Deodorant is an everyday essential for most of us, but the long and cluttered antiperspirant and deodorant aisle at drugstores can be stressful. With so many options, how does one choose the best deodorant for women?
Which is the best deodorant to stop sweating?
For starters, there’s antiperspirant versus deodorant. The first prevents sweating and wetness while the latter tackles the stinky bacteria that comes about via sweat. A simple deodorant works well for those who don’t sweat a lot, but if wetness tends to take over your underarm area, then an antiperspirant is the way to go in order to stay dry.
Is antiperspirant or deodorant bad for you?
Many antiperspirants work by temporarily plugging sweat glands with somewhat controversial ingredients from aluminum salts. Though there is no convincing link between aluminum in antiperspirants and diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, there are several natural formulas on our list for women looking to avoid this ingredient.
What is the healthiest deodorant?
The healthiest deodorants are all about what’s left out rather than what’s included on the ingredient label. You want to avoid aluminum, parabens and phthalates. If you’re the sensitive type, look for ones without alcohol or baking soda. And you can always go vegan.
What is the most effective antiperspirant/deodorant?
The best deodorant for women has serious staying power. And despite portable pocket refreshers popping up on the market, you really don’t want to have to worry about reapplying your deodorant or antiperspirant throughout the day. You also want a scent you can tolerate that won’t overpower those around you. When it comes to delivery methods, it’s all about personal preference. You may be partial to the classic stick format (as long as it doesn’t leave any white marks) or prefer the spray-and-go approach. There are even cream options that absorb surprisingly quickly.
Get ready to say goodbye to pit stains, BO and sweat with these 15 best deodorants for women.
Best Invisible Solid Deodorant
- Degree
- Secret
- Ban
Best Aerosol Deodorant
- Dove
Best Natural Deodorant
- Lavanila
- Soapwalla
- Schmidt’s
Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin
- Malin+Goetz
- Tarte
- Meow Meow Tweet
Best Roll-On Deodorant
- Certain Dri
- Fresh
Best Clinical Strength Deodorant
- Secret
Best Stick Deodorant
- Dove
- Donna Karan
Find out what consumers had to say about each of our picks in the slideshow above.
[ Next: 13 Feminine Hygiene Products to Keep Your Bits Feeling Fresh All Summer Long ]
TB Best/Worst Deodorants and Anti-Perspirants
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Best Invisible Solid Deodorant: Degree
Ultra Clear Antiperspirant Deodorant, $4.29 at Target
One of the most frustrating things about deodorants is the white streak they can leave on your clothes. How many times have you almost walked out the door, only to glance in the mirror one last time and find you're rocking a nice deodorant streak and now have to change? Users say this deodorant will keep even your darkest clothes streak-free and your underarms fresh. In fact, more than one consumer said they relied on this deodorant for their wedding day — and that tells you all you need to know about it's long-lasting fresh scent.
Amy from Amazon: "I have awful allergies, and many deodorant/antiperspirants are so overpoweringly strong that I can't sit next to someone wearing them, much less use them myself. This one is subtle and works. It doesn't leave streaks on my dark clothes and doesn't stain my light clothing. I wore this on my wedding day and there's no better endorsement than that."
Valuegal from Amazon: "This is the only product I have found that stops my sweat. I was considering getting Botox injections, but thank goodness I gave this a try first."
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Best Invisible Solid Deodorant: Secret
Outlast Xtend Invisible Solid Deodorant, $7.16 at Amazon
The "secret" to getting rid of body odor and reducing sweat is swiping on this deodorant. According to consumers this deodorant holds up against even the most intense sweat-inducing workouts, and leaves you smelling fresh as a daisy all day long.
Monica0124 from Amazon: "I have sensitive armpits and this stuff does not irritate! It is also the ONLY deodorant, other than prescription, that can hold off my over-reactive sweating. It does not leave white on clothing and works great!"
Krichie82 from Amazon: "This Secret Outlast Xtend deodorant works great at keeping my stress-induced sweat away. Even during my most hectic day, it kept me dry. I love the Completely Clean scent, and the rounded applicator top means no more scrapes under my arms when my stick gets low. I received a free sample of this product from the Secret brand in exchange for my honest opinion. I don't always have good reviews to give on the products I try, but this is one them that definitely deserves it."
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Best Invisible Solid Deodorant: Ban
Shower Fresh Deodorant, $4.54 (pack of two) at Amazon
If you've ever wanted a heavenly smelling deodorant, then you need to pick up Ban Shower Fresh Deodorant ASAP. Not only does it actually leave you smelling like you just got out of the shower, but it holds up. One consumer claiming it kept her fresh for over 14 hours. Users also say it works great on sensitive underarms and leaves you feeling fresh just as much as it makes you smell it.
