What is the strongest deodorant for women

While deodorant isn't the most glamorous product in your beauty arsenal, imagine a world without it. What your sweatiest spin class be like? Or a day the beach? Or a tense office presentation? Scary, right?

When shopping for one, keep in mind there's a big difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Antiperspirants work by plugging your pores with an aluminum-based compound, meaning they nix sweating and fight odor at the same time, says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. Deodorants can’t do this; they simply work to mask odor.

Meet Our Experts: Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, Corey L. Hartman, M.D. founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, Perry Romanowski, a cosmetic chemist in Chicago, Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City

If you’re on the hunt for a quality deodorant to banish body odor and keep your armpits fresh, behold, the best deodorants for women.

• Stress Response Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant Secret Read More

• Dry Serum Powder Finish Antiperspirant Dove Read More

• Best Baking Soda-Free Deodorant

  Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Stick Meow Meow Tweet Read More

• Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant Schmidt's Read More

• Best For Extreme Sweaters

  Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant Pads Dr. Sweat Read More

• Best Long-Lasting Natural Deodorant

  Natural Strength Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Women, Fresh Powder Tom's of Maine Read More

• Women Summer Strength Clinical Protection Degree Read More

• Best Roll-On Antiperspirant

  Powder Fresh Roll-On Deodorant Ban Read More

• Best Antiperspirant Spray

  Antiperspirant Dry Spray Invisible Dove Read More

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1 Stress Response Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS

What We Like

• Affordable

• Various scents available

• Moisturizing

What We Don't Like

• Leaves a sticky residue

Who else recommends it? The Strategist, Runner's World, and Prevention all picked Dove Aluminum-Free Deodorant.

What do buyers say? 600+ Walmart reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. 

Regardless of preference, we guarantee you there’s a Dove deodorant for that. They have a variety of traditional antiperspirants, including the new, aluminum-free deodorant that was a big hit with Byrdie editors, sprays, wipes…you get the picture. In total, including all of the extensive scent options, there are over 60 unique variants. In true Dove fashion, all of the formulas are super moisturizing and gentle on skin, too.

Price at time of publish: $8.69 

Type: Solid stick | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Workouts

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant

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What We Like

• Potent formula

• Long-lasting

• Affordable

What We Don't Like

• Not aluminum-free

The sweatiest spin class or hottest yoga session is no match for this bad boy, which, according to the brand, touts an impressive 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex (say that three times fast), the active ingredient that keeps sweat at bay, and the highest concentration you can get over-the-counter. It also comes in both solid and gel variants. Top tip: Swipe it on at bedtime so it can do its thing overnight to minimize sweat and keep on working for up to 48 hours.

Price at time of publish: $12.97

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex | Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Natural

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant

5

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Sephora

What We Like

• Aluminum- and baking soda-free

• Moisturizing

• Natural formula

What We Don't Like

• Must be reapplied often

A Byrdie Eco Beauty Award-winner, this aluminum- and baking soda-free formula uses coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil to help keep you fresh all day. We love it for its ability to ward off sweat and odor (even for one Byrdie editor who normally relies on the high-powered antiperspirants) and the rounded shape, making application super easy.

Price at time of publish: $14

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Kopari's Coconut Deodorant Review: Natural and Effective

Best for Sensitive Skin

Corpus The Botanist Natural Deodorant

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What We Like

• Doesn't leave a residue

• Chic packaging

• Baking soda-free

What We Don't Like

• Pricey

Byrdie’s editorial director Faith Xue swears by this natural option; she raves about the sophisticated fragrances, smooth, residue-free application, and chic packaging. While many natural deodorants use baking soda—which may potentially be irritating for some—this relies on tapioca starch and diatomaceous earth to wick away moisture, and it’s also free of synthetic fragrance, a boon for those with sensitive underarm skin.

Price at time of publish: $26

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Petitgrain, vetiver root, geranium leaf, citrus rind | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

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Best Odor-Repelling

Malin + Goetz Deodorant

4.7

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

• Vegan

• Aluminum-free

• Doesn't leave a residue

What We Don't Like

• Must be reapplied often

This cruelty-free, vegan formula (another Byrdie fan favorite) is free of aluminum and drying alcohol and uses only 100% natural fragrance. Refreshing eucalyptus oil leaves you feeling—and smelling— fresh, while citronellyl is meant to neutralize odor—bonus points for the clear gel that glides on nicely, without leaving behind any residue.

Price at time of publish: $22 for eucalyptus deodorant

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Eucalyptus, citronellyl | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Budget

Schmidt's Deodorant Stick

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What We Like

• Natural formula

• Moisturizing

• Various scents available

What We Don't Like

• Can be hard to spread around

This natural deodorant is a winning combo of affordable and effective, which is why it's Commerce Editorial Director Jess Mahgerefteh's daily go-to. Magnesium hydroxide is meant to control odor, while coconut oil is meant to nourish the skin; This refreshing bergamot and lime version is Jess' favorite, but the brand also offers others like rose and vanilla, lavender and sage, and charcoal and magnesium. One thing to note: This formula does contain baking soda, so if you're sensitive to that, Schmidt's offers a baking soda-free option, too.

