The Definitive Guide to Deodorant You Need (2024)

First, you will want to decide if you want to use an antiperspirant or a deodorant. According to Board-Certified NYC Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, products labeled as deodorants are best for odor control, while products labeled as deodorants and/or antiperspirants are best for sweat reduction. Suffice it to say, that deodorant will help keep you fresh, whereas antiperspirant helps to control sweat, making it an ideal choice if you want to avoid underarm wetness. This is a good option when sporting darker fabrics like gray.

Deodorants, especially solid sticks, can come in clear or white. If you fear that you may develop deodorant clumps in your underarm region, you may want to opt for a colorless clear option. If you prefer a white solid stick of deodorant, then just be sure to check yourself out for any marks. if you are sporting a sleeveless top.

When selecting a deodorant, Dr. Green noted that you should consider your skin type. She told us, “Individuals with sensitive skin should look for hypoallergenic deodorants to avoid irritation while individuals with dry skin should look for deodorants with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E to keep the underarms moisturized.”

Antiperspirants and deodorants can range drastically in price. Some options can cost a few dollars, while more natural ones with organic ingredients can be upwards of $9 or more. If you do not want to break the bank on body care products and have a body care budget to adhere to, don't pick up the first one willy-nilly and keep an eye on the price.

Many bath and body brands are becoming more environmentally conscious. If shopping for and supporting more sustainable brands is important to you and your lifestyle, look for antiperspirant and deodorant brands that make refillable packaging. That way, you just have to purchase the product itself and can go on reusing the packaging over and over again, ultimately creating less waste.

When choosing an antiperspirant or a deodorant, you will also want to consider function. Are you looking for an option that will eliminate body odor or help reduce sweat? Perhaps both? Knowing exactly why you want an antiperspirant or deodorant will ultimately help you decide what options to look for when shopping.

“When choosing a deodorant, avoid ingredients such as fragrances, parabens, phthalates, propylene, sodium laurel, and sulfate as these ingredients can irritate the skin,” said Dr. Green. Instead, Dr. Green recommended looking for ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and aluminum salts. “AHAs such as lactic acid and mandelic acid work to decrease the pH of the underarm area, making the area less hospitable to odor-producing bacteria.” On the other hand, aluminum salts can be found in most antiperspirants to reduce sweating. “Aluminum salts mix with sweat to form a temporary plug in the sweat ducts, preventing sweat from escaping through the pores,” noted Dr. Green. Two other excellent ingredients for deodorants are baking soda and glycerin, shared Dr. Green. “[These both] absorb excess moisture to reduce the feeling of sweat.”

If you want your antiperspirant or deodorant, consider how long you want it to last. Some brands will offer all-day odor protection, but everyone is different so you may need to reapply midday depending on your needs. Consider your activity level, level of work, and lifestyle so you can determine what type of antiperspirant or deodorant would be best for you and your busy schedule.

The scent is very particular to everyone. Some people enjoy smelling like fresh florals or a tropical island breeze while others prefer a cleansing rainfall—or no scent at all. Figure out what scents you enjoy smelling, not just around you, but on your body, and select an antiperspirant or deodorant that fits your tastes or in this case scents. Oh, and be sure to look for scents that come from natural ingredients. “When looking at a scented deodorant, make sure the scent is from natural ingredients like tea tree oil or sandalwood rather than fragrance or other chemicals to avoid irritation,” shares Dr. Green.

Finally, you will want to decide on the type. Many antiperspirants and deodorants come in a variety of forms. Think of thighs like an aerosol spray, paste, roll-on, solid stick, etc. The options are essentially endless, so if you have a preference for the type of form your antiperspirant and deodorant come in, you will want to take that into consideration when shopping.Dr. Green says that roll-ons, sticks, and sprays are all effective forms of deodorant, but if you are looking to reduce sweating, roll-ons or sticks are typically recommended, as these products can stick better to the skin and temporarily plug sweat ducts.