Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants of 2025

TL;DR

Our best overall pick is Dove’s Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, a fail-safe option for lasting dryness and odor control, which cares for your underarms and won’t blow your budget. We also love AKT Deodorant Balm, a stain-free, natural pick that’s long-lasting, smells great, and can be applied all over the body.

In the world of beauty products, deodorant isn’t the sexiest on the block. Still, you’re probably not using that gorgeous red lipstick daily, but we’re willing to bet you are swiping on a deodorant religiously, right? And as of late, this personal care necessity has reached new heights, with more options than ever.

Whether you need a serious, sweat-stopping antiperspirant or are making the switch to a more natural deodorant, the market is saturated with something for everyone. Other aspects to consider, besides ingredients, are whether you want to block sweat or just odor, how long you’ll need one application to last, and the scent. We considered dozens of different types of deodorants and antiperspirants, evaluating them based on their active ingredients, application, and overall effectiveness. After consulting with Byrdie editors for their recommendations on deodorants that work for them, we selected these high-performance formulas.

Credit: Target

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Aluminum, glycerin, fragrance | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

It’s not the fanciest or most innovative option on our list, but sometimes simplicity is truly best. Personal care mainstay Dove offers a deodorant that suits virtually every preference. While some Byrdie staffers swear by the aluminum-free stick, hot and sticky days call for an effective antiperspirant like this one, which blocks sweat for up to 72 hours, while also caring for your underarms and soothing skin post-shaving with a ceramide-rich formula. Although we quite like the scents, those who are sensitive to strong smells may want to opt for a fragrance-free version. 

Credit: Amazon

Type: Roll on | Active Ingredients: Aluminum, aloe, glycerin, fragrance | Size: 1.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

If you’re dealing with excess sweating (aka hyperhidrosis) and don’t want to resort to underarm Botox just yet, this doctor-recommended roll-on might change your life. It contains 15% aluminum—the highest strength available without a prescription—to tackle overactive sweat glands with a single swipe. Apply it at bedtime, and you should be good for 72 hours. However, if you have sensitive skin, proceed with caution; although the formula is fragrance-free and contains soothing aloe vera, the intensity of aluminum can irritate. 

Credit: Amazon

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A Byrdie Eco Beauty Award winner, this aluminum- and baking soda-free formula utilizes coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil to help keep you fresh throughout the day. We love the Kopari Coconut Deodorant 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 comfortable and easy.

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

• Gentle on sensitive skin

• Doesn’t leave a residue

• Chic packaging

• Baking soda-free

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

Byrdie’s former 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 to absorb sweat—which may potentially be irritating for some—this relies on tapioca starch and diatomaceous earth to wick away moisture. It’s also free of synthetic fragrance, a boon for those with sensitive underarm skin.

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

• Eliminates odor

• Nice scent

• Doesn’t leave a residue

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

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 formula that glides on nicely, without leaving behind any residue.

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

• Sweat-absorbing formula

• Helps neutralize odor

• Wide range of scents 

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

This natural deodorant is a winning combo of affordable and effective, which is why it’s senior editorial director Jess Mahgerefteh’s daily go-to. Magnesium hydroxide is meant to control odor, while coconut oil nourishes the skin. The refreshing bergamot and lime version is Mahgerefteh’s favorite, but the brand also offers other delightful scents such as clean coconut, rose and vanilla, lavender and sage, and charcoal and magnesium. One thing to note: This formula does contain baking soda, so keep that in mind if you’re sensitive to it.

Credit: Amazon

Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate, ceramides | Size: 5.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 moisturizing ceramides to keep skin extra soft and smooth. Plus, the long-lasting formula keeps working for up to 72 hours. 

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

• Travel-friendly

• Can use all over body

• Moisturizing

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

If you’re looking for an option to help you freshen up on the go—say, at a festival or during a long-haul flight—these deodorizing wipes make it easy. A blend of essential oils keeps B.O. at bay, while coconut milk and shea butter help hydrate the skin. Use them not only under your arms but anywhere on your body whenever a shower is hard to come by.

