The Best Men’s Non-Toxic Deodorant

Ditch your antiperspirant and stay fresh all day with men’s non-toxic deodorant. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals like aluminum and phthalates and get on board with non-toxic deodorant brands that effectively fight odors while keeping your underarm skin healthy and stink-free.

man applying deodorant

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The demand for men’s non-toxic skincare products is on the rise, and it’s not surprising considering the impact harmful ingredients in traditional skincare can have on men’s health and fertility. News headlines like “Are Phthalates Causing a Decline in Male Fertility?” and “Why Are More Men Suffering From Infertility?” have caught the attention of men everywhere and have spurred a movement towards clean and non-toxic men’s products.

What’s The Difference Between Antiperspirant & Deodorant?

Antiperspirant works by blocking sweat from leaving your body. The aluminum compounds in antiperspirant physically plug up the pores in your underarm so sweat can’t escape. Without any sweat, bacteria have nothing to break down, so there’s no odor.

Deodorant doesn’t contain aluminum, so you’ll still sweat with deodorant. It’s designed to kill the bacteria that cause odor. It may also contain fragrance to mask smell. Deodorants also contain ingredients that absorb sweat and balance underarm pH levels. Conventional, non-natural deodorants contain undisclosed fragrance and other chemicals that may adversely affect your health, so be sure to choose a non-toxic deodorant without undisclosed fragrance and other potential harmful chemicals.

Switching from men’s antiperspirant to deodorant is one of the first non-toxic swaps that I recommend for men looking to clean up their skincare routine. Antiperspirant is a daily use product that sits on your skin for hours on end, and that fits my criteria for a first-line swap.

What Ingredients To Avoid In Men’s Deodorant

Although no direct causal link has been proven between aluminum exposure and Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have found increased aluminum levels in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s. A 2018 36 year study found a statistically significant increase in aluminum levels specifically in the brains of individuals with Altzeimer’s disease and dialysis dementia syndrome compared to age- and gender-matched controls. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease strongly suggests an association between aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Beyond aluminum, traditional deodorant and antiperspirants may contain phthalates and other endocrine disrupting chemicals. Phthalate exposure has been linked in numerous studies to poor sperm quality, including reduced motility and a lower sperm count. According to research, phthalates may interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls hormones involved in reproduction, resulting in worse sperm formation and decreased fertility. 

Avoid ethoxylated ingredients like propylene glycol and phenoxyethanol. During the manufacturing process, these ethoxylated compounds are made from the reaction of ethylene oxide, phenol and an alkali. Ethoxylated ingredient  can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and residual ethylene oxide, both of which are carcinogenic

What To Look For In Non-Toxic Deodorant

  • Ingredients like baking soda, tapioca starch and arrowroot powder aid in absorbing perspiration. 
  • Kaolin clay acts as a moisture absorber and odor neutralizer.
  • Magnesium hydroxide and zinc oxide work to eliminate the bacteria that cause body odor.
  • Essential oils like Tea tree, eucalyptus, and cedarwood have natural antibacterial properties that not only give off a pleasant scent but also fight off the bacteria that cause odors.
  • Shea butter, glycerin and aloe vera help to hydrate and calm the skin, particularly if you have sensitive underarms. 

How To Transition From Antiperspirant to Deodorant

There may be an adjustment period when you switch from antiperspirant to deodorant that lasts anywhere from 1 week to 1 month. Here are a few things to consider:

Once you stop using antiperspirant, you’ll start to sweat again, maybe even more than usual. Don’t worry—this is just a phase and it won’t last forever! Our bodies are designed to sweat as a means of cooling down and detoxing, and sweating is a necessary bodily function! Your system will balance out after a few weeks.

During the detox phase, there are many products that claim to detox the armpit, draw aluminum out of the pores, and remove bad bacteria. These products usually contain absorbent clay or charcoal. I’ve never tried a detox mask under my arm, but if you’re experiencing intense body odor during the detox phase, it wouldn’t hurt to try it.