Price at time of publish: $10.95

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Magnesium hydroxide, baking soda | Size: 2.65 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

The 15 Best Natural Deodorants for Women of 2022

Best Scent

Nécessaire The Deodorant

4.6

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Violet Grey

What We Like

• Natural formula

• Treats discoloration

• Minimizes bumps

What We Don't Like

• Bottle can leak

When Byrdie contributor Jenna Igneri tested Nécessaire's debut deodorant, she fell in love with its eucalyptus scent immediately. "I never thought that a deodorant could smell sexy," she wrote in her review, "But this is it." It doesn't just smell great, though—its natural formula really works, thanks to lactic and mandelic acids (meant to fight odor) and a blend of while silica, zinc, and kaolin clay (meant to keep you dry).

Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), silica, kaolin, zinc | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

I Reviewed Nécessaire’s The Deodorant And I’m In Love

Best Spray

Dove Invisible Dry Spray Antiperspirant

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What We Like

• Doesn't stain

• Moisturizing

• Affordable

What We Don't Like

• Strong smell

Spray deodorants are back in a big way. This one earns top marks for not only being alcohol-free (no stinging or irritation here, even if you spritz it on right after shaving) but also containing moisturizers to keep skin extra soft and smooth. Plus, it goes on totally clear, so there’s never any need to worry about tell-tale white streaks on your LBD.

Price at time of publish: $7.04

Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate | Size: 5.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

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Best Plant-Based

Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Natural Deodorant

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What We Like

• Moisturizing

• Vegan

• Recyclable packaging

What We Don't Like

• Must be reapplied often

Briogeo is best known for its hair products, but this plant-based natural deodorant from the brand is worth your time, too. Tea tree oil helps fight odor-causing bacteria, coconut oil soothes and hydrates the skin, and eucalyptus delivers a cool, refreshing scent. It's also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free and comes in recyclable packaging.

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Tea tree, coconut, eucalyptus | Size: 1.83 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Wipes

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes

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What We Like

• Travel-friendly

• Can use all over body

• Aluminum-free

What We Don't Like

• Not as effective as other options

Choice for when you’re on the go, these make it easy to freshen up, fast. Another one of our favorite natural options, a deodorizing blend of essential oils, keeps B.O. at bay, while coconut milk and shea butter help hydrate. Use them not only under your arms but anywhere on your body whenever a shower is hard to come by.

Price at time of publish: $8.99 for one 30-count pack

Type: Pre-moistened towelettes | Active Ingredients: Coconut milk, essential oils | Size: 30 towelettes | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

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Best Cream

Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream

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What We Like

• Moisturizing

• Vegan

• Aluminum- and baking soda-free

What We Don't Like

• Must be reapplied often

Cream deodorants can be a bit messy, but not this one from Drunk Elephant—its twist-up-style applicator is super easy to use. What's more, its formula promises to nix odor-causing bacteria, absorb moisture, and soothe the skin thanks to mandelic acid, arrowroot, and shea butter. It's also totally free of baking soda, essential oils, aluminum-derived ingredients, sulfates, silicones, and fragrances, so it should be safe for sensitive underarms.

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, shea butter, marula oil, mongongo oil, baobab seed oil | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

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Best Fair-Trade

Alaffia Everyday Coconut Charcoal Deodorant

View On Alaffia.com View On Pharmaca.com

What We Like

• Moisturizing

• Fair Trade ingredients

• Aluminum-free

What We Don't Like

• Must be reapplied often

This product is so much more than an effective natural deodorant. Yes, it'll keep you feeling fresh—thanks to soothing coconut, odor-neutralizing charcoal, antibacterial neem, and nourishing shea butter—but it also supports an excellent cause. Any purchase from Alaffia will help fund the company's efforts to empower communities in Togo, West Africa, through the advancement of Fair Trade, education, sustainable living, and gender equality.

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut, neem charcoal, shea butter, reishi | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Crystal

Crystal Deodorant Stick

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What We Like

• Affordable

• Only one ingredient

• Doesn't leave a residue

What We Don't Like

• Must warm up before application

It can admittedly take a little bit of time to get used to using crystal deodorant, but if you’re ready to make the switch, this one gets our vote. A mineral salt shaped into a gem-like stone, all you have to do is moisten the top and rub it under your arms.

Price at time of publish: $7.19 for unscented 4.25 oz bottle

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Mineral salt | Size: 4.25 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Drugstore

Native Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

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What We Like

• Aluminum-free

• Various scents available

• Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

• Can sting if used right after shaving

This aluminum-, paraben-, cruelty-free drugstore buy consistently pulls in thousands of glowing reviews, with users applauding how well it works. It comes in four different scents, plus seasonal varieties, as well as a custom option that lets you create your own.