Kokua from Amazon: "I think I have tried every deodorant out there: sprays, roll-ons, gels, friend recommendations, etc. I've tried them all. I had a serious sweating problem until BAN. I honestly think some deodorants out there CAUSE body odor. I've had this on for over 14 hours now, and it STILL smells fresh. I walk 30 minutes to and from work, and I haven't put any extra on since I left this morning (14 hours ago). I NEVER write reviews, but I am so confident this stuff works so I just had to. You won't be disappointed!"
Kokua from Amazon: "This deodorant definitely makes you smell fresh, not cloyingly sweet/flowery/perfume-y like most products marketed to women. Nor does it smell heavily like chemicals or plastics, either. I'm really picky about how I smell, and I love the scent of this. The antiperspirant and odor-blocking effects are fairly long-lasting. 24 hours easily if you don't do anything sweaty, but it benefits from reapplication if you exercise. The application feels good on the skin, and it's non-irritating even with shaving/regrowth cycles."
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Best Aerosol Deodorant: Dove
Dry Spray Antiperspirant, $5.47 at Amazon
Consumers can't stop raving about the pleasant smell of this deodorant (which comes in eight different scents) and the light application. While properly applying the deodorant is key (a lot of the bad reviews came from improper use), all you have to do is shake and spray. In fact, users love the fresh scents so much, a few have replaced their perfumes.
MKillen from Amazon: "I'm so impressed by this deodorant! I'm going to be honest -- I usually have some trouble with deodorant. I've used a variety of different sticks and gels from Secret, Degree, Tom's Natural and even Dove, and nothing holds up. Luckily I tried this. You shake the bottle, and then spray it from a little distance. You don't even need a whole lot. Seriously, don't be an 8th grade boy with Axe. A little goes a long way. It has a cool, refreshing smell that is typical of their Cucumber line. It lasts me all day and leaves virtually no residue."
RR from Amazon: "I love this deodorant and it lasts all day. At one point in the day, I was moving around and thought someone had sprayed some body mist or something, until I realized it was just the lovely scent of my deodorant. I was pleasantly surprised."
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Worst Aerosol Deodorant: Secret
Original Aerosol, $3.97 at Walmart
Users weren't impressed by the "way too intense powdery smell" of this deodorant and claimed the fumes even made them feel sick. Other consumers said it did nothing to protect against or reduce sweat and left white streaks on clothes (even with its deceivingly clear application).
Geauxjodie from TotalBeauty.com: "The aerosol deodorant does not work on me. In the middle of a 95-degree summer, I will end up with sweat rings if I wear this. How gross! I would rather stay inside if this was my only option for antiperspirant."
Volta from TotalBeauty.com: "This deodorant didn't protect me against sweating much, and the fumes made me sick. I had to force myself to stop using this. Way too intense of a powdery smell."
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Best Natural Deodorant: Lavanila
The Healthy Deodorant, $13.25 at Amazon
While the price might be on the high end, consumers say you get what you pay for. For an all-natural deodorant this aluminum-free product smells great and keeps you from radiating BO. Users say it glides on smoothly and though damp at first, "it dries quickly."
Treenz from Amazon: "I LOVE this stuff. One container has lasted me exactly six months! I had the vanilla lavender, and I love the scent of it. Best of all though -- it works. I've tried lots of others that don't work for me but this one holds up after an eight-hour shift of retail work very well. I'm buying another one now. Definitely recommend this product."
Lauren from Amazon: "I'm loving this deodorant! I've been looking for the perfect natural deodorant and only stumbled upon this one after having a very violent reaction to another deodorant. I was almost about to give up on the whole natural deodorant thing, but one of my goals for 2015 was to completely cut out unnatural products. So, I decided to try this deodorant as a last ditch effort. I'm very glad I did! This deodorant smells really great and works well to keep you smelling good all day. It's also really smooth going on and has a nice gentle formula so your armpits aren't getting irritated. I'm very happy with this and would definitely recommend it to anyone like me who wants to transition to all natural products."
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Best Natural Deodorant: Soapwalla
Deodorant Cream, $14 at Follain
Don’t be turned off by this creamy formula because it really works. The "frosting-like consistency" glides on with ease, absorbs quickly plus prevents wetness and odor all day. The best part? With continued use, you may notice that your body actually perspires less. No wonder this best deodorant for women is a blogger and editor favorite.
Kathleen Brown from Follain: "I started using Soapwalla cream deodorant several years ago and it has never failed me, even during the hot, humid, DC summers. It also has the best clean fresh scent. I've turned so many friends on to this deodorant and they, too, quickly became addicted."
Adina M from Follain: "I just bought this on a whim (I'm a fan of Lavanila and Ursa Major's stick deodorants) and I'm in love! You just pinch off a small piece and work it into your skin and the paste becomes powdery and blends right in!"
