More than 300 million Americans include a swipe or two of deodorant and antiperspirant in their daily routine. In fact, dollar for dollar, the United States uses more deodorant than any other country. But we are using the term deodorant loosely. There is a big difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant, according to Steven Prus, PA-C, a physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology. "Deodorant just masks odor, while antiperspirant is a compound that decreases perspiration," he explains. The compound in antiperspirants that reduces or altogether eliminates sweating is aluminum.
Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology tells us that in order to be called an antiperspirant, it is required to have aluminum salts. "Aluminum salts work by blocking sweat ducts, specifically the eccrine glands. What sets different antiperspirants apart is which salt the product is formulated with and its concentration. While aluminum salts can be irritating, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is less irritating than products that contain aluminum chloride, yet weaker," she explains.
While there is a big difference between deodorant and antiperspirant there is minimal difference between men's and women's versions of each. Generally, there is no difference in the strength of deodorant, says Dr. Samuel Hetz, medical director of Concept Medical. "The active odor-fighting ingredients are actually the same." He explains that the difference usually comes down to fragrance: Men's products tend to take on a stronger, muskier scent, while women's are often lighter and offer a floral scent.
With so many brands and application types — like sticks, sprays, wipes, creams and roll-ons — finding the best deodorant and antiperspirant can sometimes feel overwhelming. Factor in labels promoting different benefits — antiperspirant, deodorant or a blend of both — along with options like aluminum-free formulas and natural deodorants, and the decision becomes even more complex. So how in the world do you choose the best defense for your armpits? You keep reading.
The team here at AOL has been hard at work talking with our panel of dermatologists and skin care experts to get their take on the sea of sweat- and stink-stomping products. We discussed what ingredients to look for that actually work to keep you dry and smelling fresh and then researched and evaluated countless deodorants and antiperspirants. We were looking for the key ingredients our experts called out, like aluminum, baking soda and arrowroot, that are proven to keep you dry or absorb moisture. We also considered products with moisturizing and odor-fighting ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera and essential oils. Throughout our research, preference was given to cost-effectiveness and staying power, as well as the quality of ingredients, while omitting those with harsh chemicals and known skin irritants. Based on the research and testing of our panel of medical experts and AOL editors, below you'll find our list of the best deodorants and antiperspirants for women that will keep you dry and smelling fresh all day.
When searching for the best antiperspirant and deodorant, consider the following important factors:
Before shopping, decide if you want to stop sweat (antiperspirant), block odors (deodorant), or both (deodorant and antiperspirant).
Antiperspirants: There are 18 different FDA-approved aluminum compounds that can be used in antiperspirants, although some are more common than others. Aluminum chloride, for example, is considered the most effective for hyperhidrosis and heavy sweaters, but it's also more irritating, whereas aluminum zirconium and aluminum sesquichlorohydrate are gentler forms. "What sets different antiperspirants apart is which salt the product is formulated with and its concentration. While aluminum salts can be irritating, aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is less irritating than products that contain aluminum chloride, yet weaker," says Taub. Dr. Tushar Dabade, a board-certified dermatologist, points out that "prescription antiperspirants have a higher percentage of aluminum chloride than nonprescription. Prescription antiperspirants may work a little bit better for some people but occasionally will cause irritation."
Deodorants: Deodorants can have a long list of ingredients, so if you have known allergies to topical ingredients, make sure to read the label. Since deodorants do not contain aluminum, the majority are fortified with ingredients that absorb moisture, such as arrowroot powder, cornstarch or baking soda. When it comes to fighting odors, deodorants will either lean into synthetic fragrances or they'll utilize coconut milk or oil, shea butter or essential oils.
Deodorants and antiperspirants come in various application types. When it comes to deciding which is best, Dr. Monika Kaniszewska, a board-certified dermatologist, says, "Aerosols and wipes may not be as effective as a thicker gel or cream that has the ability to stay on the skin and absorb better."
Solid: The most common type for both antiperspirants and deodorants. It usually has a powdery soft, solid and smooth consistency. Solid deodorants tend to dry quickly but can also leave residue behind if not formulated to be "invisible."
Roll-on: Roll-on deodorants have a liquid consistency and are applied using a rotating ball applicator that disperses the product as you roll it across your skin. The benefit is that it goes on clear and absorbs more quickly than a solid; the downside, however, is that it takes longer to dry than a solid, so you may feel wet or sticky until it completely dries.
Spray: Spray or aerosol deodorants are easy to apply and dry quickly. However, aerosol deodorants are bulkier and tend to deplete faster than solids.
Gel: Gel deodorants typically come in the same type of container as solid sticks but have a thick, gel consistency. Like roll-ons, gels take time to dry, but they go on clear and leave little residue behind.
Cream: Cream deodorants are becoming all the rage because they are safe to apply to your whole body, not just your armpits. The consistency is comparable to that of your favorite lotion and is just as moisturizing.
