The best deodorant for sensitive skin (from someone with eczema)

Itchy underarms are enough to send anyone on the hunt for the best deodorant for sensitive skin. And it doesn’t take much Googling before you realize what a minefield it can be. There are ingredient lists to decode, patch testing to do, and countless conflicting reviews to navigate. 

But don’t despair—it is possible to find a deodorant that’s gentle on your skin and keeps you feeling fresh. To make your search easier, I did the digging for you and put together this list of deodorants that check all the boxes when it comes to best practices for sensitive skin.

My top picks

Finding an effective deodorant that works with your body chemistry doesn’t just feel like a mission: it is one. But luckily, there are some great options from natural brands that work—without leaving you red and itchy.

1. BEST OVERALL: Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Described as “worry-free,” this all-natural deodorant uses only six ingredients—all of which you can pronounce.

Product Specs 

• Type: This is a stick deodorant.
• Scents: This deodorant comes in nine different scents (including unscented).
• Baking Soda: This deodorant does not contain baking soda.

The list of things that can irritate your skin is virtually endless. But with Each & Every, you can slather on your deodorant without fear of breaking out. It’s free of irritating parabens, sulfates, aluminum, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, baking soda, and pretty much anything else with a rash-giving reputation.

But best of all, it actually works. By combining tapioca starch (a newer moisture-absorbing ingredient) and dead sea salt, this gender-neutral deodorant keeps you dry and odor-free.

You can revel in its eight different intoxicating scents or opt for the no-nonsense unscented version that packs just as much of a smell-fighting punch. Bonus points for the sleek yet sustainable packaging, too!

2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant for Women

Spending a fortune on an all-natural deodorant isn’t everyone’s cup of tea—and thanks to Dove, you don’t have to compromise on ingredients to save a few bucks.

Product Specs 

• Type: This is a stick deodorant (with spray options available).
• Scents: This deodorant comes in six different scents.
• Baking Soda: This deodorant does not contain baking soda.

Deodorants shouldn’t be a luxury. And with Dove’s game-changing 0% aluminum-free option, you get best-in-class performance at an affordable price point. With zero alcohol and only a fourth of moisturizers found in most deodorants, this formulation is both gentle on skin and effective against odor for a solid 24 hours. This isn’t some marketing gimmick—plenty of fans back up that all-day freshness claim with rave reviews.

This is one of the few big guys to break away from the aluminum-containing norm, giving you all the convenience and confidence of a well-known name brand. With an unbeatable price point—you get three sticks for less than a single stick of some brands on this list—and a yummy cucumber and green tea scent, this deodorant is a total win-win for sensitive skin.

3. BEST UNSCENTED: Native Sensitive Deodorant

If artificial fragrances give you the pits (pun intended) then this unscented bestseller should be your first stop.

Product Specs 

• Type: This is a stick deodorant.
• Scents: This deodorant comes in eight different scents (including unscented).
• Baking Soda: This deodorant does not contain baking soda.

Smelling like a rose sounds great in theory. But if you’re one of the many people whose skin can’t handle it in practice, then Native Sensitive Unscented Deodorant is the best pick for you.

This gentle formula contains no baking soda, aluminum, parabens, talc, or phthalates. Instead, Native relies on a special combination of vegan probiotics, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and shea butter to keep sweat and odor at bay. Yes, it does the job without any added fragrances—but best of all, it does it without drying out your skin.

Labels may boast a 24-hour protection claim, but some users say it doesn’t quite pass the all-day test. As long as you’re cool with reapplying once or twice, you’ll be more than happy with your no-smell results.

4. BEST FOR SWEAT: Real Purity Roll-On Natural Deodorant

If you’re prone to excessive sweat, chances are you’ve already tried every deodorant on the market—but Real Purity may finally be the one that sticks.

Product Specs 

• Type: This is a roll-on deodorant.
• Scents: This deodorant comes in one scent.
• Baking Soda: This deodorant does not contain baking soda.

