The 10 Best Deodorants for Women of 2025, Tested by Editors

Sweating helps cool you down during intense physical activity or exposure to higher temperatures. It's also responsible for clearing out excess toxins from the body. Despite its vital role, sweating can leave your underarms feeling wet and smelling less than pleasant. Thankfully, the best deodorants for women block odors, and those that are also antiperspirants work to help prevent wetness. Dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, notes that while aluminum is the only FDA-approved ingredient in antiperspirants, it may be irritating to sensitive skin, making it essential to research and select a formula that suits your needs.

Top Picks

Best Overall:
Arm & Hammer Ultra Max at Amazon $6
Jump to Review
Best for Those Who Sweat a Lot:
SALE
Certain Dri Extra Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon $10 $8
Jump to Review
Best Antiperspirant:
SALE
Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant at Amazon $21 $17
Jump to Review
Best Wipes:
Carpe Antiperspirant Underarm Wipes at Amazon $20
Jump to Review
Best Moisturizing:
SALE
Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick at Amazon $12 $11
Jump to Review
Best Everyday:
Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control at Amazon $30
Jump to Review
Best Gel:
Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel at Amazon $8
Jump to Review
Best Whole Body:
SALE
Secret Whole Body Deodorant at Amazon $13 $9
Jump to Review
Best Spray:
Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon $10
Jump to Review
Best Natural:
Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant at Amazon
Jump to Review
  • How We Tested

    To find the best deodorants for women, we spent over six months testing 47 products. When testing deodorants for women, we evaluate each product based on the following key criteria.

    • Efficacy: To evaluate each product's efficacy, we apply it as directed to clean, dry armpits in the morning. We then go about our day as usual, noting how well each deodorant holds up to both exercise and daily wear. Our top picks offer long-lasting sweat and odor control, with little to no need for reapplication during the day. We also consider how well each deodorant delivers on other advertised benefits, like skin brightening and hydration. 
    • Application: We consider how easy each deodorant is to apply, factoring in its texture, consistency, and packaging design. We deduct points for any difficulties or discomfort during application, like stickiness or residue. 
    • Scent: If a product is scented, we assess whether it's pleasant or overpowering. Throughout the 24-hour testing period, we pay attention to how the scent changes. Does it fade away or stay the same over time? Does it clash with any other fragrances we typically wear?
    • Transfer Resistance: During testing, we observe whether the deodorant leaves behind any white streaks or transfers onto our clothing. We check for transfer immediately upon application and after several hours of wear, when friction may play a role. To what extent does the product transfer onto our clothing? If so, are the stains easily removed?
    • Value: To determine a product's value, we don't check the price until after it has been evaluated in all other key categories. We prioritize options whose quality exceeds their value and that we’d recommend to friends and family.
    A person applies the Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control

    Verywell Fit

  • What to Know About Aluminum

    Antiperspirants with aluminum are thought to be the most effective at reducing sweat because the active ingredient plugs up sweat glands to directly block the release of sweat, thereby reducing wetness, says Garshck. Deodorant never contains aluminum as its main function is to reduce odor, not sweat.

    While there is some concern about aluminum related to Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer, no recent studies suggest an increased risk associated with aluminum in antiperspirants, says Garshick. Aluminum, however, may be irritating for some individuals with sensitive skin. It’s important to remember that aluminum is the only ingredient approved by the FDA to be included in antiperspirants, says Garshick.

  • What to Look For

    • Antiperspirants vs. Deodorants: Antiperspirants are designed to block sweat, while deodorants are designed to mask odor and may also absorb excess moisture, says Garshick. She adds that products can be antiperspirants, deodorants, or combinations of both. Select a product that works best for your needs.
    • Ingredients: Aluminum-containing products are thought to be the most effective at reducing sweat, but many other ingredients can be included, such as baking soda, magnesium, essential oils, shea butter, and witch hazel, says Garshick. Magnesium may help neutralize body odor by balancing pH, but it won’t prevent sweat. Baking soda can balance pH levels to reduce odor and help absorb excess moisture, says Garshick. Look for a deodorant or antiperspirant with ingredients intended to address your main concerns, whether that's sweat, odor control, or both. 
    • Application Type: Deodorants and antiperspirants come in various forms, including solid sticks, gels, sprays, creams, roll-ons, powders, and wipes. Choose a product that will be the most convenient for you, says Garshick. Keep in mind that some solid white sticks are prone to transferring to clothing. 
    • Strength and Longevity: Deodorants and antiperspirants may be labeled as clinical strength when they contain higher levels of aluminum than traditional-strength formulas, says board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD. If you have hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), you may want to consider clinical-strength options. Aluminum-free natural deodorants typically don’t provide the same long-lasting protection as clinical-strength products, but are gentler on sensitive skin. 
    • Fragrance: Some deodorant products are fragrance-free, while others contain fragrances that can help mask body odors. You might want to avoid fragrances if you have sensitive skin, as these can irritate skin, worsen eczema, or cause allergic reactions, says Penzi.
    A person removes a Carpe On-the-Go Antiperspirant Underarm Wipe from the package

