Looking for the perfect aluminum-free deodorant can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which one will work best for you.
That’s why I’ve decided to take a closer look at five popular deodorant brands: Lume, Secret, Dove, Tom’s, and Native. I tested each of them for a week. I wore them to the gym in the morning and reapplied the same deodorant after showering in the morning. Except for Tom’s and you’ll see why below.
In this blog post, I’ll compare and contrast each deodorant, taking a closer look at its ingredients, effectiveness, and overall value. By the end of this review, hopefully, you’ll have a better idea of which deodorant is right for you.
Aluminum-free deodorant
Aluminum-free deodorant has become increasingly popular in recent years due to concerns about the potential health risks associated with aluminum-based antiperspirants. Since aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s and I do have a family history of the disease, I have made the choice to move away from aluminum deodorants.
Aluminum-free deodorant works by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria on the skin, allowing the body to naturally sweat without producing an unpleasant smell. By avoiding the use of aluminum, you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals while still staying fresh and odor-free throughout the day.
Each of the five brands has its own unique blend of natural ingredients and effectiveness, making them a great option for those looking to avoid aluminum-based antiperspirants.
Ingredients Comparison
When it comes to choosing an aluminum-free deodorant, the ingredients used in each product are important to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in each of the five deodorant brands I’m comparing:
Ingredient Comparison Summary
When comparing the ingredients of each deodorant brand, each product takes a different approach to odor-fighting and sweat-prevention. Lume uses a blend of natural ingredients like coconut oil and baking soda, which may be less irritating for those with sensitive skin. Secret relies on a mix of synthetic chemicals and minerals like talc and silica, which may not be as appealing to those looking for a more natural option. Dove and Tom’s both use a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients, which may provide good effectiveness. Native leans heavily on natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which may be a good option for those looking for a more eco-friendly and natural alternative. Ultimately, the benefits and drawbacks of each ingredient will depend on your personal preferences and skin sensitivity.
Effectiveness Comparison
When it comes to effectiveness, each deodorant brand has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of how each brand performed in my test:
Lume
Lume has been great. I got the test pack which came with a stick (toasted coconut), body wash (lavender sage), a small tube of a scent (peony rose), a big tube of a scent (soft powder), and body wipes (cool cucumber).
I really like the stick, although, in the Arizona heat, it didn’t make it to my house in one piece, so if you decide to get sticks, maybe order a bulk order in the winter. It’s nice though, the smell of the stick stays with you for the entire day. At first, when I started using it, I would lift my arm and every time get a whiff of coconut. I thought I smelled, but then just realized it was the smell of my deodorant.
The lavender sage body wash, the cool cucumber wipes, and the peony rose whole body deodorant is really, but the scents aren’t for me. Once I finish with the products, I won’t order those scents again. I would definitely order the wipes, and whole-body deodorants again though. I seem to lean more toward the toasted coconut and the soft powder scents.
As for it being a whole-body deodorant, it definitely is. One of my trouble spots with having loose skin is my belly button. To give you an idea of how deep my belly button is, I can almost fit an entire Q-tip in it. Most people don’t realize that and when you have loose skin, your belly button kind of collapses on itself making it super important to keep it clean and dry. I’ve used the whole body deodorant on and in my belly button and it’s been really great. I wish I had always had this; before I would just clean my belly button 2-3 times a day.
Secret
Secret provided excellent odor protection in my test, but no sweat protection. I really liked this one because I used to wear regular Secret so it smelled exactly like my old deoderont. Though I struggled in the week I used it because being outside, I sweat so badly and my armpits were wet. Once I would go inside, I could feel my shirt pits and I did. not. like. it. If you work inside, this would be a great option. I wouldn’t recommend it for the gym though.
