The 10 best deodorants and antiperspirants for women of 2024, according to dermatologists and testers (2024)

What's often taken for granted, rarely spoken about, but used daily by more than 300 million Americans? Deodorant. In fact, the United States uses more deodorant than any other country. With so many brands and application types — like sticks, sprays, wipes, creams and roll-ons — finding the best deodorant and antiperspirant can sometimes feel overwhelming. Factor in labels promoting different benefits — antiperspirant, deodorant or a blend of both — along with options like aluminum-free or natural formulas, and choosing the right deodorant becomes even more complex.

Quick Overview

Best deodorant and antiperspirant overallSecret Outlast Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant for Women

$7 at Walmart

Best budget deodorantMitchum Triple Odor Defense Gel

$6 (2 pack) at Amazon

Best near-prescription strength deodorant antiperspirant deodorant Certain Dri Clinical Strength Antiperspirant

$6 at Walmart

Best all-natural clear deodorantMegababe Rosy Pits

$5 at Ulta Beauty

Best deodorant for sensitive skinKopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil

$13 at Amazon

There also happens to be a dirty secret that deodorant manufacturers don't want you to know: There is generally no difference in strength between women's and men's deodorants. Dr. Samuel Hetz, medical director of Concept Medical, says, "The active odor-fighting ingredients are actually the same." He explains that the difference usually comes down to fragrance: "Men's products tend to take on a stronger, muskier scent, while women's are often lighter and offer a floral scent."

So, how in the world do you choose the best defense for your armpits? You keep reading.

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The team here at Yahoo has been hard at work talking with our panel of dermatologists and skin care experts to get their take on the sea of sweat- and stink-stomping products, which ingredients to look for and which products or brands they personally recommend. We then researched and evaluated countless deodorants and antiperspirants, identifying the key ingredients our experts suggested for moisture-absorption (like aluminum, baking soda and arrowroot), along with moisturizing and odor-fighting heroes like coconut oil, aloe vera and essential oils.

We tested sticks, wipes, sprays, creams and roll-ons to find the best combination of ingredients and application methods to keep you dry and smelling fresh. Throughout our research, preference was given to cost-effectiveness, staying power and the quality of ingredients, while omitting those with harsh chemicals and known skin irritants. The following list of the best deodorants and antiperspirants for women are all expert- and Yahoo editor-approved to keep you dry and smelling fresh all day long.

Best deodorant and antiperspirant overall

Secret

Best deodorant and antiperspirant overall

Secret Outlast Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant for Women

Cost: $7 | Type: Solid | Key ingredient: Aluminum zirconium | Scents available: Hygienic Fresh, Completely Clean, Protecting Powder | Features: Invisible, PETA-certified, pH-balancing minerals | Longevity: 48 hours

Secret is one of the most well-known names in the business of women's deodorants and antiperspirants, and for a good reason: It works. Its Outlast sweat and odor protection stick formulation boasts a whopping 19% aluminum zirconium. Dr. Amy Forman Taub, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology, says, "When treating excessive sweating, a higher aluminum concentration (12% to 30%) in antiperspirant is required."

Secret's Outlast offers 48 hours of sweat-blocking protection and comes in three scents: Hygienic Fresh, Completely Clean and Protecting Powder. The stick deodorant swipes on clear and has yet to transfer or leave marks on my clothes. It stands up to long days, and even though I sweat at the gym, I don't come out smelling like BO. It's also a PETA-certified cruelty-free deodorant and is paraben-free; however, it contains alcohol and synthetic fragrances, so this one may not be a great fit for those with sensitive skin.

Pros

  • 48 hours of sweat-stomping protection
  • Helps prevent odor-causing bacteria
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Contains alcohol
  • Synthetic fragrances

$7 at Walmart

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$7 at Target$7 at Amazon

Other top deodorants and antiperspirants we recommend for 2024

Mitchum

Best budget deodorant

Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Gel

Cost: $5 - $6 | Type: Gel | Key ingredient: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate | Scents available: Powder Fresh, Pure Fresh, Shower Fresh, Unscented | Features: Alcohol-free, quick-drying formula, triple odor defense: heat, motion, stress | Longevity: 48 hours

If perspiration protection at an affordable price is at the top of your deodorant wish list, then Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant is well worth your consideration. It’s designed to block odor caused by heat, motion and stress for 48 hours. Although the scent options are pretty limited with only three scents for women and four for men – this antiperspirant's 25% Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate compound will leave you dry and smelling fresh and clean for up to two days without breaking the bank. In fact, at less than $6 for a pack of two, this one will be hard to beat when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck.