Sweaty situations call for extra-strength protection. And with Real Purity’s signature Roll-On Deodorant, you get just that without any of the harsh chemicals. This clinically-proven, aluminum-free formula works hard to neutralize body odor rather than just mask it with a strong scent. And it’s earned its stripes thanks to its powerful combination of magnesium stearate and essential oils.

Think of it like an all-natural sweat shield that also doubles as an antibacterial powerhouse. You won’t have to worry about any skin irritation since this superhero formula is free of parabens and synthetic fragrances. Just a few swipes, and you can kiss those sweat stains goodbye.

5. BEST FOR ODOR: Lume Solid Deodorant Stick

If body odor is your nemesis, Lume Solid Deodorant Stick has you covered.

Product Specs 

• Type: This is a stick deodorant.
• Scents: This deodorant comes in five different scents (including unscented).
• Baking Soda: This deodorant does not contain baking soda.

No one likes feeling stinky. But despite what your B.O. may have you believe, sweat is not the cause of your less-than-stellar scent. That honor goes to bacteria, which loves nothing more than to call your underarms home. And when it comes to besting bacteria, Lume Solid Deodorant Stick has the best-kept secret.

I personally really like the Lavender Sage scent.

This aluminum- and baking soda-free stick is doctor-developed to target and eliminate odor-causing bacteria for a whopping 72 hours. That’s three full days of stink-protection that you can use not only on your pits but under your breasts, in tummy folds, and pretty much anywhere you find unwanted odor. Fans of Lume are die-hards, and it’s easy to see why.

6. BEST SUSTAINABLE: SALT OF THE EARTH Lavender & Vanilla Roll On

Be kind to your body and the planet with my favorite sustainable pick.

Product Specs 

• Type: This is a roll-on deodorant. 
• Scents: This deodorant comes in one scent.
• Baking Soda: This deodorant does not contain baking soda.

Looking for a deodorant that’s gentle on your sensitive skin but also on the environment? Look no further than SALT OF THE EARTH Lavender & Vanilla Roll On. This best-in-class, vegan deodorant is made with sustainably-sourced ingredients that you know and love, like magnesium oil and aloe vera.

This has been my go-to deodorant for years. It doesn’t cause any irritation, it’s easy to swipe on and it lasts all day without issue. But my favorite part of this roll-on is how long it lasts. Just two swipes per pit per day will give you up to six months of continuous use. AND it comes with bulk refill bottles for slower plastic consumption so you can feel good about using it.

My verdict

Your underarms will be happy with any of the selections on this list, but if I had to pick my top two, it would be Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant and Lume Solid Deodorant Stick. Both deodorants provide long-lasting and reliable protection—and they come with insane ratings. 

What to know before you buy natural deodorants

Finding the best deodorant for sensitive skin isn’t as simple as searching for the word “natural” on a label. Just because a product is advertised as natural or organic doesn’t mean it won’t irritate your delicate dermis. Having a general understanding of the main ingredients used—and how they can benefit (or aggravate) your skin type—is important when perusing the aisles for a new deodorant. 

Types of ingredients used

Natural deodorants will have a much shorter ingredient list than their aluminum-filled counterparts, but natural doesn’t always equal good for sensitive skin. Even the most organic ingredients can cause a reaction in certain people. The best way to determine whether a product is right for you is to patch-test it on a small area of skin before fully committing. However, there are a few ingredients that are generally considered to be safe and soothing for particularly touchy skin.  

Activated Charcoal

This bacteria-absorbing ingredient is often used in natural deodorants as an alternative to aluminum. It’s less irritating than other ingredients (we’re looking at you, baking soda) and absorbs a whooping 1,000 times its weight in moisture. So you can say bye-bye to gross underarm wetness and hello to long-lasting, comfortable wear.

