Does Aluminum-Free Deodorant Work? What to Expect When You Switch
Yes, aluminum-free deodorant works. It neutralizes odor and lets your body do what it's built to do. Most people who switch find a natural deodorant that keeps them fresh all day. Here's how it works, what to expect when you switch, and how to get the best results.
Deodorant vs. antiperspirant: what's the difference?
They're often sold side by side, but they do different jobs.
- Antiperspirants use aluminum compounds that temporarily plug your sweat ducts, so less sweat reaches your skin.
- Deodorants work with your body and target odor instead.
Sweat itself barely smells. Odor happens when bacteria on your skin break down sweat. A good deodorant makes your underarms a less friendly place for that process, so you stay fresh even when you sweat.
So, does aluminum-free deodorant work?
Yes. A well-made natural deodorant keeps you smelling clean through a workday, a hike or a workout.
Our Coconut Oil & Magnesium deodorants use magnesium hydroxide to neutralize odor for up to 24 hours. Cornstarch helps absorb moisture and manage the feeling of sweat and friction, and organic coconut oil and fair trade shea butter keep the skin underneath soft. Like every deodorant, they don't stop your body from producing sweat. That's what the aluminum in an antiperspirant does.
Why we use magnesium
Magnesium hydroxide is the heart of every bluamor deodorant. This gentle mineral neutralizes the acidic compounds behind underarm odor, so you stay fresh for up to 24 hours.
It's also why we can leave out baking soda, the odor fighter in many natural deodorants. Baking soda dissolves easily in sweat, and some people find it irritating. Magnesium hydroxide barely dissolves, so it works right at the skin's surface, and many people with sensitive skin find it much gentler.
Why people go aluminum-free
Plenty of people simply prefer a deodorant that lets their body sweat naturally and uses a short list of ingredients they recognize. Others like skipping the yellow underarm stains that aluminum and sweat can leave on shirts.
What to expect when you switch
If you've used antiperspirant for years, here's what the switch looks like.
- Your body finds its natural rhythm. You'll sweat the way your body is meant to, and cornstarch helps absorb moisture and manage the feeling of sweat and friction.
- Give it a week or two. Your underarms may take a little time to settle into a new routine. Most people adjust quickly, so give it a fair try.
- Refresh whenever you like. After a hard workout or a long, hot day, a quick swipe keeps you feeling fresh.
What to look for in a natural deodorant
- Magnesium instead of baking soda. Magnesium hydroxide fights odor without the baking soda many people find irritating. Every bluamor deodorant uses it, and none contain baking soda.
- A short ingredient list. Ours use just 5 core ingredients: organic coconut oil, fair trade shea butter, cornstarch, magnesium hydroxide and candelilla wax, plus organic essential oils in the scented versions.
- A scent you'll enjoy, or none at all. Choose Cedarwood & Juniper, Lavender or Eucalyptus & Mint, or go fragrance-free with our Unscented deodorant for sensitive skin. Our newest scent, Eucalyptus & Mint, has its own story: read Michele’s note introducing it.
- Packaging that doesn't outlive you. Every bluamor deodorant comes in a plastic-free, certified home-compostable push-up tube.
Tips for the best results
- Apply to clean, dry skin.
- Hold the stick against your skin for a few seconds to warm it, then glide on two or three swipes. A little goes a long way.
- If you shave, give sensitive skin a few minutes before applying.
- Trying a natural deodorant for the first time? Patch-test on a small area first.
Quick answers
Will I sweat more with aluminum-free deodorant?
No. You'll sweat the amount your body naturally does, because nothing is blocking your sweat ducts. Cornstarch in our formula helps absorb moisture and manage the feeling of sweat and friction.
What does magnesium do in deodorant?
Magnesium hydroxide neutralizes the compounds that cause underarm odor, keeping you fresh for up to 24 hours. It's a gentle mineral alternative to baking soda.
Does natural deodorant work for men and women?
Yes. Odor works the same way for everyone, and our formula is unisex.
Can I use it with sensitive skin?
Our deodorants contain no baking soda, aluminum, parabens or synthetic fragrance. For the gentlest option, choose Unscented, and patch-test first if your skin is reactive.
Find your scent
Not sure which to choose? The Deodorant Bundle lets you try Lavender, Cedarwood & Juniper and Unscented together, for less than buying each one separately. Or browse all our aluminum-free, plastic-free natural deodorants.
Kind to the Earth, kind to your skin.
