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The best deodorants and antiperspirants of 2024, according to dermatologists
With the help of our expert panel of dermatologists, we've rounded up the best deodorants and antiperspirants of 2024 - and squashed a few stinky myths, too!
I don't know about you, but I've often found myself overwhelmed by the endless varieties of deodorants and antiperspirants — and combos — at my local drugstore. I stand there thinking, How am I supposed to figure out the best one for me?
I recently found some help, though: After talking with Yahoo Life's expert panel of board-certified dermatologists, I learned that once you understand the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant and how your needs relate to those differences, finding the perfect product is actually pretty easy.
What's the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants?
Dr. Monika Kaniszewska, a board-certified dermatologist, tells us in the simplest terms, "Deodorants mask the odor, while antiperspirants prevent you from sweating." It's a basic difference that comes down to one key ingredient.
Antiperspirants are formulated with aluminum salts, which work by forming a temporary plug in the sweat ducts — specifically the eccrine glands — thus preventing you from sweating, explains Dr. Amy Forman Taub, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology. "What sets different antiperspirants apart is which salt the product is formulated with and its concentration. While aluminum salts can be irritating, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is generally less irritating — and less effective — than products that contain aluminum chloride, which is often found in prescription-strength antiperspirants," says Taub.
As such, the Food and Drug Administration considers deodorants cosmetic products, whereas antiperspirants are classified — and regulated — as drugs.
The best deodorants and antiperspirants of 2024
Whether you're looking to stop the sweat, stop the stink or both, there's a product out there for you on the ever-expanding deodorant and antiperspirant market. And, while it's always nice to have options, it can also be overwhelming when there are hundreds of them. To better understand the what's-what on deodorants and antiperspirants, we turned to our Yahoo Life panel of board-certified dermatologists and skin care experts to learn everything there is to know about what makes up the best deodorants and antiperspirants, what to look for and what to avoid. We then considered more than 75 types and styles of deodorants, antiperspirants and combinations of both and evaluated each based on application type, ingredients, efficacy and cost. Keep reading to learn which ones made the cut as the best deodorants and antiperspirants of 2024.
Cost: $20 | Active ingredient: Coconut Oil, Tapioca Starch, and Magnesium Carbonate (Dead Sea Salt) | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Lavender & Lemon, Cedar & Vanilla, Cannabis & Green Tea, Cardamom & Ginger, Rose & Vanilla, Citrus & Vetiver, Coconut & Lime, Sandalwood & Black Pepper, Juniper & Mint, and Fragrance-free | Longevity: All Day
Plenty of deodorants on the market are labeled specifically for men and women, but the core ingredients are largely the same. The only real difference comes in the form of fragrance; men’s deodorants tend to smell fresh, musky or earthy; women’s deodorants tend to smell floral, fruity or summery.
With a total of 10 different scents to choose from, Each & Every is a true unisex deodorant. Choose a light and airy scent, such as Rose & Vanilla, a strong and rich scent, such as Sandalwood & Black Pepper, or something more unique, such as Cannabis & Green Tea; if you’re sensitive to smell, there’s also a fragrance-free option.
Each & Every Natural is formulated without aluminum, parabens, baking soda or synthetic fragrances. Instead, it's packed with natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, dead sea salt, tapioca starch, and essential oils. Each & Every Natural also has the "Verified" seal of approval from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), meaning that it does not contain any harsh chemicals, the company is fully transparent about ingredients and practices safe and sustainable manufacturing, so you can trust that the ingredients are safe, clean, and natural.
- Gentle, non-irritating, EWG-verified formula
- A variety of scents are available
- Plant-based packaging
- Can leave residue
- Pricier than drugstore options
Cost: $32 | Active ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly 15.40% | Scents available: Cashmere Mist | Longevity: All day
Deodorant might not be the most glamorous beauty product on your vanity, but it’s probably the one that gets the most use. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to pamper yourself every day, try swapping out your drugstore deodorant for one of the top luxury antiperspirants on the market: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist.
Beloved by TikTok, this cult classic is worth the hype. It’s an antiperspirant and deodorant, which means it works to reduce both odor and sweat. It’s formulated with aluminum to block sweat, but the specific aluminum compound used (aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly) is gentler on your skin than many other aluminum compounds. There’s also an aluminum-free version available that uses cornstarch, coconut oil and magnesium hydroxide, but it’s worth noting that it won't work as well in terms of keeping you dry without the aluminum.
