The 13 Best Deodorants of 2023
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Stay fresh all day long.
Real Simple / David Hattan
Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig
Whether working up a sweat at the gym or running errands, deodorants and antiperspirants will keep odor away throughout the day, so you can stay fresh throughout any activity.
"A variety of different sub-types of aluminum exist to allow for gel versus stick versus liquid or spray forms of products,” says Sherly Soleiman, the founder of the Cosmetic Injectables Center. “Also, the percentage of aluminum can differ in each.”
To find the best deodorants and antiperspirants, we spent hours researching products while considering formula type, active ingredients, scents, and if they did or did not contain aluminum—an additive that some individuals try to avoid in their personal care products. We also spoke to Soleiman for her expert insight on finding the right deodorant for you. From on-the-go deodorant wipes to classic sticks you can toss in a gym bag, we have a formula for every preference.
Best Overall Deodorant: Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
What Stands Out
It contains probiotics to create a healthier skin microbiome with less bacteria.
What Could Be Improved
It contains baking soda and fragrance, so it's not the best option for super sensitive skin.
The Salt & Stone stick deodorant is an aluminum-free deodorant that smells amazing and impressively masks odor. The key ingredient is a blend of probiotics, which work to rebalance the skin's microbiome and prevent the overgrowth of bacteria, which is what causes odor in the first place. It also contains a blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil to soften the underarms.
The formula comes in four unisex scents that blend well with other scented personal care products: Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Black Rose & Oud, and Neroli & Shiso Leaf. If a cream stick is not your texture preference, the brand also offers a gel iteration that won't transfer onto dark clothing throughout the day. This formula is also better for sensitive skin since it doesn't contain baking soda.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Probiotics, seaweed extracts, hyaluronic acid | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Black Rose & Oud, and Neroli & Shiso Leaf | Size: 2.6 ounces
Best Budget Deodorant: Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Invisible Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant
What Stands Out
It's impressively long-lasting.
What Could Be Improved
It's only available in three scents.
The Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant Deodorant is an easily accessible, affordable, high-performance stick that works well for anyone on the go. Because it helps control sweat production throughout the day, it holds up through intense workouts and long days at the office.
This protection is thanks to the active ingredient, aluminum zirconium—which some people try to avoid due to potential health concerns. (A 2021 study found that there was no relationship between the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants and breast cancer). It's only available in three scents, but they're classics (Powder Fresh, Pure Fresh, and Shower Fresh), leaving the product virtually undetectable.
Price at time of publish: $5
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium | Antiperspirant: Yes | Scent: Powder Fresh, Pure Fresh, and Shower Fresh | Size: 2.7 Ounces
Best Antiperspirant Deodorant: Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant
What Stands Out
It contains 15% aluminum for ample sweat protection.
What Could Be Improved
It's not as long-lasting as some other antiperspirants.
This popular Dove deodorant offers abundant sweat protection, moisturizing ingredients, and a refreshing fragrance to help keep underarm odor at bay. The Dove Advanced Care Deodorant Stick's most active ingredient is aluminum, which at 15 percent provides ample defense against sweat. This sweat-fighting ingredient also helps keep odor at bay, which is what happens when your underarm sweat mixes with your skin's bacteria.
The deodorant's added fragrance also helps minimize odor, while the moisturizing ingredients, including sunflower seed oil, keep your underarms smooth throughout wear. This soothing quality is further elevated due to the product's lack of sulfate, a type of salt found in beauty products which can dry out the skin and cause irritation. You can expect this deodorant to actively protect you from sweat and odor for up to 48 hours, and you can choose from 19 different scents.
Price at time of publish: $6
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium | Antiperspirant: Yes | Scent: 19 options | Size: 2.6 ounces
Best Natural Deodorant: Evolvetogether Natural Deodorant
What Stands Out
It has environmentally-friendly packaging and an array of scents.
What Could Be Improved
It comes at a premium price and contains fragrance.
If you're looking for a deodorant that uses natural ingredients and is sustainably-minded, check out Evolvetogether's deodorant. It doesn't contain aluminum, baking soda, or talc, and instead uses majority plant-based ingredients to neutralize odor, absorb sweat, and smooth skin. Other ingredients include hydrating glycerin and nourishing vitamin B5. This pick is also cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free, and has a recycling program so you can send them your empty containers.
It does come at a much higher price compared to other deodorants, and the size is a bit smaller than average. Also, those with sensitive skin should keep in mind that it does contain fragrance.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: Havana (Woody), Monaco (Floral), and Tulum (Clean) | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Each & Every Aluminum Free Deodorant
What Stands Out
It contains no aluminum, baking soda, synthetic fragrance, or parabens.
What Could Be Improved
One stick doesn't last very long.
If you have extra sensitive skin, you should avoid deodorants that contain aluminum, baking soda, and synthetic fragrance. One of the best options around that checks all those boxes is from Each & Every, which uses coconut, tapioca starch, and essential oils to fight odor. Plus, it's EWG-verified, which means that it means very high standards for health and safety. It's expensive, but worth it for the peace of mind—plus, it comes in 10 amazing scents.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut, tapioca starch, essential oils | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: 10 options | Size: 2.5 ounces
Best Extra Strength Deodorant: Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant
What Stands Out
The formula applies dry, so it won't transfer or stain clothing.
