Are you pregnant and worried that your current deodorant isn’t safe to use anymore? You’re not alone. After learning they’re expecting, many moms start to look more closely at the products they use.
Some women would rather avoid traditional deodorants. However, most women feel overheated during pregnancy, thanks to hormones and weight gain, making deodorant an absolute necessity.
Having faced this dilemma ourselves, we’ve spent a lot of time researching and carefully examining the safety of deodorant ingredients. We’ve searched for options we feel good about using, and we’d like to share five of the best deodorants for pregnancy with you.
We’ve also included a complete guide to deodorant use during pregnancy to address your concerns and answer any questions you may have.
- Tested by dermatologists
- All-day protection for sensitive skin
- Quick drying, hypoallergenic formula
- 100% vegan & cruelty-free
- Effective odor removal & support
- Aluminum-free
- 48-hour protection
- Fearlessly fresh scent
- Doctor recommended
- Long-lasting effectiveness
- Highest-quality organic, food-grade ingredients
- Pure, effective, and trustworthy
- No aluminum chlorohydrate
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-sticky and non-staining
The Best Pregnancy Deodorants of 2024
Here are our favorite pregnancy-safe deodorants.
Almay Sensitive Skin Clear Gel Deodorant
Best for Sensitive Skin
When you’re pregnant, you may notice your skin is extra sensitive to irritants. This sensitivity may make you break out in a rash underneath your arms. Almay’s clear gel deodorant has been tested by dermatologists and is hypoallergenic, meaning it is not likely to cause a reaction on even the most sensitive skin.
It contains no parabens, which can mimic estrogen, and the fragrance-free formula means it will not bother you if you are sensitive to smells during pregnancy.
The gel formula goes on smooth and dries quickly to protect you from sweat all day long. As a strong formula, it contains the maximum amount of aluminum allowed, which will help keep excessive sweating at bay but may make you uncomfortable if you prefer to avoid aluminum.
User Experience
Pacifica Beauty Underarm Deodorant Wipes
Best Underarm Wipes
When you’re pregnant and struggling with sweat, you may need a little touch-up throughout the day to stay fresh. You can keep these wipes in your purse and use them when necessary to remove odor-causing bacteria and wipe off excess sweat. They smell so nice and are derived from natural ingredients.
Although the formula helps neutralize odors, it is not an antiperspirant, so it will not keep you from sweating throughout the day. However, they don’t contain aluminum or other harsh chemicals.
They come in four different varieties, so you can choose the scent and formula that will work best for you.
These wipes are made with natural ingredients like coconut milk, witch hazel, and shea butter. They contain no parabens, phthalates, or other ingredients that could irritate your extra-sensitive skin. They are also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
Personal Perspective
Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant
Best Long Lasting Pregnancy Deodorant
If you’re dealing with excessive sweat while pregnant, you might have to up the ante on your deodorant. Not only can sweat cause body odor when it mixes with bacteria, but it can result in embarrassing social or professional encounters if you tend to get wet spots under your arms.
Despite natural options on the market, the most effective ingredient to keep you from sweating is aluminum, which is considered safe for daily use — even while pregnant (1). This clinical formula boasts effectiveness for up to 48 hours.
It has a light fragrance but contains no parabens or any of the top allergens that may irritate your sensitive skin. It is sold in a bar form which is easy to apply quickly and won’t require extra time to dry.
Community Feedback
Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
Best Deodorant Cream for Pregnancy
This deodorant might take some getting used to since it’s a cream you apply with your fingers to your armpits, but if you prefer to avoid aluminum and other chemicals, it might be worth the extra effort.
Soapwalla deodorant cream uses fine vegetable powders, clays, and oils to help prevent bacteria growth under your arms and inhibit sweating.
It has an original, unobtrusive scent, which is usually tolerable for pregnant women struggling with pregnancy nausea or morning sickness, and it is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
It has no parabens or aluminum, so while it works effectively as a deodorant and helps to limit the amount you sweat, it is not technically an antiperspirant as it does not fully clog your sweat glands.
The main drawback to this product is that it is considerably more expensive than most other deodorant options on the market.
First-Hand Impression
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick
Best Deodorant Stick for Pregnancy
This option is one of the most natural products you can choose. This crystal deodorant stick is made of minerals that form a natural barrier against your skin, preventing bacteria from mixing with your sweat.
