Every day, we apply deodorant to one of the most sensitive parts of the body — the underarms. But do you really know what's inside your deodorant or antiperspirant? Some ingredients can irritate the skin, while others are gentler and more skin-friendly. Here are the main deodorant ingredients to avoid — and what to look for instead.
1. Aluminium Salts
Used in antiperspirants to reduce sweating by forming temporary plugs in the sweat ducts.
The consideration: sweating is a natural body function, and many people prefer not to block it. If your goal is to manage odour rather than reduce sweat, choose a deodorant without aluminium salts.
2. Baking Soda
Used in many natural deodorants to neutralise odour.
The consideration: baking soda is alkaline, while skin is naturally slightly acidic. That imbalance can disrupt the skin barrier and, with daily use, lead to redness or irritation — especially on sensitive skin. Look for a baking-soda-free formula if your underarms react easily.
3. Parabens
Preservatives that extend shelf life.
The consideration: some people prefer to avoid parabens due to ongoing discussions about their potential effects. Look for deodorants preserved with gentler alternatives.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
These provide scent, but a single "fragrance" can hide many components.
The consideration: fragrance components are among the most frequent cosmetic allergens and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. If your skin is reactive, a fragrance-free formula is the safest choice — the fewer ingredients, the less there is to react to.
What to Look For Instead
A simple rule cuts through most of it: the shorter and clearer the ingredient list, the easier it is to know what's going on your skin. Aluminium-free, baking-soda-free, fragrance-free and dermatologically tested is a strong baseline — particularly for sensitive skin.
Where ZINDEO Comes In
ZINDEO is built around exactly that minimalistic approach. It isn't an antiperspirant or an ordinary deodorant, but an anti-odorant — it doesn't mask odour with fragrance and doesn't plug your glands; it works with your underarm microbiome so the odour never forms. Zinc neutralises odour at the source, the formula is free of aluminium, baking soda and parabens, made in Slovakia and dermatologically tested. For sensitive skin, the fragrance-free version makes the most sense.
Read the Label, Not the Brand
When choosing a deodorant, don't focus only on the brand or the scent — take a moment to read the ingredient list. The simpler and clearer it is, the easier it is to understand what you're putting on your skin.
Reset Set MAX — SALSOAP® + roll-on + cream · €49.50. For sensitive skin, reach for the fragrance-free version.
Try Reset Set MAX →
