Sweating is a natural and essential process that helps regulate body temperature but can often lead to unpleasant odors, damp skin, and unsightly clothing stains. Thankfully, modern deodorants and antiperspirants offer practical solutions to these problems.
Various products, from powerful sweat blockers to natural, aluminum-free options, are available. To help you find the best deodorant for your needs, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab experts have tested numerous formulas.
Here are the 19 best deodorants for women, carefully selected for their effectiveness in stopping sweat and odor.
Understanding Deodorants and Antiperspirants
Before diving into the top picks, it’s essential to understand the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants are designed to mask or neutralize body odor but do not stop sweat.
They are made with ingredients that inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for foul odors. On the other hand, antiperspirants prevent perspiration by using active ingredients like aluminum salts that form gel-like plugs in sweat ducts, stopping sweat from reaching the skin’s surface.
Research has shown that aluminum in antiperspirants is safe and not linked to an increased cancer risk.
Best Overall Deodorant for Women
1. Dove Refillable Deodorant
- Price: $10 at Walmart
- Pros: Lasting odor protection, skin-softening formula, refillable packaging, made without aluminum.
- Cons: Not an antiperspirant.
Dove’s aluminum-free deodorant stands out with its sustainable refillable packaging, which reduces plastic waste. It offers long-lasting odor protection and contains moisturizing ingredients for softer skin. This deodorant is particularly appreciated for keeping users smelling fresh all day without leaving any white marks on clothing.
2. Degree Advanced 72H MotionSense Antiperspirant Deodorant
- Price: $5 at Amazon, $7 at Walmart
- Pros: Strong odor and sweat blocking, designed for intense physical activity, affordable price.
- Cons: The scent is polarizing.
Degree’s antiperspirant is ideal for active women, offering robust protection against odor and sweat. It is specifically formulated for athletes and those in constant motion, providing adequate 48-hour protection even during intense physical activity. The fruity floral scent is loved by many but may be too intense for some users.
3. Native AluminumFree Deodorant in Coconut & Vanilla
- Price: $13 at Walmart, Amazon, and Nativecos.com
- Pros: Aluminum-free formula, all-day odor protection, great scent.
- Cons: Can leave white marks on clothing, not an antiperspirant.
Native’s aluminum-free deodorant is praised for its sweet, subtle scent and adequate odor protection. Made with baking soda and tapioca starch, it prevents smells all day but does not protect sweat. It may leave white marks on clothing, a common issue with non antiperspirant deodorants.
4. Dove Ultimate Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick in Jasmine & Vanilla
- Price: $7 at Amazon and Walmart
- Pros: Refreshing and soothing water-based formula, protects against odor and sweat, appealing scent.
- Cons: It takes a few seconds to dry on the skin.
Dove’s water-based deodorant/antiperspirant stick is designed to soothe and soften the skin with ingredients like glycerin and sunflower oil. It offers strong protection against odor and sweat with a sophisticated floral aroma. While it is lightweight and refreshing on the skin, it does take a few seconds to dry.
5. Ban Antiperspirant Deodorant Original RollOn in Satin Breeze
- Price: $5 at Walmart, $30 at Amazon
- Pros: Lightweight liquid formula, effectively wards off sweat and odor, great value.
- Cons: Initially, it feels wet on the skin.
Ban’s roll-on antiperspirant/deodorant provides compelling sweat and odor protection without a heavy feel. The liquid formula feels lightweight on the skin, though it can be wet upon application. It is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable protection throughout the day.
6. Dry Idea Antiperspirant Deodorant Gel Unscented
- Price: $5 at Walgreens, $21 at Amazon
- Pros: Refreshing gel formula, powerful odor and wetness protection, bargain price.
- Cons: Unscented but not fragrance-free.
Dry Idea’s gel antiperspirant is a refreshing and effective option for those seeking protection against wetness and odor. The gel formula dries quickly and provides long-lasting protection, although it contains subtle masking fragrances despite being labeled unscented.
7. AKT The Deodorant Balm
- Price: $29 at Amazon
- Pros: Soft cream formula, absorbs moisture and reduces body odor, high-end fragrance.
- Cons: It is not an antiperspirant, and it is pricey.
AKT’s deodorant balm is a luxurious, aluminum-free option with a creamy texture that absorbs moisture and neutralizes body odor. Infused with skin conditioning ingredients and essential oils, it offers a sophisticated scent and effective odor control, even though it does not prevent sweating.
8. Sure Dri Extra Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant
- Price: $10 at Amazon, $11 at Walmart, $8 at CVS
- Pros: Strong sweat protection, high level of antiperspirant active ingredient, good odor protection.
- Cons: It could be irritating to sensitive skin.
Certain Dri’s clinical strength antiperspirant is designed for women who sweat excessively, providing robust protection with a high aluminum concentration. It effectively reduces sweat and odor but may irritate those with sensitive skin due to its potent formula.
