I Tried 5 Aluminum-Free Deodorants — Here's My Definitive Ranking

Updated on 4/9/2020 at 10:25 AM

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Let's get personal for a second: I sweat a lot. It seems like I'm always dripping to some degree, so deodorant is something I take very seriously. I've owned countless brands over the years, but recently, I've started thinking a bit more about what I'm putting on my body.

Ever since I hit puberty, I've been an avid antiperspirant user, sometimes coating on additional layers throughout the day. In an effort to use safer products, I've started reaching for aluminum-free brands instead, in hopes of finding one that can both do the job and be healthier for my skin. Keep reading to see how well five of them performed!

Tom's of Maine Coconut Natural Strength Deodorant

I was impressed with how long Tom's of Maine Fresh Coconut Deodorant ($6) helped keep me stink-free, but I personally was sensitive to the coconut fragrance, which only seemed to grow stronger as the day went on. I'd be willing to give this brand another go in a different scent.

Overall rating: ★★★☆☆

Tom's of Maine Fresh Coconut Deodorant

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Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant

Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant ($18 for two) was my first foray into aluminum-free deodorant, and I adored it for the first few months. It was Summer in Arizona, and this deodorant can take the heat. But eventually, it was my skin (instead of my nose) that became sensitive to this one, and I had to move on.

Overall rating: ★★★☆

Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant

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$18

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant

The beachy scent of this Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant ($14) is bottled paradise, and the coconut oil base ensures that it glides on smooth. I keep it in my bag 24/7 in case of an emergency, and it always makes me feel (and smell) like I'm on vacation. I'll admit that this brand does call for a reapplication or two during the day, but I love that it never feels slimy or thick after a fresh layer.

Overall rating: ★★★★☆

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant

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$14

Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

This Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant ($12) doesn't mess around. I started wearing it while working at a pool and beach in Hawaii, where — let's be honest — I sweated buckets day in and day out. I loved the long-lasting scent and the smooth feel of this one (pro tip: use only a swipe or two and rub it in after applying), but there were times when I started to literally drip deodorant, which can be embarrassing.

Overall rating: ★★★★

Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

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$12

Dove 0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant

Tied at the top is my current favorite: Dove 0% Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant ($6). The fragrance is light and clean, the deodorant is easy to apply, and it lasts all day for me. I'd like the ingredients to be even more natural, but because the product is aluminum-free, cruelty-free, and effective, I think I'll keep this one on hand for a while.

Overall rating: ★★★★

Dove 0% Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant

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