Soaking-wet, foul-smelling armpits won’t score any points with your boss or women … well, women who don’t have sweat fetishes. The problem is that many antiperspirants are aluminum-based; while they do a great job of temporarily blocking sweat ducts and suppressing odor, the jury’s out on whether the aluminum they contain is harmful.

Aluminum is actually a neurotoxin, and some researchers believe that the aluminum in antiperspirants for men can disrupt hormone levels, and suspect it plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, whenever the waterworks under your arms start flowing, aluminum is partially responsible for the grotesque yellow stains you get in the pits of your shirts.

So if you’re worried about the aluminum in antiperspirants, you may need to go with deodorants for men instead. And these deodorants are not only aluminum-free, but made from all-natural ingredients altogether.

Crystal Rock Deodorant ($7)
Along with forgoing aluminum, Crystal Rock lacks paraben, artificial preservatives that may have links to breast cancer, and phthalates (THAY-lates), which have been shown to damage the liver in lab tests. Instead, crystal rock uses a mineral salt crystal that doesn’t allow bacteria to breed. And bacteria are what make you stink. Another plus? Unless you apply deodorant to your underarm like you’re panting a barn, one stick can last an entire year.

Jungleman All-Natural Deodorant ($6)
Good thing more evolved guys like us don’t judge a product by its name. Jungleman’s deodorant — oddly, the formula touts itself as being unisex — is odorless and contains only four ingredients: baking soda, corn starch, palm oil from non-peatlands, and tea-tree oil. It’s also super absorbent and won’t stain clothing. Don’t believe us? They printed it right there on the label!

Tom’s of Maine ($6.50)
Using hops and zinc ricinoleate to absorb underarm bacteria and a lichen and coriander combo to neutralize odor, Tom’s long-lasting formula boasts 24-hour protection from damp and rancid pits.The apricot scent is one of the better-reviewed that they offer; the unscented formula is commonly accused of causing underarm irritation from reviewers.

TAGS: antiperspirants for men, body odor, deodorant, deodorants for men, smelling better