The 13 Best Deodorants to Keep You Feeling Fresh

Best Overall

Kosas Chemistry Deodorant

4.8

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Byrdie editor-in-chief and GM Hallie Gould is only one of many Byrdie staffers full-on obsessed with this newbie. While yes, you will still sweat, Gould raves about how well it keeps smells at bay; per the name, it boasts a special blend of AHAs that creates a pH environment hostile to odor-causing bacteria rather than simply masking smells. She also loves how moisturizing it is (credit to the addition of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice), and she and other editors also appreciate the clear, serum-like formula, which dries super quickly.

It comes in a fragrance-free variant, a choice for those with sensitive skin, ‘Serene Clean,’ a scent that’s indeed clean and fresh, and most recently, ‘Beachy Clean,’ a scent reminiscent of summer smells.  

Be careful when using, though, the goop comes out quickly, even after a gentle squeeze. Since the packaging is so prone to overflow, we wish the tube came with more product in it. 

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Shikimic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, pure aloe vera juice, hyaluronic acid, highly bioactive peptide | Size: 2.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Drugstore

Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

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A true standout in the world of natural deodorants, users consistently vouch for its efficacy. Aluminum-, paraben-, and cruelty-free, there are five scents to choose from: an unscented variety, as well as seasonal scents (you better believe there’s a pumpkin spice latte option). And if none of those float your boat, you can even create a custom fragrance.

However, some users experienced slight stinging after swiping on. Also, the texture is on the chalky side. Before using, warm up the product on your palms for a smoother glide. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda | Size: 2.65 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

4.6

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We’re huge fans of everything this brand offers, and this deodorant is no exception. Lactic and mandelic acids simultaneously fight odor and hyperpigmentation, but there’s also silica, zinc, and kaolin clay to absorb wetness, so you stay dry from the first swipe. We especially love it for the sensitive skin set (truly, is there anything more annoying than underarm irritation?), given that it contains a soothing mineral complex and is free of baking soda, aluminum, and synthetic fragrance. Speaking of fragrance, choose from eucalyptus or sandalwood scents—both equally chic—or fragrance-free.

Some users noted that wetness returned after a few hours, but this quick-drying rollerball is easy to reapply. We recommend stashing one in your purse for emergency moments. 

Price at time of publish: $15

Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), silica, kaolin, zinc | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Budget

Schmidt's Deodorant Stick

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If you’re looking to make the switch to a natural deodorant but aren’t sure if you’ll like it (or just don’t want to shell out the big bucks for one), this pick is a wallet-friendly must. A go-to for Byrdie Associate Social Media Director Star Donaldson, it relies on magnesium hydroxide to control odor and also boasts nourishing coconut oil. Plus, it comes in a wide line-up of unique scents, as well as a baking soda-free version for those who may be sensitive to the ingredient.

Like the Native, this deodorant can be hard to spread after the first roll-up, but it can also leave the dreaded marks on dark-colored clothes. A damp washcloth will usually get rid of this after a few swipes. 

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Shea butter, magnesium, essential oils, baking soda (varies by formula) | Size: 2.65 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Natural

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant

5

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Another team Byrdie fave, this also happens to be a 2019 Byrdie Eco Beauty Award- winner. A powerful duo of plant-based enzymes plus sage oil both protect against odor and break down the bacteria responsible for a yucky smell. Meanwhile, the coconut oil in the formula is moisturizing (and makes for a creamy texture that glides on beautifully), as well as naturally antimicrobial. It also contains hydrating coconut water, but no aluminum or baking soda, but our favorite part is how it glides. The clear formula won’t stain clothes and is easy to touch up during hot, humid days.

Price at time of publish: $14

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk, sage oil | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Customizable

Nala Personalized Deodorant

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There are plenty of haircare and skincare brands doing the custom thing these days, but this is the only deodorant we’ve seen get into the personalized game. We love that you get to choose not only your scent (from among three options like Cedarwood and Palo Santo, Eucalyptus, plus an unscented variety) but also the strength. It ranges from ‘Sensitive Skin’ to ‘Extra Strength’ with the strongest formula, including the highest concentration of baking soda. The ‘Sensitive Skin’ option is free of both aluminum and baking soda, but the tougher formulas do include baking soda. 

We will admit, $30 is a little steep to spend on deodorant, but if you have the extra cash, we think this formula is worth it. 

Price at time of publish: $30

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, kaolin, baking soda (varies by formula) | Size: 2.11 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Spray

Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray

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You may associate spray deodorant with something your dad used back in the 1990s, but trust us, sprays are back in a big way. In our experience, they dry insanely fast, don’t stain your clothes, and many of the latest iterations (like this one) are alcohol-free, so there’s no underarm stinging.

This one is especially great if you’re super active. Not only is it an antiperspirant (meaning it contains aluminum), but it also boasts a unique MotionSense technology that releases microcapsules of fragrance as you move, so you stay smelling fresh and dry throughout your entire workout. Plus, it is under $10, so you can replace it without breaking the bank. 

It is available in a wide variety of scents, but each fragrance is pretty strong, so if you are sensitive to smells, this may not be the right option for you. 

