum, the best aluminum-free deodorants are where you should be. Otherwise, it’s not really necessary.
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