    Verywell Fit

Compare Top Picks

Compare Top Picks
Arm & Hammer Ultra Max
Best Overall
Arm & Hammer Ultra Max
Best Overall Arm & Hammer Ultra Max
$6
Solid stick
2.6 ounces
No
No
Certain Dri Extra Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best for Those Who Sweat a Lot
Certain Dri Extra Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best for Those Who Sweat a Lot Certain Dri Extra Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant $10
$8
Solid stick
1.7 ounces
Yes
No
Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best Antiperspirant
Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant
Best Antiperspirant Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant $21
$17
Solid stick
2.6 ounces
Yes
No
Amazon Carpe On-the-Go Antiperspirant Underarm Wipes
Best Wipes
Carpe Antiperspirant Underarm Wipes
Best Wipes Carpe Antiperspirant Underarm Wipes $20
$18
Wipe
15 wipes
Yes
No
Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick
Best Moisturizing
Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick
Best Moisturizing Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick $12
$11
Invisible solid
2.6 ounces
Yes
Yes
Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control
Best Everyday
Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control
Best Everyday Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control
$30
Solid stick
2.6 ounces
Yes
No
Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel
Best Gel
Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel
Best Gel Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel
$8
Clear gel
2.6 ounces
Yes
No
Secret Whole Body Deodorant Cream
Best Whole Body
Secret Whole Body Deodorant
Best Whole Body Secret Whole Body Deodorant $13
$9
Cream
3 ounces
Yes
Yes
Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best Spray
Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best Spray Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant $10
$10
Spray
3.8 ounces
Yes
No
Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game-Changing Deodorant
Best Natural
Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant
Best Natural Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant
See Retailer
Roll-on
1.7 ounces
Yes
Yes

Best Overall

Arm & Hammer Ultra Max

Arm & Hammer Ultra Max
Credit: Amazon
$6 at Amazon View on Walmart View on IHerb
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Great scent

    • Strong odor protection

    • Minimizes sweat

    Cons
    • Slight transfer to clothing

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Solid stick Size: 2.6 ounces Cruelty-Free: Not listed Aluminum-Free: No Unscented: No Our Overall Rating: 4.75/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for those seeking an effective hybrid deodorant stick for odor and sweat control.

  • Why We Love It

    Arm & Hammer’s Ultra Max Antiperspirant Deodorant is a hybrid product that we found successfully prevents sweating and blocks odor. It kept our underarms fresh throughout testing, minimizing sweat and smells during a long commute through New York City’s bustling summer streets. 

    Efficacy is not the only feature that makes this product shine. We also love the long-lasting scent, which smells like fresh laundry and won’t irritate sensitive skin. The solid stick provides a smooth application, and for less than a third of the price of some of our other top picks, we think this stick offers great protection.

  • Potential Flaws

    • We noted some transfer on our clothing after a long day of wear. However, it was easy to wash off.
  • Tester Insight

    “I would most definitely recommend this product. Smooth application, great smell, and an amazing bang for your buck.” —Chantia M., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best for Those Who Sweat a Lot

Certain Dri Extra Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant

Certain Dri Extra Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant
Credit: Amazon
$10
$8 at Amazon
$18 at Target
$10
$9 at Walmart
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Easy application

    • No transfer to clothing, even after all-day wear

    • Gentle on sensitive skin

    Cons
    • Scent changes with wear

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Solid stick Size: 1.7 ounces Cruelty-Free: Not listed Aluminum-Free: No Unscented: No Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

  • Who It's For

    Best if you’re looking to minimize sweat during light activity and work days, especially if you have sensitive skin.

  • Why We Love It

    Certain Dri’s Extra Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant offers all-day moisture protection, making it one of the best deodorants for intense sweating during workouts and hot, sunny days. It kept us from sweating excessively in humid 80-degree weather, even as we sat in direct sunlight, with no pit stains, moisture buildup, or need for reapplication. 