Here are a few products to test out during this detox phase:

What Ingredients To Avoid If You Have Sensitive Skin

  • Baking soda is highly alkaline, and while it works to alter the pH under the arm and make the environment less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria, it can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and lead to irritation, chafing and redness.
  • If you experience any discomfort from using a natural deodorant with baking soda, look for a product that contains magnesium hydroxide, zinc oxide, arrowroot powder, or diatomaceous earth to neutralize odor without disrupting skin balance.

Non-Toxic deodorant is a great place to start, but men’s non-toxic skincare is also an important step towards a low-tox lifestyle, as well as men’s non-toxic hair styling products. Jeremy even tested out The Hygiene Lab non-toxic products, so read his honest review. 

If you’re a man and you’re looking to clean up your skincare routine, we’re sharing the best non-toxic deodorant for men. Look below for all of the non-toxic men’s deodorant brands that Jeremy and I tested and read our reviews. 

The HygieneLab Deodorant
Cost | $26 for 2.65 oz ($9.81 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Saccharomyces Ferment, Sodium Bicarbonate, allantoin
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the HygieneLab website |  This aluminum free deodorant has an earthy sandalwood-scent and is designed to keep you smelling great and receiving compliments that last all day. This deodorant is a non-toxic solution for your daily hygiene routine with 24hr+ protection.
Review | This deodorant glides on super easily, which is not the case with most of the non-toxic deodorant that we have tested. That’s especially important for men who don’t shave their underarms (no tugging of arm hair). This deodorant does a great job at keeping odor at bay. The overall scent is really nice, but it does contain patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) oil. You definitely get a slight patchouli undertone, and if you’re not a fan of this oil, you may not love this deodorant. All-in-all, it worked well and has a pleasant masculine scent.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, Jeremy would buy this deodorant again.
Shop | The HygieneLab Deodorant

The Black Stuff Deodorant
Cost | $17 for 2.8 oz ($6.07 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Arrowroot powder, Magnesium hydroxide and Kaolin Clay
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
Scents | Irish Mountain Rain, Citrus Cedarwood Blast, Atlantic Pine, Black Stout, The Good Room, Wicklow Waterfalls
From the Black Stuff website | This deodorant is handmade in Ireland and uses essential oil blends for fragrance.
Review | This deodorant is not the smoothest for application and glide, but the essential oil scents are wonderful. The website recommends to press the deodorant stick gently to your skin for a few seconds, allowing the oils, butters, and waxes to soften with body heat. Jeremy loves the essential oil scents, and this deodorant is effective at keeping odor at bay. When I asked Jeremy what his favorite deodorant was, he told me this brand was his favorite, despite the fact that it doesn’t glide that well. The scents really won both of us over.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, Jeremy would buy this deodorant again.
Shop | The HygieneLab Deodorant

Attitude Men’s Deodorant
Cost | $12.99 for 3 oz ($4.33 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Magnesium hydroxide, Kaolin clay
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils &/or EWG verified synthetic fragrance
From the Attitude website |  This plastic-free deodorant with magnesium hydroxide offers long-lasting protection against odors and feels great on skin thanks to its absorbent and neutralizing ingredients. It is enriched with castor and jojoba oils, known to keep skin hydrated, and white clay that naturally absorbs humidity.
Review | We both love that this deodorant is in a plastic-free tube. It’s easy to apply and works well.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, Jeremy would buy this deodorant again.
Shop | Attitude Men’s Deodorant

Jack Henry Deodorant
Cost | $22 for 2.6 oz ($8.46 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Arrowroot powder, Magnesium hydroxide and Saccharomyces Ferment
Type of Fragrance Used | synthetic fragrance
From the Jack Henry website | This deodorant glides on smooth and clear. An improved formula means longer performance and odor-blocking technology. It features a custom formulated scent of aqua, citrus, sandalwood and pink pepper. The fragrance is made up of organic essential oils, natural isolates and safe synthetics.
Review | This deodorant works really well, but the scent is a little overpowering, and it lasts all day. If you don’t want to smell like cologne all day, this deodorant is not for you. I will note that the fragrance is actually a pretty good scent, so if you aren’t bothered by having a lingering scent, this deodorant will probably work for you.
Would I Buy This Again? | Maybe- even though the scent is pleasant, it’s on the strong side. This may work well for someone who has really bad body odor.
Shop | Jack Henry Deodorant