Even though Mitchum may come to mind as a men's deodorant, as mentioned in the intro, it all comes down to ingredients and both the men's and women's versions feature the same 25% Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate compound but differ in fragrances. While putting the Triple Odor Defense to the test, I found that the high level of aluminum was not irritating, and by the end of the day, I did not have any sweat stains and still could pick up wafts of the powder fresh scent.

If gel is not for you, a solid stick version is also available.

Pros

  • Affordable drugstore option
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Quick drying

Cons

  • No fragrance-free option

$6 (2 pack) at Amazon

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$6 (2 pack) at Target$6 at Walmart

Certain Dri

Best near-prescription strength deodorant antiperspirant deodorant

Certain Dri Clinical Strength Antiperspirant

Cost: $6 | Type: roll-on | Key ingredient: 12% aluminum chloride | Scents available: Unscented | Features: Unscented, near prescription strength | Longevity: 72 hours

Certain Dri Clinical Strength Antiperspirant prioritizes keeping you sweat-free over all else. Its formula uses aluminum chloride, the most powerful aluminum salt found in most prescription antiperspirants. Unlike other antiperspirants, you apply Certain Dri at night rather than in the morning to allow the aluminum time to absorb into the skin and sweat ducts. Certain Dri also sells stick and aerosol antiperspirants, but its roll-on is one of its strongest products featuring aluminum chloride. I have long used Certain Dri and reach for this when I wear a shirt that can easily show sweat or I'm facing a long day of meetings and high-stress situations, and it never lets me down. If you struggle with sweating through your clothes, this is well worth a try.

We do want to warn you that it can cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin, or if it is used on damaged or otherwise irritated skin. Avoid use immediately after shaving. It's also important to speak to your doctor if you are concerned about excessive sweat.

Pros

  • Powerful protection
  • Available as a roll-on, stick or spray
  • Last 72 hours

Cons

  • May irritate sensitive skin
  • Only unscented available

$6 at Walmart

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$6 at Amazon

Megababe

Best all-natural clear deodorant

Megababe Rosy Pits

Cost: $14 | Type: Solid | Key ingredients: Corn starch, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, willow bark extract, botanicals | Scents available: Rosy Pits | Features: Aluminum-free, water-based with skin nourishing ingredients, dermatologist-approved | Longevity: 8-12 hours before needing to reapply

Megababe's Rosy Pits Deodorant deserves an all-star spot for sensitive skin. It's loaded with gentle yet effective ingredients like saccharomyces ferment filtrate (a soothing type of fermented yeast) for odor protection, willow bark for wetness protection, and skin-nourishing colloidal oatmeal. One of my favorite aspects of this deodorant is that the water-based stick glides on smoothly without tugging and irritating the skin. It also contains vitamin E to protect against razor burn and irritation, so you can feel free to swipe it on after shaving your pits in the shower. Best of all, it's been clinically tested for sensitive skin and is dermatologist-approved.

As for keeping me dry and smelling fresh, the combination of corn starch and saccharomyces ferment does a great job of limiting wetness. That said, this product doesn't contain aluminum, so if you tend to sweat a lot or participate in high-intensity workouts, it may not be the best option.

Pros

  • Goes on clear
  • Clinically tested for sensitive skin
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • Only one scent

$5 at Ulta Beauty

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$11 at Amazon$25 at Walmart

Kopari

Best deodorant for sensitive skin

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil

Cost: $15 | Type: Solid | Key ingredients: Coconut oil and sage oil | Scents available: Original, Driftwood and Beach | Features: Made without aluminum, parabens, sulfates and baking soda | Longevity: 8-12 hours before needing to reapply

Kopari Aluminum-Free Coconut Deodorant is an organic, nontoxic, plant-based and all-around skin-friendly deodorant. The all-natural formula is free from aluminum, parabens, sulfates and baking soda, making it safe, clean and gentle enough even for children's skin — it's a great "first deodorant" option for preteens and teens.

The deodorant contains coconut water, coconut oil and sage oil to keep you smelling fresh. Additionally, the coconut and sage oils are antimicrobial and antibacterial, eliminating and neutralizing body odor while simultaneously moisturizing and soothing the skin.

