11 Best Deodorants for Women in 2022

Let’s face it: we all sweat, and sometimes, it stinks! Sweating is a completely natural and essential bodily process that helps you cool down. Despite this, many women feel embarrassed whether they’re dealing with body odor or excessive sweating. Finding a good deodorant is kind of like trying to find the perfect pillow -- there are many different types available, and a lot of it depends on your personal needs and preferences. That being said, determining the best deodorant for you can involve lots of trial and error, which often leads to stress and frustration.

Luckily, we have researched and put together our top 11 best deodorants for women that will help keep you stay clean and dry throughout the day. Whether you prefer an all-natural deodorant or an aluminum-based deodorant for extra sweat protection, this list will help you make the right decision based on your needs. Also, be sure to check out the frequently asked questions at the end of this article, as well as some tips on how you can eliminate body odor for good.

1. Blu Atlas -- Best Deodorant for Women Overall

Price

$15

Where to Buy

Exclusively at bluatlas.com

Protection

24+ hours

Scent

Citrusy

After putting dozens of deodorants to the test, this is our favorite all-natural deodorant – it stole our hearts with its soothing, yet effective formula. While geared toward men, the plant-based ingredients in this vegan-friendly product will prevent women from any underarm odors while giving them confidence about what they’re using on their skin.

This Blu Atlas deodorant also features Volcanic Ash—a natural detoxifying agent that absorbs moisture to keep your pits dry. Coupled with the brand’s excellent customer service and return policies, Blu Atlas is our clear winner.

2. Dove Advanced Care -- Best-Rated Antiperspirant

Price

$5

Where to Buy

Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.

Protection Level

48 hours

Scent

Fresh Cucumber and Green Tea (other scents available)

When it comes to an affordable yet effective and long-lasting antiperspirant, Dove Advanced Care is among the highest rated on the market. This antiperspirant features an alcohol-free and non-irritating formula with ¼ moisturizers to help ease shaving irritation and leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

Although it comes in several unique scents, this Fresh Cucumber and Green Tea scent is a fan-favorite. With 48 hours of protection, Dove Advanced Care will keep your underarms clean and dry wherever you go!

3. Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Deodorant -- Best Prescription Strength Deodorant

Price

$8 (1.6oz)

Where to Buy

Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.

Protection Level

48 hours

Scent

Unscented

If you deal with hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, you may have found that regular antiperspirants just don’t seem to do the trick. Luckily, many antiperspirants are offered in clinical/prescription strengths. This Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Deodorant from Secret offers 2x the sweat protection of a regular antiperspirant at an affordable price of $8. Winner of the 2018 Best of Beauty Expert Award, this deodorant is designed to help you stay dry and comfortable all day -- no need for reapplication!

4. Degree MotionSense  -- Best Deodorant for Workouts

Price

$4

Where to Buy

Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.

Protection Level

48 hours

Scent

Peach Burst (other scents available)

Athletes, rejoice! The Degree MotionSense® Deodorant in Peach Burst smells so great that it will actually make you want to keep moving. Secret’s innovative MotionSense® technology helps to keep you dry and smelling great at the gym with microcapsules of fragrance that sit on the surface of your skin and release a delicious scent upon bursting from friction. With 48 hours of protection, this deodorant is perfect for those with an active lifestyle.

5. Vanicream Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant -- Best for Sensitive Skin

Price

$9 (2.25oz)

Where to Buy

Amazon or vanicream.com

Protection Level

24 hours

Scent

Unscented

If you have sensitive skin, you know how frustrating it can be when your deodorant or other beauty products cause irritation to your skin. Don’t fret! This Vanicream Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant is the answer you’ve been looking for.

Specially formulated for people with sensitive skin, this deodorant is free of scents, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, lanolin, and other additives. It provides 24 hours of protection at a clinical strength level so that you can be confident no matter what the day brings!

6. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant -- Best Odor-Repelling

Price

$22 (2.6oz)

Where to Buy

Malinandgoetz.com or Amazon

Protection Level

24 hours

Scent

Eucalyptus

This Eucalyptus Deodorant from Malin + Goetz has been their #1 best-seller for over ten years -- and for good reason. Formulated with natural eucalyptus extract and citronellyl, this deodorant smells amazingly refreshing and helps to neutralize body odor naturally. It’s free of aluminum, alcohol, parabens, and other additives, making it suitable for all skin types. At $22, this deodorant is definitely more of a splurge item, but you’ll never look back once you start getting compliments for how good you smell.

7. Tom’s Natural Strength -- Best Aluminum-Free

Price

$5 (2oz)

Where to Buy

Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.

Protection Level

48 hours

Scent

Fresh Rose (other scents available)

If you’re in the market for a tremendous aluminum-free deodorant that is still effective, you’ll love Tom’s Natural Strength Deodorant. This deodorant provides 48 hours of protection and is formulated with hemp seed oil. It’s completely free of aluminum, making it great for sensitive skin.