9. Degree Unlimited Antiperspirant Deodorant in Fresh
- Price: $10 at CVS, $20 at Amazon
- Pros: Appealing fresh, neutral scent, non-irritating.
- Cons: Some users found the cap challenging to remove.
Degree’s antiperspirant deodorant features a unique, fresh scent with hints of mint and eucalyptus, providing adequate protection without irritation. The cap can be tricky to remove, but the neutral, spalike aroma makes this deodorant a favorite.
10. Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response Antiperspirant Deodorant
- Price: $8 at Amazon
- Pros: Potent odor and sweatfighting ingredients, high level of antiperspirant aluminum.
- Cons: Some users had issues with the twist-up dial functioning.
Secret’s clinical strength antiperspirant is recommended for those with strong body odor, offering robust protection with a high concentration of aluminum zirconium. The packaging can be problematic, but the product effectively combats odor and moisture.
11. Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant Nourished Beauty
- Price: $8 at Walmart, $21 at Amazon
- Pros: It is an easy-to-apply spray formula, dries fast, can be used all over the body, and has no visible residue.
- Cons: The spray nozzle may be challenging to press.
Dove’s dry spray deodorant offers quickdrying, residue-free protection that can be applied all over the body. The spray formula is convenient and practical, though some users found the nozzle challenging to press.
12. Lumé Deodorant Tube
- Price: $18 at Amazon, $28 at Walmart
- Pros: It can be used all over the body for lasting odor protection.
- Cons: Not an antiperspirant.
Lumé’s deodorant tube provides long-lasting odor protection and can be used on various body parts, making it a versatile choice. However, it does not prevent sweat and is best used as an additional odor-control measure.
13. Freedom Natural Deodorant Stick
- Price: $15 at Amazon
- Pros: Made with natural ingredients, not irritating, great scent.
- Cons: Not an antiperspirant.
Freedom’s natural deodorant is made with coconut oil, beeswax, and arrowroot powder, providing adequate odor protection without irritation. It is a good option for those seeking a natural alternative for everyday use.
14. Dove Clear Finish 48Hour Invisible Antiperspirant & Deodorant Dry Spray
- Price: $6 at Amazon, $8 at Walmart
- Pros: Easy to apply all over the body, the precise formula won’t leave marks on fabric, and long-lasting sweat protection.
- Cons: Fragrance is polarizing.
Dove’s clear dry spray antiperspirant offers invisible protection that doesn’t transfer onto clothes. It provides adequate sweat protection, though the fragrance is polarizing among users.
15. Vanicream AntiPerspirant Deodorant Clinical Strength
- Price: $9 at Amazon
- Pros: Free of potentially irritating fragrances, gentle on skin, protects against sweat and odor.
- Cons: Gel goes on wet and takes time to dry down.
It may not provide long enough odor protection for some. Vanicream’s fragrance-free clinical strength antiperspirant is ideal for sensitive skin, offering compelling sweat and odor protection without irritating fragrances. The gel formula takes time to dry but is gentle on the skin.
16. Nubian Heritage African Black Soap 24Hour Deodorant
- Price: $9 at Amazon, $12 at Walmart
- Pros: Gentle formula, subtle scent.
- Cons: Not an antiperspirant.
Nubian Heritage’s vegan deodorant is gentle on the skin and offers a subtle scent, making it a favorite for those who prefer mild fragrances. It does not protect against sweat.
17. Mario Badescu Deodorant
- Price: $14 at Amazon, Belk.com
- Pros: Neutral, lasting scent, baking soda-free, smooth glide.
- Cons: Not an antiperspirant.
Mario Badescu’s minimalist deodorant offers a unisex scent and smooth application, making it a favorite for both men and women. It is aluminum-free and does not block sweat.
18. EiR NYC Natural AluminumFree Deodorant
- Price: $22 at Amazon
- Pros: Aluminum-free, protects against odor, biodegradable packaging.
- Cons: It is not an antiperspirant, so it may be tricky to push up.
EiR NYC’s aluminum-free deodorant is a winner for its biodegradable packaging and adequate odor protection. The pushup design can be tricky, but it is a sustainable choice for eco-conscious users.
19. Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes with Coconut Milk & Essential Oils
- Price: $7 at Ulta Beauty, Amazon
- Pros: It can be used all over the body, is easy to use, and has a great scent.
- Cons: It is not an antiperspirant and may not be strong enough for severe odor.
Pacifica’s deodorant wipes offer a quick and easy way to refresh with a light, sweet scent. They do not prevent sweating but are convenient for touchups throughout the day.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right deodorant or antiperspirant can significantly affect your daily comfort and confidence. Whether you prefer a natural, aluminum-free option or need powerful sweat protection, there is a product on this list to meet your needs.
These 19 best deodorants for women have been tested and recommended by experts to ensure you stay fresh, dry, and confident throughout the day.
