5 Ingredients to Avoid in Deodorants (and Safer Alternatives)

If your deodorant ever made your armpits sting, itch, or break out in a rash, you’re not alone. The truth is, many traditional and even “natural” deodorants contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin, throw off your skin’s pH, or even cause long-term damage.

At MAGS Skin, we believe in fewer, cleaner, gentler ingredients. That’s why we’re breaking down 5 common deodorant ingredients to avoid and what to look for instead.

1. Aluminum

Why avoid it: Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirants. It plugs your sweat glands to stop you from sweating, but that also means your body can’t detox naturally through your skin. Over time, this may interfere with your body’s natural cooling and cleansing process.

For people with sensitive skin, aluminum is also known to cause irritation, clogged pores, and inflammation.

Better alternative: Use a magnesium-based deodorant that allows your body to sweat naturally while neutralizing odor-causing bacteria. MAGS Skin uses magnesium hydroxide, which fights odor without blocking sweat.

2. Baking Soda

Why avoid it: Baking soda is common in natural deodorants, but it’s highly alkaline. That means it can disrupt your skin’s pH balance. For people with sensitive skin, this often leads to burning, rashes, dryness, or flaking.

Better alternative: Choose a baking soda-free formula with magnesium or zinc instead. Magnesium helps keep your underarms fresh while supporting your skin’s natural barrier.

3. Synthetic Fragrance

Why avoid it: The word “fragrance” might sound simple, but it’s often a mix of undisclosed chemicals, some of which can be allergens or hormone disruptors. For sensitive skin, fragrance can easily trigger itchiness, redness, or flare-ups.

Better alternative: Use a fragrance-free deodorant or one scented with essential oils only if your skin tolerates them. At MAGS Skin, we go fully fragrance-free to avoid unnecessary irritation.

4. Parabens

Why avoid it: Parabens are preservatives used in many personal care products. They’ve been linked to hormone disruption and are often found near breast tissue in research studies. While more research is being done, many people prefer to avoid them when possible.

Better alternative: Look for paraben-free options that use safer preservatives like sodium benzoate or gluconolactone. MAGS Skin includes both of these in our gentle formula.

5. Alcohol

Why avoid it: Alcohol can kill bacteria, but it also strips the skin’s moisture barrier. That leaves your underarms dry, tight, and more prone to irritation.

Better alternative: Try a formula that uses hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. These help calm the skin while maintaining freshness. MAGS Skin uses both.

Final Thoughts
Just because a deodorant is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s right for sensitive skin. By avoiding ingredients like aluminum, baking soda, parabens, alcohol, and synthetic fragrance, you're giving your skin a chance to feel calm, balanced, and clean.

MAGS Skin is proud to be:
✔ Aluminum free
✔ Baking soda free
✔ Fragrance free
✔ Paraben free
✔ Alcohol free

All powered by magnesium and tested by real people with real sensitive skin.

Ready for a better deodorant experience? Try MAGS Skin today.