10 Best Deodorants for All Day Protection, According to Dermatologists
No matter what the best deodorant looks like for youâbaking soda enthusiast, rollerball only, or the au naturale method (a.k.a. soap and water)âchances are you donât want to be standing next to a friend, coworker, first date (it happens), damp with sweat. The best deodorants (natural or otherwise!) and antiperspirants can help you keep everything under control. And while the two may sound interchangeable, an important distinction is to be made: antiperspirants are formulated to reduce sweat or perspiration by blocking the sweat glands, whereas deodorants simply mask body odorâhence why the scent you choose matters so much.
Our Top PicksBest Antiperspirant: Dove Antiperspirant Spray; $7Best Clinical Strength: Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant; $13Best Gel Formula: NĂ©cessaire The Deodorant Gel; $18Best For All Body: Lume Solid Deodorant Stick; $19Best Splurge: AKT The Deodorant; $29Whatever your preference, below youâll find Vogueâs edit of the best deodorants and antiperspirants to keep body odor at bay. We’ve even included a few all-over body options as well, plus some expert-approved clinical strength formulations for those might need something a tad stronger.
In This StoryWhat to look for in a deodorantHow does clinical strength deodorant work?Is natural deodorant better than traditional deodorant?Meet the expertsBest Antiperspirant: Dove Antiperspirant SprayWhy We Love It: If the mere thought of your hectic day makes you already break a sweat, reach for antiperspirant. The spray format makes it especially great for traveling, and you can share it with friends without worrying about germs. Board-certified dermatologist Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne, MD, is also a fan, stating, âFor those who prefer spray deodorant, this option provides a moisturizing benefit with its pro-ceramide technology, which helps build ceramides in the skin.âKey Ingredients: Aluminum zirconiumType: Spray, clear finishScent: 1Antiperspirant: YesBest Stick: Native DeodorantWhy We Love It: With so many fun scents to choose from, like honey and white oak or lavender and rose, Native is one of our favorite natural deodorant brands. Natural means it is free of aluminum and alcohol. However, if you have sensitive skin, we suggest sticking to the unscented option to avoid the risk of irritant contact dermatitis due to the presence of botanicals in the formula. Thereâs also a spray option from the brand if sticks arenât your thing.Key Ingredients: Capric triglyceride, ozokerite, magnesium hydroxide, tapioca starch, shea butter, coconut oil, magnesium carbonate, fragrance, piroctone olamineType: StickScent: 4Antiperspirant: NoBest Clinical Strength: Secret Clinical Strength AntiperspirantSecret
Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
Why We Love It: For days when you need to be on your A+ gameâthink stage performances, weddings, big work presentationsâand really donât want to appear to be sweating, consider a clinical strength formula. Obioha-Lolagne says it is âvery effective at reducing sweatâ thanks to the active ingredient of aluminum zirconium. However, it contains fragrance, so you should avoid it if you have eczema or sensitivity to fragrance.Key Ingredients: Aluminum zirconiumType: Gel stickScent: 8Antiperspirant: YesBest Gel Formula: NĂ©cessaire The Deodorant GelNĂ©cessaire
The Deodorant Gel
Why We Love It: Fans of the brandâs body wash will be pleased to know that NĂ©cessaire has extended its expertise to the deodorant category as well. Itâs a gel, so it slides right on without leaving any stains on your clothing or underarms. Obioha-Lolagne highlights its unique formula, which contains AHAs (mandelic acid) that reduce odor-causing bacteria and brighten underarm hyperpigmentation. And like all of NĂ©cessaireâs products, it looks great on your top shelf or in your beauty bag.Key Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acid, niacinamide, chamomile extractType: Liquid gelScent: 1Antiperspirant: NoBest Packaging: Glossier DeodorantWhy We Love It: This gentle deodorant is formulated without aluminum, baking soda, exfoliating acids, or water, so sensitive pits need not worry. As a skin-care brand at its core, Glossier formulated this with a conditioning coconut oil base, moisturizing superfruit elderberry extract, magnesium hydroxide, and potato starch. When you run out, you just need to purchase a refill. You can choose between four scents: sandstone, Glossier You, orange blossom neroli, and unscented. Canât pick a favorite? Try them all!Key Ingredients: Superfruit Elderberry Extract, Coconut Oil, and Potato StarchType: Cream stickScent: 4Antiperspirant: NoBest Invisible Formula: Salt Air Serum DeodorantSaltair
Skincare Deodorant
Why We Love It: Few things are as frustrating as realizing the white formula of your deodorant has transferred onto your clothing. Thankfully, this serum formula is invisible, so you can wear a black top or throw your clothes on right away without worries. Formulated with salicylic acid, a BHA that helps neutralize odor, you don’t need to worry about whether or not you smell bad throughout the day. Instead, you can focus on how good you smellâwhether you choose a spicy, woody santal bloom or a beachy ylang ylang seascape scent.Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc rincinoleateType: Cream stickScent: 9Antiperspirant: NoBest Splurge: AKT The DeodorantWhy We Love It: Formulated by two performers from London’s West End who wanted something that worked under hot stage lights, this aluminum-free, vegan deodorant balm can be used anywhere on the bodyâfeet, forehead, hands, chestâfor all-day protection. Itâs easy to travel with, and when you run out (three monthsâ supply is in a single a tube), you can easily recycle it. Bonus points for sustainability! It also contains shea butter, so it is hydrating, and there are so many unique scents to choose between.Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, shea butter, zinc oxide, diatomaceous earth, arrowrootType: BalmScent: 6Antiperspirant: NoBest for Hydration: Kopari DeodorantWhy We Love It: If your underarms are desperate for hydration, this plant-based deodorant from Kopari is what you need. Infused with coconut and sage oil, it effectively eliminates odor-causing bacteria while also leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished. Its clear, non-staining formula boasts three sweet scents reminiscent of the refreshing breeze of the tropics.Key Ingredients: Coconut oil and sage oilType: StickScent: 3Antiperspirant: NoBest Scent: Salt & Stone DeodorantWhy We Love It: With an impressive 24 hours of protection, this deodorant balm stands out for its non-sticky, non-irritating formulaâa refreshing departure from many others on the market. Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, probiotics, and spirulina, it forms a powerful defense for your underarms. Elevating the experience further, it offers sophisticated scents like Bergamot & Hinoki, Neroli & Basil, or Santal & Vetiver.Key Ingredients: Probiotics, spirulina, hyaluronic acidType: BalmScent: 4Antiperspirant: NoBest for Full Body: Lume Solid Deodorant StickWhy We Love It: You read this correctly: this deodorant can indeed be applied to the entire bodyâa little boob sweat is perfectly natural this time of year! The formula is pH-optimized, so you can use it on your pits, under the breasts, on stomach folds, on thighs to prevent chafing, and more worry-free. Itâs especially helpful during the hot summer months when you feel like you’re sweating everywhere.Key Ingredients: Maranta arundinacea root powder, mandelic acid, silica, panthenol, caffeineType: StickScent: 8 scentsAntiperspirant: NoWhat to Look for in a deodorant
Type
There are several types of deodorant on the market, including sprays and sticks. Sprays are convenient and can be shared with others easily, but aerosols are not always the most environmentally friendly option as some still emit volatile organic compounds (VOC), which may cause short- and long-term adverse health effects. Sticks come in various forms, each with different ingredients such as natural oils, baking soda, and aluminum compounds. Additionally, there are solid sticks and gel sticks, which vary depending on the formula. Solid sticks are often preferred for their ease of application and less mess, while gel sticks may provide a cooling sensation and less visible residue. Rollerballs are another option, typically containing a liquid formula that can be applied easily and often without stains.
Scent
There are many different scents available, but if you have sensitive skin, Obioha-Lolagne advises choosing an unscented option to avoid irritation. When using a deodorant, the scent is important as its main purpose is to mask odor with fragrance. Choosing a scent you like can enhance your overall experience, but always consider any potential skin reactions.
Antiperspirant or not
Unlike deodorants, which mask odor, an antiperspirant reduces how much sweat you produce. According to Dr. Jodi LoGerfo, doctor of nursing practice and a family nurse practitioner, it works where it is appliedâmostly under the arms but can be applied anywhere. Antiperspirants are considered a âdrugâ and are regulated as such in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). âAntiperspirants block your body’s sweat (eccrine) glands, which reduces the production of sweat,â she says. Antiperspirants are usually aluminum-based (metallic salts) and are considered the first line of defense against sweating. âOnce the antiperspirant is applied to the skin, the small particles are pulled into the pores and stop the flow of sweat,â she explains.
However, many people avoid antiperspirants in favor of deodorants because of concerns about potential health risks associated with aluminum compounds, skin sensitivity, or a preference for more natural products.
How long it lasts
Antiperspirants usually last about 24 hours before they are washed away. On the other hand, deodorants typically last around 12 hours, although this can vary depending on the specific product and individual body chemistry. Some deodorants may require reapplication throughout the day to maintain their effectiveness.
How does clinical strength deodorant work?
As Obioha-Lolagne explains, clinical strength deodorants contain aluminum-free ingredients to reduce sweat and mask odor, such as triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, metallic salts, or essential oils like tea tree oil. In contrast, natural deodorants do not contain active ingredients to reduce sweat.
Is natural deodorant better than traditional deodorant?
Natural deodorants are indeed free of aluminum and alcohol. They are often formulated with natural ingredients that absorb moisture, such as baking soda and arrowroot, as well as essential oils that mask odor. However, there is no substantial medical evidence supporting that natural deodorants are better for you, says Obioha-Lolagne. âGiven the high risk of irritant contact dermatitis with natural deodorants, I typically donât advocate for natural deodorant. However, if a patient has a preference for natural deodorant without any adverse irritation, then Iâm happy for them!â
Meet the experts
Onyeka Obioha-Lolagne, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Boutik Dermatology in Beverly Hills, CA.Dr. Jodi LoGerfo is a doctor of nursing practice and a family nurse practitioner certified in family medicine and dermatology.
