If you have sensitive skin, experimenting with new body products is probably your least favorite activity. But sometimes it’s a necessary evil — especially when you’re making the switch to a nontoxic life.
We’re here to help you transition a little bit easier, with our guide to unscented natural deodorant for sensitive skin. From ingredients to application, this is your one-stop resource for a deodorant that checks all your boxes for a gentle and effective formula.
Signs You Have Sensitive Skin
Maybe you don’t know your skin type. Or, you react to products sometimes and want to know more about how you can support your microbiome. Here are some signs you have sensitive skin…
- You’re prone to rashes or hives
- Your skin is regularly dry
- You notice redness and blotching
- You experience eczema or psoriasis
- You’ve used too many face products over the years
- You’re hesitant to try new skincare products due to breakouts
- You’ve been diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
Common Deodorant Ingredients That Irritate Sensitive Skin
When searching for a deodorant for sensitive skin, scanning the ingredient label is a must. These ingredients are on our “no-go” list for sensitive skin, since they’re irritating. Simply checking a deodorant stick for these ingredients can help you make an easy decision on the fly.
Fragrance
Signature scents are protected by law as “trade secrets.” This means that companies aren’t required to disclose the ingredients listed under the terms “fragrance” and “parfum.” When you see these on an ingredient label, you can assume it’s a chemical cocktail of up to 3,000 potential ingredients. Many of these include hormone disruptors, parabens, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and more. Not to mention, perfume in general is a trigger for sensitive skin.
Baking Soda
While this ingredient is nontoxic (and great at fighting odor), it’s not ideal for sensitive skin. If you know baking soda is a trigger for you, avoid it entirely. If you’re unsure, check the deodorant’s ingredient label. Some people can handle very small amounts of baking soda with no problem. You’ll want a natural deodorant formula that lists baking soda as one of the last ingredients.
Aluminum
Our controversial opinion is that no one should wear heavy metals under their arms. But aluminum is especially triggering for sensitive skin. It’s used as an antiperspirant in deodorant products and should be listed in the “active ingredients” section.
Alcohol
Different types of alcohol are used in deodorant and skincare products to emulsify and preserve ingredients. But alcohol tends to irritate and dry out the skin, and it’s not a nourishing ingredient for long-term use. The presence of alcohol in your deodorant can also indicate a low-quality product. When scanning your ingredient label, check for stearyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl alcohol.
Parabens
These are synthetic ingredients and known hormone disruptors. So whether or not you have sensitive skin, they shouldn’t be in your deodorant. People who regularly break out often notice that removing parabens helps them better tolerate skincare products.
Talc
Used to soak up moisture, there are growing concerns about the use of talc in deodorant and personal care products. It tends to irritate the skin and can easily become contaminated with asbestos. Since talc isn’t hard to replace with healthier ingredients (like magnesium hydroxide), we recommend avoiding it altogether. There are better options.
Unscented vs. Fragrance-Free Deodorant
Reading an ingredient label shouldn’t feel like a professional sport. But it does when you have sensitive skin (or simply want to avoid chemicals in your environment). When choosing a deodorant for sensitive skin, you must learn the difference between terms like unscented and fragrance free.
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Unscented deodorant. The term “unscented” means that your deodorant isn’t meant to smell like a perfume. But it may still include “fragrance” on the ingredient label. This is because an unscented deodorant is allowed to include fragrances to mask the scent of other less desirable ingredients. If you try unscented deodorant but still struggle with rashes and breakouts, this could be the reason why.
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Fragrance-free deodorant. This label means a deodorant is truly fragrance free. There should be no added scents or fragrances in the product.
- Natural deodorant. Many natural deodorant brands don’t include specific information about whether they’re “unscented” or “fragrance free.” In this case, it’s best to check the packaging.
Unscented Drugstore Deodorant vs. Unscented Natural Deodorant
Is there really much of a difference between drugstore deodorant and natural deodorant, even when it’s unscented?
Actually, yes. Many unscented deodorants still contain irritating ingredients that are bad for your skin and hormones. Parabens, fillers, preservatives, and other questionable ingredients are not only harmful but also fairly ineffective.
If you’re worried about your skin health, it’s always best to choose a deodorant brand that cares about quality ingredients and intentional sourcing. The ingredients should be few in number and thoroughly tested for effectiveness.
How to Choose Ingredients That Soothe and Support
Ingredients that do no harm are the bare minimum for natural deodorant. Ideally, your deodorant should soothe and support healthy skin. Here are some ingredients that can make that happen:
Grass-Fed and Grass-Finished Tallow
Grass-fed tallow contains natural antibacterial properties, which can help reduce odor. But tallow is also extremely moisturizing and soothing for sensitive skin. We use tallow balm to restore breakouts, rashes, and redness, so it’s the perfect addition to a deodorant for sensitive skin.
Magnesium Hydroxide
An easy substitute for talc, magnesium hydroxide is the main ingredient in natural deodorant used to neutralize odor. But it can also make the product feel more luxurious, helping it apply smoothly while calming sensitive areas.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
There are a number of benefits to using coconut oil in your deodorant. It’s naturally moisturizing, gentle on sensitive skin, and can reduce odor. Coconut oil also supports skin barrier function and skin cell regeneration.
Arrowroot Powder
Without aluminum, you have to find a way to keep your armpits dry. Arrowroot powder effectively absorbs moisture, without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and can help restore cuts and scrapes.
Beeswax
This ingredient is a must-have to lock in hydration and support all-day wear. It protects your deodorant from rubbing off throughout the day and adds gentle antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Natural Deodorant Without Baking Soda
Yes, it is possible to find a natural deodorant without baking soda. When natural products first gained popularity, many brands used baking soda to reduce odor. But natural skincare is evolving, and we’re learning how to formulate healthy and powerful deodorant products without baking soda. Look for ingredients like arrowroot powder and magnesium hydroxide.
Harm-Free Ingredients Are the Bare Minimum for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you might feel like you’re the problem. The formulas that work for your friends and family make you break out, irritate your skin, and inconvenience your daily life.
But maybe you’re not the problem. Maybe you’re the “canary in the coal mine” — the first to alert the world to the dangers of chemical products and harsh ingredients.
With so much research coming out about harmful hormone disruptors, heavy metals, and synthetic ingredients in deodorant, it’s time to demand products that are more than harm free.
Need an Unscented Natural Deodorant that Works?