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Byrdie / Amelia Manley
We all sweat—some of us more than others. And the choice of how to deal with perspiration (and the smells that come with it) is a personal one. If you prefer spray formulas or just want to branch out from the everyday stick, you've come to the right place.
"A spray deodorant is an aerosolized formula of a stick," says board-certified dermatologist Hysem Eldik, MD. He explains that the active ingredient in both types of antiperspirant (the stuff that prevents wet pits) is usually the same.
"Antiperspirants will cut back on both smell and the amount of sweat by actually blocking sweat ducts due to the aluminum," Eldik tells Byrdie. There are also some aluminum-free options, which will be labeled simply as deodorant, not antiperspirant. "A deodorant will focus on scent more than excess sweating."
We conducted hours of research on the best spray deodorants. We tried some of the top-rated formulas out there, our testers taking note of how well they went on, as well as how effective they were against wetness and odors. Our team then combined these results with our own research of fan favorites plus dermatologist-recommended picks to create this list.
Ahead, find the best spray deodorants to keep you feeling fresh.
Best Overall
Dove Original Antiperspirant Aerosol Dry Spray Deodorant
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Amazon
Dries quickly
Doesn't leave streaks
Dermatologist-recommended
Contains BHT
The Dry Spray formula promises to keep your pits not only dry but also odor-free for up to 48 hours. And although it prevents wetness, it leaves your underarms moisturized. As Eldik mentioned, there are lots of options, but the light, slightly floral Original scent is an all-around winner.
Price at time of publish: $9
Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate | Amount: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Experts Say
"I like Dove spray deodorants because of how fast they dry, sparing any white streak, They come in multiple different scents, which are fresh and long-lasting." — Hysem Eldik, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist
Best Budget
Sure Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray
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Walmart
Budget-friendly
Prevents yellow stains
Lasts 48 hours
Contains BHT
Sure is an affordable pick that keeps wetness and pit stains at bay for up to two whole days, leaving a completely invisible layer and a light, pleasant scent.
Price at time of publish: $4
Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate | Amount: 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore
Degree Ultraclear Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray
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Amazon
Doesn't leave streaks
Prevents yellow stains
Long-lasting
Contains BHT
Degree reigns in the drugstore deodorant category. This antiperspirant delivers a truly clear finish that won't streak your favorite black dress as you're heading out the door and promises not to leave yellow stains on your white t-shirts either.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate | Amount: 3.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Unscented
Crystal Mineral Deodorant Spray Unscented
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Natural formula
Kills odor-causing bacteria
No white residue
Not as effective as aluminum
If you prefer unscented formulas, go with Crystal. A favorite of Ashley Graham's, this spray deodorant battles stinky bacteria with natural mineral salts and promises not to leave a white residue.
Price at time of publish: $8
Active Ingredients: Potassium alum | Amount: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“I didn’t notice excessive perspiration or smells come day five—which, in New York in September, is quite the feat.” — Hallie Gould, Product Tester, and Byrdie Senior Editorial Director
Best Splurge
Dior J'adore Perfumed Deodorant Spray
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Selfridges
Kills odor-causing bacteria
Nice scent
Expensive
Contains BHT
I you can swing the price, it might be fun to treat yourself to Dior J'adore. The spray formula kills odor-causing bacteria with alcohol and leaves your underarms smelling like an expensive bouquet of flowers.Plus, it doubles as a light perfume for those who want their scent incorporated into their deodorant.
Price at time of publish: $55
Active Ingredients: Alcohol, fragrance | Amount: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Aluminum-Free
Lululemon Selfcare Anti-Stink Deodorant
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Lululemon
Absorbs odor
Kills odor-causing bacteria
Travel size available
Reviewers with sensitive skin noted it burned
If you prefer aluminum-free sprays, Lululemon is your best bet. The brand's Anti-Stink Deodorant calls on zinc to absorb funky smells while prebiotics tackle odor-causing bacteria.
Active Ingredients: Zinc, prebiotics, tapioca starch | Amount: 2.4–4.2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Experts Say
"The most important ingredient to avoid is benzene. There have been multiple recent recalls of spray deodorant products that contain benzene."— Hysem Eldik, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist
Best Crystal
nakd. Thai Crystal Deodorant Spray (AAPI)
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Amazon
Natural formula
Kills odor-causing bacteria
Pricey
The "crystals" in this deodorant are actually a type of salt called "potassium alum." This earth-sourced ingredient is naturally antibacterial, so it keeps the germs that cause body odors away. Even though it's a more expensive option, we think the price tag is worth it for a natural formula, if that's your preference.
