There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to make you keenly aware of what you’re putting on and in your body. After hearing of a possible link between breast cancer and antiperspirants containing aluminum, I started to look for aluminum-free deodorant options. Today’s post is an unbiased review of several brands that I’ve found to be effective. As an added bonus, there are even a few plastic-free options.

This post was originally published in October 2019 as Aluminum-free deodorant reviews.

What the science says about aluminum and breast cancer

When trying to control underarm odour, you have two main options: anti-perspirant and deodorant.

Anti-perspirants contain aluminum-based compounds as their active ingredients. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, these compounds form a temporary plug to stop the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface.

Deodorants, on the other hand, mask the smell of underarm sweat but don’t disrupt the flow of sweat.

Over the years, some studies suggested there may be a link between aluminum compounds in anti-perspirants and breast cancer. Although current thinking is that more study is needed to confirm or refute this possible link, why take unnecessary chances?

Whether there’s a link or not, it’s always prudent to question any product that disrupts a natural bodily function like sweat. Wanting to be on the safe side, I started to search for an aluminum-free deodorant that works. And, if it didn’t come in plastic packaging, even better!

Aluminum-free deodorant options

The stinky truth is, I tried several brands before I found one that didn’t leave me smelling like a gym locker-room. Here are my unbiased reviews of the ones I found that worked well.

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On

The first deodorant I found that I liked was Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On. I used the Lavender and White Tea scented roll-on for several years and was very happy with it.

It is effective in controlling odour but doesn’t last 24 hours as the package suggests. I had to reapply it if I was going out for the evening.

Also, because it’s a roll-on and is wet when applied, I had to use powder with it which made a bit of a mess on my clothing.

It is in recyclable plastic packaging.

Live Clean Sparkling Citrus Deodorant

Live Clean is a Canadian company that makes a full range of chemical-free cosmetic and personal care products.  I was very excited when they introduced their new line of deodorants.

I definitely recommend the Live Clean Sparkling Citrus stick. It’s effective and long-lasting and it doesn’t stain my clothes. As an added bonus, it’s vegan and paraben-free.

The only downside is the non-recyclable plastic packaging.

Adidas CottonTech+ stick

Another aluminum-free deodorant I tried is Adidas CottonTech+ stick.

I’ve used it on-and-off over the years and find it to be effective and long-lasting. It also glides on cleanly and doesn’t stain clothes.

I do advise caution with this one because it contains some of the dirty dozen ingredients. And, it’s also in non-recyclable plastic packaging.

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Even better! Plastic-free and aluminum-free deodorants

As I started to look for plastic-free alternatives to many products, I found a couple of “naked” deodorant bars and more recently, deodorant sticks in plastic tubes.  

Molloy’s Cool Citrus Deodorant Bar

The first one I tried was from local bulk soap supply store Molloy’s.

Their Cool Citrus Deodorant Bar is made with all-natural ingredients. It’s effective and long-lasting and smells great.

On the downside, I found it very soft and messy to apply so my search for a plastic-free deodorant continued.

Aluminum-Free Secret

It’s encouraging to see more mainstream products popping up in plastic-free packaging. The latest one I found is Secret’s Aluminum-Free deodorant stick.

This deodorant stick is effective and the real lavender scent I tried smells heavenly. Their marketing says it lasts 48 hours, but I haven’t put that claim to the test.

It’s also paraben-free and doesn’t contain dyes. As an added bonus, it meet’s PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies standard as a certified cruelty-free product that’s not tested on animals.

Kudos to Proctor and Gamble for making an effort in the war against plastic.

Lush Aromaco naked deodorant

Finally, I found a winner that ticks all the boxes with Aromaco deodorant from Lush. I’m a big fan of Lush and the values it promotes.

This natural deodorant glides on smoothly and doesn’t stain my clothes. I find it to be really effective and it lasts a full 24 hours. I do dust a little of my easy DIY body powder on after I apply it as an added measure.  

Plus, it’s not packaged in plastic so… “Yippee”! Just make sure you store it in an air-tight container so it doesn’t dry out.

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Switching to an aluminum-free deodorant is just one example of a change that I’ve made since my cancer diagnosis. While there may not be a link between antiperspirants and breast cancer, I prefer not to take the risk when there are effective aluminum-free deodorant options available.

Are there natural deodorant brands that you have tried and found to be effective? Tell me about them below.