    We love that it never irritated our sensitive skin, as we’ve experienced uncomfortable armpit itching with other formulas. Its solid-stick powder formula isn’t chalky or dry, and it’s easy to swipe across skin. Plus, it didn’t leave behind streaks on black shirts or transfer to the inside of our clothing, even after a full day of wear.

  • Potential Flaws

    • We didn’t love the scent of this deodorant by the end of the day, after it mingled with our sweat and body chemistry.
  • Tester Insight

    “This deodorant is effective at minimizing sweat. I didn't get any pit stains or notice any serious moisture buildup on my armpits, even when it was 80 degrees, sunny, and humid.” —Abby M., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best Antiperspirant

Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant

Dove Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant
Credit: Amazon
$21
$17 at Amazon
$20
$10 at Walmart
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly

    • Fresh, tropical scent

    • Improves underarm skin tone

    Cons
    • May not be ideal for those with sensitive skin

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Solid stick Size: 2.6 ounces Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: No Unscented: No Our Overall Rating: 5/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for those who want a cruelty-free antiperspirant deodorant that delivers long-lasting freshness and sweat control for everyday use and outdoor exercise.

  • Why We Love It

    Dove’s Even Tone Antiperspirant Deodorant delivers heavy-hitting sweat and odor control, keeping us completely dry and body odor-free during treadmill workouts, weight training sessions, hikes, and more. We never had to reapply it, even on active days, and we enjoyed its fresh tropical scent throughout the day. It also contains niacinamide and, with a few weeks of consistent use, our underarms appeared brighter and less irritated after shaving. 

    Despite its powdery texture, this deodorant goes on so smoothly that it feels like applying a solid moisturizer. It’s also clear on skin and didn’t transfer to our clothing, even after long days of wear. We’d feel confident wearing it in any setting, from high-intensity workouts to formal events, making its affordable price even more impressive.

  • Potential Flaws

    • While we didn’t experience any irritation when using this product, some users report that it’s not ideal if you have very sensitive skin.
  • Tester Insight

    “This is one of the best products I have ever tested. I will continue to use it and probably repurchase it because it works so well. I never had to reapply it, and it has a really nice scent that I could smell throughout the day.” —Danielle A., Verywell Fit product tester 

  • Product Images

Best Wipes

Carpe Antiperspirant Underarm Wipes

Amazon Carpe On-the-Go Antiperspirant Underarm Wipes
Credit: Amazon
$20
$18 at Amazon
View on Walmart View on Mycarpe.com
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Strong odor protection with a light scent

    • Compact and travel-friendly

    • Removes excess sweat

    Cons
    • Leaves residue on hands

    • Not quick-drying

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Wipe Size: 15 wipes Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: No Unscented: No Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for staying fresh on the go and during long travel days, especially in hot, humid climates.

  • Why We Love It

    Carpe’s Antiperspirant Underarm Wipes are a convenient, effective way to manage sweat on the go. We brought them along on a warm-weather vacation and loved how they prevented perspiration during daytime outings. Each dab or swipe removes residual sweat while applying a new layer of antiperspirant, making them a solid multitasking option for sweaty situations.

    These wipes are discreet and compact—perfect to throw in your bag before a full day of sightseeing. They also have a neutral, subtle scent, infused with sage leaf extract and vitamin E to gently hydrate skin. We appreciate that they don’t smell strongly of antiperspirant, allowing our perfume to take center stage.

  • Potential Flaws

    • These wipes leave behind residue, so we had to wash our hands after each use. 
    • This antiperspirant takes about a minute to dry, leaving our underarms damp for longer than we’d like. But once it dries, it stays put throughout the day.
  • Tester Insight

    “I love the versatility of this product. If you're having an especially sweaty moment, you can wipe the sweat away and reapply new antiperspirant at once. It's actually genius.” —Teresa M., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best Moisturizing

Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick

Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick
Credit: Amazon
$12
$11 at Amazon
$12 at Target View on Walmart
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Glides on effortlessly and is invisible on the skin

    • No transfer to clothing

    • Fresh scent that doesn’t clash with perfume

    Cons
    • Some slight odor after heavy sweating

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Invisible solid Size: 2.6 ounces Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: Yes Unscented: No Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for people seeking a fresh-scented deodorant for low-intensity wear, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.

