The 18 Best Deodorants That Really Get the Job Done

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

1

Best Overall

Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant/Deodorant

1

Best Overall

Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant/Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Great for over-active sweat glands

Cons

• Not a ton of product in packaging

Do hormones have your body out of whack? Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare, recommends this bestseller from Dove to help restore balance and keep you sweat-free. “Dove’s Clinical Protection deodorant is most appropriate for those with active sweat glands, particularly during the reproductive years since hormones cause greater amounts of sweat and lead to body odor. This formula is very effective at reducing sweat and eliminating odor from the byproducts of bacteria mixing with a rich supply of sweat as deodorants don’t reduce sweating. They simply only mask it,” Dr. Shirazi shares.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

2

Best Essential Oil Deodorant

Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

2

Best Essential Oil Deodorant

Each & Every Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Non-irritating formula

Cons

• Will need to re-up throughout the day

Not only does this deodorant carry a heavenly aroma, but it’s also designed for sensitive skin. “This masks odor and reduces moisture well for those who can go without an aluminum-containing antiperspirant. It is important to be aware that ‘natural’ does not mean gentle. In fact, natural ingredients are often more likely to irritate the skin or elicit hypersensitivity reactions,” Dr. Shirazi adds.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

3

Best Scent Options

Native Cucumber & Mint Deodorant

3

Best Scent Options

Native Cucumber & Mint Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Free of baking soda and aluminum

Cons

• Not long-lasting

“I favor Native deodorants as a natural, aluminum-free option because it’s gentle on the skin. Although the regular formula contains coconut oil, baking soda, shea butter, and magnesium hydroxide to mask odor and reduce odor-causing bacteria, the sensitive formula is free of baking soda making it suitable for sensitive skin types,” Dr. Shirazi notes. Plus, there are a plethora of scents to choose from to match your mood.

Target rating: 4.5/5 stars

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4

Best For Daily Use

Vanicream Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

4

Best For Daily Use

Vanicream Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Non-irritating formula

Cons

• Can leave behind residue

Here’s a deodorant that fights off sweat all day long. “Vanicream has a solid formula combining antiperspirant and deodorant with aluminum for those with a need to control sweating,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy Rose, MD, FAAD says.

5

Derm’s Choice

Vanicream Aluminum-Free Gel Deodorant

5

Derm’s Choice

Vanicream Aluminum-Free Gel Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Free of harsh chemicals

Cons

• Pills and crumbles

“A dermatologist favorite for sensitive skin types, this aluminum-free formula comes in a gel form that dries without leaving a residue. It’s also fragrance-free and only contains five ingredients leaving out common chemical irritants, botanical extracts, and parabens,” Dr. Rose notes.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

6

Best For Dark Pits

Nécessaire Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel in Fragrance Free at Nordstrom

6

Best For Dark Pits

Nécessaire Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel in Fragrance Free at Nordstrom

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Gently exfoliates without irritation

Cons

• Not long-lasting

Exfoliating deodorants are all the rage right now, especially this gem from Necesaire. A favorite of Dr. Shirazi, this deodorant features niacinamide, mandelic acid, and witch hazel to control odor and brighten the area. “It’s clear, [and has] five percent AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and niacinamide deodorant to reduce odor-causing bacteria while also treating hyperpigmentation and smoothing texture. It dries quickly, it’s not messy or sticky. It’s also free of many irritants such as aluminum, baking soda, synthetic fragrance, PEGs, and parabens,” she explains.

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7

Best Gentle Exfoliator

Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

7

Best Gentle Exfoliator

Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Address odor and hyperpigmentation

Cons

• Product dispenser can get messy

Whether you’re athletic or just super sweaty, Kosas’ AHA deodorant does all the grunt work so you don’t have to. AHAs are blended with aloe vera juice to soothe and exfoliate so your ‘pits can live their best life, stench-free.

Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I’ve tried every deodorant out there. After I had my son I had very smelly armpits and nothing was masking the smell. After a couple weeks of giving this a try it I have ZERO smells coming from my armpits!! This stuff works!!”