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Best Natural Deodorant: Schmidt's
Natural Deodorant Stick, $9 at Amazon
While natural deodorants don't have the best reputations in terms of being long-lasting, users say this au naturel antiperspirant leaves them smelling fresh all day without the use of aluminum, parabens or phthalates. Plus, it's certified vegan and cruelty-free — who doesn't love that?
KVD from Amazon: "I am completely blown away by this deodorant. I usually use top clinical deodorants, but I really want to start going all natural on everything. I tried two other high rated natural brands in the past two weeks and they failed me as I expected -- and I didn't expect much more from this one. I took a shower over 15 hours ago, applied the deodorant stick right after and went to bed. I woke up late for work and forgot to reapply. I am home now and smelled nothing but delicious lavender! I am totally sold!"
Lilough from Amazon: "I love this stuff. It's a nice gel texture that glides on smooth and keeps me smelling fresh all day, and even over night! This is by far the best natural deodorant that I've tried, and I've been using it for a few weeks now. This is not an antiperspirant, so it does not claim to keep you dry, but I don't seem to have a problem with wetness throughout the day (I work a desk job). During workouts, I sweat but I don't smell, so that's what's important to me. I will continue to repurchase."
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Worst Natural Deodorant: Tom's of Maine
Natural Long Lasting Deodorant, $5.99 at Walgreens
To put it simply, users say this deodorant "didn't work at all." While they love that it's made with all-natural ingredients and is free of aluminum, it simply did not keep them feeling or smelling fresh.
Lipglossandspandex from TotalBeauty.com: "I liked that it was the standard twist up deodorant packaging. However, the product itself did nothing for me. I was sweaty AND smelly. It was almost worse than not using deodorant, because my armpits smelled like body odor AND apricot! Even on days when I wasn't physically active (sitting in a chair at work mostly), this didn't deodorize at all!"
ElphieGranger from TotalBeauty.com: "I really like a lot of Tom's of Maine products, so it pains me to say that this is one of the worst products I have ever used. I tried it in Apricot, and not only did it do nothing I would call "deodorizing", but it actually made me smell worse. I tried to make this one work about 10 different times -- always applying after a shower, and every single time, within about two hours I reeked. This "deodorant" actually made me smell far worse than if I has used nothing at all."
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Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Malin+Goetz
Eucalyptus Deodorant, $22 at Space.NK
Made without aluminum and alcohol, this stick is a godsend to sensitive skin. Its natural eucalyptus extract and citronellyl formula provides 24-hour odor protection sans irritation. And you don’t have to worry about it staining your clothes or clogging your pores.
Redwool from Space.NK: "Been using for a couple of years -- and now carry a mini in my handbag in case I feel sweaty in the day. Never stains clothes or stings sensitive post-shave skin."
KTN from Space.NK: "I love this brand. For someone who suffers from eczema this is a godsend- the only deodorant I’m able to use and I’ve tried so so many! Good for sensitive skin and the smell is so refreshing."
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Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Tarte
Clean Queen Vegan Deodorant, $14 at Sephora
If your skin is on the more sensitive side, Tarte’s totally vegan deodorant for women will be gentle on your pits. The twist-up deodorant features a hypoallergenic cream-to-powder formula that’s nonirritating and relies on natural plant starches to stop odor in its tracks. There’s also aloe to cool and condition plus a sweet vanilla scent.
Frankie 24 from Sephora: "I absolutely love this new deodorant! I have used natural deodorant for years and always had issues with rashes, wetness, and not long lasting. This product covers it all! I can work out for 2 hours with no ac with temps at 90 degrees and still feel great. The scent is light and dries quickly. I have not seen any marks on my clothing from it, either. Worth every penny!!"
Lolo1201 from Sephora: "This is a great deodorant that lasts at least 12 hours. I've had a difficult time finding a deodorant that's aluminum free and works, and this does the trick!! Highly recommend it!"
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Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Meow Meow Tweet
Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream, $14 at Follain
Want to go natural but find that other formulas irritate your super sensitive skin? It’s Meow Meow Tweet to the rescue. The cream is made minus clay or baking soda, instead relying on arrowroot powder and coconut oil to keep you smooth and dry.
Ann Petruccelli from Follain: "I can't stop telling people about this deodorant. I am a fitness instructor, I have a sweaty job, and this stuff WORKS."
Elana Oser from Follain: "I had wanted to switch to an all natural deodorant for a long time. Every time I tried, my skin broke into a painful and itchy rash. After doing a lot of research and hearing a lot of good things about Meow Meow Tweet, I decided to give the sensitive skin formula a try. Wow! Finally, I found a natural deodorant that works. The Lavender smells amazing, too."
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Best Roll-On Deodorant: Certain Dri
Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Roll-On, $5.67 at Amazon
Sick of those pit stains you acquire throughout the day? Don’t sweat it (literally). Users can't stop raving about the Certain Dri Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Roll-On and its amazing ability to stop sweat in its tracks and leave you dry all day — no matter what induces a sweat. Users also say you won't have to deal with a mediocre scent trying to cover up the BO smell either. Instead, it will leave you odorless.
ZapNZs from Amazon: "It’s nice when a product works EXACTLY as advertised, which Certain Dri PM Roll-On does. This is one of the few products I have used that TRULY works through a strong antiperspirant action. That is, it does NOT use scents to cover up odor from sweating, but rather dramatically reduces sweating, and hence dramatically reduces odors. When at least 15 other deodorant/antiperspirant products didn’t, THIS is the product that allows me to wear light blue shirts."
Regina Valdez from Amazon: "Listen to me. This stuff is a game changer! I no longer go shopping, turning away from half the dresses and blouses, knowing I can't buy them because I'll just ruin them with my sweaty pits, and look gross while doing it! I am glad I read the reviews for this product before buying and trying.I no longer perspire under my arms -- at all. I no longer find myself smelling at the end of the day. I can wear anything I want. I can take yoga or Pilates, raise my arms, and know that my armpits are bone dry -- and they are. Furthermore, I no longer need to wear deodorant, which only masks the smell of perspiration but does nothing to prevent it. Deodorant has ruined many a blouse, but not anymore."
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Best Roll-On Deodorant: Fresh
Sugar Roll-On Deodorant Antiperspirant, $19 at Sephora
If you crave a fresh scent along with sweat protection, you’ll love Fresh’s best deodorant for women. It smells like fresh sugar and the sweet treat’s natural botanicals double as skin-soothing and deodorizing agents.
Vanchai from Sephora: "Love this stuff - great for keeping your white shirts from staining, and smells very faintly of lemon. Wonderful!"
Cheb from Sephora: "I have been using this product for a few years now and it has never disappointed me. I find it to be effective!"
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Best Clinical Strength Deodorant: Secret
Clinical Strength Light and Fresh Soft Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant, $7.99 at Target
When regular deodorants and antiperspirants don't cut it, it's time for a clinical strength option. This solid offers prescription-strength wetness protection and odor-fighting capsules that absorb odor all day long. Several reviewers claim it's the only deodorant that prevents wet spots and that it lasts all day long.
Reviewer from Target: "I've gone through just about every brand and scent of deodorant on the shelf before deciding to take the plunge into Clinical Strength stuff. Regular deodorant always had a deodorizing effect on me, but it didn't keep me dry.This really does the trick in both departments for me, and as a huge plus if you give the deodorant a minute to get warm and absorb into your skin after applying it, it will no longer be visible when you raise your arms and won't leave marks on clothing. It's everything I could ask for in a deodorant, and this particular size is perfect for keeping in my purse."
Reviewer from Target: "This deodorant is the only one that has ever worked for me. I swear by it."
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Best Stick Deodorant: Dove
Advanced Care Shea Butter Antiperspirant Deodorant, $4.89 at Target
This stick deodorant goes beyond fighting odor and wetness and promises smoother underarm skin, thanks to moisturizers and shea butter.
Jodimn from Target: "I really liked the Advanced Care Dove. It went on very silky smooth-like and had a great scent. I really loved that it didn't leave any white marks on my clothing! Trust me, I wore the darkest of clothes to test this out. I felt confident all day long! I will definitely buy this and recommend it to anyone!"
Mindykary from Target: "I love the gentleness of dove to begin with and this product isn't any different. It did a great job protecting me all day and kept me smelling fresh. The smell is clean, fresh, and intoxicatingly yummy! I have sensitive skin and had zero issues with breakouts or bumps under my arms."
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Best Stick Deodorant: Donna Karan
Cashmere Mist Deodorant/Antiperspirant, $27 at Nordstrom
You might pay a little more for this deodorant, but users say its six- to eight-month lifespan is well worth the investment. Other users love the "non-overpowering" fragrance and say it keeps them smelling lovely even on the hottest and most sweat-inducing days. Where some prescription deodorants left sensitive-skinned users irritated, they claim this deodorant keeps them dry while being gentle on their underarms.
MissBargain from Amazon: "It leaves me dry and it's long-lasting. I love that scent! I don't use the perfume - not yet - but I use the deodorant everyday, and it doesn't conflict with my perfume. The deodorant lasts all day, no matter what I do. It is not common to find a high-end deodorant brand that is fragranced and that lasts this long. It also doesn't leave any residues. Excellent fragrance and line."
CS from Amazon: "I have been using for years and it is the only thing I will use. The fragrance is not overpowering and more importantly, it works all day. I love it and it lasts for several months. I keep one in the bath closet, another in my gym bag, and a third for traveling. I know several who also use and swear by it. I highly recommend."
