The 18 Best Deodorants That Really Get the Job Done (2024)

Do hormones have your body out of whack? Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare, recommends this bestseller from Dove to help restore balance and keep you sweat-free. “Dove's Clinical Protection deodorant is most appropriate for those with active sweat glands, particularly during the reproductive years since hormones cause greater amounts of sweat and lead to body odor. This formula is very effective at reducing sweat and eliminating odor from the byproducts of bacteria mixing with a rich supply of sweat as deodorants don't reduce sweating. They simply only mask it,” Dr. Shirazi shares.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

Not only does this deodorant carry a heavenly aroma, but it's also designed for sensitive skin. “This masks odor and reduces moisture well for those who can go without an aluminum-containing antiperspirant. It is important to be aware that ‘natural’ does not mean gentle. In fact, natural ingredients are often more likely to irritate the skin or elicit hypersensitivity reactions,” Dr. Shirazi adds.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

“I favor Native deodorants as a natural, aluminum-free option because it’s gentle on the skin. Although the regular formula contains coconut oil, baking soda, shea butter, and magnesium hydroxide to mask odor and reduce odor-causing bacteria, the sensitive formula is free of baking soda making it suitable for sensitive skin types,” Dr. Shirazi notes. Plus, there are a plethora of scents to choose from to match your mood.

Target rating: 4.5/5 stars

“A dermatologist favorite for sensitive skin types, this aluminum-free formula comes in a gel form that dries without leaving a residue. It’s also fragrance-free and only contains five ingredients leaving out common chemical irritants, botanical extracts, and parabens,” Dr. Rose notes.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

Whether you're athletic or just super sweaty, Kosas' AHA deodorant does all the grunt work so you don't have to. AHAs are blended with aloe vera juice to soothe and exfoliate so your 'pits can live their best life, stench-free.

Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “I’ve tried every deodorant out there. After I had my son I had very smelly armpits and nothing was masking the smell. After a couple weeks of giving this a try it I have ZERO smells coming from my armpits!! This stuff works!!”

Yes, every review you read is true: You really need to buy this. Fans of the iconic scent will love Donna Karan's odor-blocking deodorant, which leaves you smelling luxurious all day long.

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I was SO skeptical about this deodorant but to my pleasant surprise, it WORKS and smells GREAT! It's my favorite!”

Your gym bag has been missing this hardworking deodorant. It reduces odor and minimizes sweat spots to avoid any embarrassing moments.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I lovee this product! It works so well for the gym and on top I work a labor job! The aluminum in this product doesn’t sting my armpits after shaving and prevents any stinky smell!”

Scent layering works best when your lotions and oils are added to the mix. How about adding deodorant? Sol de Janeiro's signature Cheirosa scent is morphed into deodorant to keep bad odor at bay and your armpits dry from sunrise to sunset. It's packed with papaya enzymes to exfoliate dead skin away.

Sephora rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This deodorant is amazing. I’ve tried many aluminum-free deodorants and this is the best one I’ve found. This one actually lasts and there’s no odor even after I finish my workouts.”

Mutha's deodorant feels like a silky hug. Chia seed and avocado oils are the MVPs of this composition, and nourish your underarms as arrowroot powder blocks odor.

An ELLE Editor said: “I'm pretty loyal when it comes to my deodorants, but Mutha's iteration was a welcome change. I remained dry and odorless throughout my work day, and only needed to re-up once.” —Nerisha Penrose, Beauty Commerce Editor

The underarm area isn’t the only place that gets sweaty and gross. Thanks to this spray from Dove, you can get all the hard-to-reach spaces with just a few spritzes.

Target rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “I only use this deodorant. It dries instantly and lasts all day without leaving residue on my clothing.”

Grab this deodorant before your next yoga session. Alo Yoga's Supernatural Deodorant is free of all the things your armpits hate (parabens, baking soda, etc.) and chock full of the goods (vitamin C, tea tree oil, and probiotics).

Alo Yoga rating: 3.8/5 stars

An Alo Yoga reviewer said: “Alo, please change nothing!! This is so good. The packaging and formula are spot on and the ingredients are so softening. Thank you for changing the natural deo game!”

With six scents to choose from, Kopari's natural deodorant is sure to make you feel and smell good. The formula is aluminum-free and contains sage and coconut oil to hydrate and soothe.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I absolutely love this product, lot of natural deodorants give me rashes but this one does not! It's great and works great too!”

Your underarms deserve a spa treatment, too. Malin and Goetz's signature eucalyptus scent comes in deodorant form so you remain sweat- and odor-free, with a tinge of coolness.

Revolve rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Revolve reviewer said: “For the past year, I have been on the hunt for a the best cruelty free and toxin free deodorant, with many failed attempts! This one is definitely my favorite so far because it actually works!”

Don't be alarmed by the clear, unassuming bottle. By Rosie Jane's spray deodorant has an invigorating scent that does exactly what its name says. The bacteria-fighting formula contains aloe vera, sugarcane alcohol, and essential oils for freshness.

By Rosie Jane rating: 4.7/5 stars

A By Rosie Jane reviewer said: “Has such a nice, clean scent without being overpowering. I feel fresh and love how it doesn’t leave deodorant stains.”

A deodorant cream? Yes, you read that right. Drunk Elephant's Sweet Pitti dispenses a creamy blend of oils, as well as exfoliating agents like mandelic acid, that absorb sweat and protect your underarm region.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Works all day and the subtle scent smells good. I apply it with my fingers like other users suggested and it goes on like lotion. Easy to use.”

“Antiperspirants use aluminum salts that dissolve to block sweat from forming. There’s concern that frequent use of antiperspirants may lead to a buildup of aluminum in breast tissue. But there’s no proof that aluminum salts can cause breast cancer. Aluminum compounds are not only in antiperspirants, but also in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Research through the American Cancer Society shows there’s no solid scientific evidence linking deodorants and breast cancer,” Dr. Shirazi explains.

Dr. Rose shares similar sentiments and advises those who have concerns to look into alternative methods. “Given the suspicions, it is reasonable to avoid aluminum-based antiperspirants if you do not need them. For those who naturally sweat minimally, that may be a simple option. For those who are bothered by underarm sweating that is not well controlled by aluminum-free deodorant, there are several in-office procedures that reduce or eliminate sweating both temporarily and permanently. Alternative methods for adequate moisture control include oral medications, botulinum toxin injections, and a microwave technology-based procedure that you can talk to your dermatologist about,” Dr. Rose explains.