8

Best Perfume Deodorant

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

8

Best Perfume Deodorant

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Smell lasts all day

Cons

• Pricey

Yes, every review you read is true: You really need to buy this. Fans of the iconic scent will love Donna Karan’s odor-blocking deodorant, which leaves you smelling luxurious all day long.

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I was SO skeptical about this deodorant but to my pleasant surprise, it WORKS and smells GREAT! It’s my favorite!”

9

Best For Gym-Goers

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant

9

Best For Gym-Goers

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Protects against active sweat glands

Cons

• Not super invisible

Your gym bag has been missing this hardworking deodorant. It reduces odor and minimizes sweat spots to avoid any embarrassing moments.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I lovee this product! It works so well for the gym and on top I work a labor job! The aluminum in this product doesn’t sting my armpits after shaving and prevents any stinky smell!”

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10

Best For Vacation

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant Cheirosa ’62

10

Best For Vacation

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant Cheirosa ’62

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Gently exfoliates

Cons

• Need to re-up throughout the day

Scent layering works best when your lotions and oils are added to the mix. How about adding deodorant? Sol de Janeiro’s signature Cheirosa scent is morphed into deodorant to keep bad odor at bay and your armpits dry from sunrise to sunset. It’s packed with papaya enzymes to exfoliate dead skin away.

Sephora rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This deodorant is amazing. I’ve tried many aluminum-free deodorants and this is the best one I’ve found. This one actually lasts and there’s no odor even after I finish my workouts.”

11

Best Nourishing Formula

Mutha Deodorant

11

Best Nourishing Formula

Mutha Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Soothing, moisturizing ingredients

Cons

• Need to re-apply throughout the day

Mutha’s deodorant feels like a silky hug. Chia seed and avocado oils are the MVPs of this composition, and nourish your underarms as arrowroot powder blocks odor.

An ELLE Editor said: “I’m pretty loyal when it comes to my deodorants, but Mutha’s iteration was a welcome change. I remained dry and odorless throughout my work day, and only needed to re-up once.” —Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor

12

Best Fresh Deodorant

Athena Club Keeps You Fresh All Day, Every Day

12

Best Fresh Deodorant

Athena Club Keeps You Fresh All Day, Every Day

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Non-sticky formula

Cons

• Faint smell

The makers of your favorite razor created an accompanying deodorant to make your hairless ‘pits smell and feel good. Instead of baking soda—which is commonly used in deodorants—All Day Deo leans on tapioca starch to ward off odor, and camomile and coconut oil for nourishment.

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13

Best Spray Deodorant

Dove Beauty 0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea

13

Best Spray Deodorant

Dove Beauty 0% Aluminum Cucumber & Green Tea

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Stain-free

Cons

• Scent doesn’t last long

The underarm area isn’t the only place that gets sweaty and gross. Thanks to this spray from Dove, you can get all the hard-to-reach spaces with just a few spritzes.

Target rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “I only use this deodorant. It dries instantly and lasts all day without leaving residue on my clothing.”

14

Best Natural Formula

Alo Yoga Supernatural Deodorant – Scented

14

Best Natural Formula

Alo Yoga Supernatural Deodorant – Scented

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Nourishing ingredients

Cons

• Doesn’t mask odor that well

Grab this deodorant before your next yoga session. Alo Yoga’s Supernatural Deodorant is free of all the things your armpits hate (parabens, baking soda, etc.) and chock full of the goods (vitamin C, tea tree oil, and probiotics).

Alo Yoga rating: 3.8/5 stars

An Alo Yoga reviewer said: “Alo, please change nothing!! This is so good. The packaging and formula are spot on and the ingredients are so softening. Thank you for changing the natural deo game!”

