Sweat: It’s a necessary bodily function—and a sign that things are working properly—but ugh. Between pit stains, wetness, clothing discoloration, and (possibly the worst part) body odor, perspiration can be the source of some real unpleasantness. Enter: deodorants and antiperspirants that actually work. The options available to fight sweat, and the bacteria that make it smell bad, are plentiful—which isn’t totally surprising, because exactly no one wants damp and/or smelly pits. So which are the best deodorants made just for women? We’ve done a deep dive to find out.
Perspiration occurs for various reasons—and not all sweat is the same. An ass-kicking cardio class isn’t going to produce the same type of sweat as stressing out over a work deadline, for example. Other conditions can cause excessive sweating, like menopause (fun) or hyperhidrosis (delightful).
Whether you prefer a solid, spay, cream, eco-friendly, or vegan deodorant, an option exists for you. Promise! Finding the right pick for your specific needs is easy. Or, you could say, no sweat. (Sorry.)
Best Deodorant For Hyperhidrosis
Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant
This is the best antiperspirant for hyperhidrosis that doesn’t require a prescription, using 12% Aluminum Chloride to stop excessive sweating for up to 72 hours. It’s a pretty strong ingredient as far as perspiration goes, so we wouldn’t recommend this roll on for those who don’t have the actual diagnosed condition. For those who do, however, this pick can work wonders. As one user notes, “You have to continuously use it for a little bit and then it kicks in and is a life changer.”
Best Deodorant For Menopause
Lume Deodorant For Underarms And Private Parts
Hot flashes, night sweats, boob sweat, and hormonal body odor are just some of the joys of menopause. Those fluctuating hormones can even also affect vaginal odor (yikes!). Sticking with a natural deodorant rather than adding chemicals into your body is ideal, and this pick inhibits the odor-causing bacteria on your body for up to 72 hours. Bonus: You can use it all over your body–that means anywhere you might be stinky.
Best Deodorant For Sensitive Skin
Native Deodorant
Prone to rashes or other irritation from deodorants and soaps? Go for a pick that prevents odor and perspiration without aluminum, parabens, phtalates, and talc. Native’s one of the best deodorants for women and men with sensitive skin–and it’s never tested on animals! Everybody wins.
Best Deodorant For Stress Sweat
Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid
As if stress isn’t bad enough on its own, it can actually make you smell bad. Wonderful. Stress sweat comes from a different gland, and causes more bacteria and more odor than plain old heat-related sweat. By sensing your sweat levels and adapting the level of protection, Secret Clinical Strength offers 48 hours of prescription-strength odor- and wetness-control.
Best Spray Deodorant
Dove Cool Essentials 48-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant Dry Spray
This is a spray deodorant for women who like an instantly drier feel. With no water or alcohol, it won’t irritate freshly-shaved pits, includes moisturizers, and offers up to 48 hours of sweat-protection without staining clothes. One enthusiastic reviewer touts how “It goes on fast and dries even quicker. NEVER gets residual product on your clothes, works amazing through my workouts, and stays on and smelling fresh ALL day!”
Best Sustainable Deodorant
Little Seed Farm All Natural Deodorant Cream
Keep it “clean AND green.” Little Seed Farm’s cream option is free of Baking Soda which can be irritating to skin, as well as aluminum, synthetic fragrance, sulfates, and parabens. It’s made of natural ingredients like magnesium and coconut oil to prevent odor-causing bacteria, is cruelty-free, and produced on a sustainable, 100% solar-powered farm. Oh, and it comes in a recycled glass jar, meaning this deo does’t harm you or the environment.
Best Deodorant For Dark Underarms
Lakeside Natural Apothecary All Natural Underarm Skincare
We’re big believers in embracing your “imperfections” but if hyperpigmentation in your armpits makes you dread the sleeveless season, we’re all for what gives your confidence a boost. Made from magnesium hydroxide and free of baking soda, this lightweight deodorant helps clear up bumps and discoloration–without any skin-lightening chemicals. An Amazon reviewer touts it as a new favorite, saying, “I’ve suffered from discolored and bumpy underarms since I was a teenager. I’ve tried so many products and creams over the years with no improvement. This deodorant smells lovely, has a lot of product for the price, a little goes a long way, and I’ve already seen improvement in the color and texture of my underarms.”
Best Vegan Deodorant
Violets are Blue Baking Soda Free Magnesium Deodorant
Another natural option that’s free of baking soda and aluminum, this vegan deodorant uses tapioca starch to keep you dry and magnesium to stabilize underarm pH levels (and prevent odor). Violets Are Blue founder, Cynthia Besteman, created non-toxic products to use during her own breast cancer treatment, and thus, the clean beauty brand was born. The brand also donates a set of products to each woman beginning treatment at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, so this is truly a deodorant to feel good about.
Best-Smelling Deodorant For Women
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
Is it a perfume? Is it a deodorant? Who can tell? Donna Karan’s Cashmere Mist is a cult favorite, despite its hefty price tag (for a deodorant). But you’ll save on perfume, right? An “arid, woody” fragrance that blends floral jasmine, sandalwood & vanilla, this pick is lauded by reviewers for its lasting effect and subtle, everyday-worthy scent.
Best Cream Deodorant
Routine Cream Deodorant
With refining charcoal, relaxing magnesium, and balancing prebiotics, Routine’s cream deodorant in Superstar helps reduce stress sweats and keep underarms healthy. It does use a gentle amount of baking soda to prevent odors, but is still appropriate for sensitive skin, and while the $30 price tag can raise eyebrows at first, a full jar lasts from three to six months.
Best Deodorant Wipes
Pacifica Beauty Underarm Deodorant Wipes
For situations where rolling a deodorant onto your underarms isn’t exactly convenient or appropriate, deodorant wipes are a great on-the-go option. Reviewers tout these for post-gym use, as well as long road trips, camping, and even as a post-surgery pick. Bonus: These offer a quick refresh without harsh chemicals or aluminum–and they’re vegan/cruelty-free.
Found your new go-to among these best deodorants for women? This year is looking–and smelling–better already! Shop even more beauty must-haves to keep feeling your best all year long.
The post Don’t Sweat It: The 11 Best Deodorants For Women’s Underarms AND Private Parts appeared first on Scary Mommy.