  • Why We Love It

    Dove’s VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick has a deeply hydrating formula with niacinamide to soothe even the driest underarms. It glides on effortlessly with a moisturizing feel, making it a great option for individuals with sensitive skin. It’s also invisible with zero transfer, even to black T-shirts and tank tops. 

    We loved this deodorant’s scent, which is one of the freshest, cleanest linen fragrances we’ve ever sniffed. It doesn’t clash with perfume, making it a versatile choice for day-to-day wear. It’s also an affordable option, especially compared to other natural deodorants.

  • Potential Flaws

    • This deodorant left us with some body odor during intense workouts and stressful meetings. It’s a better choice for low-intensity settings, especially if you don’t mind reapplying midday. 
  • Tester Insight

    “I have sensitive skin, and my underarms tend to get easily irritated. I was impressed by how moisturized my skin felt after applying this, and I did feel like it helped keep the skin barrier intact.” —Megan F., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best Everyday

Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control

Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control
Credit: Lume
$30 at Amazon View on Lumedeodorant.com
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Long-lasting formula stands up to intense workouts

    • Minimizes sweat

    • Improves underarm skin tone

    Cons
    • Medicinal scent upon application

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Solid stick Size: 2.6 ounces Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: No Unscented: Yes (scented and unscented options) Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for high-intensity workouts and all-day wear, especially for heavy sweaters who want long-lasting freshness without reapplication.

  • Why We Love It

    From morning till night, with plenty of movement in between, Lumē’s Solid Stick Deodorant + Sweat Control kept us reliably dry and odor-free, easily earning our pick for Best Everyday. Even during our strength-cardio Pilates classes, when we’d otherwise be dripping, this deodorant effectively curbed perspiration from our underarms. And we never needed to reapply it, even after high-intensity workouts.

    This deodorant has a soft, powdery texture, which swipes smoothly onto the skin. It’s virtually invisible and, despite being a white formula, never transferred to our clothing. We love that it contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help subtly improve underarm skintone after several wears.

  • Potential Flaws

    • This deodorant initially smells somewhat medicinal, which we didn’t like. But it mellows after a few hours of wear and blends well with perfume.
  • Tester Insight

    “I was completely dry and body odor-free every time I wore this, from the morning until I took a shower at night. When I wore it with perfume, I could only smell my perfume, which was amazing. No body odor, no clashing scents, just my perfume.” —Megan F., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best Gel

Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel

Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel
Credit: Amazon
$8 at Amazon $8 at Target View on Walmart
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Strong odor protection, even during intense workouts and heat

    • No transfer to clothing

    • Easy to apply and dries quickly

    Cons
    • May cause slight burning sensation after shaving

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Clear gel Size: 2.6 ounces Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: No Unscented: Yes (scented and unscented options) Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for meeting your step goal in hot climates, especially if you prefer unscented or gel deodorants.

  • Why We Love It

    Secret’s Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel kept us smelling delightfully fresh, even in 90-degree heat. During strolls in hot weather, treadmill running, and barre workouts, it effectively fought off body odor, despite us testing the unscented option. As we exercised, we felt like its odor-blockinng powers amplified, and our body odor never broke through.  

    This deodorant was easy to swipe across our underarms, and it dried surprisingly quickly for a gel. It never transferred or left behind residue, keeping our clothing free of pesky white streaks. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly options we tested, making it an accessible option for daily wear.

  • Potential Flaws

    • If we applied this right after shaving in the shower, we experienced some underarm burning. We’d suggest leaving plenty of time between shaving and application. 
  • Tester Insight

    “Every day, I pick my daughter up from daycare, which is about a 1.5-mile round-trip walk. Some days it was more than 90 degrees out, and I felt like this deodorant definitely held up to the heat.” —Carrie G., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best Whole Body

Secret Whole Body Deodorant

Secret Whole Body Deodorant Cream
Credit: Target
$13
$9 at Amazon
$13 at Target View on Secret.com
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Soothing and gentle on sensitive skin

    • Long-lasting formula, with no need to reapply 

    • Invisible on skin and doesn’t transfer to clothing

    Cons
    • Not ideal for reapplication when sweaty

    • Scent overpowers perfume

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Cream Size: 3 ounces Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: Yes Unscented: Yes (scented and unscented options) Our Overall Rating: 5/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for full-body sweat protection during long, active days.

  • Why We Love It

    With a soothing cream formula and appealing tropical scent, Secret’s Whole Body Deodorant Cream is our favorite whole-body deodorant. Its long-lasting odor protection withstood a full day of Pilates, coffee meetings, and remote work, with no need to reapply. Especially for a natural, aluminum-free deodorant, we’re impressed by its ability to neutralize body odor during long, active days. 

