Why use aluminum free deodorant?

Our guide to aluminium free natural deodorants

Just like your skincare routine, choosing a deodorant is personal. What works for one person’s skin and lifestyle may not suit another. From scents and textures to the level of protection you need, it’s all about finding a product that feels right for you. Lots of our customers come to us on the hunt for a natural deodorant that works as more and more are becoming aware of the the ingredients in some deodorants that they might like to avoid, like, aluminium. Here we help answers your most common questions around aluminium deodorants.

fair skinned blonde haired woman in a grey vest top applying the refillable upcircle deodorant to her arm pits

Why is aluminium used in deodorants?

It's important to know that aluminium is found in antiperspirants rather than deodorants, and often referred to as aluminium salts, or aluminium chlorohydrate on the INCI list. Deodorants and anti-perspirants work differently. While deodorants help to neutralise odour caused by bacteria on the skin, antiperspirants go a step further by attempting to stop you from sweating altogether.

They do this by using aluminium salts, most commonly aluminium chlorohydrate, which dissolve on the skin and form a temporary plug within the sweat ducts. This blocks perspiration from reaching the surface. 

The Natural Role of Sweat

Sweating is one of the body's natural processes that helps to regulate your internal temperature and remove minor toxins from the body. 

By preventing this process, aluminium-based antiperspirants may contribute to overheating or imbalance in some people. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, let your body breathe, while still keeping you feeling fresh and odour-free through plant-based actives and antibacterial ingredients.

Aluminium antiperspirants cause health conditions: fact or fiction?

While there have been studies undertaken to find a link between the use of aluminium antiperspirants and diseases such as breast cancer and Alzheimers, there has been no solid evidence to suggest the use of the ingredient has any substantial effect on whether a person develops these illnesses or not.

Recent research carried out by the National Centre for Biology in the US found a link between frequent use of antiperspirants and the amount of aluminium in the breast tissue, but it was also concluded that there is no more aluminium in breast cancer tissue than normal breast tissue. 

So while there’s currently no solid scientific proof that aluminium causes disease, the repeated exposure (especially in a sensitive area like the underarm) is enough for some health experts and organisations to recommend caution.

Notably, Breast Cancer UK includes aluminium salts on its list of ingredients to be cautious about and recommend minimising exposure when possible, especially if there are easy swaps you can make.

And that’s the beauty of natural deodorant, it's an easy swap that can put your mind at ease.

Furthermore, while most toxins are flushed out through the kidneys and liver - by blocking the pores under the armpits, they are unable to also escape through the sweat. In addition to this, sweating helps cool the body down, blocking the pores means the body can’t regulate its temperature properly.

Aluminium antiperspirants and their effect on the environment

Even if you’re comfortable using aluminium antiperspirants from a health perspective, their environmental impact might give you pause.

The process of extracting aluminium from the earth is incredibly damaging. Open-pit and underground mining practices can destroy ecosystems, pollute water sources, and release significant carbon emissions. Add to that the energy-intensive refining process and it’s clear that aluminium has a high environmental cost.

So when we choose to support aluminium-free deodorants, we’re also supporting a more sustainable future.

Haoma Organic Spray Deodorant. Natural deodorant without bicarbonate of soda. The deodorants are sitting against their colour wheel opposing backgrounds with plants next to them.

Which are the best aluminium free deodorants?

Are you ready to swap to a natural and aluminium free deodorant? 

At Blomma Beauty, we carefully select natural deodorants that are free from aluminium salts, synthetic fragrances, and other irritants. Instead, they harness the power of nature to keep you smelling fresh and feeling confident, without interfering with your body’s natural rhythm. Here's our recap of our picks of the best aluminium free deodorant in the UK you can try: 

UpCircle Refillable Deodorant 

Format: Creamy balm in a sleek aluminium case with refill tubes – plastic-free starter kit + refills available

Key Ingredients: Macadamia oil (moisturises), coconut oil & prickly pear (anti-inflammatory), bergamot + lime peel oils (refreshing scent), corn-starch base – baking soda-free

Best For: All skin types, especially sensitive or irritable skin. Safe in pregnancy/breastfeeding (contains nuts).