Credit: Sephora

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

Cream deodorants can be messy, but this one from Drunk Elephant is the exception to the rule. Its twist-up-style applicator is super easy to use, and the 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.

Credit: Amazon

What We Like

• Slows hair growth

• Dermatologist-tested

• Reduces odor

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, larrea divaricata extract | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

A deodorant that can cut down on how often you have to shave your underarms? 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.

Credit: Amazon

Type: Balm | Active Ingredients: Maranta arundinacea root powder, diatomaceous earth, zinc oxide, shea butter, calendula oil, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

This award-winning option was created by performers in London’s West End who wanted a natural formula that could stand up to long shows under hot lights. The creamy balm uses plant powders to absorb sweat and nourishing natural oils to care for your skin. Described as multipurpose, it can be applied to underarms, feet, forehead, chest—truly anywhere that needs sweat and odor protection. Plus, the packaging is sleek and the scents are premium. The one downside is that you apply it with your hands and might need to rinse them afterwards. 

Credit: Sephora

What We Like

• Brightens underarm skin

• Neutralizes odor

• Long-lasting formula

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, niacinamide, coconut oil | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The skin of our underarms can be prone to hyperpigmentation thanks to friction, inflammation, hormones, or underlying medical conditions. Help is at hand with this AHA-enhanced formula from Nécessaire, which aims to help even out your skin tone while also fighting odor. The active ingredients are mandelic acid and niacinamide, which work in unison to exfoliate and brighten underarms. As a 100% natural formula, it also uses tapioca starch in place of baking soda, and the warm, spicy scent is absolutely dreamy. 

Credit: Sephora

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, corn starch, Inulin | Size: 2.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Real talk: When it’s hot outside, it’s not just the underarms that need sweat protection. This nifty stick from Luna Daily is designed to glide over every contour of the body, keeping odor-causing bacteria at bay wherever you need it. Enriched with prebiotics and hydrating hyaluronic acid, the formula will also help nourish your skin and preserve its microbiome. It’s not the most long-lasting, though, so you might need to reapply regularly. 

Credit: Amazon

Type: Gel-like stick | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, spirulina, probiotics, tapioca starch, magnesium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes 

Who knew a deodorant could rival the scent profile of a pricey perfume? Salt & Stone’s aluminum-free formula boasts a warm, woody, and sophisticated combination of santal, vetiver, and amber that will keep you smelling incredible all day. The gel-like stick glides on easily, absorbing moisture with its blend of tapioca starch and magnesium hydroxide, while a probiotic blend helps replenish healthy bacteria. One word of warning: It can stain clothes, so be careful with how you apply. 

What to Look for in Deodorant

• 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, as select researchers believe it can cause health issues. If you’re going the more natural route, look for ingredients such as charcoal, clay, and acids that prevent odors.
• Sweat vs Odor Blocking: Deodorants work by offering scents to cover up unwanted body odor. Antiperspirants (which contain aluminum) block actual sweat glands and inhibit bacterial growth to reduce sweat as well as control smell. Consider what type of protection works best for you.
• Scent: Choosing a scent that doesn’t put you off is essential since you will smell it every day. Some brands use fragrances that might cause allergic reactions in you or people who are close to you. If in doubt, look for unscented versions.
• Strength & Longevity: Many deodorant brands claim to offer odor protection that lasts from 12–72 hours. Look for the upper end of that range if you need it. For individuals who experience excessive sweating, clinical strength antiperspirants are the most effective solution.

Why Trust Byrdie

Esme Benjamin is a freelance writer and long-time Byrdie contributor and product tester. She’s tried several options on this list, and prefers antiperspirants during summer (Dove) and natural options during the cooler months (Schmidt’s). 

Melanie Rud is a contributing writer for Byrdie, where she covers all things skincare—from buzzy ingredients to acne advice. Melanie has over 10 years of experience working in the beauty editorial industry. She holds a BA in Journalism and English from New York University.