These Deodorants Fight Even Smelly Armpits and Lots of Sweat (2024)

It's called "a good sweat" for a reason: Sweating is a natural process that occurs to regulate body temperature. But along with sweat often comes that telltale smell, damp and sticky skin, and even stubborn clothing stains. Thankfully, there are many deodorants and antiperspirants on the market to keep wetness and body odor in check, from strong sweat blockers to aluminum-free options in an array of formulas like sprays, roll-ons, sticks and more.

But before you choose the best deodorant for your needs, it's important to know the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants are made with ingredients that mask or ward off body odor; they do not stop sweat. Antiperspirants, per their name, do prevent perspiration: They contain active ingredients like aluminum and zirconium salts that form gel-like plugs in sweat ducts, stopping sweat from reaching the skin’s surface, and are often formulated with deodorants as well. (While you may have heard rumors that aluminum in deodorant may not be safe, "research to date shows deodorants and antiperspirants are not linked to an increased risk of cancer," says Janiene Luke, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California.)

To find the most effective deodorants for women, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab scientists have evaluated dozens of deodorant and antiperspirant formulas on how well they block odor and sweat, plus how they smell and feel on skin. Here, the best deodorants and antiperspirants for any preference, including natural deodorants without aluminum, powerful formulas for those who sweat a lot, top picks for sensitive skin and more.

Created specifically for athletes and those in constant motion (hence the name!), bargain-priced Degree is a great choice for active women thanks to its powerful odor and sweat protection. "It's advertised as 48-hour protection and it does just that, even after a hike/workout," one reviewer reported. Though many are fans of the sweet fruity-floral scent (including GH's beauty director), others found it too strong.

This popular Native deodorant, made without aluminum but with odor-absorbing baking soda and tapioca starch, is another of Malzahn's favorite formulas. "It prevents smells all day and I love the subtly sweet scent, which isn't overpowering," she says. (Note that it's not an antiperspirant, so it won't protect against sweat, and Malzahn found it left white marks on shirts. )

Dove's unique water-based deodorant/antiperspirant stick soothes skin on contact and contains softening ingredients like glycerin and sunflower oil. "It has the great odor and sweat protection you expect from the brand and unlike other formulas, feels cooling and refreshing when you apply it," GH's beauty director explains. "I also love that it has more of a sophisticated floral aroma rather than smelling powdery." While it is lightweight on skin, it does take a few seconds to dry down.

The classic bargain Ban formula rolls an antiperspirant/deodorant liquid onto skin for odor and sweat protection without a heavy feel. Wnek is a fan of the brand's stick deodorant for keeping her "dry and smelling fresh all day long" as well as this roll-on, although she says it can feel wet upon application.

Women who sweat a lot, look no further than Certain Dri's clinical strength antiperspirant/deodorant, which lives up to its name. It's made with a high 25% concentration of the sweat-stopping active ingredient aluminum. "I recommend this for those who have excess sweating and need better control," Dr. Luke explains. If you have sensitive skin, note that some users reported irritation after use.

Not your typical powder- or floral-scented deodorant, this Degree solid stick instead has a unique, fresh mint and eucalyptus fragrance. "This deodorant immediately stood out for its neutral, almost spa-like aroma that's not overly feminine or masculine," says GH's beauty director. "Plus, it works and doesn't irritate my underarms, which can be sensitive to some formulas." A few GH editors commented that the cap was tricky to take off, however.

For those prone to heavy body odor (hello, smelly armpits!), opt for a deodorant labeled "clinical strength" like Secret's formula, which Dr. Luke recommends. Clinical strength deodorants like this one are the strongest over-the-counter option for those looking to combat serious body odor. With a high 20% level of aluminum zirconium (one of the most effective antiperspirant ingredients), it will effectively fight both stinky underarm aromas and moisture. The packaging can be tricky to use, though, as some GH editors who tried this pick found the twist-up dial didn't function or broke.

Dove's dry spray deodorant technology can convert even the most die-hard solid user into a spray fan. "For years I was a stick deodorant girl, but recently I switched to spray and I’m never going back," says GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price. "I love that this dries super quickly and I never feel sticky after — I can get dressed right away!" Plus, the 3.8-ounce bottle can last for months. A drawback: Some users commented that the button to dispense the spray was difficult to push.

Made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax and arrowroot powder, Freedom's deodorant formula is a GH beauty editor favorite. Although it's aluminum-free and therefore doesn't stop sweat, it's a good option for lower activity days. "I love that it's made without baking soda, which can irritate my skin, and that the coconut scent is subtle yet doesn't let odor through like other 'natural' deodorants can," one GH editor said.

GH Beauty Lab tested and approved, this Dove dry spray antiperspirant formula lives up to its "invisible" claim — our testers found it to be truly clear. The easy-to-apply spray didn't transfer onto the darkest of clothes and kept one editor's armpits sweat-free for over 24 hours. The scent is polarizing: While many users loved it, a few found it "overwhelming." The mist formula is also great for applying onto other areas of the body.

Dr. Luke recommends Vanicream's fragrance-free antiperspirant/deodorant for those who have sensitivity or are allergic to fragrances. "This deodorant is the first [fragrance-free deodorant] I've tried that actually works, without causing that awful itching or burning sensation," one Amazon reviewer said. Two caveats: The gel formula takes time to dry on skin and some users found it didn't give as long-lasting protection against odor.

Wizemann is a loyal fan of this Nubian Heritage vegan deodorant formula. "I like its subtle scent and how gentle it feels on my skin, but still keeps things dry throughout the day," she notes. As with other aluminum-free deodorants, however, this one is not created to stop sweat.

Mario Badescu's minimalist deodorant is a favorite of both Wizemann and her husband. "It is slightly scented, with traces of lemon and sage, but the scent doesn’t dissipate quickly and is unisex," she says. "I like it the most for how it easily glides onto skin thanks to its buttery texture and its powdery finish." (The aluminum-free formulation doesn't block sweat, though.) But unlike some other aluminum-free deodorants, "it doesn't contain baking soda, so there is no itchiness," Wizemann adds.

Wipes offer a quick and easy way to deodorize on-the-go. These Pacifica aluminum-free deodorant wipes, a GH beauty editor favorite, are made with coconut milk and shea and have a lightly sweet, tropical scent. "I glide these all over whenever I don't have time to shower and need a refresh," she says. Note that the towelettes won't prevent sweating and may not be strong enough to combat heavy odor.