It has no fragrance, so it will not exacerbate your pregnancy nausea if you’re sensitive to smells during pregnancy. It contains no aluminum, parabens, or other harmful chemicals. It is also hypoallergenic, making it great for those with extra-sensitive skin during pregnancy, and it is safe to use on breakout-prone underarm skin.
This deodorant stick is formed from mineral salts, and you need to wet it before applying. It’s an economical option, as one stick will last up to a year before you need to purchase a new one.
User Experience
Deodorant Safety When Pregnant
If you’re wondering if it’s safe to use deodorant while pregnant, the quick answer to this question is yes.
Most doctors don’t encourage women to stop using or switch their deodorant when pregnant. If pregnant women do opt to switch, it’s most often because they have noticed an increase in sweating and need a new brand to help them stay dry.
The EWG Healthy Living App can help you make conscientious decisions about skin care and cosmetic products. Its cosmetic database rates a wide range of products to help you avoid those with toxins and chemicals.
Editor's Note:
Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BCThere is still much controversy around whether deodorants are safe for anyone — not just pregnant women. The main issue centers around the aluminum used in antiperspirants, which clogs the sweat ducts so they cannot release sweat.
Despite there being no medical evidence to back up these concerns, many people are still uncomfortable using aluminum-based products and opt for aluminum-free deodorants instead (2).
However, aluminum is incredibly effective as an antiperspirant. For pregnant women suffering from excessive sweating, there does not appear to be any super-effective aluminum-free alternatives (3).
Be Wary Of Parabens
How to Choose Deodorant During Pregnancy
When buying deodorant while pregnant, look for the following:
- Antiperspirant and deodorant: Your need will depend on how much you sweat or whether you need to combat odor. If you want a deodorant that will protect you from embarrassing pit stains, you must find one specifically labeled as an antiperspirant. If you want a scent to cover up body odor, it should be co-labeled as a deodorant.
- Paraben-free: Parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, so it’s best to avoid deodorants that contain parabens.
- Stick or roll on: Avoid spray deodorants as you may inhale some of the particles into your lungs. Try to choose stick or roll-on deodorants.
Alternatives to Deodorant While Pregnant
After reviewing the medical evidence, we don’t find it necessary to avoid deodorants and antiperspirants while pregnant. However, we understand some pregnant women will choose to do so out of caution.
If it’s important to you to avoid aluminum and fragrances, or you want a more natural deodorant, you can try the following to manage sweating and body odor while pregnant:
- Use underarm wipes throughout the day to clean bacteria that may mix with sweat and cause odor.
- Put baby powder, cornstarch, or baking soda under your arms to help absorb your sweat.
- Wear light clothing that will allow your body to breathe and prevent overheating.
- Use deodorant only on an “as-needed” basis, like when you have a big presentation at work or if you’re planning to be out in the sun all day.
- Bathe or shower frequently.
FAQs
Can Aluminum In Deodorant Cause Infertility?
While some studies suggest a possible link between aluminum exposure and fertility issues, the evidence isn’t strong enough to confirm a direct cause-effect relationship. But if you’re concerned, there are plenty of aluminum-free deodorants available on the market.
Why Do I Smell Worse With Natural Deodorant?
Switching to natural deodorant can initially cause an increase in body odor. This is often referred to as a “detox period,” during which your body is expelling built-up toxins and getting used to the change in product. It usually settles after a few weeks.
Does Dove Deodorant Have Parabens?
Many Dove deodorants are marketed as being paraben-free, but it’s always best to check the packaging of the specific product you’re considering. Parabens are preservatives in a lot of cosmetic products, but some people prefer to avoid them due to potential health concerns.
What Is the Most Harmful Ingredient in Deodorants?
Many ingredients commonly found in deodorants have been questioned for their safety. These include aluminum compounds, parabens, triclosan, phthalates, and artificial fragrances.
While the risk from these ingredients is generally considered low, if you’re concerned, look for products labeled as free from these ingredients.
The Bottom Line
The Almay Sensitive Skin Clear Gel is our top pick as the best pregnancy deodorant. It contains the maximum aluminum level to battle stubborn pregnancy sweat but does not contain added scents that may be bothersome to the sensitive pregnancy nose.
Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, so it will not irritate your skin while pregnant. It contains no parabens, which can interfere with your estrogen. And it has been tested by dermatologists, so you know it’s safe.