15

Best Plant-Based

Kopari Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil

15

Best Plant-Based

Kopari Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Glides on clear

Cons

• 

With six scents to choose from, Kopari’s natural deodorant is sure to make you feel and smell good. The formula is aluminum-free and contains sage and coconut oil to hydrate and soothe.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I absolutely love this product, lot of natural deodorants give me rashes but this one does not! It’s great and works great too!”

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16

Best Eucalyptus-Scented Deodorant

MALIN and GOETZ Eucalyptus Deodorant

16

Best Eucalyptus-Scented Deodorant

MALIN and GOETZ Eucalyptus Deodorant

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Long-lasting

Cons

• Pricey

Your underarms deserve a spa treatment, too. Malin and Goetz’s signature eucalyptus scent comes in deodorant form so you remain sweat- and odor-free, with a tinge of coolness.

Revolve rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Revolve reviewer said: “For the past year, I have been on the hunt for a the best cruelty free and toxin free deodorant, with many failed attempts! This one is definitely my favorite so far because it actually works!”

17

Best Daytime Deodorant

By Rosie Jane Wake the F*ck Up Deodorant

17

Best Daytime Deodorant

By Rosie Jane Wake the F*ck Up Deodorant

Pros

• Bright, citrus scent

Cons

• Need to reapply often

Don’t be alarmed by the clear, unassuming bottle. By Rosie Jane’s spray deodorant has an invigorating scent that does exactly what its name says. The bacteria-fighting formula contains aloe vera, sugarcane alcohol, and essential oils for freshness.

By Rosie Jane rating: 4.7/5 stars

A By Rosie Jane reviewer said: “Has such a nice, clean scent without being overpowering. I feel fresh and love how it doesn’t leave deodorant stains.”

18

Best Cream Formula

Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream

18

Best Cream Formula

Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream

Credit: courtesy of brands

Pros

• Gently exfoliates

Cons

• Needs to be applied with hands

A deodorant cream? Yes, you read that right. Drunk Elephant’s Sweet Pitti dispenses a creamy blend of oils, as well as exfoliating agents like mandelic acid, that absorb sweat and protect your underarm region.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Works all day and the subtle scent smells good. I apply it with my fingers like other users suggested and it goes on like lotion. Easy to use.”

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19

Is wearing deodorant every day bad for you?

No one wants to smell bad, but Dr. Shirazi suggests taking a few things into account when buying deodorant. “I consider both deodorants and antiperspirants safe products with a few precautions to consider. Fragrance is a common allergen in deodorants, which puts you at risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), especially in skin folds like the armpits. You may notice rashes in the area with continuous use over time. Baking soda is a common ingredient in aluminum-free deodorants as it makes it less favorable for odor-causing bacteria to grow,” she explains. Aluminum has long been touted as an ingredient linked to many illnesses. “Those with less than 30 percent kidney function should avoid antiperspirants with aluminum according to the National Kidney Foundation as they may not be able to clear the aluminum. There are some theories linking aluminum in antiperspirants to both breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, but there’s a lack of scientific cause and effect,” she says.

20

Is aluminum really that bad in deodorant?

“Antiperspirants use aluminum salts that dissolve to block sweat from forming. There’s concern that frequent use of antiperspirants may lead to a buildup of aluminum in breast tissue. But there’s no proof that aluminum salts can cause breast cancer. Aluminum compounds are not only in antiperspirants, but also in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Research through the American Cancer Society shows there’s no solid scientific evidence linking deodorants and breast cancer,” Dr. Shirazi explains.

Dr. Rose shares similar sentiments and advises those who have concerns to look into alternative methods. “Given the suspicions, it is reasonable to avoid aluminum-based antiperspirants if you do not need them. For those who naturally sweat minimally, that may be a simple option. For those who are bothered by underarm sweating that is not well controlled by aluminum-free deodorant, there are several in-office procedures that reduce or eliminate sweating both temporarily and permanently. Alternative methods for adequate moisture control include oral medications, botulinum toxin injections, and a microwave technology-based procedure that you can talk to your dermatologist about,” Dr. Rose explains.

Beauty Commerce Editor

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

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