The Truth About Deodorant: What’s Hiding in Your Armpits?

Most conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are filled with ingredients that don’t belong anywhere near your body—let alone one of the most absorbent areas like your underarms. If you’re trying to reduce your toxic load, swapping your deodorant is a powerful place to start.

Ingredients to Avoid in Deodorant:

• Aluminum – Found in antiperspirants to block sweat, but can clog pores and has been linked to hormone disruption
• Fragrance – This one word can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are endocrine disruptors
• Parabens – Preservatives that mimic estrogen and disrupt hormones
• Phthalates – Often hidden under “fragrance” and linked to reproductive issues
• Triclosan – An antibacterial agent banned in hand soaps, but still found in some deodorants
• Propylene glycol – A petroleum-derived chemical that may cause irritation and is easily absorbed through the skin

What to Look for Instead:

• Natural odor fighters like baking soda, magnesium, arrowroot powder, or zinc
• Essential oils for a clean scent without synthetic fragrance
• Organic and recognizable ingredients
• No aluminum, no parabens, and no hidden chemicals

My Favorite Non-Toxic Deodorant Brands

1. Primally Pure (Code: CLEANKITCHEN)

This is my go-to. Primally Pure uses organic, real ingredients like tallow from grass-fed cows, arrowroot powder, and baking soda or charcoal (depending on the formula). Their scents are made with pure essential oils, and the texture is smooth and easy to apply. Best of all—it actually works.

2. Just Ingredients (Code: CLEANKITCHEN)

Just Ingredients is a clean, non-toxic deodorant made with simple ingredients you can actually pronounce. It’s free from aluminum, baking soda, and synthetic fragrance—and it actually works. Comes in a variety of naturally scented options.

3. Earth Mama Organics

Earth Mama was originally created for pregnant and postpartum women. They are so clean that they’re safe for anyone. They use organic coconut oil, arrowroot, and essential oils—no aluminum, no artificial fragrance, and super gentle on sensitive skin.

4. Each & Every

Each & Every is EWG-verified and made with six clean ingredients plus essential oils. It’s aluminum-free, baking soda–free, and comes in sustainable packaging. A great minimalist option that still performs well.

5. Humble Brands

Humble offers both baking soda and baking soda–free formulas, with a base of coconut oil, beeswax, and magnesium hydroxide. Their ingredient lists are short and simple, and their scents come from essential oils only. Bonus: they’re plastic-free if you want a more sustainable option.

6. Cleo & Coco

Cleo & Coco is a charcoal-based deodorant that helps absorb sweat and odor without harsh chemicals. Made with magnesium, essential oils, and no aluminum or artificial fragrance. Great for sensitive skin.

7. Ursa Major

Ursa Major is a plant-powered deodorant that glides on smooth and keeps you fresh all day. No aluminum, no petrochemicals, no parabens—just natural protection with a subtle, gender-neutral scent.