Primally Pure Deodorant
Cost | $22 for 2.6 oz ($8.46 per ounce) or $16 for 1.7 oz ($9.41 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Arrowroot powder, Baking soda, Zinc oxide and Kaolin clay
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Primally Pure website | Primally Pure Deodorant is made with good-for-you organic ingredients including grass-fed tallow, fair trade coconut oil, arrowroot powder, beeswax and essential oils (except unscented).
Review | This deodorant works very well to control odor for 24 hours. The one drawback is that it does not glide on very smoothly.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, Jeremy would buy this deodorant again.
Shop | Primally Pure Deodorant

Sin-Min Deodorant
Cost | $9.99 for 1.05 oz ($9.51 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Arrowroot powder, Kaolin clay and Baking soda
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils and plant derived isolates
From the Sin-Min website | This deodorant contains cinnamon oil, which has been found in studies to kill the enzyme C-T lyase, found in the bacterium Staphylococcus Hominis, which dwells in human armpits.
Review | We did not try this deodorant.
Shop | Sin-Min Deodorant

Humble Deodorant
Cost | $13.99 for 2.5 oz ($5.60 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | non-GMO Corn starch, Baking soda; Baking soda free version: non-GMO Corn starch, Magnesium hydroxide
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils and plant derived isolates
Scents | Frankincense & fir, Palo Santo & Frankincense, Patchouli & Copal, Texas Cedarwood & Grapefruit, Rosemary & Mint, Lavender & Holy Basil
From the Humble website | This deodorant contains 4 simple & effective ingredients, plus botanically-based fragrances. They also carry deodorant in plastic-free tubes.
Review | This deodorant works really well and is also easy to apply.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, we would both buy this deodorant again.
Shop | Humble Deodorant

Just Ingredients Deodorant
Cost | $13.99 for 3 oz ($4.66 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Magnesium hydroxide
Type of Fragrance Used | organic essential oils
Scents | Mountain Pine, Eucalyptus Clove, Cedarwood Spice
From the Just Ingredients website | This non-irritating formula provides long-lasting protection and confidence with every application, leaving you feeling clean and refreshed.
Review | This deodorant works really well and is also easy to apply. The cedarwood Spice scent smells like a fall baked good, which is not necessarily what Jeremy wanted to smell like.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, we would both buy this deodorant again.
Shop | Just Ingredients Deodorant

Real Purity Roll On Deodorant
Cost | $20.39 for 3 oz ($6.80 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Magnesium stearate
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Real Purity website | This deodorant uses magnesium stearate for moisture control, potassium sorbate for antimicrobial action, and essential oils for their antibacterial and fragrance properties. I love that it’s a roll-on and won’t stain clothing.
Review | This deodorant works really well and is also easy to apply.
Would I Buy This Again? | Yes, we would both buy this deodorant again.
Shop | Real Purity Roll On Deodorant

Necessaire Deodorant Gel
Cost | $20 for 1.7 oz ($11.76 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Potassium hydroxide, Witch hazel
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
Scents | Eucalyptus
From the Necessaire website | This serum-in-gel formula is infused with Mandelic Acid, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B5 for the best in clean odor control. This clear, quick-dry formula provides no residue and can be used underarm or all-over body.
Review | This deodorant works pretty well and is also easy to apply, although I did feel a lot stinkier in the morning after sleeping all night. I would call this a 12 hour deodorant. This deodorant does not stain clothing.
Would I Buy This Again? | Maybe.
Shop | Necessaire Deodorant Gel

Kaia Naturals Sweat Powder
Cost | $29
Key Ingredients | Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Root Powder, Diatomaceous Earth, Magnesium Carbonate, Tapioca Starch, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
Scents | Sakura Blossom, Crisp Linen
From the Kaia Naturals website | A refillable, ultra-absorbent sweat powder for moisture and odor.
Shop | Kaia Naturals Sweat Powder

The Black Stuff Wicklow Waterfalls Soap
Cost | $12.99 for 4.76 oz ($2.73 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Activated charcoal, kaolin clay
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From The Black Stuff website | A smooth and creamy soap with a tiny bit of texture from the activated charcoal. Use this soap to prep your underarms before applying deodorant.
Shop | The Black Stuff Wicklow Waterfalls Soap