Magnesium

Another odor-minimizing superstar? Magnesium. This mineral is often used as a natural deodorant ingredient because of its ability to neutralize the bacteria that causes B.O. It’s non-irritating, super gentle, and can actually help calm inflammation and redness. No wonder it’s a fan favorite for sensitive-skinned folks.

Arrowroot

Sweaty pits are, well, the pits. And those who have experimented with natural deodorants know that they don’t always keep you dry—until arrowroot powder came along. This ingredient is basically a natural body powder, absorbing moisture from the skin and providing a super-dry feeling throughout the day. No arrowroot in sight? Cornstarch has similar deodorizing and sweat-fighting capabilities.

Scent

Some of us like to smell like a lavender garden, while others prefer something a little more woodsy. While scent is a major selling point for body-care products, artificial fragrances can be a major irritant for people with sensitive skin. 

If you’re not sure what’s causing your itchy armpits, try using an unscented deodorant. Or, if you don’t want to go totally odorless, opt for a product that lists essential oils as its scent base. Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils are often much gentler on your skin and have the added benefit of being naturally antibacterial.

Longevity

Let’s face it, no one likes to reapply deodorant throughout the day. But the irritating truth is that no natural deodorant will last as long as antiperspirants—no matter what their labels may claim. Reapplication will likely be necessary, especially after a particularly sweaty day at the gym.

That being said, opting for deodorants that have moisture-wicking and absorbing ingredients can help minimize the need to reapply. If you’re prone to sweating (no shame!), arrowroot and cornstarch are your new best friends.

Application

Gone are the days where your natural deodorant application was a sticky, gloppy mess. Today, organic versions of your favorite sticks, roll-ons, and sprays line the shelves, offering a wide range of textures and application methods.

There really isn’t a type of natural deodorant that’s better than another in terms of how you put it on. Whether you’re a stick person or prefer a spritz of something with more natural ingredients, the best deodorant for sensitive skin is all about what works best for you.

Who this natural deodorant is for

Everyone and their mother can benefit from making the switch to an organic deodorant. Doing so reduces your exposure to toxins and potentially harmful ingredients. But for people dealing with redness, rashes, bumps, ingrown hairs, itching, inflammation, and hives, using natural deodorant is a must.

Why? Natural deodorants are free of harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and potential irritants—all factors that can make sensitive skin even more uncomfortable. Narrowing down exactly which ingredient is giving you grief can be very time-consuming. But using a natural deodorant formulated specifically for sensitive skin can help you bypass the guesswork and get straight to the fresh, clean armpits you deserve.

• They reduce your exposure to toxins and harmful ingredients.
• They provide relief from redness, rashes, bumps, ingrown hairs, itching, inflammation, and hives.
• They eliminate the need to determine exactly which ingredient is causing your skin sensitivity.

Tips for testing deodorants

The big fear on everyone’s minds when they ditch their beloved Secret for a natural alternative is, understandably, smell. Understand this: your body will go through a transition process if you’ve been using a deodorant with aluminum in it. Aluminum clogs your sweat glands (which is what makes you sweat less), and there will be a purge period as your body readjusts. It doesn’t mean your new natural deodorant is a dud, it just means your body is going through a detox.

Surviving this phase—which can last anywhere from two to eight weeks—is just part of the process. Actively reapply throughout the day, and make sure to clean your armpits if you start feeling smelly. And if you want to take extra precautions to avoid an awkward smell situation, treat your pits to a weekly bentonite clay mask or an activated charcoal scrub to draw out any lingering impurities contributing to your B.O.

• Expect for things to be a little smelly and wet for two to eight weeks.
• Actively reapply your deodorant throughout the day when you notice you need it.
• Use a bentonite clay mask or an activated charcoal scrub to fight unwanted odors.

FAQs 

No one wants to smell bad, but if every swipe of your antiperspirant leaves you itchy or with a rash, it’s best to consider switching to a deodorant specifically designed for your skin type. Below are some frequently asked questions about how to find—and make the switch to—the best deodorant for sensitive skin.

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