Still, no matter which version you choose, you’ll end up smelling great, thanks to the scent. Each stick is infused with the famous Cashmere Mist fragrance: light and fresh with hints of jasmine, bergamot and sandalwood. So, unlike your typical deodorant, it smells more like perfume. It's also a personal favorite of our senior health editor, April McCormick, "Hands down Donna Karan Cashmere Mist is one of the best combo deodorant and antiperspirant I've ever used. It keeps me dry and feeling fresh all day, and the scent is heavenly. It's worth every penny and lasts a very long time."
Cost: $18 with subscription; $30 one-time purchase | Active ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly 18% | Scents available: 4; Trailblazer, Coastline, Hudson, and Night Market | Longevity: 24 hours
Helmm antiperspirant and deodorant, "designed for the modern man," offers three formulas with four fresh scents to choose from. Along with the antiperspirant, there are two aluminum-free options: the Sport deodorant stick — made with sodium stearate — and the Natural deodorant stick, which contains sodium hydroxide and a blend of plant-based ingredients like sunflower seed oil and aloe vera leaf extract. In addition to the high-quality ingredients, we really liked the company's commitment to sustainability, eco-friendly packaging and its subscription-based service that works on your schedule.
You’ll first need to purchase a starter kit, which comes with a container and a refill pod, or you can opt for a disposable antiperspirant stick. You can then subscribe to get automatic refills every six, seven, or eight weeks. Subscriptions also come with a discounted price on both the starter kit and future pod refills.
We do want to point out that the initial cost can be rather expensive, depending on your chosen starter kit, but the refills are $14-$18 regardless of the starter kit you choose.
There are two different containers available:
Compass Vessel ($30): A rubber-coated container that comes in four colors: black, dark blue, light blue and white. It’s priced at $30 for a one-time purchase or $18 for a subscription.
Heritage Vessel ($80 - $100): Made of metal and hand-stitched leather and comes in black or brown. If you subscribe to the service, the price is discounted to $65-$85.
Refill pods cost $18, but if you opt for a subscription, the cost per refill is $14.
- Eco-friendly, refillable design
- Subscription options for convenience
- Three formulas to choose from, including aluminum-free
- No fragrance-free version available
- Black leather vessels are significantly more expensive
Cost: $5 - $6 | Active ingredient: Aluminum (Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate 25% in women’s; Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly 20% in men’s) | Available for men and women: Yes | Scents available: 3 for women (Powder Fresh, Pure Fresh, and Shower Fresh); 4 for men (Clean Control, Intense Energy, Sport and Ice Fresh) | Longevity: 48 hours
If you’re looking for serious perspiration protection at an affordable price, the Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant is a great option.
Formulated with over 20% aluminum, it’s designed to block odor from the three most common culprits: heat, motion, and stress. A solid stick or a gel version is available — personally, I’m always partial to solid deodorants since it tends to dry faster and without any gunky residue, but reviewers for the gel formula note that it’s quick drying and doesn’t leave you feeling like a sticky mess.
Although the scent options are fairly limited – there are three scents for women and four for men – this antiperspirant will leave you smelling fresh and clean and, most of all, you'll stay sweat and stink-free for 48 hours. At less than $10 for a pack of two, this one is hard to beat when it comes to getting the most bang for your budgeted buck.
- Affordable drugstore option
- Long-lasting formula
- Quick drying
- No fragrance-free option
Cost: $10 | Active ingredient: Tapioca Starch, Salicylic acid, Zinc ricinoleate, Tamanu oil, and Coconut oil | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Santal Bloom, Pink Beach, Island Orchid, Exotic Pulp, Seascape, Lush Greens, Lagoona, Black Tide, and Fragrance-free | Longevity: 24 hours
While antiperspirants are designed to last 24 hours or more, finding an aluminum-free deodorant with the same staying power is no easy feat. That’s why we’re so impressed with the Saltair Skincare Deodorant.
It’s an all-natural, vegan and paraben-free deodorant that actually works. In clinical trials, 97% of participants found that one application held up throughout the entire day. What’s more, participants who used the product saw noticeable improvements in skin discoloration and texture. That’s because the Saltair deodorant uses salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate, soften and brighten skin.
