The Best Deodorants for Sensitive Skin & Eczema
If you have sensitive skin or eczema, the simple act of applying deodorant can sometimes feel like a gamble. Will it protect you, or will it leave you with a burning, itchy red rash?
For many, that dreaded sting—especially immediately after shaving—is a daily discomfort. But keeping your underarms fresh shouldn't come at the cost of your skin barrier. Here is a dermatological guide to understanding why irritation happens and which products actually work.
The Usual Suspects: Why the Itch?
The skin in the axillary area (underarms) is thinner and more permeable than the skin on most other parts of your body. When you add friction (from movement) and occlusion (skin-on-skin folding), you have a recipe for irritation.
However, the burning sensation usually comes down to two specific ingredients found in standard antiperspirants:
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Alcohol (Ethanol): Often used to help the product dry quickly, alcohol strips the skin of its natural oils. On freshly shaved skin, which has micro-abrasions, alcohol acts like an astringent on an open wound, hence the stinging.
- Synthetic Fragrances: "Parfum" is one of the most common contact allergens in skincare. While a floral scent is nice, the complex mix of chemicals required to create it can trigger contact dermatitis and eczema flare-ups.
The Solution: Go Back to Basics
To break the cycle of irritation, you need to strip back your routine. Dermatologists generally recommend looking for two key labels: Alcohol-Free and Unscented.
By removing the drying agents and the potential allergens, you allow the deodorant to do its primary job, controlling sweat and odour, without compromising the lipid barrier of your skin.
The Hero Product: Mitchum Unscented
Finding a deodorant that is gentle enough for eczema-prone skin but strong enough to actually handle a busy day is difficult. Many "natural" alternatives are gentle but fail to stop wetness.
This is where the Mitchum Unscented range shines.
Mitchum has long been a heavyweight in the antiperspirant world, known for clinical performance. Their Unscented line offers their famous 48-hour protection against wetness and odour, but it is formulated specifically without the harsh irritants that trigger sensitive skin.
The Hard-to-Find Stick
While roll-ons are popular, many eczema sufferers prefer a solid stick formula because it goes on dry and creates a protective layer that minimizes friction.
However, finding the stick format in the UK can be surprisingly difficult. We highly recommend the Mitchum Unscented Stick. It conditions the skin while it protects, providing a smooth application that doesn't drag or sting.
Why we love it:
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0% Alcohol: No stinging upon application.
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Hypoallergenic: Tested to minimize allergic reactions.
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Clinical Strength: It actually keeps you dry for 48 hours.
- Availability: While high-street shops often only stock the roll-on, here at 123 Hair & Beauty we stock the highly covetable Stick format.
Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Sensitive Underarms
Even with the right product, your application method matters. Here are three rules to live by if you are prone to rashes:
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The "Wait" Rule: Never apply deodorant immediately after shaving. Shaving exfoliates the skin and creates microscopic cuts. Wait at least 15–20 minutes (or ideally, shave at night and apply deodorant in the morning) to let the skin barrier recover.
- Night time Repair: Treat your underarms like your face. If you suffer from dry, itchy patches, apply a basic, fragrance-free moisturiser to your underarms before bed to repair the skin barrier while you sleep.
- Patch Test: Before committing to a new product, apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours. If there is no redness or itching, it is likely safe for your underarms.
Ready to ditch the itch?
You don't have to choose between smelling fresh and being comfortable.
Shop the full Mitchum Sensitive range at 123 Hair and Beauty for the best UK prices here..
Find yourself asking 'What is the difference between deodorant & antiperspirant'? Discover the answer in our guide here..
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