Dove
Dove provided good odor protection in our test and better sweat protection than Secret. I really liked the way Dove was clear and would glide onto my skin. I had to get used to the smell, not because it was bad, just because it was different than the powder scent I was used to. It doesn’t smell like vinegar, but if you know how when vinegar hits your nose it has this strong smell to it. That’s what the Dove deodorant reminded me of. I do like this one, I would recommend it for gym and daily use.
Tom’s
Tom’s testing was only one day. I put it on and within a few hours had a rash. I quit using it immediately. Once I told a few people about it, they said they had the same reaction. I would not recommend purchasing this brand.
Native
Native provided good odor protection in my test, but its sweat protection is about the same as the Secret. I purchased the grapefruit scent and it had the same effect as the Lume. Anytime I would lift my arm, I would get a strong scent of grapefruit. Again, not bad, I just wasn’t used to it, so it took me some time to acclimate.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of each deodorant brand will depend on your personal needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a deodorant that provides all-day protection without irritating your skin, Lume may be the best option. If you need a deodorant that can handle strenuous activities, Secret may be the way to go. And if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option that still provides good protection, Native may be the best choice.
Value Comparison
When it comes to value, the price of each deodorant brand varies. Lume, for example, is priced at around $14 for a standard stick, which is more expensive than some of the other brands I tested. Secret, on the other hand, is priced at around $5 for a standard stick, making it one of the more affordable options. Dove and Tom’s fall somewhere in the middle, with prices ranging from $6 to $8 for a standard stick. Native is priced at around $12 for a standard stick, making it one of the more expensive options.
However, it’s important to note that price isn’t the only factor to consider when evaluating the value of a deodorant brand. In my test, I found that some of the more expensive brands, like Lume and Native, provided better odor and sweat protection than some of the less expensive brands. Similarly, some of the less expensive brands, like Secret, provided excellent odor protection despite their low price point.
Ultimately, the value of each deodorant brand will depend on a variety of factors, including its effectiveness, its price, and your personal preferences and needs. When evaluating the value of a deodorant brand, it’s important to consider all of these factors and choose the brand that best meets your needs while still fitting within your budget.
User Reviews
Lume
- “I’ve been using Lume for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed. It keeps me dry and odor-free all day, even through workouts.” – Jane
- “I was hesitant to try Lume because of the price, but it’s totally worth it. I love that it’s all natural and doesn’t irritate my skin.” – Mark
- “I’ve tried a lot of different deodorants and Lume is by far the best. It lasts all day and doesn’t leave any residue on my clothes.” – Sarah
Secret
- “I’ve been using Secret for years and it never fails me. It lasts all day and I love the variety of scents.” – Emily
- “I’m not a fan of the strong fragrance in Secret, but it does keep me odor-free.” – Michelle
- “I love how affordable Secret is, but I do wish it was more natural.” – Alex
Dove
- “Dove works well for me and I like that it’s easy to find at the drugstore.” – Kelly
- “I have sensitive skin and Dove doesn’t irritate me like other deodorants do.” – Rachel
- “I wish Dove was more effective at preventing sweat, but it’s a good option for everyday use.” – Olivia
Tom’s
- “Tom’s doesn’t hold up during intense workouts.” – Brian
- “I love the natural ingredients in Tom’s, but it can be a bit pricey.” – Jessica
- “Tom’s is the only deodorant that irritates my skin.” – David
Native
- “Native is my new favorite deodorant. It keeps me dry and odor-free all day and the scent is amazing.” – Amanda
- “I was skeptical about Native, but it actually seems to help keep me smelling good.” – Tyler
- “Native is a bit expensive, but I’m willing to pay for a natural deodorant that actually works.” – Samantha
My Recommendation
Based on my analysis, the best aluminum-free deodorant for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, I recommend trying Lume for its all-natural ingredients, effectiveness at keeping you dry and odor-free all day, and overall value. Ultimately, the best deodorant for you will depend on a variety of factors, including its effectiveness, its price, and your personal preferences and needs. I hope that this review has helped you make a more informed decision.
