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Real-talk time: Deodorant isn't a sexy beauty product, but it's arguably one of the most important. Imagine plopping down on your exercise bike, pounding the pavement in your favorite running gear, or even just commuting to the office without one. Scary thought, right? Growing up in notoriously humid South Florida, I was always hyper-aware of body odor and well-acquainted with underarm sweat—and I knew that deodorant was the way to keep me dry and stink-free.
Here's how they work: "Keeping underarms fresh involves two main goals: controlling sweat and eliminating B.O.," says board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD. That's where deodorants and antiperspirants come into play. The only problem? The terms are often used interchangeably, but they're actually very difference between the two.
Best Deodorants For Women
Deodorants help mask or neutralize underarm odor caused by sweat mixing with skin bacteria, while antiperspirants use aluminum to reduce underarm sweat by blocking sweat glands, notes Dr. Murphy-Rose. "One potential downside with antiperspirants is that they can dry out surrounding skin, leading to irritation, itching, and rash for those with sensitive skin," adds Alicia Zalka, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine,
Controlling sweat and masking bad odors are both important, but you'll have to be honest to decide which is a higher priority for your needs. If you're a heavy sweater and want to stop underarm wetness, opt for antiperspirants. If excess perspiration isn't as big of an issue for you, stick with deodorants. My daily go-to is deodorant to, but I swiped both types to share the full scoop on the best women's deodorants and antiperspirants in the game. And the best part? Everything starts at just $9.
What To Consider
I've no doubt that one of the products below will get the job done beautifully for you (so please, scroll!). But here are a few expert pointers if you want to shop for the best deodorant on your own.
Formula
You've probably seen a variety of deodorant and antiperspirant formulations, and Dr. Murphy-Rose says your choice should be based upon personal preference and your unique issues. That said, there are some differences between the different types, so here's a quick rundown to think about.
Solids and sticks typically have a waxy consistency, are generally well-tolerated, and usually are the best for sensitive skin. Dragging on the skin is usually the primary source of irritation with these so "try warming the stick on your skin first before swiping to minimize friction," advises Dr. Murphy-Rose. They also tend to leave behind annoying powdery white streaks on dark clothes and stickiness on the underarm area, adds Dr. Zalka. (All of these featured solids and sticks did not leave behind any residue on my clothes.)
Gels are convenient roll-ons and are typically light or clear so naturally, they leave behind less residue than solids. The only downside is that they tend to feel we on skin—so if you're already dealing with excess perspiration, you may not love that sensation.
Creams feel moisturizing and soothing with application, but are a bit more messy and not as easy to apply. They're totally worth using, especially if you're looking to concentrate the application to a specific area or want full-body coverage (think between skin folds or under your breasts). Creams are typically more hydrating than gels and are a good option for those prone to dryness or irritation, notes Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Spray deodorants are quick to use, lightweight, and typically fast-drying, so they're practical for days you're in a rush. "They feel light and dry quickly with fewer ingredients," says Dr. Zalka. However, some may contain alcohol, which can be dehydrating or irritating for sensitive skin. Sprays can also be messy because you can't fully control where all of the deodorant particles land.
Ingredients
In general, you'll want to use deodorants made with moisturizing ingredients like humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin for hydration and occlusives like shea butter or beeswax to help protect dry, itchy underarms, recommends board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAA. There are also deodorants made with bentonite clay, powders, or baking soda to help combat moisture. Important to note: "None of these ingredients blocks sweat ducts—they work by absorbing moisture," she says. Dr. Murphy-Rose is also is keen on deodorants made with low concentrations alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to minimize underarm discoloration and baking soda.
That's slightly different from antiperspirants, which use aluminum salts stop perspiration by creating plugs that block sweat glands, using aluminum, says Murphy-Rose. She adds that most over-the-counter antiperspirants contain 12-25% aluminum, while prescription-strength formulas can go up to about 30%.
How We Chose
I'm our resident scent-obsessed editor and have tried a slew of deodorants and antiperspirants throughout my eight-year journalism career. For this story, I kept the above dermatologist-approved guidance in mind and carefully researched hundreds of women's deodorants and antiperspirants. Next, I went to the Women's Health beauty closet and revisited products in my personal collection until I eventually narrowed down my list to 12 potential contenders that seem promising. I tested these deodorants after showering and, on weekends spent indoors, I delayed showering my underarms to see how these products held up against smell and sweat. I also considered how much odor and sweat protection they provide while exercising, running errands across New York City, and wore them on special occasions and nights out with friends.
