I’m something of a natural deodorant savant, if you will. Not only do I use them myself, but a few years ago, I also volunteered to test first-generation versions, a somewhat challenging experience that makes me grateful for the sleeker, more effective aluminum-free formulas available today.
And while I dabble in natural deodorant, it’s also worth noting that according to both the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, there’s very little scientific evidence to back up the claim that aluminum in antiperspirants is linked to increased breast cancer risk. But if you err on the side of caution—something I am uniquely qualified to understand—I get it.
Dove’s new 0% Aluminum Deodorant is the newest addition to the beauty behemoth’s offering of underarm products. And it’s the first that’s not an antiperspirant. There’s a difference: Antiperspirants basically plug the pores in your armpits to halt the flow of sweat. And there’s only one ingredient approved by the FDA to do this: Aluminum. Deodorants, on the other hand, simply neutralize or mask the smell of body odor caused by sweat (okay, technically it’s the bacteria breaking down that sweat—sorry). This distinction is important, because you then have to manage your expectations accordingly. If you swipe on an aluminum-free deodorant with the assumption that it’ll keep your sweat under control, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
The first thing I noticed about the Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant is that it didn’t sting. Some natural deodorants contain baking soda to absorb sweat, which can be irritating, while others zap those odor-causing bacteria with alcohol, which can burn a little if you have any nicks or abrasions from shaving. This formula has neither, which I really appreciate. I also liked that while the stick is white, the creamy formula disappears once it’s on your skin—a plus come summer.
At this point, I should share that I sweat a lot. I’m not being hyperbolic: In the warmer months, I have to mist my entire upper body with Dove’s Dry Spray Antiperspirant before I get dressed, lest I walk around looking like I caught the business end of a fire hydrant. So I know that a deodorant can’t handle my sweat glands, and I’m right. During hot yoga, I can feel beads of sweat trickling down my arms while I’m breathing my way through extended side angle. After an outdoor run, I’m not soaked, but definitely in need of a shower.
But for daily life, the deodorant holds up surprisingly well. When I’m overdressed for the weather, I don’t have to air out my underarms once I shed my coat. And while a sniff test informs me that I have some low-level stank happening after 24 hours, it’s nowhere near as bad as what I’ve whiffed with other aluminum deodorants. I’m impressed by how good the deodorizing is, as well as the comfort level. Unless my heart rate is up, it’s one of the best options I’ve tried.
Because of this, it’s an ideal starting point if you’re looking to switch from antiperspirant to deodorant. In fact, I might even be able to wear it year-round.
Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Pomegranate and Lemon Verbena, $6, walmart.com
