From Kosas’s gel to Sweatblock’s wipes, these are the best formulas.
Forget beauty products—deodorants fall into the category of basic grooming necessity. Much like toothpaste or body wash, it’s something you reach for daily… but not all deodorants are created equal. It’s important to first keep in mind that the word “deodorant” is often used as a blanket term for both deodorants and antiperspirants (and for the record, we’re using it as such here). Still, the two are very different.
Antiperspirants contain active ingredients, such as aluminum, that actually stop you from sweating. Admittedly, there is some controversy questioning the safety of these ingredients, which is why the deodorant category has exploded lately. True deodorants won’t keep you from sweating—so you may still experience some wetness—but instead are meant to combat odor so you don’t smell.
Ultimately, which one you choose boils down to a matter of personal preference. So our team of product testers, editors, and dermatologists tested out dozens of products for weeks at a time to help you understand what brand would be the best fit for your lifestyle. From efficacy and texture to scents and transfer resistance, we’re breaking down the best deodorants (and antiperspirants) to shop now.
Best Overall: Kosas Chemistry Deodorant
Byrdie editor-in-chief and GM Hallie Gould is only one of many Byrdie staffers full-on obsessed with this newbie. While yes, you will still sweat, Gould raves about how well it keeps smells at bay; per the name, it boasts a special blend of AHAs that creates a pH environment hostile to odor-causing bacteria rather than simply masking smells. She also loves how moisturizing it is (credit to the addition of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice), and she and other editors also appreciate the clear, serum-like formula, which dries super quickly.12
It comes in a fragrance-free variant, a choice for those with sensitive skin, “Serene Clean,” a scent that’s indeed clean and fresh, and most recently, “Beachy Clean,” a scent reminiscent of summer smells.
Be careful when using, though, the goop comes out quickly, even after a gentle squeeze. Since the packaging is so prone to overflow, we wish the tube came with more product in it.
Best Drugstore: Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant
A true standout in the world of natural deodorants, users consistently vouch for its efficacy. Aluminum-, paraben-, and cruelty-free, there are five scents to choose from: an unscented variety, as well as seasonal scents (you better believe there’s a pumpkin spice latte option). And if none of those float your boat, you can even create a custom fragrance.
Aside from this product keeping us from smelling good throughout our testing period, we love how weightless and light it feels. When we applied it a bit heavy-handed, it sometimes left behind a bit of white residue, but nothing that was too noticeable or transferred onto clothes.
As for its effectiveness, we really put this product to the test (we’re even talking a yoga-HIIT-hybrid class), and somehow we still smelled really good. Even the unscented version impressed.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
We’re huge fans of everything this brand offers, and this deodorant is no exception. How could you not be with how effortlessly this formula fights odor and hyperpigmentation and absorbs wetness so you stay dry from the first swipe?
We especially love it for the sensitive skin set (truly, is there anything more annoying than underarm irritation?), given that it contains a soothing mineral complex and is free of baking soda, aluminum, and synthetic fragrance. Speaking of fragrance, choose from eucalyptus or sandalwood scents—both equally chic—or fragrance-free.
We noticed the product gets a bit chunky and can leave a residue upon application, but nothing too major as long as you rub the product in with the applicator, it blends into a transparent film. Overall we found this buy productive for a typical day—nothing too over-exerting.
Some users noted that wetness returned after a few hours, but this quick-drying rollerball is easy to reapply. We recommend stashing one in your purse for emergency moments.
Best Budget: Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick
If you’re looking to make the switch to a natural deodorant but aren’t sure if you’ll like it (or just don’t want to shell out the big bucks for one), this pick is a wallet-friendly must.
A go-to for Byrdie Associate Social Media Director Star Donaldson, it’s great at controlling odor while also nourishing the skin. Plus, it comes in a wide line-up of unique scents, as well as a baking soda-free version for those who may be sensitive to the ingredient.