Standout Features: 24-hour odour protection, eco-conscious aluminium case with refills that come in recyclable cardboard, vegan, cruelty-free 

Why Choose It: Ideal if you want effective, natural protection without potentially-irritating baking soda, paired with a refillable, zero-plastic option.


Neve’s Bees Natural Deodorant Tube 

Format: Solid balm stick in recycled cardboard tube

Key Ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, arrowroot, magnesium hydroxide, beeswax – no baking soda or aluminium. Choose from Lemon + Mint, Orange + Patchouli or Rose + Lavender scented

Best For: All skin types; those with baking soda sensitivity; vegetarians

Standout Features: Handmade in Oxfordshire, Soil Association 100% natural certified, recyclable packaging and profits supports UK pollinator charities 

Why Choose It: If you value traditional, handcrafted British products, a pure ingredient lists, and want skin-friendly deodorant in simple, compostable packaging.


Odylique Roll‑On Deodorant

Format: Glass-bottled roll-on in scented and unscented

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (soothing), coconut oil, calendula, zinc oxide in both options. Essential oils of lemon, lavander, lemongrass, patchouli, tea tree in the Lemon + Aloe scented and no essential oils in the Unscented version with the addition of the prebiotic triethyl citrate

Best For: Sensitive, broken, or reactive underarms; anyone avoiding baking soda

Standout Features: Organic (certified by The Soil Association), vegan, hypoallergenic, aluminium and paraben-free

Why Choose It: A gentle, effective option for delicate underarms or those who prefer liquid application and certified organic ingredients.

Haoma Organic Deodorant Spray

Format: Lightweight aluminium free deodorant spray in recyclable violet glass bottles. Choose from Floral, Fresh, and Comfort (menopause-supporting)scents   

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel and alcohol for natural cleansing and toning and essential oils (varies by scent): ylang ylang, palmarosa, grapefruit, geranium, lavender, tea tree, juniper, rosemary, clary sage

Best For: Those who prefer a refreshing, aromatherapeutic deodorant spray that’s gentle yet effective, including those looking for hormone-supporting scents or menopause relief

Standout Features: Packaged in UV-protective violet glass to preserve formula without harsh preservatives, 97%+ organic and Soil Association certified, Vegan, cruelty-free, handmade in small batches in the UK, Free from aluminium, synthetic fragrances, parabens, preservatives, and petrochemicals

Why Choose It:
If you love light, natural fragrances delivered in a preservative-free spray with sustainable packaging, Haoma offers a beautiful, effective alternative to stick or cream deodorants. Its bespoke scent blends also provide added aromatherapy benefits tailored to mood and wellbeing.


Help choosing your new aluminium free, natural deodorant

Ultimately, choosing a deodorant is about more than just staying dry. It’s about aligning your personal care with your values. Whether that’s looking after your long-term health, protecting the environment, or simply seeking a gentler alternative for sensitive skin, aluminium-free deodorant is a simple switch that can make a meaningful difference. 

Sometimes the transition to natural deodorants takes a little time and some trial and error to find the deodorant that works for you. You can always get in touch if you need support or have questions or you might also find our blog 'How To Switch to a Natural Deodorant' helpful!

 



Whilst we hope the pages are informative it’s important to remember we’re organic beauty enthusiasts not scientists so the information is detailed here to the best of our knowledge or research we have conducted from third parties.  Whilst we are continually updating our content based on new research, it may not always be up to date and as such it is the readers’ responsibility to conduct their own research in order to independently verify the information and make an informed decision on their beauty regime/lifestyle. Any opinion expressed on the efficacy of a product is based on tests performed by our team. As everyone has different skin types and concerns, please be advised that what works for them might not work for you but we try to give as much subjective information as possible which we hope you will find useful. If in any doubt, please consult a medical professional.
Sources: 
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-know-about-aluminum-in-deodorant#why-aluminum
https://www.thesca.org/connect/blog/environmental-impact-aluminum
https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/reduce-your-risk/chemicals-and-environment/
sciencedirect.com+5lonedeodorant.com+5us.upcirclebeauty.com+5
environmentalintegrity.org
news.mongabay.com+7mightyearth.org+7cmswire.com+7
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