It also contains coconut oil and calophyllum inophyllum oil – commonly known as tamanu oil – which has a number of skincare benefits. Like most nut oils, it’s incredibly moisturizing and is often used to help treat eczema, psoriasis, and irritation. On top of that, both coconut and tamanu oil have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and wound-healing properties.
To help combat sweat and odor, Saltair uses zinc ricinoleate and tapioca starch rather than harsh ingredients like baking soda or alcohol, so it’s safe for all skin types. Of course, it’s worth noting that it’s a deodorant, so it won’t be as powerful as an antiperspirant. So, although it’s long-lasting, if you exercise or work up a sweat, you’ll probably need to reapply.
While you can purchase a two-pack from Amazon for $20, if you opt to order directly through Saltair, you will have access to all the scents available and other skincare items.
- Helps brighten skin and reduce ingrown hairs
- Refillable deodorant
- Variety of scents to choose from
- May need to reapply after swimming or a heavy workout
Cost: $14-16 | Active ingredient: Coconut Oil, Arrowroot Powder, Kaolin Clay, and Baking soda | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Vanilla + Citrus, Lavender, Geranium, Blue Tansy, Charcoal, Bergamot + Eucalyptus, and Unscented | Longevity: All day
If you have sensitive skin, you'll likely find a natural deodorant to be your best bet because the aluminum in antiperspirants tends to be irritating. Primally Pure is an organic, all-natural deodorant that is made specifically for sensitive skin. It uses simple, safe ingredients like tallow from grass-fed cows, white kaolin clay, coconut oil and arrowroot powder to neutralize odors. Although it does contain a small amount of baking soda, it’s naturally mined and has a finer grain than traditional baking soda so it’s less abrasive and won’t cause irritation.
There are nine scents to choose from, including several gender-neutral options: Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Vanilla + Citrus, Charcoal, Bergamot + Eucalyptus, and Unscented. However, it’s worth noting that the scented deodorants use essential oils for fragrance, so if you have extra sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to try the unscented deodorant first, which is free of any fragrance additives.
- Affordable price
- Controls sweat and odor effectively for over 24 hours
- Quick-drying formula
- Leaves some residue
- Gender-specific formula
Cost: $14 | Active ingredient: Aluminum Chlorohydrate 19% and Bisabolol | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: One; Fresh | Longevity: 24 hours
The Uriage Power 3 Deodorant is a clinical strength, roll-on antiperspirant that’s designed to block sweat for 24 hours. It only comes in a roll-on form, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Roll-ons tend to be extremely effective thanks to the liquid consistency that not only delivers more of the active ingredient directly to the area, it's easily absorbed into the skin. Dr. Kaniszewska tells us, "Aerosols and wipes may not be as effective than a thicker gel or cream that has the ability to stay on the skin and absorb better."
The downside, though, is the wet feeling upon application can be off-putting, and it can take longer to dry. The deodorant is made from Uriage Thermal Water, which helps nourish and moisturize underarm skin, along with bisabolol — a plant-based ingredient that can reduce redness and irritation. The Power 3 Deodorant is hypoallergenic and alcohol-free, so it’s a gentler option for anyone who prefers a roll-on's stain-free, odor-blocking benefits.
- Alcohol-free antiperspirant
- Clean, gender-neutral scent
- Controls sweat and odor well
- Takes some time to dry
Cost: $10 | Active ingredient: Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate 18% | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Clean, Fresh, Marine, Bold, and Neutral | Longevity: up to 96 hours
Degree is one of the most popular, well-known antiperspirant brands on the market and for good reason: The stuff works.
Unlimited by Degree is a new dry spray antiperspirant-deodorant hybrid that keeps you stink-free for up to 96 hours. That’s four days! It features the brand’s exclusive SmartAdapt technology, which adapts and responds to your body to create a barrier against sweat and odor. Basically, this micro-barrier is activated in response to movement, heat, and stress. So, you’ll get extra protection during moments when you need it the most (like when you’re at the gym.)
And although Degree does have gender-specific deodorants, Unlimited is marketed for unisex use. Five different scents are available that range from clean and airy to bold and warm. And, if you’re not up for a dry spray, it comes in a solid stick.