This aluminum-free deodorant allows your body to use its natural process and sweat freely by targeting the odor-causing bacteria that live in your armpits. It comes in 100% plastic-free packaging and is cruelty-free, making it an excellent option for those trying to reduce their environmental footprint.

8. Each and Every Natural Deodorant -- Best Vegan Deodorant

Price

$15 (2.5oz)

Where to Buy

Eachandevery.com or Amazon

Protection Level

24 hours

Scent

Lavender & Lemon (other scents available)

On the hunt for a vegan deodorant that provides worry-free protection? Look no further than this Natural Deodorant from Each and Every. Although it comes in several unique scents, this company uses no synthetic fragrances.

This Lavender & Lemon scent is fantastic for providing odor protection while delivering a sense of calm and relaxation. This deodorant is completely free of aluminum, parabens, baking soda, and gluten. Cruelty-free and vegan, this deodorant comes in sustainable packaging made from sugar cane, making it another great option for environmental enthusiasts.

9. Dove Advanced Care Dry Spray -- Best Spray Deodorant

Price

$6

Where to Buy

Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.

Protection Level

48 hours

Scent

Fresh Apple and White Tea (other scents available)

If you have an on-the-go lifestyle, spray deodorants are a great option for their ability to dry quickly without leaving behind any residue. Dove’s Advanced Care Dry Spray comes in a variety of refreshing scents, but there’s something about the Fresh Apple and White Tea fragrance that women can’t get enough of.

Like its roll-on counterpart, this deodorant spray contains ¼ moisturizers with natural oil and 0% alcohol to help reduce underarm irritation from shaving. This deodorant sprays on dry so you can get dressed immediately and start your day with confidence. With 48 hours of protection, you’ll be able to get through the day completely worry-free.

10. Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream -- Best Cream Deodorant

Price

$22 (2.5oz)

Where to Buy

Kiehls.com, Nordstrom, Macy’s, etc.

Protection Level

24 hours

Scent

Unscented

This list would not be complete without a cream deodorant. Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream contains two key ingredients: Aluminum Chlorohydrate, a gentle yet effective aluminum salt that reduces perspiration, and Witch Hazel, known for its astringent properties. Paraben-free and fragrance-free, this dynamite blend of ingredients gives you 24 hours of protection against sweat and odor.

11. Old Spice Fiji With Palm Tree -- Best Unisex Deodorant

Price

$5 (3oz)

Where to Buy

Oldspice.com, Target, Walmart, etc.

Protection Level

24 hours

Scent

Pina colada

Who said Old Spice deodorant is just for men? It turns out there are many women who religiously use men’s deodorant, whether for the scent or the formula. This Old Spice Fiji with Palm Tree is effective as both an antiperspirant and a deodorant.

Both men and women highly rate it for its unique gender-neutral scent reminiscent of an island vacation. This deodorant/antiperspirant is aluminum-free, delivers 24 hours of protection, and goes on the skin completely clear, so you don’t have to worry about any embarrassing deodorant stains!

How We Chose the Best Deodorants for Women

When choosing the best deodorants for women, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone has their own personal needs and preferences when it comes to deodorants. There are several different factors we considered while making the list including:

• Sweating levels: If you deal with armpit stains even after wearing a deodorant/antiperspirant every day, there are prescription-strength options available for you to try with specialized ingredients that work to block your sweat-producing glands.
  
• Scent: Do you prefer deodorant that smells good? There are many uniquely-scented deodorants on the market that perform just as awesome as they smell. However, it’s also important that there are fragrance-free options to choose from if you prefer something completely natural.
  
• Skin sensitivity: Do you have sensitive skin that is prone to flare-ups and rashes? If so, you should choose a more natural deodorant that is unscented and provides additional moisture to avoid irritation.
  
• Ingredients: Are you vegan and looking for a deodorant with strictly natural ingredients, or perhaps an aluminum-free deodorant? In addition, is the deodorant free from parabens and other toxic ingredients?
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant?

Generally speaking, deodorants are designed to cancel out body odor, while antiperspirants reduce the amount you sweat. However, it’s common to see an antiperspirant and deodorant combined into one product like some of the products on this list. Let’s take a closer look at how antiperspirants and deodorants differ from each other:

●  Deodorants: Considered a cosmetic product, deodorants are primarily formulated to protect against body odor with their antimicrobial properties and added fragrance that helps to neutralize/mask body odors produced.

●  Antiperspirants: Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants are actually classified as a drug and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Antiperspirants typically contain aluminum-based ingredients that work by blocking your body’s sweat-producing eccrine glands.

Whichever you decide to use, both deodorants and antiperspirants are safe for everyday use and have little to no side effects.

What causes armpit odor?

Sweating is an essential bodily process that helps you cool down. There are two main types of sweat glands that your body is covered with, including:

●  Eccrine glands: These sweat glands are found across the body and open directly on your skin’s surface.