Megababe Underarm Bar Soap
Cost | $7.97 for 3.5 oz ($2.28 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Activated charcoal
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Megababe website | Use daily to deeply cleanse & detoxify underarms while also eliminating stubborn odor. Leave on for 60 seconds before rinsing.
Shop | Megababe Underarm Bar Soap

Megababe Detoxifying Underarm Mask
Cost | $16 for 3 oz ($5.33 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Charcoal, Glycolic acid, Vitamin C
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the Megababe website | Use when transitioning to aluminum-free deodorant to speed through the standard detox period, 1-2 times weekly to eliminate lingering odor, bacteria and residue. This mask gently clears pores, sheds dead skin cells, and reduces underarm bumps
Shop | Megababe Detoxifying Underarm Mask

EO Natural Deodorant Wipes
Cost | $59.88 for pack of 12 (these are often greatly reduced in price)
Key Ingredients | Organic ethanol from cane sugar, Lavender oil
Type of Fragrance Used | essential oils
From the EO website | These Deodorant Wipes combine organic ethanol from sugar cane to help eliminate odor at its source with organic glycerin leaving your skin clean, fresh, and soft.
Shop | EO Natural Deodorant Wipes

Pre Deodorant Underarm Prep

Glycolic acid and lactic acid both reduce the pH of the underarm and the bacteria that cause odor do not survive well in this environment. Soak a cotton round with acid and apply to the underarm area. Wait until this dries, then apply deodorant. Glycolic acid is stronger than lactic acid, so go with the lactic acid if you have super sensitive underarms.

Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner
Cost | $34.95 for 4 oz ($8.74 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Glycolic acid
How It Works | Glycolic acid reduces the pH of the underarm area, creating an environment where odor-causing bacteria struggle to survive. Since these bacteria thrive in a more neutral pH, lowering it helps prevent them from producing odor.
Shop | Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner

The Ordinary 5% Lactic Acid Toner
Cost | $8.10 for 1 oz ($8.10 per ounce)
Key Ingredients | Lactic acid
How It Works | Unlike some harsher acids, lactic acid is hydrating, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. This lactic acid toner lowers the skin pH – Odor-causing bacteria thrive in a more neutral pH environment. Lactic acid lowers the pH of the underarm skin, making it harder for these bacteria to survive and multiply. Less bacteria = less odor!
Shop | The Ordinary 5% Lactic Acid Toner

Things That Can Affect Body Odor

  • Stress sweat, as well as sweat produced by hormonal changes, is excreted by the apocrine glands, which are located near hair follicles found in the armpits and groin area. The sweat excreted from the apocrine glands contains proteins and fat. When this sweat reacts with the bacteria that naturally lives on the skin, the byproduct really smells.
  • Medication has been known to change your body odor. If you are on antibiotics, certain allergy medications, antidepressants and even Tylenol, this can cause your body odor to change.
  • Change in diet can also affect body odor. Are you eating more highly processed foods, red meat, or drinking more alcohol?

Tips For Keeping Body Odor At Bay

  • Bathe on a regular basis. Washing regulates the bacterial count on your skin and helps keep unpleasant smells in check.
  • Worried about smell on-the-go? Stash a pack of EO Natural Deodorant Wipes and a travel size deodorant (Primally Pure Deodorant has 1.7 oz size tube)  in your bag before heading out. If you start to notice body odor, head into a bathroom and wipe your underarms with deodorant wipes, then apply travel sized deodorant to keep odor under control.
  • If you have sensitive skin and you shave, shave at night and apply deodorant in the morning. Make sure the deodorant is warm to prevent friction and dab instead of swipe if your skin is super sensitive. Switch to a sensitive formula without baking soda if a rash persists.
  • Diet-induced body odor is a real thing. Alcohol, red meat, fish, highly processed foods, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, onions & garlic and spices like curry can increase your body odor. Eat plenty of leafy greens!
  • Different people have different bacteria making a home on their skin—your body odor is unique to you. Managing body odor is equally individualized, so what works for one person may not work for another.

More Men’s Non-Toxic Inspiration

man applying deodorant