Kopari also makes a Performance Plus 24-hour deodorant that, while not a top pick for ultra-sensitive skin, is an excellent option for those needing more odor protection and moisture absorption.

Pros

  • Aluminum, baking soda and alcohol-free
  • Moisturizing formula
  • Goes on smooth

Cons

  • Not as long-lasting
  • Limited scents available

$13 at Amazon

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$13 at Ulta Beauty$18 at Macy's

Degree

Best aerosol spray deodorant

Degree Unlimited Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray

Cost: $10 | Type: Aerosol spray | Key ingredient: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate | Scents available: Clean, Fresh, Marine, Bold and Neutral | Features: 96 hours of sweat protection, SmartAdapt technology, unisex | Longevity: up to 96 hours

Aerosol deodorants are easy to apply and don't leave a thick smear on your skin or clothes. Unlimited by Degree is a new dry spray antiperspirant-deodorant that keeps you sweat- and stink-free for up to 96 hours. That’s four days! It features the brand’s exclusive SmartAdapt technology, which adapts and responds to your body to create a barrier against sweat and odor. Essentially, the spray creates a micro-barrier to provide extra protection when you need it the most — at the gym, running errands or during marathon meetings. And for those who don't love how sprays can be cold and run down your sides, this sprays on almost like a powder, so while it is still cool when it hits your skin, it covers well and stays put.

As for how well it performs, it certainly works, but our testers were not capable of going the whole four days without a shower. However, one elected not to reapply during the four days and said they felt its staying power was iffy, but couldn't tell if it was due to showering away the spray or because the product just couldn't work that long. Our experts say aluminum will build up over time, and it usually takes a week to three weeks to detox the aluminum from your sweat glands. With enough use, four days of protection is certainly possible.

If you're not up for a dry spray, it also comes in a solid stick.

Pros

  • Doesn’t leave a white residue
  • Long-lasting sweat protection
  • Five, gender-neutral scent options

Cons

  • No fragrance-free option

$14 at Walmart

Lume

Best whole body deodorant

Lume Whole Body Deodorant

Cost: $20 for 3oz tube or $30 for 5 .05oz sampler pack | Type: Cream | Key ingredients: Mandelic acid, maranta arundinacea root powder, cacao (cocoa) seed butter, tapioca starch | Scents available: Minted Cucumber, Soft Powder, Lavender Sage, Toasted Coconut, Peony Rose, Clean Tangerine, Unscented, Fresh Alpine | Features: Aluminum-free whole body deodorant, nourishing, all-natural | Longevity: 72 hours

Lume's whole body cream deodorant rubs in like a lotion and works to keep you dry and smelling fresh for a full 72 hours. The cream formula is a doctor-developed aluminum-free deodorant that is safe for external use. It's also fortified with cocoa seed butter, so you get the moisturizing benefits of a lotion and odor control in all your hard-to-reach and sensitive areas. And for those with sensitive skin, Lume's whole body cream is hypoallergenic and baking soda-free, which is ideal for preventing the irritation some people experience with the pH effects of baking soda on the skin. It's also aluminum-free, paraben-free and safe for use anywhere and everywhere.

Our tester loved the option to put this absolutely anywhere. However, she stated that the initial scent was a little off-putting, although once it dried, small wafts of lavender or coconut came through. She also said it always seemed to work well since, at the end of the day, she could still smell light hints of the fragrance. We all agreed, though, that cream deodorants aren't necessarily something you want to slather all over your body.

If you need serious sweat-blocking power, Lume also offers a cream that contains aluminum, but it may be irritating to sensitive skin and sensitive areas,

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic for whole body use
  • Rubs in like lotion
  • Blocks odor for up to 72 hours

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Aluminum version scents are limited

$24 at Amazon

Pacifica

Best deodorant wipes

Pacifica Beauty Underarm Deodorant Wipes

Cost: $7 | Type: Wipes | Key ingredient: Coconut milk, witch hazel, shea butter | Scents available: Fragrance-free with a hint of coconut | Features: 30-wipes per pack, free from aluminum, mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates and sulfate | Longevity: 8 hours

If the idea of a deodorant wipe is new to you, prepare to be enlightened! Pacifica Beauty's underarm deodorant wipes can be used to wipe away existing odors or stop future smells from seeping through after showering. Formulated with coconut milk, witch hazel and shea butter to nourish and prevent odor, the wipes are free from aluminum, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum or sulfates. The only downfall is that the wipes do contain a little natural grain alcohol, so they may not suit those with ultra-sensitive skin. Each pack comes with 30 wipes.

