Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Let’s be honest, we’ve all had days where we’ve smelt, well, less than fresh. You know what I mean; maybe you missed a shower or finished an exercise class. Or, maybe you’ve been the victim of applying deodorant only to find out it’s just not getting the job done. Whatever it is, we’ve all experienced days where our underarms have smelt a tad bit offensive.
Finding the best deodorant for your needs is a feat. With no shortage of products, how do you know where to begin? The best deodorants and antiperspirants actively combat body odor at the source versus simply masking the scent. Instead of testing dozens of deodorants to find your favorite one, we did the heavy lifting for you by scouring the internet for the best picks.
What Makes A Deodorant Good for Body Odor?
Ingredients, ingredients, ingredients. The key to eliminating smelly underarms comes down to making sure the ingredients inside your deodorant are designed for your specific issue.
Sweat alone is essentially odorless. However, armpits harbor bacteria that feeds on the chemicals in your sweat and convert it into thioalcohols, which is that particularly unpleasant body odor scent. A deodorant that contains antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan and triclocarban is a good place to start when it comes to addressing bad odors at the source.
Additionally, deodorants should not cause discomfort and should feel light on the skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, be sure to avoid things like fragrances and essential oils as these may cause irritation. While a refreshing deodorant scent like citrus or florals is a nice bonus, if it doesn’t contain antibacterial agents, it won’t quite get the job done.
If you’re self conscious about how much your armpits sweat, antiperspirants may be better than a traditional deodorant. Antiperspirants rely on ingredients like aluminum that work with perspiration in your underarms to create plugs, signaling to your body to stop producing sweat.
Finding the best deodorant for your body’s needs can take some trial and error. To save time (and money), we evaluated the best-smelling deodorants based on ingredients, trustworthy reviews and overall value for the price. Read up on our top 12 picks below, featuring picks for both men and women.
The Best Deodorants
Old Spice Aluminum Free Deodorant
Tried and true, Old Spice is like the gold standard for keeping pits from smelling funky. Grab Pure Sport for a refreshing lemon and lime citrus scent that keeps you protected and fresh for up to 48 hours. It’s also a super affordable pick that can be found at pretty much every local drugstore, which we love.
Speed Stick Aluminum Free Deodorant
Another staple that just works, Speed Stick’s Aluminum Free Deodorant is the epitome of a fresh staple that proves you don’t need to reinvent the wheel with deodorant to find a solid favorite. It offers 24 hours of protection, and you’d be hard pressed to find something more affordable — the four pack is just $10!
Axe Antiperspirant Phoenix
Powered by aluminum, this delicious mint and rosemary scented vibe setter keeps you dry for up to 48 hours. Reach for it if you want to spend more time in the moment and less time fanning your underarms.
Blu Atlas Natural Deodorant
Blu Atlas really just gets it right with this aluminum-free pick that boasts 96% naturally-derived ingredients like bamboo stem extract, sage leaf and volcanic ash extract for non-greasy, 48-hour protection. It’s available in coconut apricot, as well as an unscented option. Be warned, the coconut apricot scent will have everyone asking what you’re wearing.
Kosas Chemistry Deodorant
Reach for this pick to demolish body odor at the root. Two alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) including lactic and mandelic acids work overtime to exfoliate the under arms and stop odor. Meanwhile, aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid soothe and nourish skin. The result? A gluten free, cruelty free pick that reviewers call “clean, effective and gentle on sensitive skin.”
Le Labo Deodorant
We love that this pick describes its scent like a cologne: bergamot and lavender up front, while violet and tonka bean notes round it out. But make no mistake, it’s not here to mask odors; it features glycerin, which has antibacterial properties, and vitamin E to soothe skin. Though a bit more pricey than drugstore deodorants, this luxurious product is worth every penny.
Dove Antiperspirant Dry Spray Deodorant
Spray the stink away with Dove. The scent is subtle, but make no mistake, it’s designed for 72 hours of protection from sweating and being smelly. Plus, it boasts moisturizing cream to keep skin irritation-free.
Dr. Squatch Natural Deodorant
Dr. Squatch doesn’t hold back, proving that natural deodorants can absolutely get the job done. Boasting ingredients like arrowroot powder, charcoal and postbiotics, in addition to naturally derived fragrances, it’s available in a slew of stunning scent profiles like birchwood breeze and summer citrus.
Degree Clinical Protection Antiperspirant
If you need a little extra help, Degree has you covered. This prescription-strength pick relies on aluminum and emits just a little bit of fragrance when you move, meaning you don’t have to worry about stinking when you’re in the gym or playing sports.
Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream
Cream deodorant? Sure, it may sound odd, but trust Us, it works. Once you try it you’ll probably never go back. This Kiehl’s pick is powered by aluminum and witch hazel to keep the sweat at bay while softening skin. It’s the perfect pick for anyone looking for a fragrance-free option that works to prevent itchiness.
Native Deodorant
Another aluminum free pick, this choice from Native relies on coconut oil, shea butter, probiotic and tapioca to keep pits feeling fresh and nourished. Reviewers note how pleasantly surprised they are with its ability to keep odor at bay. Choose from several scents spanning coconut and vanilla to cucumber and mint.
Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Jack Black isn’t playing games when it comes to keeping the sweat at bay, but we love that their deodorant also includes vitamin E to keep the skin nourished and conditioned. Meanwhile, aloe vera juice keeps pits hydrated, creating an impressive cocktail that reviewers note effectively tackles sweat and odor.
The Lowdown
Rid stinky pits for good with one of our picks above, spanning tried and true brands and popular newcomers. Fear not — depending on your skin type and specific concerns and preferences, there’s certainly something to alleviate your issues. Top tier picks, like the Blu Atlas natural deodorant, leave armpits feeling refreshed and smelling at the top of their game.
