We talk a lot about sensitive skin when it comes to the face, but what about the sensitive skin under your arms? The skin in this area is already fragile, and when you add factors such as shaving or waxing, daily deodorant application, or even irritation from itchy clothes, you have a recipe for potentially ending up with some seriously red and itchy armpits.
That’s why when it comes to picking a deodorant, it’s important to pick a product that isn’t going to make matters worse or be a culprit for irritation. Common ingredients, like fragrance, aluminum, or baking soda, found in both natural deodorants and traditional antiperspirants can be problematic. Even if you pick formulas without these ingredients, you sometimes end up with a deodorant that just doesn’t work.
To help you narrow down the ones that do work, we did extensive research on top contenders and tested each one, considering its ingredients, formulas, application, and effectiveness. We then talked to two board-certified dermatologists—Joshua Zeichner, MD and Amreen Sitabkhan, MD—to get to the heart (er, pit) of the matter on all things deodorant and sensitive skin.
What To Look For When Buying Deodorants for Sensitive Skin
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Ingredients: The most important thing to consider when buying a deodorant for sensitive skin is the ingredients. Ingredients like aluminum, fragrance, baking soda, and alcohol can all contribute to skin irritation (especially if you already have sensitive skin), so finding a formula that’s free from these ingredients is key. Instead, it’s wise to choose formulas that lean on more nourishing and gentle ingredients that help to fight odor.
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Format: Deodorant sticks are the most common format, but you’ve got other options, too. If you prefer lightweight formulas that you can spritz on, try a spray deodorant. If you prefer a roll-on formula, you’ve got options there, too.
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Scent: Fragrance-free deodorants are great for people with sensitive skin because synthetic fragrances and fragrances derived from essential oils can be irritating. However, if you can tolerate fragranced deodorant and prefer that, finding a scent that you love will add to the user experience.