Like the Native, this deodorant can be hard to spread after the first roll-up, but it can also leave the dreaded marks on dark-colored clothes. A damp washcloth will usually get rid of this after a few swipes.
Best Natural: Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Another team Byrdie fave, this also happens to be a 2019 Byrdie Eco Beauty Award-winner. We tested this product through some very active and chilled-out days, and in both scenarios we smelled great (even at the end of the day). We didn’t experience any skin irritation, either.
Our favorite part is how this solid-gel twist-up stick glides on. The clear formula won’t stain clothes and is easy to touch up during hot, humid days.
Best Customizable: Nala Personalized Deodorant
There are plenty of haircare and skincare brands doing the custom thing these days, but this is the only deodorant we’ve seen get into the personalized game. We love that you get to choose not only your scent (from among three options like Cedarwood and Palo Santo, Eucalyptus, plus an unscented variety) but also the strength. It ranges from “Sensitive Skin” to “Extra Strength” with the strongest formula, including the highest concentration of baking soda. The “Sensitive Skin” option is free of both aluminum and baking soda, but the tougher formulas do include baking soda.
After trying the product out ourselves, we love how it applied clear and absorbed nicely into our skin. And after two weeks of detoxing, we noticed less sweating. Now, wetness generally occurs after about five hours of wear, but we don’t experience any odor.
Best Spray: Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray
You may associate spray deodorant with something your dad used back in the 1990s, but trust us, sprays are back in a big way. In our experience, they dry insanely fast, don’t stain your clothes, and many of the latest iterations (like this one) are alcohol-free, so there’s no underarm stinging.
This one is especially great if you’re super active. Not only is it an antiperspirant (meaning it contains aluminum), but it also boasts a unique MotionSense technology that releases microcapsules of fragrance as you move, so you stay smelling fresh and dry throughout your entire workout. Plus, it is under $10, so you can replace it without breaking the bank.
It is available in a wide variety of scents, but each fragrance is pretty strong, so if you are sensitive to smells, this may not be the right option for you.
Best Splurge: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant
Deodorants are no longer limited to basic options, but they have since expanded to include luxe scents and elevated experiences. Notes of Moroccan jasmine and lily of the valley take this stick’s scent from subtle to sophisticated.
Even though this formula contains no aluminum, it keeps unwanted odors at bay all day long. After testing the product ourselves, we’d describe it as very lightweight, almost powdery. The smoothness, amazing scent, and antiperspirant effect made us really happy.
Our one complaint is that this can leave chalky white marks or stains on your clothes. Also, for the price, we wish there was more product in the stick.
Best Luxury: Corpus The Botanist Natural Deodorant
To our previous point, yes, deodorant is a personal hygiene necessity, but if you want to turn it into a little bit of a beauty moment, treat yourself to this splurge-worthy option.
The water-based formula is effective yet gentle on even the most sensitive skin while keeping wetness at bay and exfoliating underarms. Not to mention, it comes in three next-level sophisticated scents (all naturally derived). And, of course, there’s the chic packaging, more elevated than any deodorant we’ve ever seen. The screw-on top prevents mess and crumbling, and the muted mint tone complements any shelfie.
Best Heavy Duty: SweatBlock Antiperspirant Wipes
This doctor-developed antiperspirant is for those who really want to call in the big guns, the super sweaty among us who want to stay completely and utterly dry.
When giving this product a go, the application felt really wet but dried quickly and didn’t mark up our underarms or shirt. After 24 hours of testing, we only noticed a very slight musty smell occur—we did manage to stay dry the whole time.
One important note: This is not an everyday kind of product. It contains the highest level of sweat protection you can get without a prescription (more specifically, a 14% concentration of aluminum chloride), so much so that you’re only meant to use the swipe-on pads once every seven days. Personally, we like to swipe these up before major events when we can’t be caught slipping (or sweating).