Wipe: Deodorant wipes are disposable, single-use wipes that are great for on-the-go use to get rid of and prevent future odors. The downside is that wipes are expensive and you will likely run through a pack of 30 wipes three times faster than a standard solid stick of deodorant.
Strength mainly applies to the antiperspirant's use of aluminum. Stronger antiperspirants, often labeled as "clinical strength," have a higher percentage of aluminum. As for longevity, stronger antiperspirants will also last longer, with some even boasting 48 to 72 hours of sweat prevention. Natural, aluminum-free deodorants, on the other hand, may not last the entire day without reapplying. "Everyone's needs for deodorants and antiperspirants are different. What lasts for 24 hours for one person might not last for 24 hours for the next," says Ann Cameron Schieber, PA-C, a physician assistant at Advanced Dermatology.
Scent comes down to personal preference and your skin's level of sensitivity. During our research, we learned there is a seemingly endless range of pleasant scents when it comes to antiperspirants and deodorants, especially when you add in the versions marketed to men. This is one of those features for which you may need to spend time in the deodorant aisle of the drugstore, sniffing out your favorite scent. If you have sensitive skin, look for natural deodorants that offer essential oils and botanicals in lieu of synthetic fragrances.
As you can see from the list above, there is a broad range of prices when it comes to deodorants and antiperspirants, and it doesn't always come down to a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation. There are plenty of effective products that cost under $5. The cost rises for luxury deodorants with a brand name, or all-natural formulations that offer high-quality organic ingredients. The good news is that in general, deodorants can last a very long time, so you'll usually find that regardless of what you choose, you do get the most bang for your buck.
To find the best deodorants and antiperspirants, we first spoke to a panel of physicians, dermatologists and physician assistants to determine what to look for in a great deodorant and antiperspirant, and what to avoid. All agreed that the most important consideration is a product's ingredients, so we spent hours comparing ingredient lists of more than 75 products and looking at the scientific research available.
For antiperspirants, we looked at the type and percentage of aluminum salt in the formulation along with the inactive ingredients. We avoided those that contained ethyl alcohol, parabens and harsh irritants. For deodorants (aluminum-free), we looked for products with natural, plant-based ingredients, including organic ingredients where possible. We also evaluated each product's texture, application type, longevity, scent and cost.
There are plenty of myths surrounding the safety of aluminum-based antiperspirants. It’s been suggested that aluminum can cause various ailments and disorders, most notably Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. However, it’s worth noting that there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause any health concerns, including finding no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer.
According to dermatologist and founder of DermGPT, Dr. Faranak Kamangar, aluminum-based antiperspirants are considered extremely safe and effective. Dr. Zenovia Gabriel, a board-certified dermatologist from California, agrees but adds that there is a risk of skin irritation for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
The armpit area is prone to sweat and friction, which can cause irritation. This area is also considered an "occluded" area, meaning it has limited airflow and can lead to increased penetration of topical products that may irritate sensitive skin, Dr. Minars tells Yahoo. As a result, "something that may not penetrate enough to irritate your hand, for example, will penetrate more and maybe irritate your underarm," he adds.
People with sensitive skin should avoid deodorants containing fragrances, high alcohol content, aluminum compounds, parabens, and baking soda. These ingredients can cause irritation and discomfort for those with sensitive skin, says Dr. Navin Arora, a board-certified dermatologist and Founder of Borealis Dermatology.
Many women turn to men’s deodorant, thinking that the products are stronger or more powerful, but that’s another myth.
“The active odor-fighting ingredients are actually the same,” says Dr. Samuel Hetz, medical director of Concept Medical. Instead, he says, the difference usually comes down to fragrance. “Men’s products tend to take on a stronger, muskier scent while women’s are often lighter and more floral.” Because of that, men’s deodorant can often seem like it works better. “A more potent scent better masks odors,” he says, explaining that added scents tend to become stronger and more noticeable when you sweat.
Although most people apply antiperspirants and deodorant first thing in the morning, that may not be the most effective option. “Antiperspirants are actually best applied before bedtime,” says Dr. Kamangar. At night, your body temperature is lower and your underarm area is drier, so antiperspirant will be able to penetrate your pores more easily, allowing it to work better.
However, that’s only the case for antiperspirants. If you use an aluminum-free deodorant, morning application is recommended. Additionally, Dr. Kamangar advises applying deodorant after your morning shower when your skin is clean and dry. “This can help ensure better adhesion and effectiveness of the deodorant throughout the day.”
Tushar Dabade, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
Zenovia Gabriel, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Samuel Hetz, MD, medical director of Concept Medical
Anne Marie Leger, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Faranak Kamangar, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermGPT
Monika Kaniszewska, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Todd Minars, a board-certified dermatologist with Minars Dermatology in Florida
Steven Prus, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
Ann Cameron Schieber, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist; founder, Advanced Dermatology and skinfo.com
