Is it better to get deodorant without aluminum?

It's gentle on the skin Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant can certainly be a good first step in preventing irritation. However, some aluminum-free deodorants contain astringents, such as alcohol, that remove all bacteria from the skin to prevent odor. Natural deodorant is no better or worse for your health than traditional deodorant or antiperspirant. The answer (unless you're allergic to aluminum) is a resounding no.

According to Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, all the major research on aluminum antiperspirants conducted since the early 2000s has suggested that they are not a problem. Walk down the beauty aisle of any Target or pharmacy and you'll see a myriad of natural deodorants and antiperspirants that promote their aluminum-free status. Some natural deodorant brands have touted their products as “microbiome friendly”, stating that they are not only good for skin health, but they also minimize odor by promoting the growth of “good bacteria”.

Because normal, natural deodorants don't contain aluminum (which is what helps antiperspirants minimize sweating), they generally rely on ingredients such as fragrances and baking soda to mask body odor. And while natural deodorants may contain seemingly healthier ingredients than conventional pharmacy antiperspirants, they can also contain substances that can irritate the skin. However, while experts weren't aware of any rigorous and direct studies comparing the effectiveness of natural deodorants with antiperspirants, it stands to reason that they don't counteract odor in the same way an antiperspirant does. The experts said they weren't aware of any studies that reliably looked at how well natural deodorants work.

Worse, “you'll often see that someone has a rash with a natural deodorant and uses balms and other 'natural' remedies that contain more of the same ingredients,” said Dr. Some researchers suggested that aluminum in deodorant could be the culprit, and that the aluminum contained in deodorants may be causing breast cancer in women.