    This deodorant’s sweet, fruity scent lasts nearly 12 hours (and earned us a few compliments during testing). And we like that it’s also available in an unscented version for those who are more sensitive to fragrances. It has a hydrating, lotion-like feel that absorbs quickly and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. It’s also invisible against skin and doesn’t transfer to clothing, even after a full day’s wear.

  • Potential Flaws

    • This cream requires hands-on application, which isn’t ideal for reapplying over residual sweat. Luckily, it lasts so long, we never had to reapply. 
    • Its sweet scent doesn’t mesh well with all perfumes, making it a better choice for perfume-free days. However, you can always use its unscented version.
  • Tester Insight

    “The sweet, fruity scent lasts all day, and it doesn’t ever transfer to my clothes. I felt fresher and more comfortable than I normally would on days when I'm transitioning from exercise to social settings to work. It's a win!” —Megan F., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best Spray

Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant
Credit: Amazon
$10
$10 at Amazon
$10 at Walmart
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Lightweight and minimizes sweat

    • Budget-friendly

    • Easy to apply and dries quickly

    Cons
    • Can transfer upon application

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Spray Size: 3.8 ounces Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: No Unscented: No Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for heavy sweaters, hot days, and everyday wear, especially if you want a long-lasting spray that doesn’t require reapplying.

  • Why We Love It

    Secret’s Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant kept us comfortably fresh all day, even after intense HIIT workouts and errands in humid Midwest weather. During gym sessions, it minimized sweating and body odor, maintaining our pre-gym freshness. Despite the balmy weather, we never sweated through our shirts or needed multiple reapplications while wearing this lightweight spray. 

    This deodorant is easy to apply and dries quickly—perfect for hectic morning routines. Its scent blends well with perfumes and body sprays, keeping underarms fresh without overpowering other fragrances. It’s an excellent price for a long-lasting spray formula that delivers all-day freshness and sweat control.

  • Potential Flaws

    • This deodorant transferred to our clothing if we accidentally missed our underarms while spraying, got dressed after application, or wore it during extra-sweaty gym sessions. But the white lines washed out easily in a single laundry cycle.
  • Tester Insight

    “As someone who is always on the go and running behind, something that dries quickly and is simple to apply is really nice to have. Aside from all the sweat on the rest of my body, you wouldn't be able to tell I had just worked out because I still smelled fresh.” —Casey J., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

Best Natural

Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant

Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game-Changing Deodorant
Credit: Doc & Glo
View on Amazon View on Docandglo.com View on Freepeople.com
  • Pros and Cons

    Pros
    • Invisible on skin, with no clothing transfer

    • Lightweight, unscented formula

    • Soothing and hydrating for sensitive skin

    Cons
    • Glass bottle isn’t ideal for on-the-go

  • Key Specs

    Application Type: Roll-on Size: 1.7 ounces Cruelty-Free: Yes Aluminum-Free: Yes Unscented: Yes Our Overall Rating: 5/5

  • Who It's For

    Best for people with sensitive skin seeking an invisible, unscented natural deodorant for everyday wear.

  • Why We Love It

    Doc & Glo’s No. 3161 Game-Changing Deodorant clinched top marks in every testing category after keeping us fresh during Pilates, countless yoga poses, and dance sessions. It’s hands-down one of the best aluminum-free deodorants for women we tested, and it effectively managed our sweat during a full day of city exploration in balmy weather. With ingredients including botanical extracts and mandelic and lactic acids, it’s also soothing and hydrating for our sensitive skin. 

    This deodorant’s ultra-lightweight formula is a standout, with no clumping or transfer in sight. It’s so invisible, in fact, it remains completely clear after several swipes, with not even a whisper of a transfer to our black shirts. We’re also fans of the sturdy rollerball applicator, which glides across skin, leaving behind an even, quick-drying layer.

  • Potential Flaws

    • This deodorant comes in a glass bottle that’s too weighty and fragile to throw in our gym bag, although we appreciate the sustainable, refillable design.  
  • Tester Insight

    “After applying this one morning, I felt dry throughout the day, despite walking 15,000 steps. I have sensitive skin, and I've noticed that this deodorant feels super soothing and hydrating. It really feels like skincare for my armpits.” —Megan F., Verywell Fit product tester

  • Product Images

We Also Tested

We tested 47 deodorants and antiperspirants, but only 10 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we like some of these products’ features, they ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks. 

