The 19 Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants to Keep You Smelling Great and Feeling Dry

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Finding the best deodorant is like a smaller-scale version of finding your dream home or a significant other: You can search high and low, but really, only one will be the perfect match. But the first decision you'll need to make on the journey is whether you're looking for a true deodorant or an antiperspirant.

Although they tend to all get lumped in as "deodorants," products containing aluminum are technically a different category. "Antiperspirants refer to products that are designed to block the release of sweat, while deodorants are designed to mask odor and may also work to absorb excess moisture," explains New York-based dermatologist Marisa Garshick. That being said, adds the derm, "Products may exist as only a deodorant, only as an antiperspirant or as a combination of both."

We consulted top dermatologists, tried the most popular formulas, and scoured the best-reviewed products to find the 19 best deodorants and antiperspirants. Find our picks below—including Kosas, Glossier, Degree, and more—along with expert insights from Garshick and board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz.

The Deodorant Gel

Nécessaire's dermatologist-tested and aluminum-free gel deodorant is a hit among Amazon shoppers and uses five percent alpha hydroxy acid to combat odor and underarm discoloration.

Customer Review: "Best natural deodorant I have tried! I have sensitive skin and all the others with baking soda or potato starch caused my armpits itchiness and irritation. This gel is smooth and calming - ZERO irritation or itchiness. I couldn’t be happier." —K.M.K

Ultimate Water-Based Peony & Rose Water Antiperspirant

This water-based stick "contains a high concentration of glycerin to keep the underarm skin hydrated, healthy and without irritation, while also helping to protect against sweat and odor," according to Garshick, who adds that it offers 48-hour protection.

Customer Review: "My absolute favorite deodorant. Smells so pretty. It works so well last all day long and I love how it doesn't leave any residue." —Samantha

Deodorant

Glossier fans waited for years for the brand to drop a deodorant, and it delivers. In three sophisticated scents (plus unscented), it contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and superfruit elderberry extract to make underarms both feel and smell great.

Customer Review: "I tried all three scents and I loved them they last all day and smell so amazing even my husband starting using the sandstone one and he’s obsessed too." —Samantha

Unlimited 96-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant Dry Spray

Both derms like this spray-on option from Degree. Per Mraz, "This is a great choice if you prefer a spray to a solid, and it will not leave behind any white mess on your clothes."

Customer Review: "I really like this deodorant! It lasts through long workouts even through sweat and continues to stay on all night when you go out. This is my new favorite go-to!" —skylarg31

Santal & Vetiver Natural Deodorant

Salt + Stone's deos smell so good, they could easily be mistaken for fancy perfumes (they come in candles and body washes too). But they don't just mask smell; made with ingredients like corn starch for sweat and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin, fans say they work just as well as antiperspirants.

Customer Review: "I have been struggling to find a natural deodorant that ACTUALLY works and smells great. I am a huge fan of this! I get so many compliments—I love it." —Jordan

The Cream Deo Daily Deodorant

Squeeze out a bit of this deo cream onto the applicator, and you might mistake it for body cream—but fear not, it dries down almost instantaneously. The creamy texture means it feels great as it goes on while the AHA-spiked formula curbs B.O. and tapioca starch absorbs sweat.

Customer Review: "This is the best deodorant I've ever used. I have very sensitive skin, but other natural deodorants made for sensitive skin either irritate my skin or are ineffective. Megababe's cream deodorant is gentle on my pits and keeps me odor-free, even after a long and sweaty day." —Maria

Essentials Deodorant, Fresh

Baking soda is often used as a sweat absorbent in aluminum-free formulas, including this one from Arm & Hammer, recommended by Garshick.

Customer Review: "Natural deodorant with no parabens or phthalates. Strong scent, great coverage for a natural deodorant. I have to reapply once about midday but it's still very effective"—Teara

Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

This roll-on serum contains a blend of shikimic, mandelic, and lactic acids to not only neutralize odor, but also brighten and tone skin. It's gained such a following that the brand now has two clean scents, plus an unscented version.

Customer Review: "I love how clean and effective this deodorant is, the formulation is clean and it actually prevents odors even after a sweaty workout session. Highly recommend this as a staple!" —ritzgirl3

Deodorant

Both derms name Vanicream as a good option for those with sensitive skin because of the ingredients it doesn't include, like plant-based starches and mineral clays. "Additionally, it is free of parabens, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, alcohol, gluten, lanolin, and fragrance," says Garshick.

Customer Review: "This doesn't make my armpits feel sticky. I have no irritation from it. Masks the smell well. Gets the job done!" —Prajakta

Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

Another aluminum-free option, Native has tons of fragrance options and loads of rave reviews. "This company uses clean ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and baking soda, and [is] free of talc, aluminum and phthalates," says Mraz.

Customer Review: "I have used this for years and is seriously the only brand that works for me. Thank you Native for creating a deodorant that doesn’t have aluminum in it and yet really works!" —RuthieD

Whole Body Deodorant - Invisible Cream Stick Lavender Sage

Not only can this aluminum-free deodorant cream be used on underarms, but it was developed by a doctor to be applied anywhere on the body that's prone to smell. Beyond that, it helps keep odor at bay for up to 72 hours.

Customer Review: "I usually use men’s deodorant because I need more odor control so I tried this on recommended from a friend. I love it! I can’t wait to try other scents as well!" —Erica

Advanced Control Solid Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

According to Mraz, this antiperspirant "effectively addresses the trifecta of B.O. triggers: heat, motion, and stress"—pretty handy, right? Plus, it smells fresh and keeps you covered for up to 48 hours.