Best Wipes: Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes
Much like a face wipe is a lifesaver when it comes to cleansing your complexion on the go, a deodorant wipe can offer that same type of fast freshening. Stash these in your gym bag or purse; they’re infused with hydrating coconut milk and shea butter plus B.O-busting essential oils.
Spoiler alert: They work great not only for your armpits but also elsewhere on your body when a shower isn’t in the cards. Beyond the odor-fighting elements, these wipes are also biodegradable, so you can swipe sweat away guilt-free.
These wipes are super travel-friendly, which comes in handy, especially since you will have to reapply a few times throughout the day.
Best Scent: Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Deodorant Cheirosa ’62
Let’s be real—unless you’re opting for a fragrance-free option, the scent can be a major deciding factor when shopping for deodorant. Sol de Janeiro is famous for its heavily scented body creams and hair sprays. A few years ago, they expanded to deodorant, and they took their signature scent with them.
Cheirosa 62 incorporates notes of salted caramel, vanilla bean, and rich almond. The ultra-sophisticated combos are more akin to a high-end perfume than a deodorant.
On top of that, this product exfoliates your underarms with each application to prevent discoloration and ingrown hairs. Even better, the formula is refillable, so you don’t have to buy a whole new tube when you run out.
It goes on white, so be careful when you apply as it can get on your clothes.
Best Texture: Dove Dry Serum Antiperspirant Deodorant
True story: We refer to this as our, ‘going out deodorant.’ As the name suggests, the silky texture goes on completely sheer and dries instantly. Like, you can put on a black silk blouse right afterward, kind of instantly—no white marks in sight.
In true Dove fashion, it’s made with ¼ moisturizing ingredients and is an effective antiperspirant. We also can’t get enough of the fresh rose smell—and we’re not even big rose fans.
We wish that the scent lasted a little longer and that there was a little more product in the packaging.
Best Refillable: By Humankind Deodorant
If you’re looking for a clean deodorant that is also easy on the environment, this refillable option from By Humankind fits the bill. The formula is so clean you can eat it. Seriously – though, we don’t recommend it. Outside of the refill component, the packaging is made from biodegradable paper, which cuts down on excess plastic. Plus, it can be composted. The company offers its sustainable products in variety packs with discounts available, and you can sign up for its subscription service so you’re never caught without a refill.
Unfortunately, this formula won’t keep wetness at bay as long as some of the other options on this list. We recommend keeping it on hand for easy reapplication.
Best for Workouts: Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Designed to protect from three types of sweat activations—stress, heat, and general activity—you can count on this brand to get you through the most intense days. We love how this product goes on very smooth and silky, too, with just the right amount of scent (nothing too strong or light). And while testing it out ourselves, we didn’t experience any product transfer onto our clothing.
After 24 hours of wear, this product kept us smelling great with a very light fragrance lingering. It was only after some exercise that we felt a little damp—but generally, sweat and odor were under control.
Best Crystal: Crystal Mineral Deodorant Roll-On
When a deodorant goes on smoothly and doesn’t transfer onto our clothing, we know that we’re off to a good start—but that’s not all we look for in a great product. Sweat-and-odor protection is the main focus for us, and when testing this product, we found that odor was under control—but it didn’t completely block sweat throughout the day.
This pick is really great for those with sensitive skin or adversities to fragrance, and reviewers agree. Odor is kept away without skin irritation, itching, rash, or redness because all Crystal products are hypoallergenic, made without aluminum chloride, parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, and are vegan. And we love to see it.
So if you’re willing to sweat a little without the worry of irritation or stink, this buy is for you.
Best Clinical Strength: Uriage Clinical Strength Deodorant
To say we were impressed with the Uriage Roll-On after testing it out is an understatement. It has an awesome scent that completely blocks any odor— even after a 15-minute treadmill workout. And after 24 hours of wear, the freshness only wore off a little tiny bit, but we didn’t smell sweaty at all.