I also considered their ease of use, how they feel on my underarms, whether they leave behind any residue (a major pet peeve of mine), and how frequently I needed to apply to remain confident in how I smell.
With that, I give you: the best women's deodorants of 2025. They are all loved by myself, and some are even well-known among the dermatologists I spoke with for this story. Regardless of which deodorant you order they all earned major snaps from myself, a very hard-to-please beauty editor.
Pros
Glides over skin with no pulling or tugging- Doesn't leave any white marks on clothinng
- Smells great and keeps you dry for a full day
Cons
- May not last as long as some of the other competition
When it comes to selecting the best overall deodorant for women, it's tough to find a winner that doesn't include aluminum. As I said above, it's the only active ingredient approved to stop perspiration in its tracks—a major consideration. What's more, the powdery texture works double-duty to absorb moisture and leave skin with a silky finish.
And like m0st Dove products, this stick is chock full of moisturizing ingredients so you can rest assured that this one won't dry out your skin. “I feel like this is a deodorant you can’t go wrong with," says Women's Health senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson."I recently switched back to this after using some aluminum-free formulas with more subtle scents, and I’ve just found that I’m much more confident about any sort of odors being blocked when I wear it."
But the ultimate test is, Can this hold up to activity? And that's a test that Jackson says this Dove stick passes with flying colors. "I also realized that I don’t have to worry as much about it doing its job when I’m being active or working out," she says. "It lasts all day and has a powdery scent that smells great but isn’t overbearing.”
When it comes to usage, Jackson assures that the Dove antiperspirant stick glides on easily without pulling (a major downside for most other sticks) and won't leave any white marks on my skin or clothes. Talk about an A plus!
The one potential downside (if you can even call it that) is that some of the other products on our list have a longer-lasting dryness promise (this one will only keep you dry for 24 hours as opposed to say, the 48 or 72 hours promised by some other brands). But if you're like me and shower frequently, that won't be an issue.
Read more: Best Natural Deodorants
Key Specs
| Deodorant or Antiperspirant | Antiperspirant |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Aluminum, castor oil |
| Formulation | Stick |
| Longevity | 24 hours |
Best For Excessive Sweat
Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response Antiperspirant Deodorant
Pros
- Made with pH-balancing minerals to help neutralize unpleasant body odor
- Has the highest possible concentration of sweat-stopping ingredients
Cons
- Can be irritating on very sensitive skin
A Women's Health Beauty Award winner for best deodorant, this heavy-duty antiperspirant leaves me with fresher-smelling pits from the second we swipe and up to 48 hours later. Obviously, I'm not going two days without showering, but I do notice that whenever I wear this antiperspirant while enjoying HIIT exercises or on the treadmill I'm less sweaty. Now that's pretty amazing.
Secret swears their antiperspirant helps camouflage sweat caused by activity, nerves, and heat—and I think it does a solid job, especially for heat. I've worn this deo regularly back when I practiced martial arts, swam, rode horses, and attempted to play tennis. I don't normally sweat heavily, but in the summer I'd definitely reach for this antiperspirant especially when commuting underground on the New York subway system.
The only thing I don't enjoy about Secret is the package design. It's shaped like your standard stick deodorant where I twist the bottom to help push up the creamy formula, but I noticed the turn mechanism on mine requires a little more effort than others on this list. But if you're a heavy sweater, that's a fairly minor downside—and you shouldn't let this small con deter you from this one.
Key Specs
| Deodorant or Antiperspirant | Antiperspirant |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Aluminum, castor oil, kaolin clay |
| Formulation | Solid stick |
| Longevity | 72 hours |
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Pros
- Available in a variety of fresh, clean, and natural scents
- Performs well for a natural non-antiperspirant deodorant
Cons
- Slight drag on skin
I learned about this deodorant years ago though my mom who has been using Tom's forever. I've tried it during the pandemic, but stopped in favor of different deodorant's that I've cycled through. But, I wanted to revisit Tom's for this story—and I'm so glad that I did.
The brand recently reformulated their line of natural deodrants, and I'm obsessed with the chic new packaging and all the incredible new scents available, like Wild Lavender, North Woods, and Mountain Spring. Tom's swears the formula is still as long-lasting as ever though, with this deodorant keeping odor at bay for 48 hours. That's pretty impressive for a natural formula. Like I said earlier, I won't ever skip my daily shower (occasionally twice daily in the summer because it's that humid along the East Coast) but Tom's can keep with my daily activities. Think long daily commutes to the office, full work days, after work shenanigans, and so much more.
To be frank, this level of protection isn't the norm for natural deodorants, but this stick is formulated with a generous dose of glycerin and aloe to condition my skin. It's also free of artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive noses like mine.