  • Mitchum’s Women’s Roll-On Deodorant provided extremely long-lasting odor control during rock climbing, fitness classes, and hours-long social outings. But we didn’t love the overpowering floral scent, long drying time, or the white residue it left behind on dark fabric. 
  • Lavilin’s Roll-On Deodorant has a pleasant rose scent and water-resistant formula that withstood our swim-bike workouts for triathlon training. But we weren’t fans of how long the thick formula took to dry, and it didn’t last throughout lengthy outdoor workouts. 
  • Certain Dri’s Prescription Strength Antiperspirant & Deodorant Spray was easy to spray onto our underarms and didn’t transfer to clothing. Unfortunately, we didn’t love its overpowering scent, slippery residue, or mediocre sweat protection. 
  • Secret’s Stress Response Clinical Strength Deodorant and Antiperspirant effectively reduced our odor and sweat. However, we didn't like that it left behind a noticeable white streak on our shirt that we found difficult to clean.
  • Tom's Coconut Lavender Antiperspirant Deodorant did a good job of minimizing odor. But we didn't like its sticky feeling, and it easily transferred to our clothing.

What We’ve Updated

  • Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best deodorants for women, we’ve tried out 12 new deodorants, wearing them while working out, running errands in hot weather, and in our daily routines, bringing our grand total to 47 deodorants tested. We evaluated each pick for its efficacy, application, scent, transfer-resistance, and value to find the top options on the market. 
  • Based on our new testing insights, we’ve added 6 new superlatives, including Best for Those Who Sweat a Lot, Best Natural, Best Moisturizing, and more. 
  • Based on our testing insights, we’ve replaced three of our previous picks for Best Wipes, Best Spray, and Best Whole Body, ensuring our top choices reflect our most up-to-date recommendations and the newest products available.
A person applies Doc&Glo No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant to their underarm

Verywell Fit

Our Experts

During our research, testing, and reporting process for this story, we consulted with four dermatologists. Some, like Garshick, provided insights into the concerns regarding aluminum in deodorants. Others, like Penzi, offered guidance on identifying the appropriate active and inactive ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants tailored to various user needs. Additionally, we sought expert advice to direct our research and testing, helping us to identify key features to look for and avoid. While we choose products independently, expert insights influence our decisions. 

  • Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey, and assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell University
  • Lauren Penzi, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Long Island, New York
  • Yolanda C. Holmes, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and surgeon in Washington, D.C.
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York, and associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to get aluminum-free deodorant?

Odor-blocking deodorants typically do not contain aluminum, but sweat-blocking antiperspirants do. When used in antiprespirants, aluminum helps block sweat glands. Some people have concerns that aluminum may cause Alzheimer's disease or breast cancer, but Holmes says there is no scientific link that we know of at this time between aluminum and these conditions.

Is spray or stick deodorant better?

The choice between a spray or stick deodorant is completely up to personal preference, says Garshick. It’s most important to choose a product that’s easy and pleasant to use.

How often should you apply deodorant if you sweat a lot?

It’s best to apply deodorant in the morning and reapply as needed throughout the day, says Garshick. To get the most out of an antiperspirant, you should apply it to dry skin at night before going to bed.

What deodorants do dermatologists recommend?

Our dermatologist experts recommend using deodorants that align with your needs. If you’re looking to significantly reduce sweating and moisture, look for an antiperspirant with aluminum as the active ingredient, like Dove's Even Tone Antiperspirant. If you have hyperhidrosis, you may benefit from a clinical-strength or prescription-strength antiperspirant, like Secret's Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, look for a natural deodorant that’s free of aluminum and synthetic fragrances, like Doc&Glo's No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit writer and professional ballet dancer who uses her fitness expertise to recommend only the best products to her readers. She’s tried out countless natural deodorants throughout her career as a professional ballet dancer to find products with strong sweat protection that won’t irritate her sensitive skin. For this article, Megan tested four deodorants firsthand and also reviewed test results to put together our top picks. 

Additional reporting contributed by Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, runner, and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she's dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing. For this article, Gabrielle looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.

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  1. Mahlouji M, Alizadeh Vaghasloo M, Dadmehr M, Rezaeizadeh H, Nazem E, Tajadini H. Sweating as a preventive care and treatment strategy in traditional Persian medicine. Galen Med J. 2020;9:e2003. doi:10.31661/gmj.v9i0.2003