What Could Be Improved
People with sensitive skin will probably find it irritating.
As the name implies, the Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant is a standout option for those who need advanced odor and sweat protection during the day. Whether you have conditions like hyperhidrosis or are simply always on the move, this invisible solid formula offers prescription-strength wetness protection for up to 72 hours. Available in mini and full sizes, this transparent and clean-scented formula won't transfer onto clothes or interfere with perfumes you spritz on before heading out the door.
Price at time of publish: $13
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium | Antiperspirant: Yes | Scent: Completely Clean, Lavender, Coconut, Shower Fresh, Stress Response, Free & Sensitive, | Size: 2.6 ounces
Best Scented Deodorant: Saltair Santal Bloom Skincare Deodorant
What Stands Out
It utilizes ingredients more commonly found in skincare.
What Could Be Improved
The size is smaller than most, so you may need to replace your deodorant more often.
The Saltair Santal Bloom Skincare Deodorant is lightweight and odor-eliminating, and it simply smells divine. The skincare-meets-deodorant blend of salicylic acid and zinc rincinoleate helps keep bacteria at bay while brightening the look of discoloration and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs. Fragrance notes in the cruelty-free formula include rose, jasmine, and sandalwood for a balance of floral warmth on the skin—and there are a total of nine scents to choose from. Best of all, we love that it's refillable, so you don't have to buy a completely new container each time.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc rincinoleate | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: 9 options | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best Unscented Deodorant: Vanicream Aluminum-Free Gel Deodorant
What Stands Out
It has a minimal ingredient list and a sensitive skin-friendly gel formulation.
What Could Be Improved
The odor protection is not as long-lasting as other options.
Aluminum-free and scentless, the Vanicream Aluminum-Free Gel Deodorant is a drugstore option that’s also suitable for sensitive skin. The formula is minimal, with ingredients like purified water and glycine to keep skin balanced and soothed. It is also gluten- and talc-free, which are common irritants beyond aluminum and baking soda. Because it's unscented it's not as effective as truly masking odors, but it's a very good option for those with sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Gel Stick | Active Ingredients: Triethyl citrate, sodium polyacrylate, glycine | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: Unscented | Size: 2 ounces
Best Anti-Stain Deodorant: Degree UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant
What Stands Out
It's super affordable and offers 72-hour protection.
What Could Be Improved
This product may take longer to sink into the skin.
The Degree UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant & Deodorant won't transfer onto clothing, making it ideal for anyone who wears a lot of black and white clothing and doesn't want to worry about unsightly stains. The main active ingredient is aluminum sesquichlorohydrate, known for its ability to stop sweat—and the brand claims that you'll be protected from odor for 72 hours. This ingredient, in combination with a fresh and clean scent, makes this product an affordable option that won't ruin your clothes.
Price at time of publish: $5
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate | Antiperspirant: Yes | Scent: Original, Pure Clean, Pure Rain | Size: 2.6 ounces
Best Spray Deodorant: Native Deodorant & Body Spray Coconut & Vanilla
What Stands Out
It can be used as an all-over spray.
What Could Be Improved
The number of uses is small compared to the amount of product.
Spray deodorants and antiperspirants are the up-and-coming formulation that's easy to use and feels weightless on the skin. The Native Deodorant & Body Spray in Coconut Vanilla is a multi-use formula in the brand's best-selling scent. Free from parabens and aluminum, you can even use it on your whole body as an all-over spray. Along with a lightweight feel and quick-drying application, the formula includes dipropylene glycol to condition the skin and leave you with smooth and hydrated underarms with continued use.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Aerosol spray | Active Ingredients: Dipropylene glycol | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: Coconut & Vanilla, Sea Salt & Cedar, Eucalyptus & Mint, Cucumber & Mint, Lilac & White Tea, Sweet Peach & Nectar | Size: 3.5 ounces
Best Gel Deodorant: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
What Stands Out
The formula features skincare ingredients like niacinamide and chamomile.
What Could Be Improved
There is a limited scent range.
Nécessaire has a cult following for their body washes and moisturizers for good reason, and the Deodorant Gel is a product you won’t want to miss out on. Formulated with an AHA blend of mandelic and lactic acid, this roll-on product combats body odor, evens skin tone, and minimizes rough and bumpy texture under the arms. It also includes niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and chamomile extract to keep the skin balanced and soothe irritation. There is both a fragrance-free version and a eucalyptus-scented option.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acid, niacinamide, chamomile extract | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: Eucalyptus, Fragrance-Free | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best Deodorant Wipes: EO French Lavender Natural Deodorant Wipes
What Stands Out
They're made of renewable natural fibers.
What Could Be Improved
You will need to repurchase these wipes more frequently than other deodorant types.
The EO French Lavender Natural Deodorant Wipes are an easy-to-use and effective option for transitioning from a workout class to a day at the office. The blend of sugarcane-derived alcohol, glycerin, and essential oils keeps the underarms feeling cleansed, refreshed, and moisturized after use. They're also made of renewable plant fibers, minimizing the environmental impact. Each pack comes with six wipes, so it's definitely a more expensive alternative to traditional stick deodorant. With that in mind, it's best for on-the-go use and not as a go-to daily option.
Price at time of publish: $48 for 12-pack
Type: Wipe | Active Ingredients: Organic ethanol, organic glycerin | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: French Lavender | Size: 6 wipes
Best Cream Deodorant: Megababe The Cream Deo Daily Deodorant
What Stands Out
The no-mess packaging makes it easy to apply.
What Could Be Improved
It's only available in one scent.
Megababe's The Cream Deo Daily Deodorant is surprisingly easy to apply, quashing some of our hesitations around cream deodorants. The aluminum- and baking soda-free formula comes in an easy-to-use squeeze tube that keeps the application process from becoming overly messy. Plus, the applicator prevents wasted product.
The formula includes mandelic acid and lactic acid to stop odor-causing bacteria while brightening the skin. Additional benefits come from hydrating and skin-balancing niacinamide and tea tree oil for a light fragrance and antimicrobial properties.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide | Antiperspirant: No | Scent: Tea tree and mint | Size: 3 ounces
Final Verdict
Overall, we recommend the Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant, which is aluminum-free and comes in a range of high-quality scents. It's on the expensive side though, so if you're looking for something more budget-friendly we recommend the Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant Deodorant, which contains 20 percent aluminum for extra-strength protection.
How to Shop for Deodorant Like a Pro
Application Type
"Type of deodorant and antiperspirants is a matter of user preference," says Dr. Sherly Soleiman, the founder of the Cosmetic Injectables Center. The primary forms of deodorant and antiperspirant include solid sticks, gels, aerosol sprays, and creams. Some types, like gels and sprays, dry quickly and do not leave residue on clothing.
Others, like solid sticks and creams, are easier to travel with and are better for sensitive skin. Ultimately it comes down to what works with your lifestyle and what application feels more comfortable on your underarms.
Active Ingredients
"Antiperspirants require an active ingredient to plug the sweat glands and stop them from sweat production," says Dr. Soleiman. "The typical active ingredient effective in the sweat reduction of antiperspirants is aluminum." There is a lot of concern around the use of aluminum in deodorant and its health risks, so some people choose to forego it. Keep in mind, though, that a 2021 study found that there was no relationship between the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants and breast cancer—but ultimately, it's up to each person's comfort level.
Deodorants, on the other hand, use ingredients like baking soda to keep odor at bay. Newer variations utilize skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid and salicylic acid to stop odor and bacteria from thriving in the first place. While these ingredients won't prevent sweating, they can keep odor at bay.
Scent
Scent preferences are personal and functional—some prefer woody or musky scent profiles, while others choose floral-scented products or something fresh. Also keep in mind that synthetic fragrances can be irritating to some people with very sensitive skin.
"Product scent in deodorants can play an important role in masking body odor, but it won't prevent you from sweating," says Dr. Soleiman. Only active ingredients can stop sweating in its tracks.
Lasting Power
"All modalities can be similarly effective depending on the type and percentage of the active ingredient used," says Dr. Soleiman. Products with more active ingredients are likely to mask body odor or prevent sweat for extended periods compared to products with fewer active ingredients. A good deodorant or antiperspirant should provide at least eight hours of protection.
Questions You Might Ask
What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
The difference between the two products is straightforward. "Deodorant is made to cover up the smell of body odor (usually with fragrance) while antiperspirant is designed to reduce sweating by plugging the sweat glands and inhibiting sweat release," says Dr. Soleiman.
Is using deodorant with aluminum bad for you?
While you should carefully consider if you want aluminum in your deodorant, Dr. Soleiman emphasizes that it's not something to be overly fearful of. "Aluminum risks occur when it accumulates into toxic levels," she says. "People in the highest risk group are those in jobs exposing them to long-term inhalation or those that receive long-term aluminum injections (like aluminum-containing allergy shots weekly or monthly over the years). Skin (topical) and gut (oral) exposure has less absorption."
Does deodorant expire?
Like all beauty products, deodorants expire and lose their potency over time. "Deodorants usually contain fragrance to cover body odor," says Dr. Soleiman. "The fragrance oils can evaporate over time, making them less effective."
The scent in antiperspirants also degrades, and the aluminum compounds can break down, but "they do not become toxic or cause any harm if used after expiration," Dr. Soleiman says. We recommend following the expiration date guidelines printed on your deodorant or antiperspirant of choice.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Samantha Parsons, a beauty industry veteran and writer with experience across the cosmetics, skin, and wellness industries. She researched countless sites and brands to find efficacious deodorants that can withstand everything from intense workouts to daily activities. She also consulted with Dr. Sherly Soleiman, the founder of the Cosmetic Injectables Center.
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