Following on from my round-up of nickel-tested hair dyes, reader Sheona enquired about nickel free or low nickel deodorants.
I’d not considered these previously in the context of nickel allergy. When it comes to toiletries and cosmetics, nickel (and other mineral) contamination tends to be an issue associated with color — make-up and hair dyes, for example.
But given the application of deodorants and anti-perspirants to a very delicate area of skin, it’s perhaps well worth looking at what might be less irritant options …
Ingredients
Some deodorants and anti-perspirants use aluminum and zinc compounds, and although these are among the least allergenic of metals, it is possible to react to them. The greater problem is probably through trace contamination with nickel in some mineral-based ingredients, but even this seems low risk, as regulatory authorities place strict maximum levels of heavy metal contamination in ingredients and products.
Many deodorants (which mask smell) and anti-perspirants (which hinder sweating) will contain fragrances, and these can be sometimes allergenic, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if you do have problems with the skin in your armpits reacting.
If you’re looking to avoid nickel due to sensitivity, try seeking out products with relatively few ingredients, no obvious mineral components, and do consider fragrance free and preservative free options too — such as solid or natural deodorants. Certainly avoid any with colorants.
It may also be advisable to look for products which do not come in metal cans or containers, and instead use recyclable plastics, glass or paper materials, which avoid the risk of any minerals ‘leeching’ into the cosmetic formulation — although some brands (such as Weleda) do use containers with a protective resin to avoid this happening.
Very few products outside of Italy confirm that they are nickel tested, but if you do come across any, do please let us know!
Here is a trio of products you may like to explore:
Vanicream Deodorant (US) / Vanicream Deodorant (UK)
Perhaps the best option, with only five simple ingredients — no color, no fragrance, no dye, no botanical extracts, no baking soda, no mineral compounds other than sodium hydroxide and polyacrylate. It’s a gel in a plastic container which is high tolerance and has ultra low potential reactivity, and lots of sensitive skin and contact dermatitis patients have found works well for them.
Native Unscented Deodorant (US)
Native produce a range of deodorants, but only this one is fragrance free. Only eight ingredients, including tapioca, coconut and shea. Rated highly by SkinSAFE, and well worth a go. It’s described as a ‘whole body’ deodorant — for ‘pits, privates and more’! — and claims 72 hour odor protection. Aluminum free and dye free.
Bio Happy Neutral & Delicate Deodorant (Europe)
An Italian deodorant. Nickel allergy awareness is high in Italy, so you will easily find a number of Italian products with the added security that ‘nickel tested’ confirmed products can offer consumers, and this is just one. Note that it does contain aluminium and zinc compounds, as well as natural fragrance components, although the fragrance appears to be low allergen.