I have used these wipes to eliminate odor after a workout and after a shower and loved the results in both situations. These deodorant wipes are an official staple in my summer bag.

Pros

  • Eliminates odors
  • Nourishing
  • Convenient for on-the-go use

Cons

  • Only one scent
  • Contains grain alcohol that could irritate sensitive skin

$6 at Amazon

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$6 at Ulta Beauty$9 at Target

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist

Best splurge-worthy deodorant for women

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Anti-Perspirant

Cost: $27 | Type: Solid | Key ingredient: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly | Scents available: Cashmere Mist | Features: Antiperspirant and deodorant that smells like Donna Karan Cashmere Mist perfume | Longevity: 24 hours

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Anti-Perspirant works to reduce both odor and sweat. Formulated with aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly — a gentler aluminum compound than what's used in many drugstore brands — it works to stop sweat before it starts while keeping you smelling like the beloved Cashmere Mist fragrance: light and fresh with hints of jasmine, bergamot and sandalwood.

I have long been a fan of both the Cashmere scent and this deodorant. It is my guilty pleasure, and I reach for it before going out for a date night, to dinner with friends or when I want to feel fancy and pretty. It works to keep me dry and smelling like Cashmere all day and night. It is definitely not cheap, but one tube will last me about three to four months with regular use.

There’s also an aluminum-free version available that uses cornstarch, coconut oil, and magnesium hydroxide, but it’s worth noting that the reviews aren’t nearly as good. Many fans of the original antiperspirant find that the aluminum-free deodorant just doesn’t work as well in terms of staying dry.

Pros

  • Smells just like the beloved Cashmere Mist perfume
  • Made with gentler aluminum that keeps you dry with less irritation Zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly

Cons

  • Only available online and at department stores

$27 at Amazon

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$32 at Macys$32 at Nordstroms

Factors to consider when buying the best deodorant for women

When searching for the best antiperspirant and deodorant, consider the following important factors:

Antiperspirant vs. deodorant

It's important to distinguish between deodorants and antiperspirants, says Steven Prus, PA-C, a physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology in the Greater Chicago area. "Deodorant just masks odor, while antiperspirant is a compound that decreases perspiration," he explains. Before shopping, decide if you want to stop sweat (with an antiperspirant), block odors (with a deodorant) or do both (with a combination deodorant and antiperspirant).

Ingredients

  • Antiperspirants: There are 18 different FDA-approved aluminum compounds that can be used in antiperspirants, although some are more common than others. Aluminum chloride, for example, is considered the most effective for hyperhidrosis and heavy sweaters, but it's also more irritating, whereas aluminum zirconium and aluminum sesquichlorohydrate are gentler forms. "What sets different antiperspirants apart is which salt the product is formulated with and its concentration. While aluminum salts can be irritating, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is less irritating than products that contain aluminum chloride, yet weaker," says Taub. Dr. Tushar Dabade, a board-certified dermatologist, points out that "prescription antiperspirants have a higher percentage of aluminum chloride than nonprescription. Prescription antiperspirants may work a little bit better for some people but occasionally will cause irritation."

  • Deodorants: Deodorants can have a long list of ingredients, so if you have known allergies to topical ingredients, make sure to read the label. Since deodorants do not contain aluminum, the majority are fortified with ingredients that absorb moisture, such as arrowroot powder, cornstarch or baking soda. When it comes to fighting odors, deodorants either include synthetic fragrances or utilize coconut milk or oil, shea butter or essential oils.

Application type

Deodorants and antiperspirants come in a variety of application types. When it comes to deciding which is best, Dr. Monika Kaniszewska, a board-certified dermatologist, says, "Aerosols and wipes may not be as effective as a thicker gel or cream that has the ability to stay on the skin and absorb better."

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  • Solid: The most common type for both antiperspirants and deodorants. It usually has a powdery soft, solid and smooth consistency. Solid deodorants tend to dry quickly but can also leave residue behind if not formulated to be "invisible."

  • Roll-on: Roll-on deodorants are liquids applied using a rotating ball applicator that disperses the product as you roll it across your skin. The benefit is that they go on clear and absorb more quickly than a solid; the downside, however, is that they take longer to dry than a solid, so you may feel wet or sticky until they dry completely.