Customer Review: "I have tried just about every deodorant/antiperspirant out there, and this antiperspirant is one of two that I have found work for me. I sweat A LOT and have a tendency to be stinky. This product keeps me dry and fresh, and it lasts all day."

Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant & Deodorant

"Containing aluminum chloride, this antiperspirant contains the same ingredient that is found in prescription antiperspirants to effectively reduce sweating," says Garshick. Pro tip: "It is best to apply at nighttime for maximum benefit and to minimize irritation," according to the derm.

Customer Review: "My favorite item! I genuinely enjoy it. It works very well; I use it once a week or every three days as recommended, but it lasts much longer. " —fitsum

Aluminum Free Deodorant

This non-sticky, transparent stick utilizes the power of prebiotics and probiotics to prevent odor, as well as tapioca starch and kaolin to help absorb sweat. We also love the unique scents, from the fresh and light After Rain to the citrus and agave Desert Bloom.

Customer Review: "I love this deodorant! It’s not like most other natural deodorants that wear not even half way through the day, this one lasts! The scent is great, it’s a little musky but in a light refreshing way. It dries quickly and is not sticky, and it’s very smooth and easy to apply." —Cheyenne

Clinical Strength Stress Response Soft Solid Antiperspirant & Deodorant

For those of us who can settle for nothing less than clinical strength, Secret is the gold standard. Containing 20 percent aluminum zirconium, it won't let you down on marathon days—real or metaphorical.

Customer Review: "Tried so many different deodorants, this one never fails me. It’s my tried and true. Smells good and covers well. Highly recommend!" —Julia

Workout Sesh

Nez started out with small, travel-sized aluminum-free deos and due to popular demand added full sizes to the lineup. Each is themed for an activity—workouts, dates, etc.—but they can be worn anytime, like this cucumber-y stick made with arrowroot and bamboo powders to absorb sweat.

Customer Review: "Works really well. Keeps you dry forever and clean smelling." —Giovanni

Cashmere Mist Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Stick

Cashmere Mist deodorant has beauty "IYKYK" status. Infused with the best-selling powdery Donna Karan scent, it's beloved by heavy sweaters and fragrance fans alike, even at its luxe price point.

Customer Review:

"I have tried literally all of them. This one works. I run long distances, my daughter plays hockey and we both swear by this. I never worry about smelling bad or getting a rash from my deodorant." —jennloveslattes

Santal Bloom Skincare Deodorant

Saltair does scent better than just about any brand at this price point—from this juicy—not dish-soapy—citrus to the grounded Santal Bloom. In refillable pods (made of 100 percent PCR plastic), the odor-neutralizing deo is one you'll happily buy again and again.

Customer Review: "This deodorant is so, so good. It’s soft and glides on like butter and smells amazing all day! I don’t plan to use any other deodorant. Period."

Milk Stick All-Day Odor Protection Invisible Deodorant

Beekman 1802 may be known for their skincare range, but don't sleep on this best-selling deo stick. Invisible, allergy-tested, and citrusy, the endless positive reviews speak for themselves.

Customer Review: "I had tried to order a couple of milk sticks before I ran out and they were sold out. I opted to try another brand that cost as much and didn't even come close to the quality of Beekman. So happy they came back in stock. I NEVER want to run out of this product again." —Wendy

What's the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?

The difference has to do with a key ingredient and its function: "Importantly, the only ingredients currently approved by the FDA to be included as an antiperspirant are aluminum-based, so this is especially important to look for when looking for an antiperspirant," says Garshick. "Antiperspirants work by decreasing the amount of sweat released by plugging up the sweat glands to directly block the release of sweat from the glands, thereby reducing wetness."

Deodorant is helpful because it helps cover up the smell from sweat and activity. However, "It’s important to understand that your sweat itself doesn’t have a bad odor—it’s the bacteria on your skin mixed with the sweat that creates the stinky smell," explains Mraz. "The underarm in particular is an ideal environment for bacteria because its warm and dark, this is why underarms are the place we think of fist when we think of B.O."

Although some deodorants may have ingredients that help absorb sweat, their main function is fighting odor. Garshick also notes that the products differ in when they are—or should be—applied. "Often deodorants are applied during the daytime to provide odor protection throughout the day, but deodorants in combination with antiperspirants are best used in the at bedtime," says the derm.

Which is better, deodorant or antiperspirant?

Both derms agree that it's a matter of preference, based on ingredients, how much you sweat, and other factors. "As explained the deodorant won’t keep you dry, it will just minimize the odor associated with sweating—so if you are looking to stay dry, then antiperspirant is the better choice," says Mraz.

Adds Garshick: "In fact, especially for those who sweat a lot, using an antiperspirant to reduce the amount of sweat may help to prevent skin irritation or changes that may occur in the setting of increased sweating." However, adds the derm, "For those simply bothered by the smell, using deodorant may be sufficient to camouflage odor."

If you're concerned about the aluminum, the experts say the risk associated with it is low. "Some potential concerns surrounding aluminum include a potential association with Alzheimer’s disease or cancer, but no conclusive evidence has been found," says Garshick.

Mraz also reminds that the ingredient works by plugging the sweat glands on the surface of the skin. "For an aluminum to be linked to causing cancer, it would have to be absorbed into the bloodstream at a high concentration, which is unlikely to happen with a daily swipe of antiperspirant."

Meet the Experts

• Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a leading board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, New York and Englewood, NJ at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, as well as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

• Deanna Mraz, MD, FAAD is a fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut with award-winning experience in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

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