Does Necessaire's aluminum free deodorant actually work? I put it to the test

NBC News

22-04-2025

As someone who tests beauty products for a living, I've tried to become more mindful of the ingredients I put on my body in the name of healthy skin. While it's been relatively seamless finding an aluminum-free yet still efficacious alternative for things like facial cleanser and body lotion, one product type I have yet to find an effective replacement for is deodorant.
I'm a fitness enthusiast and not one to mess around with deodorant. I require high-performing, extra-strength formulas that keep me from stinking up my reformer Pilates class or hiding from my fellow gym-goers. I'm also on a journey to wear more thoughtfully formulated beauty products and have tried several aluminum-free deodorants to no avail. Thus far, I haven't been able to find a formula that truly keeps body odors out. Recently, though, Nécessaire sent me their latest addition to their body care lineup, a mandelic acid deodorant, and I set out to test it out for 30 days.
Below, I'll share my experience using the product, including its ingredients, who it's best for and how it performs.
What is Nécessaire's The Deodorant?
Nécessaire The Deodorant
Nécessaire's deodorant is an aluminum-free, $22 formula that's designed to control odor for up to 72 hours without aluminum, PEGs and parabens. This isn't the brand's first foray into deodorants — their deodorant gel is a roll-on formula that you can use on the entire body including the underarms. The new formula is solid and uses sunflower wax, a vegan alternative to beeswax, that helps give the deodorant its solid form.
Like the deodorant gel, The Deodorant is made with vitamin B3 and B5 as well as AHA 's like mandelic and lactic acid (versus other odor-reducing agents like aluminum or baking soda). (AHAs, also known as alpha-hydroxy acids, support exfoliation and skin renewal.) The formula comes in four scents (including fragrance-free), and because it's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, it's suitable for sensitive skin types. Aside from odor protection, this formula is also meant to reduce the risk of razor bumps (a plus if you shave your underarms), according to Necessaire.
How I tried the Nécessaire deodorant
I put the deodorant through the wringer, to say the least. I exercise four to five days a week and switch things up regularly, so over the course of 30 days, this deodorant accompanied me to a range of workouts including Pilates (both reformer and mat), weight training, treadmill, stairmaster, yoga and even a hot sculpting class. I also used it on non-workout days to see how it fared in my everyday life while running errands, working from a coffee shop and going to dinner with friends.
I wore it with dark-colored clothing and different fabric types to see if it would stain. Also, because I I traveled a bit this month, I was able to see how it performed in a variety of weather conditions including rainy and gloomy as well as sunny and dry.
During the testing period, I used the deodorant daily, swiping it on two to three times under both underarms. I used it the way I would my traditional deodorant, which is before I leave my house and after each shower (unless I went straight to bed after showering). All in all, the core factors I was looking at while testing were odor control, absorption and ease of use.
My experience with the Nécessaire Deodorant
I love everything Nécessaire does when it comes to packaging, and this deodorant is no different. The bottle is sleek, chic and looks cute on my bathroom counter. It's also small enough to tote around in my gym bag. If I really had to pinpoint something I'd change about the product, I'd say I would have preferred for it to have a snap-on snap-off cap rather than one I have to twist on and off.
Overall, it's easy — and enjoyable — to use and I like the fact that it liquifies upon application (almost like a serum), but that it dried in the same amount of time it took me to lay out my clothes.
What I like
Effective scent masking
This deodorant scored high marks in all categories I tested it for. Most importantly, I looked at odor control, which is a qualm I have with other 'clean' deodorants. This deodorant is the only aluminum-free formula I've tried that's been able to successfully mask all odors no matter what my day calls for, which is especially impressive considering I tested the fragrance-free version. To be clear, this isn't an antiperspirant, so it doesn't stop me from actually sweating. What it does do is ensure I don't walk out of a workout class (or go throughout my day) smelling like B.O.
On low-intensity exercise days, I didn't feel the need to rush home and take a shower — in fact, I felt comfortable going straight from my workout to a meeting or brunch without the fear of smelling unpleasant. Even on days I did high-intensity workouts (like a 95-degree heated sculpt class), I was able to walk out without a stench.
Quick-absorbing
In terms of absorption, the formula settled quickly into my skin, and because it's a solid stick format, I didn't have to wait for it to absorb before getting dressed (like I would with a gel or spray). The consistency is as if I took a liquid serum and solidified it — for this reason, it swipes on super easily. Unlike other deodorants I've tried, it doesn't leave behind a powdery or sticky residue.
Great for sensitive skin
What I love most about this formula aside from its ability to control my odors is the fact that it does so without aluminum, which has been studied to be a potential carcinogen, and parabens, which have been shown to mimic the effects of estrogen, potentially interfering with the body's hormone balance and raising concerns about breast cancer risk. Instead, its gentle formula keeps my sensitive skin happy and non-irritated. I don't shave my underarms because I did laser hair removal years ago, but on the few occasions I shaved any stragglers with a razor, the deodorant didn't sting or cause redness.
Alluring scents
As with all things Necessaire, this deodorant has a few options when it comes to scents. Aside from fragrance-free, there's Eucalyptus, an earthy blend of essential eucalyptus oil and fragrance notes of lavender, Siberian fur and ginger. Olibanum is on the warmer side and presents essential sandalwood oil with vanilla, black currant and fig leaf. For those who prefer something a bit more woodsy, Santal fuses essential sandalwood oil with notes of black pepper, iris and jasmine.
I tried both the unscented and Olibanum, and the latter was definitely my favorite. I was shocked to see that it lingered on my skin the entire day and completely masked my body odor — to the point where I didn't feel the need to wear a fragrance on days I wore it.
Potential drawbacks to keep in mind
It requires reapplication
One reason why I've been against natural deodorants is that most formulas give me that 'wet' underarm feeling after about an hour of wear — they make me feel like I'm sweating and, in turn, make me smell since they don't effectively cover up odors. With Nécessaire's deodorant, my underarms don't feel wet until about hour five, which is when I find myself needing to reapply. Even with the wetness, though, I don't smell of B.O — something other formulas have not been able to achieve.
It stains a bit
Like most deodorants, this one isn't stain-free. This formula left white marks on a black sports bra (but keep in mind that's also the day I was dripping in sweat from the hot sculpting class). That said, the stains came out with a few swipes of a wipe. Other than that, the deodorant played well with light-colored clothing and all types of fabrics including knitwear and cotton.
Who is Nécessaire's deodorant best for?
Nécessaire's deodorant is best for those looking to be more mindful of the ingredients in their personal care products. It's great for those with sensitivities to harsher chemicals found in traditional deodorants. Also, because the scents are so powerful, this may be a good formula for those seeking a multi-functional deodorant that takes the place of a fragrance.
When it comes to pricing, at $22 for 2.5 ounces of product, it's more costly than other natural deodorants on the market like the Native Deodorant ($13) or the Curie Aluminum Free Deodorant Stick ($15), though it's formulated with mandelic acid to help cover up odors. If you're looking for a formula that has additional skin benefits beyond masking body odor, Salt & Stone's Santal & Vetiver Extra-Strength Aluminum-Free Deodorant ($20) is another option that's similar in terms of its branding, scent profiles, price and ingredients.
Why trust NBC Select?
Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, Rostamian tried Nécessaire's The Deodorant for 30 days and considered the ingredients, performance and who it would be best for.