- Doesn’t leave white residue
- Long-lasting sweat protection
- Five, gender-neutral scent options
- No fragrance-free option
Cost: $20 | Active ingredient: Probiotics, Spirulina, Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants, Tapioca Starch, Magnesium Hydroxide, Baking Soda, and Coconut Oil | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Black Rose & Oud, and Neroli & Basil | Longevity: All day
If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen the viral deodorant from Salt & Stone called the Natural Deodorant. It's crafted with of all-natural, good-for-your-body ingredients like probiotics, magnesium and coconut oil. It uses antioxidant-rich seaweed and spirulina to protect and soothe irritated skin, while hyaluronic acid helps gently exfoliate and brighten your underarms. But perhaps more impressively, it contains probiotics, which work to balance the skin’s microbiome and prevent odor.
Salt & Stone's Natural deodorant is gender-neutral and comes in four unique and sophisticated scents, such as Black Rose & Oud, which has notes of lily, mahogany, amber and black rose. There’s no fragrance-free option, but there is a gel formula for sensitive skin.
- Probiotics help rebalance skin microbiome
- Softens underarm skin
- Vegan, cruelty-free formula with no alcohol or parabens
- Contains some baking soda
- Pricey
Cost: $11 - $14 | Active ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Gly 20% | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Barca, Clear Sky, End Game, and Limitless | Longevity: 24 hours
If you need something with serious sweat protection, Duradry’s AM Antiperspirant stick is a clinical-strength antiperspirant-deodorant combo that was made to treat Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating.
It contains 20% aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly, which is the maximum strength for that aluminum compound allowed by the FDA in OTC antiperspirants. Of course, that might be too drying and irritating for some, but if you have hyperhidrosis or are someone who sweats a lot, this product is worth a try.
There are four gender-neutral scent options available that range from clean and powdery to warm and earthy. It’s priced at less than $14, but you can save even more if you opt to subscribe to the auto-delivery service ( $11). Subscriptions can be delivered monthly or every three or six months.
- Strong sweat protection
- Smells great
- Formulated with 75% natural ingredients
- Leaves some residue
- Can be drying
Cost: $31 | Active ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly 11.25% and Kojic Dipalmitate | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Longevity: All day
Have you ever noticed a product labeled ‘unscented’ that definitely still has a smell? If so, you’re not alone — we have, too. That’s why we love the DERMAdoctor Total Nonscents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant for a truly fragrance-free deodorant. It's a water-based antiperspirant that’s extremely gentle and non-irritating, not to mention completely unscented – so if you find most antiperspirants too harsh, this is one to try.
Something else that sets this DERMAdoctor Total Nonscents apart from the pack is that it is a roll-on antiperspirant with only seven ingredients. To put it into context, even "natural" deodorants tend to have at least 10 ingredients. One of the standout ingredients is the kojic dipalmitate, a compound that works to help brighten underarm skin.
While the price point is on the higher side, we feel it's more than worth it if you have sensitive skin — or a sensitive nose!
- Gentle, non-irritating antiperspirant
- Helps brighten and even underarm skin
- Goes on clear
- Lower amount of aluminum than other antiperspirants
- Very pricey
Cost: $26 | Active ingredient: Diatomaceous Earth and Tapioca Starch | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Nº Green, Third Rose, Santalum, Cedar Flora, California, and Neroli | Longevity: All day
The Corpus Naturals Deodorant Stick is another social media viral product that’s worth the hype. It’s an all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free deodorant that’s made without aluminum, baking soda, or synthetic fragrance. Instead, it uses vegetable-derived enzymes and plant-based ingredients, such as diatomaceous earth and tapioca starch to kill odor-causing bacteria and neutralize sweat.
But the best part is the look and feel. The deodorant stick comes in a chic, pistachio green container that looks incredibly elegant on your dresser. It’s a water-based gel formula that glides on smoothly without leaving any annoying white marks. Then there’s the smell — Corpus Naturals only uses naturally sourced fragrance from essential oils and plant isolates, and the results are incredible.
There are six scents available and all smell amazing. The scents are subtle, long-lasting, and gender-neutral – plus, if you can’t decide, you can get a mini set of three or size to find the best fragrance for you.