●  Apocrine glands: These glands are found in areas with a significant presence of hair follicles, such as your armpits or groin, and are not active until puberty. Unlike eccrine glands, apocrine glands do not open on your skin’s surface. Instead, they empty into the hair follicle and then open up to the surface. The apocrine glands work primarily under stress.

You may not know it, but sweat is typically odorless. What causes the odor itself is when the sweat comes in contact with bacteria on your skin that starts to break it down. This odor can result from certain foods or drinks as well as certain medications you might be taking.

With all of this information in mind, you might be asking yourself if any lifestyle changes can be made to eliminate this odor-causing bacteria. The good news is, there are plenty of steps you can take to get rid of body odor for good.

How do I permanently get rid of armpit odor?

As noted above, sweat is typically odorless, and certain things you’re eating or drinking can cause excessive body odor. In addition to wearing one of the high-quality deodorants on this list, there are several steps you can take to minimize body odor:

●  Witch Hazel: Known for its astringent properties, witch hazel works by closing your pores so less sweat can escape. You can dab witch hazel directly onto your armpits or find a deodorant that contains witch hazel as a primary ingredient.

●  Diet Change: Your diet has a direct effect on your body odor. For example, foods rich in sulfur can affect your body odor, such as broccoli and cabbage. Other foods like garlic, onion, red meat, and fish can also have an effect on the way you smell. Pay close attention to your diet and eliminate the foods that you think may be causing body odor.

●  Personal Hygiene: Showering daily, especially after strenuous activities, is an efficient way to eliminate the sweat and bacteria on your body that can cause body odor. Don’t forget to use soap!

●  Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is good for more than just acne. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, benzoyl peroxide can help improve body odor by eliminating the odor-causing bacteria on your skin.

●  Breathable Fabrics: If you’re prone to excessive sweating, it’s important to wear loose-fitting and moisture-wicking fabrics that help your body stay cool. Wearing tight clothing doesn’t allow your skin to breathe, which results in more sweating and body odor.

●  Shaving/Waxing: Shaving or waxing can help reduce body odor. Due to the fact that hair is porous, it readily absorbs odors. In addition, it’s much easier to clean and apply products to an area that is hair-free.

●  Stress Relief: Since your apocrine glands work primarily under stress, taking steps to improve your stress reaction can help minimize sweating and body odor. There are many different relaxation techniques you can find online that will help you minimize your response to life stressors.

Is aluminum deodorant bad for you?

In short, no, aluminum deodorant is not bad for your skin compared to aluminum-free deodorants. Contrary to the claims that regular deodorants containing aluminum can lead to breast cancer, the American Cancer Society states, “there are no strong epidemiologic studies in the medical literature that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim.”

Whether you need an aluminum-free or an aluminum deodorant largely depends on your personal needs. While a deodorant with aluminum may cause some slight irritation to those with sensitive skin, there isn’t a need to worry about it being cancerous.

Which deodorant should I use?

Determining which type of deodorant is best for you depends on your body and personal preferences. If you don’t sweat a lot, you can opt for an aluminum-free deodorant. On the other hand, if you sweat a lot and need more protection, you may need to choose an antiperspirant that contains aluminum to block those sweat glands temporarily.

In addition to choosing between an antiperspirant or a deodorant, there are a number of other decisions you’ll need to make. While some people prefer a regular roll-on deodorant, others prefer a dry spray or powder. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, you need a deodorant that is fragrance-free. On the other hand, you might love a scented deodorant that you can catch whiffs of all day. You get the idea. Luckily, there are endless options of deodorant and antiperspirants for you to choose from, and some even offer satisfaction guarantees in case the product doesn’t work for you.

Is it bad to wear deodorant every day?

As previously mentioned, deodorants are entirely safe for use and are not linked to any serious side effects. Even deodorants that contain aluminum are safe to use each day, despite false claims that they cause breast cancer.

That being said, it is not bad to wear deodorant every day. In fact, not wearing deodorant can actually do you more harm than good. In addition to the risk of sweating more and increased body odor, not wearing deodorant can cause bacteria to build up in your armpits and result in rashes. Without proper treatment, these rashes can go from mild itchiness and pain to bacterial infections with life-threatening complications, including sepsis and organ failure.

That being said, experts recommend applying a deodorant or antiperspirant at least once a day, preferably after you shower. That way, you can stop the sweating and body odor before it starts occurring.

Final Thoughts

Sweat is a fundamental and natural bodily process that helps you cool down. When sweat interacts with the bacteria on the skin’s surface, it can lead to body odor. Although any of the deodorants/antiperspirants on this list would be a fantastic choice to keep sweat and body odor at bay, those who have hyperhidrosis may need one of the stronger ones on this list, such as a clinical strength deodorant with aluminum.

In addition to wearing a high-quality deodorant each day, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to keep body odor to a minimum, including your diet, personal hygiene, and how you handle stress. If you’ve tried multiple clinical strength antiperspirants and still have issues with excessive sweating or body odor, you should consult your doctor.