If you're having trouble keeping your underarms dry or smelling fresh, then it's time to switch your deodorant or transition to an antiperspirant. While both are designed to ward off underarm odor, deodorant can't prevent sweat unless it doubles as an antiperspirant. The best way to pick an effective deodorant is to read the label.
If the label reads that the formula is free of aluminum—the active ingredient in antiperspirants that plugs pores and prevents sweat and moisture—it is likely only a deodorant that will keep you smelling fresh and clean, but not dry.
11 Of The Best Deodorants For Women
Now that you have the facts straight, scroll through the 11 best deodorants for women ahead. We’ve rounded up everything from aluminum-free formulas to drug store classics.
- Best Scented Deodorant: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant
- Best Gel Deodorant: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Natural Deodorant
- Best Charcoal Deodorant: Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Charcoal Deodorant
- Best Natural Deodorant: Schmidt's Jasmine Tea Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
- Best Refillable Deodorant: Beautycounter The Clean Deo
- Best Deodorant For Odor Protection: Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
- Best Moisture Wicking Deodorant: Nécessaire The Deodorant
- Best Long Lasting Deodorant: Dove Even Tone Rejuvenating Blossom 48-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick
- Best Extra Strength Deodorant: Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response Invisible Solid
- Best Deodorant Spray: Degree Ultra Clear Black + White Pure Clean Antiperspirant & Deodorant Dry Spray
Best Scented Deodorant
The reason we bother to apply deodorant in the first place is to avoid foul-smelling underarms, right? So why not incorporate one enhanced with a pleasant fragrance to help? Try this one from Donna Karan, which features an incredible scent (think bergamot, sandalwood and amber musk) and is suitable for sensitive skin. FYI, it’s also formulated with aluminum to help keep pits dry.
Best Gel Deodorant
If you want to go the natural deodorant route, try this gel formula from Milk Makeup that utilizes the power of kaolin clay to absorb wetness and a natural enzyme complex to neutralize odor, which is the perfect cocktail for keeping underarms fresh. If you are making a switch from antiperspirants, the brand notes, it may take up to 3 weeks for your skin to adjust to the clean formula. So remember, patience is key.
The Best Charcoal Deodorant
In the beauty world, activated charcoal is hailed as one of the best ingredients for drawing impurities from the skin, which is why it appears in everything from facial cleansers to deodorants. As the hero ingredient in this option, it helps to fight odor causing bacteria and rid the skin of toxins overtime. This formula goes on smooth, dries clear and is available is six refreshing scents.
The Best Natural Deodorant
For those looking for a reliable and affordable natural deodorant option with a wide variety of scents, Schmidt’s is worth a swipe (or two!) The deodorants in the brand’s sensitive skin line are free of baking soda (an ingredient that can be irritating for some), and promise 24 hours of odor protection. The product has a light, paste-like consistency that glides over the skin easily and dries down quickly. If Jasmine Tea isn’t up your alley, we recommend Lavender Tips as a relaxing alternative.
The Best Refillable Deodorant
The Clean Deo, available in three different scents, is Beautycounter’s first foray into natural deodorant, and an impressive debut it is. The formula is made with a duo of cornstarch and baking soda to help absorb sweat and address odor. In fact, according to the brand, 85 percent of people in a 115-person consumer safety in-use study said it handled underarm odor all day, while 90 percent claimed perspiration was absorbed. The package itself is refillable in an effort to cut the brand’s water, fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Best Deodorant For Odor Protection
Instead of just masking odor, the Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant uses a blend of AHAs to lower the pH in your armpits, which helps prevent odor-causing bacteria from thriving there in the first place. It’s also stain-free, so you don’t have to worry about residue ruining your new white tee.
The Best Moisture Wicking Deodorant
Available in two scents—Sandalwood and Eucalyptus—as well as a scent-free option, this creamy deodorant from Nécessaire utilizes mandelic and lactic acid to fight against odor, while silica, zinc and kaolin clay help with moisture. The beautiful packaging itself deserves a round of applause.
Best Long Lasting Deodorant
Dove’s gentle and soothing deodorant formulas famously contain ¼ moisturizers to soothe, soften, and nourish the skin under your arms. Infused with vitamin B3, this particular product also works to help even skin tone and promises 48 hours of odor and wetness protection.
Best Extra Strength Deodorant
This prescription-strength antiperspirant from Secret is specifically made to defend against stress sweat, which the brand notes smells worse than sweat from activity or hot weather. While preventing moisture, the product helps control odor, too, with fresh scent made to last all day.
Best Deodorant Spray
Sick of deodorant marks and stains on your clothes? Degree’s Ultra Clear spray-on formula prevents both. It’s lightweight, dries down in seconds, and uses a “MotionSense” technology with capsules that release bursts of scent when movement is detected.