  • Spray: Spray or aerosol deodorants are easy to apply and dry quickly. However, their containers tend to be larger and bulkier and the product may not last as long as solids.

  • Gel: Gel deodorants typically come in the same type of container as solid sticks but have a thick gel consistency. Like roll-ons, gels take time to dry, but they go on clear and leave little residue behind. As such, they're less likely to leave marks on your clothing.

  • Cream: Cream deodorants are becoming all the rage because they're safe to apply to the whole body, not just the armpits. The consistency is comparable to that of your favorite lotion and is just as moisturizing. They are also easier to apply in the amount you want since you squeeze them out and control how much and where they go.

  • Wipe: Deodorant wipes are disposable, single-use wipes that are great for on-the-go use to eliminate and prevent future odors. The downside is that wipes are expensive and you will likely run through a pack of 30 wipes three times faster than a standard solid stick of deodorant.

Strength and longevity

Strength mainly applies to the antiperspirant's use of aluminum. Stronger antiperspirants, often labeled "clinical strength," have a higher percentage of aluminum. As for longevity, stronger antiperspirants will also last longer, with some even boasting 48 to 72 hours of sweat prevention. Natural, aluminum-free deodorants, on the other hand, may not last the entire day without reapplying. "Everyone's needs for deodorants and antiperspirants are different. What lasts for 24 hours for one person might not last for 24 hours for the next," says Ann Cameron Schieber, PA-C, a physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology.

Scent

Scent comes down to personal preference and your skin's level of sensitivity. During our research, we learned there is a seemingly endless range of pleasant scents when it comes to antiperspirants and deodorants, especially when you add in the versions marketed to men. This is one of those features for which you may need to spend time in the deodorant aisle of the drugstore, sniffing out your favorite scent. If you have sensitive skin, look for natural deodorants that offer essential oils and botanicals in lieu of synthetic fragrances.

Cost

As you can see from the list above, there is a broad range of prices when it comes to deodorants and antiperspirants, and it doesn't always come down to a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation. There are plenty of effective products that cost under $5. The cost rises for luxury deodorants with a brand name or all-natural formulations that offer high-quality organic ingredients. The good news is that, in general, deodorants can last a very long time, so you'll usually find that regardless of what you choose, you do get the most bang for your buck.

How we chose

To find the best deodorants and antiperspirants, we first spoke to a panel of physicians, dermatologists and physician assistants to determine what to look for and what to avoid. All agreed that the most important consideration is a product's ingredients, so we spent hours comparing ingredient lists of more than 75 products and reviewing the scientific research available.

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For antiperspirants, we looked at the type and percentage of aluminum salt in the formulation along with the inactive ingredients. We avoided those that contained ethyl alcohol, parabens and harsh irritants. For deodorants (aluminum-free), we looked for products with natural, plant-based ingredients, including organic ingredients where possible. We also evaluated each product's texture, application type, longevity, scent and cost.

FAQs

Are antiperspirants safe to use?

There’s been a great deal of concern surrounding the safety of aluminum-based antiperspirants, including concerns that aluminum can cause various ailments and disorders, most notably Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. However, it's worth noting that there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause any health concerns. In fact, research has found that there's no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer.

According to Dr. Faranak Kamangar, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermGPT, aluminum-based antiperspirants are considered extremely safe and effective. Dr. Zenovia Gabriel, a board-certified dermatologist from California, agrees but adds that there is a risk of skin irritation for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

When is the best time to apply antiperspirant?

It's best to apply antiperspirant at night because you'll typically sweat less while you sleep, and it gives the aluminum salt time to work plugging sweat glands. Even if you shower in the morning, the prior night's application will still be effective because the aluminum salts will work for the next 24 hours. However, you may want to reapply after showering if you want the benefits of the fragrance or other active ingredients like baking soda. Just be aware that applying antiperspirants directly after shaving can cause stinging and irritation, so it's best to wait a few hours if you have sensitive skin.

How often should I reapply deodorant and antiperspirant?

Kamangar recommends applying antiperspirants only once a day, adding that because of the aluminum, applying them more often can increase the risk of skin irritation.

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Deodorant, however, is a different story. Since there's no aluminum to stop sweat, you can reapply as often as needed throughout the day in order to control odor. Additionally, your activity can play a role. "If you exercise or take a shower, it's advised to reapply," says Gabriel.

Meet our skin experts

The 10 best deodorants and antiperspirants for women of 2024, according to dermatologists and testers (2024)

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