- Gentle, water-based formula
- Goes on smooth
- Smells great with no synthetic fragrances
- Contains some alcohol
Cost: $18 | Active ingredient: Coconut oil and Sage oil | Available for men and women: Gender neutral | Scents available: Original, Driftwood, and Beach | Longevity: All day
Kopari Aluminum-Free Coconut Deodorant is a great starting point for kids thanks to being a non-toxic, plant-based and all-around skin-friendly deodorant. The all-natural formula is free from aluminum, parabens, sulfates and baking soda, making it safe, clean, and gentle on children's skin. Kopari uses coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil to keep you smelling and feeling good. Additionally, the coconut and sage oils are antimicrobial and antibacterial, which eliminate and neutralize body odor while simultaneously moisturizing and soothing the skin.
- Aluminum, baking soda and alcohol-free
- Moisturizing formula
- Goes on smooth
- Not as long-lasting
What to consider when buying the best deodorant for you
When searching for the best antiperspirant and deodorant for you, keep the following important factors in mind:
Antiperspirant vs. deodorant
The biggest thing to consider is whether you want an antiperspirant or a deodorant. People often use the terms interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. Antiperspirants block sweat, whereas deodorants block and mask odors, not sweat. It's also important to know that while most antiperspirants are also deodorants, not all deodorants are antiperspirants, so be sure to read the labels.
The main difference can be found in the ingredients. Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, which dissolve into your pores and effectively prevent you from sweating. Deodorants, on the other hand, are aluminum-free and instead use antibacterial ingredients, such as baking soda or propylene glycol, that work to neutralize odor.
Ingredients
If you have sensitive skin, allergies or eczema, you'll want to choose a product without harsh chemicals or irritants such as triclosan, propylene glycol and alcohol. It's also worth noting that these ingredients can be found in both antiperspirants and deodorants.
If you want something that will keep you dry throughout the day and even workouts, you'll need an antiperspirant with aluminum, but to make things even more confusing, not all aluminum is created equally. There are 18 different FDA-approved aluminum compounds that can be used in antiperspirants, although some are more common than others. Aluminum chloride, for example, is considered the most effective for hyperhidrosis and people who sweat heavily, but it's also more irritating, whereas aluminum zirconium and aluminum sesquichlorohydrate are gentler forms.
Dr. Tushar Dabade, a board-certified dermatologist, points out that "prescription antiperspirants have a higher percentage of aluminum chloride than nonprescription. Prescription antiperspirants may work a little bit better for some people but occasionally can cause irritation."
Application type
Deodorants and antiperspirants come in a variety of application types. Each type has pros and cons, but the best one for you will depend on your personal preference.
Solid: The most common type (and my go-to) is a solid stick with a powdery, smooth consistency. Solid deodorants tend to dry quickly but can also leave some residue. If that's a concern, you can opt for an invisible solid that has the same consistency but goes on clear.
Roll-on: Roll-on deodorants are liquid and have a rotating ball applicator that contours to your underarm. They're usually smaller and more compact, plus they go on clear and don't leave any white marks behind. The downside is that they take time to dry, can feel sticky and can be drying on your skin.
Spray: Aerosol deodorants dry quickly and offer a mess-free, convenient application. However, they're also bulkier and tend to be depleted faster.
Gel: Gel deodorants typically come in the same type of container as solid sticks but have a thick, liquid consistency. Gels can be messier and take longer to dry but generally go on clear, without leaving residue.
Cream: Like gel, cream deodorants have a semiliquid consistency, but they're typically thicker and smoother. Cream deodorants are usually applied with the fingers instead of through the container, so it can be messy to apply but more moisturizing for the skin than other application options.
Wipe: Deodorant wipes are disposable, single-use wipes, similar to baby wipes. Wipes offer speed and convenience, but since each wipe is used only once, they can be pricier.
While application type does come down to preference — the best product is the one you will use — keep in mind that our expert Dr. Kaniszewska cautions that aerosols and wipes may not be as effective as a thicker gel or cream that tends to stay on the skin and absorb better.
Strength and longevity
When it comes to strength, it really only applies to antiperspirants. Stronger antiperspirants, often labeled "clinical strength," have a higher percentage of aluminum. A clinical strength antiperspirant, for example, may have 20% aluminum zirconium, whereas others have between 12% and 15%. If you have hyperhidrosis or spend a lot of time in high heat or being active, it's a good idea to look for an antiperspirant with clinical strength levels of aluminum.
