Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin/Hypoallergenic Deodorant (Products Below)
| Image | Product Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Super Natural Goods - Underarmed | Our Favorite | Amazon |
 | 2. MagSol Organics - Magnesium Deodorant | Great Deal | Amazon |
 | 3. Native - Deodorant | Amazing Product | Amazon |
Deodorants are possibly the most widely used personal care products. They’re so common to everyday life that it’s hard to imagine people who can’t use them due to skin sensitivity issues. But for people with sensitive skin, finding a suitable deodorant can be extremely challenging. One application of the wrong product could lead to redness, itching, flaking, or even a burning sensation in the underarms. Thankfully, many deodorants have been developed to address this issue. To find the right one, you just need to know what ingredients to watch out for. It also helps to read through recommendations for the best deodorants from other people with sensitive skin.
How to Choose a Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
In 2008, the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology published a relevant study conducted by Dr. Matthew J. Zirwas, MD, who was then an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Ohio State University. In this study, Dr. Zirwas identified the most common causes of antiperspirant and deodorant allergies, which included:
Fragrance
Fragrance is identified as the most common cause of deodorant allergy or sensitivity. Artificial or chemical fragrances are often to blame. Although unlikely, those with severe sensitivity might react to certain natural essential oils as well. Always opt for products with natural fragrance or, if possible, no fragrance at all.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol (PG) is used in deodorants to improve texture and increase absorption. However, it is a known irritant, especially among people who often suffer from contact dermatitis. It is also important to note that in large enough doses, PG can cause damage to the central nervous system, so it’s probably best to avoid it in a product we use daily.
Parabens
In deodorants as well as in other cosmetics and personal care products, parabens are used as a preservative. However, these synthetic compounds have estrogenic properties, and so are linked to the development of breast cancer. While studies surrounding this matter have not been conclusive, health advocates prefer to avoid it altogether. Additionally, parabens in deodorants can cause irritation, especially to those with sensitive skin.
Tocopherol
Tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, is often used in commercial deodorants for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. It is generally benign, which is why it is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Occasionally, however, it can cause dermatitis or allergic reactions among people with severely sensitive skin.
In addition, there is a growing trend among enthusiasts of natural healthcare products to avoid aluminum and its derivatives because it has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and breast cancer. However, the American Cancer Society points out that there is no sufficient evidence to support those claims. Nevertheless, aluminum is used in antiperspirants to essentially plug sweat glands and, consequently, minimize odor-causing bacteria. That might be too harsh for you if you have sensitive skin, so you might be better off avoiding it entirely.
Best Deodorants for Sensitive Skin
For people with sensitive underarms, it’s best to avoid the ingredients listed above and opt for natural products. Here are the top-rated deodorants recommended by people with sensitive skin:
1) Super Natural Goods – Underarmed
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The Underarmed Active Botanical Luxury Deodorant by Super Natural Goods is an artisanal product that’s handmade in Tennessee. It is aluminum-free and formulated with natural, organic ingredients. Additionally, it doesn’t contain artificial fragrances, propylene glycol, parabens, and other harsh ingredients, making it a suitable option for people with extremely sensitive underarms. Although it comes in scented variants fragranced with essential oils, the unscented version is best for people with sensitive skin. Plus, it goes on clear without fear of staining your clothes. Every purchase comes with a 60-day guarantee, so you can try it without the risk of wasting your money.
2) MagSol Organics – Magnesium Deodorant
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Magnesium is a natural odor suppressant, so it’s no surprise that it’s used as an active ingredient in many natural deodorants. The Magnesium Deodorant by MagSol Organics is among the magnesium-based personal care products that people with sensitive armpits swear by. Apart from having no aluminum, it is also free of phthalates, parabens, and triclosan. It also has no baking soda, which can be an irritant to some people. This deodorant features therapeutic grade essential oils and contains no artificial fragrances. The lavender is most popular among people with sensitive skin, but it comes in other scents, including lemongrass, sandalwood, jasmine, sweet orange, and rose.
3) Native – Deodorant
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The natural deodorant by Native has no aluminum, phthalates, parabens, nor talc. Its deodorizing benefits come from milk of magnesia, tapioca starch, and baking soda. Through these ingredients, it promises to provide odor protection for 16 hours or even during sweaty workouts. Additionally, it has coconut oil, shea butter, and probiotics to soothe skin sensitivity and keep underarm skin healthy. While the unscented option is highly recommended for people with sensitive skin, the Native Deodorant comes in a wide range of naturally-scented variants for both men and women.
4) Little Seed Farm – Deodorant Cream
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The Deodorant Cream by Little Seed Farm is handcrafted with organic ingredients at a sustainable family farm located in Tennessee. Apart from a natural formulation, it is ideal for people with sensitive skin because it has no aluminum or even baking soda. Instead, it uses organic arrowroot powder and food-grade magnesium hydroxide. It also has nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and jojoba oil. The unscented variant is ideal for people with skin sensitivity issues, but the scented options use essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, which might also be suitable. This deodorant comes in a jar and is applied with your fingers or a wooden applicator. Although that might not be as convenient as your typical deodorant stick, it is a more environmentally responsible option.
5) Sam’s Natural – Deo
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The body deodorant by Sam’s Natural uses arrowroot powder to absorb sweat, baking soda to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, and coconut oil to further combat bacteria as well as to provide moisture. It has no aluminum, parabens, sulfates, nor artificial coloring. For people with sensitive skin, the unscented variant is ideal. But, the other 16 scents use natural fragrance, which isn’t likely to cause irritation except among those with severely sensitive skin. The maker’s recommendation is to apply it lightly with 1 to 2 swipes in order to minimize skin irritation. To make sure you get your money’s worth, Sam’s Natural offers a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
Tip for Using Deodorant When You Have Sensitive Skin
- Always do a patch test. Test your deodorant on a small patch of skin before using it on your armpits. The inside of your wrist or the area below your jawline are good places to test on. Ideally, you’ll wait up to 48 hours before declaring a product as safe for use.
- Apply after cleansing. Deodorant is best applied after a shower, once you have cleaned your underarms with soap and water. Otherwise, it might react to the dirt, bacteria, and other irritants that are already on your skin.
- Never apply after shaving. Shaving can cause the skin to be more easily irritated. Give your underarms some time to rest after shaving before using deodorant.
How to Soothe Irritated Underarms
- Wash immediately. Once you notice any adverse reaction (itching, redness, etc.), wash off the deodorant immediately with mild soap and water.
- Apply colloidal oatmeal. Pulverize some oatmeal and mix it with water to form a thick paste. Apply it onto your irritated armpits and keep it on for at least 20 minutes before washing it off.
- Apply a cold compress. Keeping your skin cool will help you minimize discomfort and swelling. But, be careful not to apply ice directly, or it could cause further irritation.
- Avoid sweating. Sweating can further irritate your underarms, so it’s best to avoid physical exertion and keep yourself cool.
- Avoid scratching. Underarm irritation often involves itching, but it’s essential to keep yourself from scratching, or you risk worsening your condition.
- Consult with your doctor. If your symptoms don’t subside, consult your dermatologist. They might suggest alternative treatment methods or prescribe medication.
Skin sensitivity in the underarms can be tough, especially when you have body odor. Fortunately, all it takes is finding the right deodorant and following some proper care procedures. Thanks to recommendations from other people with sensitive underarms, you don’t need to go through the agony of unending trial and error. The products listed above are considered the best deodorants for sensitive skin because they have suitable, hypoallergenic ingredients that will help you minimize unwanted odors while keeping your skin safe from irritation.