Price at time of publish: $19
Active Ingredients: Potassium alum | Amount: 3.3–8.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Aerosol
Nivea Pearl & Beauty Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Spray
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Amazon
Absorbs odor
Leaves skin soft
Lasts 48 hours
Contains BHT
Nivea Pearl & Beauty is a proper antiperspirant-deodorant that prevents wetness, absorbs odor, and leaves your underarms silky-soft. What's more, you'll stay dry for up to 48 hours.
Price at time of publish: $13
Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate, talc | Amount: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Pump
Public Goods Crystal Spray Deodorant
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Public-goods
Kills odor-causing bacteria
Doesn't leave streaks
No scented option
Public Goods makes a fantastic pump option. This minimalist pump bottle contains bacteria-killing crystals (potassium alum) to prevent underarm stench. The clear formula also won't leave any streaks behind.
Price at time of publish: $5
Active Ingredients: Potassium alum | Amount: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Ursa Major Sublime Sage Natural Spray Deodorant
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Amazon
TSA-approved size
Doesn't leave streaks
Nice scent
Pricey
Going on a trip? In addition to being small enough to pass TSA carry-on requirements for liquids, this spray bottle calls on pre- and probiotic enzymes to tackle funky-smelling germs and then leaves a delightful lemony sandalwood scent in its wake.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Saccharomyces ferment | Amount: 1.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Organic
EO Organic Lavendar Deodorant Spray
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Walmart
Nice scent
Eco-conscious company
Not as effective as aluminum
This organic deodorant kills odor-causing bacteria with ethanol and then graces your underarms with a lovely lavender-grapefruit scent derived from pure essential oils.
Price at time of publish: $12
Active Ingredients: Ethanol, essential oil blend | Amount: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Long-Lasting
Degree Advanced Protection Deodorant Spray
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Amazon
Absorbs odors
Prevents wetness
Lasts 72 hours
Contains BHT
If you need something to last you as long as possible, Degree Advanced Protection is your best bet. This no-nonsense antiperspirant keeps you dry and smelling fresh for up to 72 hours.
Active Ingredients: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate | Amount: 3.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Full-Body
Visha Skincare Cheek 2 Feet Body Spray
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Amazon
Versatile
Kills bacteria-causing odor
Dermatologist-developed
Some might find tea tree scent off-putting
When you need to freshen up post-workout or don't have time for a shower, reach for Visha's Cheek 2 Feet. This deodorizing body spray uses tea tree oil and witch hazel to expel the stinky bacteria in your sweat while alcohol absorbs odors.
Price at time of publish: $25
Active Ingredients: SD alcohol 40, witch hazel, tea tree oil | Amount: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our top pick is Dove Original Antiperspirant Dry Spray, a long-lasting, dermatologist-approved formula that tackles both wetness and body odors. But if you want something without fragrance and aluminum, or just prefer a pump bottle, go with Public Goods Crystal Deodorant Spray.
Meet the Expert
New York dermatologist Hysem Eldik, MD, of Marmur Medical in New York, treats a broad range of skin-related conditions, including excessive sweating.
What to Look For in a Spray Deodorant
Ingredients
Many deodorants rely on things like mineral salts, aluminum, or alcohol to offer odor protection, and they may be scented using essential oils or synthetic fragrances. Some of these ingredients may be irritating, so be sure to scan the label for potential irritants before buying. Talk to your primary care provider if your skin gets irritated after you use a new product.
Long-lasting protection
Most deodorants promise odor protection lasting anywhere from 12 to 72 hours. If you’re looking for enduring coverage, keep an eye out for options in the 48- or 72-hour range. (Otherwise, just remember to reapply frequently!)
Antiperspirant
If you’re hoping to cut down on sweat as well as odor, you might want a deodorant that doubles as an antiperspirant. Not all deodorants do, so be sure to keep an eye out for the word "antiperspirant," in either the product name or description.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in cosmetics, lifestyle, and wellness. For this story, she interviewed a dermatologist, who offered product recommendations and insight into ingredients. Before making the final selections, she looked at dozens of options and referenced several peer-reviewed studies on deodorant effectiveness. Of the above brands, Theresa has personally tried products from Dove, Degree, Nivia, Public Goods, Sure, and Ursa Major.
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