The 16 Best Deodorant Brands, According to Derms and Sweaty People

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Finding the right antiperspirant or deodorant (yes, two different things) comes down to a few factors. Do you want scented or unscented? Do you need one formulated for sensitive skin? Are you looking for extra sweat protection? But at the end of the day, most of us—experts included—start by looking to deodorant brands we trust.

"Generally, I prefer brands that are affordably priced or give significant value if they are on the more expensive end of the spectrum," says Carmen Castilla, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital. Specifically, she supports "brands who listen to consumers but are not just jumping on trends and are thoughtful in their formulations. Brands that offer options specifically for sensitive skin patients but other products in the line are also generally non-irritating." All sounds pretty great, right?

To help you narrow down your search, we gathered 16 of the best deodorant brands, including Castilla's picks, below.

Dove

Deodorants can often have irritating ingredients, but Dove puts skincare first. Take the new VitaminCare+ Aluminum Free Deodorant Stick, which has vitamin B3 to even skin tone as well as help keep odor at bay for up to 72 hours.

Customer Review:

"I’ve been dealing with lots of hormonal issues/changing which was causing me to have some nasty b.o. I’ve always used men’s deodorant, chock full of aluminum. Not only does this keep me from sweating and smelling horrible and also smells absolutely amazing. Two thumbs up from this gal." —Rachael

Certain Dri

"For those who complain of excessive sweating, I recommend Certain Dri or Dove Clinical protection—these have higher antiperspirant percentages than a typical antiperspirant stick," says Castilla, who notes that "because of the higher antiperspirant percentages, these last two products are generally more irritating and less likely to work for sensitive skin."

Customer Review:

"Usually this type of product falls short but this works GREAT. I did not expect this to work so well. Considering buying in bulk so I don’t run out. Wonderful product."—ams

Vanicream

"The most common reason I recommend a certain deodorant brand is for people with sensitivities or rashes in their armpits," says Castilla, who often recommends Vanicream, "because it is free of dyes, fragrances, masking fragrances, and many irritating ingredients while still providing effective odor control."

Customer Review:

"My underarms began to break out and/or blister with strong deodorants, but the aluminum-free formula didn't feel like it stopped any odor, so I figured I'd give Vanicream a try. This stuff is actually amazing! It is super gentle on skin without compromising odor defense. Only one thing to note: it is not an antiperspirant. You will still sweat, but you will do so without smelling." —Cosette

Megababe

All of Megababe's aluminum-free deos, like the Smoothie Deo, smell fresh and fun, glide on easily, and feature odor-busting ingredients like fruit enzymes and postbiotics. If you do have to reapply, you'll be happy to pull this cute tube out of your bag.

Customer Review:

"I have tried so many aluminum-free deodorants over the years and this is the first one that controls odor for the entire day. I just stocked up, because I never want to be without!" —Amanda

Secret

There's a good chance Secret was your first antiperspirant, and with trustworthy formulas like the Original Fresh Powder Deodorant, which is pH-balanced and has long-lasting odor and sweat protection, the brand maintains its GOAT status.

Customer Review:

"I've been using secret since teenage years!! I keep in my gym bag, one in bathroom, in my travel bag. Gentle on my skin with no pore clogging, superb effectiveness and not overwhelming perfumed."

Degree

In addition to having the maximum sweat protection allowed, Degree Clinical Protection Shower Clean Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick features the brand's MotionSense® Technology, which is activated when you start moving.

Customer Review:

"This is the only deodorant that keeps me dry and from stinking. I have tried so many brands to get a 'clean' one and nothing works better than this one!"—DanielleC409

Carpe

For patients with sensitive skin who want to use an antiperspirant, Castilla often recommends Carpe and Dove, which she says contain "effective antiperspirants and are well formulated and generally non-irritating."

Customer Review:

"I have struggled with sweating my entire life. I have finally found a deodorant that works! I’ve been using this product for about 2 years and while it’s more expensive than any other deodorant I’ve used, I will never go back to anything else!"—Joellen

Lume

Been thinking about trying Lume's whole body deo? Castilla notes that they are formulated with mandelic acid, which "can help reset the microbiome and control odors."

Customer Review:

"This stuff is actual magic. No other deodorant has ever kept the smell away. Ever. And I’ve tried a bunch throughout the years. The only downside is it doesn’t keep me from sweating. I would much rather have wet armpits than stinky ones though." —Adrian

Saltair

Deodorant is probably one of the products we have to buy (and re-buy) most, so refillable packaging seems like a no-brainer. You'll want to try all the scents from Iskra Lawrence's body care brand Saltair, so it's lucky the refills can be mixed and matched.

Customer Review:

"This is my new favorite deodorant. I feel my skin has lightened and softened since using this and the scent lasts for hours. No ingrown hair bumps under my arms and the absorption is good as well. I will never go back to regular deodorants." —Shann

Ban

Ban is known for their ultra-clear roll-on antiperspirant formulas that won't leave those annoying white marks on clothes. There are several scents to choose from, but the brand's unscented variety is a fave for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

Customer Review:

"I’ve used this deodorant for about 15+ years. It works! Before Ban, I tried different brands, stick and roll on and I would smell after a couple of hours after showering and applying. I also have 1 stubborn underarm that would smell so bad. Ban has been the only brand that works for me, and I love it has an unscented option." —gpolaris

Salt & Stone

Santal & Vetiver, Neroli & Basil, Black Rose & Oud—no, these aren't perfumes, they're Salt & Stone deos. Not only do their products smell genuinely fantastic, but the brand has nailed the "so fancy you'll actually want to leave it out" vibe.

Customer Review:

"This stuff is my HOLY GRAIL!!! I have been trying a ton of aluminum free deodorants and have been struggling to find one that 1. Smells good and 2. Actually masks and holds sweat. This does the wonders of both. Highly recommend" —giannaf5

Duradry

You don't have to be hitting the gym to appreciate Duradry's AM Deodorant & Antiperspirant, but it's a great buy if you happen to be. It comes in four scents to suit your mood, has perky packaging, and really, truly works against a major sweat sesh.

Customer Review:

"This deodorant works wonders and I now buy it for my pre-teen. She was having issues finding a strong deodorant, she's in gymnastics and is very active so nothing in the stores seemed to work. Duradry does and we both love it!" —Veronica O.

Native

Fans regularly sell out Native's seasonal scents (and year-round faves) for a reason. They keep you smelling fresh, and the aluminum- and baking-soda-free formula isn't irritating.

Customer Review:

"i found this while looking for a deodorant that has no aluminum and no baking soda. I’ve tried a lot of different brands but this one works best for me. If you’re looking for an antiperspirant, this probably won’t be the one for you, but as a deodorant, it’s great." —bec56

Mitchum

Anyone who has tried Mitchum Advanced Control Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick knows it's no joke. With the strongest aluminum concentration and triple odor defense that works against heat, stress, and motion, it's the kind of stick that still holds over the next day if you're running out the door and forget to swipe.

Customer Review:

"My armpits are usually sensitive and recently due to my pregnancy I have sweated more and my odor is stronger so I decided to try this and it’s amazing!!! Very satisfied and surprised. Love it. I definitely recommend" —Diana F

Schmidt's

For those that are especially concerned with the ingredient lists, Schmidt's is made from 100 percent natural-origin ingredients like charcoal, odor-fighting magnesium, and essential oils. A little goes a long way—especially if you don't want your clothes staining grey!

Customer Review:

"The best natural deodorant!! This is a perfect for summer time natural deodorant. The only one that is good enough to last all day. A little on the pricey side but worth it." —elizabeth527

Nez

They come in full size as well, but this trio of handy little deos from Nez are so useful (and cute!) for throwing in your bag on the go. They're are also designed to wear for how you sweat differently throughout the day (hence the names: Board Meeting, Workout Sesh, and Date Ready).

Customer Review:

"This is the only deoderant that keeps me protected all day long! Recently reordered and couldn't wait for mail day because nothing works the way this one does! Definitely my go-to." —Yuliya

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