We love how smoothly this deodorant goes on, too—the formula instantly absorbed into our skin without being tacky, sticky, or greasy, and it left no stains on the black shirt we tested it with. This deodorant’s scent is robustly aromatic as well, which is a nice touch for those who enjoy a more noticeable aroma.
Final Verdict
The Kosas Chemistry Deodorant is our best pick. It prevents odors, hydrates the underarms, and dries very quickly, making it an overall winner. And as a more budget-friendly option, we like Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick. If you prefer something refillable, give the Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo or the ByHumankind Deodorant a try.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any deodorants from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business.
What to Look For in a Deodorant
Aluminum vs. No Aluminum
Figure out whether you want to stop sweat altogether, or eliminate odor, as your answer could determine your perfect formula. According to New York City-based dermatologist Michele Green, true deodorants don’t contain aluminum, nor do they prevent sweating. Deodorants are designed to prevent odor, so while you’ll still break a sweat when using them, you won’t smell. They typically contain antimicrobial active ingredients.
Antiperspirants, on the other hand, prevent sweating and contain the ingredient. While many express safety concerns over aluminum in a formulation, board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka notes that “to date, there have been no clear-cut medical studies that have proved a cause and effect link.”3 Green states that an aluminum-based formula is safe for people in good health to use, though if the ingredient causes irritation on your underarm skin, then opt for an aluminum-free version.
Natural vs. Traditional
Determine whether you want to use a formula that contains naturally derived ingredients (like essential oils and plant-based elements) or, if you prefer a more traditional formula, a la Secret or Degree. If you’re switching to a natural formula, keep in mind that there may be a transitional period. Seattle-based dermatologist Carly Roman notes that it usually takes a few weeks for your skin to adjust, but using an antibacterial soap in the shower to clean your underarms can help with the transition. “This will help reduce the major contributor (bacteria) to body odor, allowing the natural deodorant to seem more effective,” she says.
Format
Along with the conventional roll-up sticks that we’re all familiar with, today, you’ll find deodorants and antiperspirants in a variety of formats, including rollerballs, wipes, and sprays. The best option for you is totally a matter of personal preference.
Active Ingredients
Whether you’re using a traditional antiperspirant that contains aluminum or looking for an aluminum-free option, you’ll want to look at the active and inactive ingredients to make sure it’s a fit for your needs. Many aluminum-free deodorants use lactic or mandelic acids, like Nécessaire’s The Deodorant, or probiotics to neutralize odors and keep underarms feeling soft and dry. If you have sensitive skin, however, you might want to steer clear of acids and ingredients like baking soda to minimize any irritation. Many options on this list contain essential oils meant to soothe and nourish sensitive underarms, like By Humankind’s Deodorant. There are even deodorants with ingredients for brightening underarms.
FAQ
Should I use a scented or unscented deodorant?
Ultimately, the scent doesn’t impact the overall performance of a deodorant or antiperspirant.4
Natsch A. What makes us smell: the biochemistry of body odour and the design of new deodorant ingredients. Chimia (Aarau). 2015;69(7-8):414-420.
So whether you choose to go with a scented or non-scented option is up to you.
Are certain deodorants more prone to staining my clothes?
Pay close attention to the ingredients listed on your formula of choice. Both deodorant and antiperspirant can contain ingredients that create yellow stains on once-pristine white shirts: Aluminum has a reputation for doing just that, as does coconut oil.5 While both ingredients can easily be removed with household remedies, you may want to eschew them altogether if that’s of concern.
How often should I apply antiperspirant?
Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur recommends applying antiperspirant once daily, ideally at night, as your sweat glands are less active then, and you give the product more time to absorb into your skin. If you’re applying after you shower, make sure your skin isn’t damp before you sweep it on. “It’s best if you apply it after you’ve toweled off and your underarms have dried completely,” she says. “The main point is that your skin is clean and dry.”