Stronger antiperspirants will also last longer, with some even boasting 48 hours or more of coverage. On the other hand, natural, aluminum-free deodorants may not last the entire day and do not prevent sweating the way that aluminum-based antiperspirants do.
Still, Ann Cameron Schieber, physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology, stresses that "everyone's needs for deodorants and antiperspirants are different. What lasts for 24 hours for one person might not last for 24 hours for the next."
Scent
The type of scent you want will depend on what you like. Some people might prefer fresh, clean, powdery scents, while others may want something rich and warm, floral or earthy. Another thing to consider is what's available — some brands offer a range of scents, while others only offer a few options. And not every deodorant brand offers an unscented version. Fragrance can also cause some skin irritation, so if you have sensitive skin, a fragrance-free deodorant may be a better fit.
Cost
Drugstore deodorants typically cost between $5 and $15, while luxury, high-end deodorants can cost upwards of $25 to $40. With some luxury deodorants, you're paying for the brand name, but the higher price also often reflects high-end packaging, quality ingredients and more decadent fragrance options.
How we chose the best deodorants
To find the best deodorants and antiperspirants, we first spoke to a panel of dermatologists and their physician assistants to determine what to look for and what to avoid. All agreed that the most important consideration is a product's ingredients, so we spent hours comparing ingredient lists of more than 75 products from popular, drugstore brands to luxury brands, and lesser-known brands with exceptional products and looking at the scientific research available.
For antiperspirants, we looked at the type and percentage of aluminum salt used along with the inactive ingredients and prioritized those without ethyl alcohol, parabens or harsh irritants. For aluminum-free deodorants, we looked for products with natural, plant-based ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
Are antiperspirants safe to use?
There's plenty of myths surrounding the safety of aluminum-based antiperspirants. It's been suggested that aluminum can cause various ailments and disorders, most notably Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. However, it's worth noting that there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause any health concerns, including finding no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer.
According to Dr. Faranak Kamangar, dermatologist and founder of DermGPT, aluminum-based antiperspirants are considered extremely safe and effective. Dr. Zenovia Gabriel, a board-certified dermatologist from California, agrees but adds that there is a risk of skin irritation for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Is men's deodorant stronger than women's?
Many women turn to men's deodorant thinking that the products are stronger or more powerful, but that's another myth.
"The active odor-fighting ingredients are actually the same," says Dr. Samuel Hetz, medical director of Concept Medical. Instead, he says, the difference usually comes down to fragrance. "Men's products tend to take on a stronger, muskier scent, while women's are often lighter and more floral." Because of that, men's deodorant can often seem like it works better. "A more potent scent better masks odors," he says, explaining that added scents tend to become stronger and more noticeable when you sweat.
When is the best time to apply deodorant?
Although most people apply deodorant first thing in the morning, that may not be the most effective option. "Antiperspirants are actually best applied before bedtime," says Kamangar. At night, your body temperature is lower and your underarm area is drier, so antiperspirant will be able to penetrate your pores more easily, allowing it to work better.
However, that's only the case for antiperspirants. If you use an aluminum-free deodorant, morning application is recommended. Additionally, Kamangar advises applying deodorant after your morning shower when your skin is clean and dry. "This can help ensure better adhesion and effectiveness of the deodorant throughout the day."
How often should I reapply deodorant?
Antiperspirants should really only be applied once a day, says Kamangar, adding that because of the aluminum, applying more often can increase the risk of skin irritation. Deodorant, however, is a different story. Since there's no active ingredient, you can reapply as often as needed throughout the day in order to control odor. Additionally, your activity can play a role. "If you exercise or take a shower, it's advised to reapply, says Gabriel.
Meet our experts
Dr. Faranak Kamangar, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermGPT
Dr. Samuel Hetz, medical director of Concept Medical
Dr. Zenovia Gabriel, board-certified dermatologist
Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist; founder, Advanced Dermatology and skinfo.com
Anne Marie Leger, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Monika Kaniszewska, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Tushar Dabade, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
Steven Prus, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
Ann Cameron Schieber, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