All this being said, this is not the formula for you if you're a heavy sweater. I'd also say the biggest bummer about this deodorant is that it doesn't glide as easily as other alternatives on this list. There's a light dragging on my underarms, but it's not a huge problem, rather a minor annoyance that shouldn't deter you from enjoying this pick.
Key Specs
| Deodorant or Antiperspirant | Deodorant |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Aloe, glycerin |
| Formulation | Stick |
| Longevity | 48 hours |
Pros
- Easy to apply and leaves behind no stains on your clothing
- Roll-on formula doesn't tug skin or cause irritation
Cons
- Doesn't dry as quickly as some others.
Is anyone else flashing back to middle and high school gym class just looking at this deodorant? I know I am, but there are several reasons every girl in my PE classes all used this roll-on antiperspirant—it's so easy to use and it's virtually invisible.
Since it's an antiperspirant, Ban keeps me sweat- and odor-free and embarrassing sweat marks on my clothes are non-existent when I roll this onto my underarms (it's clear formula doesn't transfer or leave behind any marks). What I really appreciate about Ban, though, is how it's lightweight on my skin. Sometimes creamy sticks feel like they're leaving behind a clump of product onto my pits, but that's a non-issue with Ban.
One thing that's important to note that this Ban product doesn't dry quickly. It's not a huge drawback—the waiting period is minimal—but if you're in a super-rush in the morning, keep that in mind. It's also not quite as long-lasting as some of the other formulas at 24 hours, but that's not a problem for me since, again, I shower daily.
Key Specs
| Deodorant or Antiperspirant | Antiperspirant |
|---|---|
| Formulation | Roll-on |
| Best ingredients | Aluminum chlorohydrate |
| Longevity | 24 hours |
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Pros
- Invisible and won't leave any stains on clothing
- Long-lasting formula keeps you dry
Cons
- Spray is hard to control and get messy
I've always preferred stick deodorants and antiperspirants because it's what I'm used to. But this Dove formula makes a compelling case for anyone who's also shopping for weightless odor and sweat protection. So how does it work? “They create a flexible film of active ingredients on your skin and remain dry,” says cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski. Dove relies on finely milled aluminum for invisible protection, plus a special masking oil to prevent any marks from getting on my clothes.
But similar to spray sunscreens, spray deodorants and antiperspirants tend to be a little messy and hard to control, and this one is no exception. So, it's probably best to skip buying this one for someone who is super cleanly or a pre-teen who might spray this a little too liberally.
Key Specs
| Deodorant or Antiperspirant | Antiperspirant |
|---|---|
| Formulation | Spray |
| Best ingredients | Aluminum chlorohydrate and sunflower seed oil |
| Longevity | 72 hours |
Pros
- Can be used all over the body, including sensitive areas
- Cream formula is spreadable and shouldn't irritate skin
Cons
- Can get messy as opposed to sticks
As we've said before: Whole body deodorants are hugely popular right now, with all the major players getting in on this trend. It's a smart idea—just two percent of our sweat glands exist in our underarms, so it's clear the need for all-over odor solutions is great.
This formula, with tapioca starch and mandelic acid, works to acidify skin’s pH, preventing odor-causing bacteria from proliferating. Lume's founder, Shannon Klingman, MD, an OB-GYN, recommends rubbing a pea-sized amount (“A little goes a long way,” she says.") into smelly areas, including the vulva, under-boob, thigh folds, and underneath the butt cheeks.
Since its launch, LUME has expanded its portfolio to include stick deodorants, wipes, body creams, body washes, and acidified cleansing bars that are pH-optimized to control odor.
Key Specs
| Deodorant or Antiperspirant | Deodorant |
|---|---|
| Best ingredients | Tapioca starch, mandelic acid |
| Formulation | Cream |
| Longevity | 72 hours |
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Meet The Experts
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine
Are antiperspirants with aluminum safe?
Look, there are studies that have investigated potential links between aluminum-based antiperspirants and breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. "To date, no conclusive evidence supports these claims, and aluminum-based antiperspirants are generally considered safe for daily use. There is no clear evidence that they pose a significant health risk," says Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Want more proof? Well, the American Cancer Society says "there are no strong epidemiologic studies (studies in people) that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim." Plus, this report in the National Library of Medicine details a study conducted on 130 people regarding the potential exposure to aluminum through antiperspirants, antacids, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). "For all antiperspirant/deodorant use, regardless of aluminum content, there was no association with AD, reports the study.
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Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.
Expert consulted:Blair Murphy-Rose, MD
Dermatologist
Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