Price at time of publish: $16 for 3

Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: MotionSense Technology, freesia, jasmine, vanilla | Size: 3.8 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Splurge

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

4.5

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Deodorants are no longer limited to basic options, but they have since expanded to include luxe scents and elevated experiences. Notes of Moroccan jasmine and lily of the valley take this stick’s scent from subtle to sophisticated. Even though this formula contains no aluminum, it keeps unwanted odors at bay all day long. That being said, if you are experiencing a little extra wetness on especially humid days, this powdery stick keeps your underarms dry. 

Our one complaint is that this can leave chalky white marks or stains on your clothes. Also, for the price, we wish there was more product in the stick. 

Price at time of publish: $32

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Cornstarch, Coconut Oil, Wax | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Luxury

Corpus The Botanist Natural Deodorant

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To our previous point, yes, deodorant is a personal hygiene necessity, but if you want to turn it into a little bit of a beauty moment, treat yourself to this splurge-worthy option. The water-based formula is effective yet gentle on even the most sensitive skin, relying on tapioca starch to keep wetness at bay and diatomaceous earth (or an abrasive mineral) to exfoliate underarms. Not to mention, it comes in three next-level sophisticated scents (all naturally derived). And, of course, there’s the chic packaging, more elevated than any deodorant we’ve ever seen. The screw-on top prevents mess and crumbling, and the muted mint tone complements any shelfie. 

That being said, it is on the more expensive side. If you are tightening up your budget, select from other options on this list. 

Price at time of publish: $26

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Petitgrain, vetiver root, geranium leaf, citrus rind | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Heavy Duty

SweatBlock Antiperspirant

4.7

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This doctor-developed antiperspirant is for those who really want to call in the big guns, the super sweaty among us who want to stay completely and utterly dry. We repeat: This is not an everyday kind of product. It contains the highest level of sweat protection you can get without a prescription (more specifically, a 14% concentration of aluminum chloride), so much so that you’re only meant to use the swipe-on pads once every seven days. The formula also includes vitamin e oil to keep your underarm skin hydrated and smooth. Personally, we like to swipe these up before major events when we can’t be caught slipping (or sweating). 

Unfortunately, each pack comes with 10 wipes. For the price, we wish that more pads were included. 

Type: Pads | Active Ingredients: Aluminum chloride | Size: 10 pads | Cruelty Free: No Byrdie Clean: No

Best Wipes

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

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Much like a face wipe is a lifesaver when it comes to cleansing your complexion on the go, a deodorant wipe can offer that same type of fast freshening. Stash these in your gym bag or purse; they’re infused with hydrating coconut milk and shea butter plus B.O-busting essential oils. Spoiler alert: They work great not only for your armpits but also elsewhere on your body when a shower isn’t in the cards. Beyond the odor-fighting elements, these wipes are also biodegradable, so you can swipe sweat away guilt-free. 

These wipes are super travel-friendly, which comes in handy, especially since you will have to reapply a few times throughout the day. 

Price at time of publish: $9

Type: Wipes | Active Ingredients: Coconut milk, essential oils | Size: 30 towelettes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Scent

Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Deodorant Cheirosa '62

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Let’s be real—unless you’re opting for a fragrance-free option, the scent can be a major deciding factor when shopping for deodorant. Sol de Janeiro is famous for its heavily scented body creams and hair sprays. A few years ago, they expanded to deodorant, and they took their signature scent with them. Cheirosa 62 incorporates notes of salted caramel, vanilla bean, and rich almond. The ultra-sophisticated combos are more akin to a high-end perfume than a deodorant. On top of that, citric acid and papaya enzymes team up to exfoliate your underarms with each application to prevent discoloration and ingrown hairs. Even better, the formula is refillable, so you don’t have to buy a whole new tube when you run out. 

It goes on white, so be careful when you apply as it can get on your clothes. 

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Tapioca starch, citric acid, papaya enzymes | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Texture

Dove Dry Serum Antiperspirant Deodorant

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True story: We refer to this as our, ‘going out deodorant.’ As the name suggests, the silky texture goes on completely sheer and dries instantly. Like, you can put on a black silk blouse right afterward, kind of instantly - no white marks in sight. In true Dove fashion, it’s made with ¼ moisturizing ingredients and is an effective antiperspirant. We also can’t get enough of the fresh rose smell—and we’re not even big rose fans.

We wish that the scent lasted a little longer and that there was a little more product in the packaging. 

Price at time of publish: $7

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Jasmine, moisturizing ingredients | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Plant-Based

Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Natural Deodorant

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This brand is undoubtedly known for their (awesome) hair products, but don’t miss out on their deodorant. Like their haircare offerings, it relies on a litany of natural, plant-based ingredients such as antibacterial tea tree, hydrating coconut, and eucalyptus for a fresh scent. Bonus points for the fact that it doesn’t leave behind any tell-tale residue.

Unfortunately, it needs to be reapplied throughout the day. Thankfully, the formula glides on easily, so reapplication is a breeze. 

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Tea tree, coconut, eucalyptus | Size: 1.83 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes