We know, we know: Applying deodorant isn’t the sexist part of your routine, but it’s also something you probably want to get right. To find the best deodorant, we spoke with dermatologists for their picks, then we evaluated over a dozen of the most highly rated brands for attributes like scents that lasted for at least 12 hours, whether or not they left residue on clothes, and overall value. We narrowed the list down to these top creams, body sprays, and roll-ons that will eliminate odor and keep you feeling fresh all day long. Our top pick is Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant, a product backed by our experts. This natural choice provides a non-sticky coverage and has a lovely lavender fragrance that left one Glamour editor “smelling like a garden rose after a run” (really!). And, at just $7, it’s one of the most affordable options. But if you’re looking for something with a more powerful scent (or have sensitive skin), our testers liked EvolveTogether and Native, to name a few.
Below, find the most effective deodorants and antiperspirants, according to our reviewers, who put them to the sniff test.
The best deodorants for women, at a glance
- Best Overall: Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant, $13
- Best Spray: Degree Advanced Protection Antiperspirant Dry Spray, $23
- Best Unscented: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel, $18
- Best Invisible: Nivea Black and White Invisible Roll-On Antiperspirant, $12
- Best Alcohol-Free: Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray, $22
What’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
They’re not one and the same. “Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts and they work by reducing sweat, while deodorants have no effect on sweat production,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. Instead, deodorant works primarily to neutralize and reduce odor, she explains.
So, if you’re not a very sweaty person, “deodorants are the way to go,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Deodorants are typically aluminum-free products that work by lowering levels of odor-causing bacteria on the skin,” he explains. They contain ingredients like acids that shift the pH of the skin or an antimicrobial agent to prevent growth of bacteria, he elaborates. Some, he adds, also have ingredients like charcoal, which helps absorb sweat and may offer some degree of wetness protection (though, fair warning: it won’t be anywhere close to the protection of an aluminum-containing antiperspirant).
What makes deodorants smell good?
Those of you who are keen on reading ingredient lists should know that fragrance is what helps deodorants provide a fresh, clean scent. “Deodorants can also contain other ingredients like zinc neodecanoate, which help to improve the odor-neutralizing properties of a given fragrance,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. As for aluminum-free deodorants, shoppers will find ingredients like cornstarch or arrowroot powder to help target and stop the sweat. “Sodium bicarbonate is another ingredient that is sometimes added to aluminum-free deodorants to absorb sweat, but it can be irritating in people with sensitive skin,” she notes.
Are aluminum-free deodorants better?
The decision to seek out aluminum-free deodorants is an individual one and can depend on several factors, says Julia Zhao, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Vivid Clinic in New York. “Aluminum is used in antiperspirants to reduce sweat production by blocking sweat ducts,” she explains. “While this can be effective for heavy sweaters, some people may wish to avoid aluminum due to potential skin irritation or sensitivities.” However, it’s important to note that the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute do not identify aluminum as a cancer-causing agent. Per the National Cancer Institute: “No scientific evidence links the use of these products to the development of breast cancer.”
What kind of deodorant is best for women who sweat a lot?
Those of us who are prone to excessive sweating should probably reach for an antiperspirant instead, says Julia Zhao, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Vivid Clinic in New York, as they contain aluminum salts and work by blocking sweat glands to reduce wetness.
Her pro tip: It’s best to apply these at night when sweat production is lowest, allowing the product to penetrate sweat ducts effectively. And if you have extra sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products to minimize the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions, says Dr. Zhao. In particular, steer clear of deodorants made with propylene glycol, an ingredient that can cause itching, burning, and rashes in some people, says Richard Lucariello, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Waccamaw Dermatology.
It’s also advisable to avoid deodorants with alcohol, as it can dry out and irritate the skin, and apply deodorant to clean, dry skin to lower the risk of irritation. Not-so-sweaty folks may opt for a regular deodorant or aluminum-free deodorant, which doesn’t actually influence sweat production and instead helps by neutralizing and tamping down odors, explains Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.