Price at time of publish: $15 for coconut and vanilla

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide | Size: 2.65 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Native's $12 Natural Deodorant Is the Best One I've Ever Used

Best Personalized

Nala Personalized Deodorant

View On Nalacare.com

What We Like

• Customizable

• Aluminum-free

• Various scents available

What We Don't Like

• Pricey

Anything and everything custom are having a major moment in the beauty world, and deodorant is no different. This brand lets you customize not only the scent but the strength, too, for a final formulation that suits exactly your needs and preferences. The natural option is free from aluminum, parabens, and other hard-to-pronounce ingredients, instead, relying on baking soda plus organic essential oils, butter, and waxes. 

Price at time of publish: $29

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, kaolin, baking soda (optional) | Size: 2.11 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

I Tried a Personalized Natural Deodorant, and I Have Thoughts

Best Hair-Inhibiting

Completely Bare Pit Stop Hair Inhibiting Deodorant

View On Amazon View On Ulta

What We Like

• Dermatologist-tested

• Slows hair growth

• Vegan

What We Don't Like

• Not as effective as other options

A deodorant that can cut down on how often you have to shave? It sounds too good to be true, but one Byrdie editor put this to the test and found that it seriously works after about three weeks. The brand credits natural plant extracts meant to slow down hair growth while also delivering an anti-inflammatory effect.

Price at time of publish: $9.98 for one 2.6 oz bottle

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, larrea divaricata extract | Size: 2.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

What to Look for in Deoderant

Ingredients

Choosing the best ingredients for your skin and health is something to consider with any product you are wearing every day, all day. Although experts say there is not enough evidence to support avoiding aluminum in many deodorants and antiperspirants, some people prefer to avoid it. This is due to the link that some research has found between aluminum and cancer, specifically breast cancer.

Other ingredients worth paying attention to are essential oils or synthetic fragrances, mineral salts, and alcohol. These ingredients can irritate the skin for some people.

Sweat and Odor Blocking

Deodorants work by offering scents to cover up or remove unwanted body odor. Antiperspirant block actual sweat glands as well as smell. Consider what type of protection works best for you.

Scent

Deodorants come in a wide variety of scents. Choosing one that doesn't put you off is essential since you will smell it every day. Some brands also use perfumes that might cause allergic reactions in you or other people who are close to you. Essential oils are typically less likely to cause allergic reactions. There are also unscented versions of deodorant and antiperspirant.

Strength and Longevity

Some deodorants and antiperspirants last longer than others. If you can't reapply or tend to sweat a lot, you might need a product that lasts longer or offers more substantial protection. Some brands claim to be clinical strength antiperspirants for people who are very sweaty.

Many deodorants claim to offer odor protection that lasts from 12–72 hours. Look for the upper end of that range if you need it.

FAQ

• Is using deodorant bad?

  If you are concerned about aluminum or other ingredients in your deodorant, there are plenty of more natural options including aluminum free choices.

• What is deodorant used for?

  Deodorant is used to reduce and cover body odor smells that can be offensive. Certain ingredients in deodorant turn the skin's surface acidic, making it less bacteria, and therefore smell, friendly. Fragrances also help mask smells.

• Do we actually need deodorant?

  Deodorant is not needed if you don't mind natural body odor. However, social expectations and proper hygiene practices deem deodorant to be non-optional. Body odor can be strong and offensive for many people. Consider the social setting you will be in when deciding whether you will skip using deodorant.
  

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Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

1. Stuff We Buy Ourselves: The Deodorants Our Editors and Writers Use. The Strategist. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/strategist-editors-favorite-deodorants.html

2. The 16 Best Deodorants for Women. Runner's World. https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a28786254/deodorants-for-women/

3. 14 Best Natural Deodorants That Keep You Smelling Fresh, According to Dermatologists. Prevention. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/g30764562/best-natural-deodorant/

4. Hara T, Nabei H, Kyuka A. Activated carbon/titanium dioxide composite to adsorb volatile organic compounds associated with human body odor. Heliyon. 2020;6(11):e05455. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05455

5. Williams LB, Haydel SE. Evaluation of the medicinal use of clay minerals as antibacterial agents. Int Geol Rev. 2010;52(7/8):745-770. doi:10.1080/00206811003679737

6. Larson D, Jacob SE. Tea tree oil. Dermatitis. 2012;23(1):48-49. doi:10.1097/DER.0b013e31823e202d

7. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

8. Chandrappa PM, Dupper A, Tripathi P, Arroju R, Sharma P, Sulochana K. Antimicrobial activity of herbal medicines (tulsi extract, neem extract) and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis in endodontics: an in vitro study. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2015;5(Suppl 2):S89-S92. doi:10.4103/2231-0762.172952

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