Real talk: Deodorant isn't a sexy beauty product, but it's arguably one of the most important. Imagine plopping down on your exercise bike, pounding the pavement in your favorite running gear, or even just commuting to the office without one. Scary thought, right? Growing up in notoriously humid South Florida, I was always hyper-aware of body odor and well-acquainted with underarm sweat—and I knew that deodorant was the way to keep me dry and stink-free.
I've no doubt that one of the products below will get the job done beautifully for you (so please, scroll!). But here are a few expert pointers if you want to shop for the best deodorant on your own.
"Keeping underarms fresh involves two main goals: controlling sweat and eliminating B.O.," says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. That's where deodorants and antiperspirants come into play. The only problem? People often use the terms interchangeably, but they're actually very different.
Deodorants help mask or neutralize underarm odor caused by sweat mixing with skin bacteria, while antiperspirants use aluminum to reduce underarm sweat by blocking sweat glands, notes Dr. Murphy-Rose. "One potential downside with antiperspirants is that they can dry out surrounding skin, leading to irritation, itching, and rash for those with sensitive skin," adds Alicia Zalka, MD, a dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine.
Controlling sweat and masking bad odors are both important, but you'll have to be honest to decide which is a higher priority for your needs. If you're a heavy sweater and want to stop underarm wetness, opt for antiperspirants. If excess perspiration isn't as big of an issue for you, stick with deodorants. My daily go-to is deodorant, but I swiped both types to share the full scoop on the best women's deodorants and antiperspirants in the game. And the best part? Everything starts at just $9.
You've probably seen a variety of deodorant and antiperspirant formulations, and Dr. Murphy-Rose says your choice should be based upon personal preference and your unique issues. That said, there are some differences between the different types, so here's a quick rundown to think about.
Solids and sticks typically have a waxy consistency, are generally well-tolerated, and usually are the best for sensitive skin. Dragging on the skin is usually the primary source of irritation with these, so "try warming the stick on your skin first before swiping to minimize friction," advises Dr. Murphy-Rose. They also tend to leave behind annoying powdery white streaks on dark clothes and stickiness on the underarm area, adds Dr. Zalka. (All of these featured solids and sticks did not leave behind any residue on my clothes.)
Gels are convenient roll-ons and are typically light or clear so naturally, they leave behind less residue than solids. The only downside is that they tend to feel wet on skin—so if you're already dealing with excess perspiration, you may not love that sensation.