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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Best Overall Arm & Hammer Ultra Max | Best Overall Arm & Hammer Ultra Max | Amazon | $6 | Solid stick | 2.6 ounces | No | No | Full Review | |||||
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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 | Amazon | $8 | Solid stick | 1.7 ounces | Yes | No | Full Review | |||||
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Best Moisturizing Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick | Best Moisturizing Dove VitaminCare+ Deodorant Stick | Amazon | $11 | Invisible solid | 2.6 ounces | Yes | Yes | Full Review | |||||
Best Everyday Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control | Best Everyday Lume Solid Stick Deodorant Plus Sweat Control | Amazon | $30 | Solid stick | 2.6 ounces | Yes | No | Full Review | |||||
Best Gel Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel | Best Gel Secret Outlast Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel | Amazon | $8 | Clear gel | 2.6 ounces | Yes | No | Full Review | |||||
Best Whole Body Secret Whole Body Deodorant | Best Whole Body Secret Whole Body Deodorant | Amazon | $9 | Cream | 3 ounces | Yes | Yes | Full Review | |||||
Best Spray Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant | Best Spray Secret Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant | Amazon | $10 | Spray | 3.8 ounces | Yes | No | Full Review | |||||
Best Natural Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant | Best Natural Doc & Glo No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant | Amazon | See Retailer | Roll-on | 1.7 ounces | Yes | Yes | Full Review |