Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) can complicate many areas of life. Even something as simple as choosing an effective deodorant becomes a battle when you are prone to eczema rashes and blisters. So what’s the best deodorant for Eczema sufferers? Particularly for those of us who prefer to avoid aluminum-based antiperspirants?
I am only one person, and can only speak to what deodorant works for me. However, part of my job is working in a greenhouse… in the summertime! And that environment definitely puts a deodorant through its paces. I have tested out quite a few that didn’t do the trick. However, since every body is different, you may have success with a formula that didn’t work for me.
By the way, all of these opinions come from my honest experiences, and I did not receive any of these products for free (although that would have been awesome). However, this article does contain affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission on purchases made through them at no extra cost to you.
Best deodorant for my eczema-prone skin:
My top choice overall is Lume solid stick deodorant. It has never aggravated my skin, unlike other deodorants. It contains no aluminum, which is something that I personally prefer. It’s acidified with mandelic acid, which avoids the issues that an alkaline pH can cause your eczema-prone skin. And it works! Lume can handle the active, high-temperature environment that I work in.
I’m using the vanilla scent right now, but I also really like the lavender sage! I love that the scents come from natural sources, but they also have an unscented version. There are quite a few scent options to choose from, so hopefully you can find something that floats your boat. This deodorant also comes in a cream stick and a lotion, but I prefer the solid stick.
Lume is not an anti-perspirant, however. It does not prevent sweat, it only controls odor. So, if anti-perspirant qualities are important, then my next choice may work better for you.
Best anti-perspirant for my eczema:
I have had a lot of success with Mitchum Powder Fresh, although it does contain aluminum. Mitchum Powder Fresh is a clear gel that works as an anti-perspirant as well as a deodorant. If having anti-perspirant qualities is important to you, then this one is my top choice. It’s never given me a rash or aggravated my skin, and it does work extremely well to control odor and sweat.
Best homemade deodorant for my eczema:
I have tested a LOT of homemade deodorant recipes, and I haven’t found a recipe yet that actually worked. Either I’d end up with wicked skin rashes, or the deodorant wouldn’t do its job… or both.
Homemade deodorant recipes vary, but many of them rely on baking soda and other ingredients with an alkaline pH to combat underarm odor. While baking soda sounds harmless enough, the science suggests that baking soda and other ingredients with an alkaline pH might not be a good choice for people with eczema. Research has found that eczema sufferers typically have more alkaline skin, while people with healthy skin have a more acidic skin pH (source).
An alkaline skin pH will promote an unbalanced skin microbiome, which is believed to lead to eczema flares. This is because harmful skin bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus are inhibited by an acidic pH (source). And so the alkaline pH that is found in baking soda and other natural deodorant ingredients can actually end up encouraging harmful bacteria to flourish on your skin. (Check out this post to see how I manage my eczema using a topical probiotic spray, and to read more about the skin microbiome.)
I haven’t given up testing out different homemade deodorant recipes, but I’m giving my skin a break from the relentless tests right now, and just using Lume.
I still enjoy reviewing new deodorants and testing out homemade recipes, so I’m sure I will try a new batch out soon. And if I ever find a homemade deodorant recipe that truly works and doesn’t bother my eczema, I will definitely recommend it here!
All the best on your skincare journey!
Jessie
My Eczema Journey 
