The Best Women's Deodorants Managed to Withstand My Hot Pilates Class
Because no one wants smelly pits.
When it comes time to test the active ingredients and fragrances used in a deodorant, volunteers are placed in high-humidity, sweat-promoting environments. Then, trained evaluators smell their armpits and make "appropriate judgements" on the formula's performance. Essentially, deodorant brands have a roster of people to judge how stinky those pits are after sweating. That trained evaluator gig is not a job I want, but it's a job my fiancé has been forced into as I embarked on my search for the best women's deodorant.
Smelly sweat is a part of life, meaning deodorant should be, too. "Underarm odor happens when the bacteria present in the underarms interacts with the sweat to generate malodor," explains Anay Kacharia, a cosmetic chemist who works as research and development innovation manager at iLabs in New Jersey. "The deodorant combats that interaction and prevents the malodor."
The resulting smell should be something you actually enjoy. Why smell like Teen Spirit when you can smell herbaceous, warm, or maybe even luxurious? "One product can make your sweat stop smelling and make you smell actively good," says Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC with Schweiger Dermatology Group
While most of the picks on this list are strict deodorants—some might call them "natural deodorants"—I did throw a couple of antiperspirants (the sweat-stoppers that our gym teachers begged for) in for good measure. We all have our needs, after all. Ahead, discover the 13 best women's deodorants on the market right now. You'll find elevated scents, sustainable packaging, and all the odor protection you and my darling lover could ever hope for.
The Best Women's Deodorants
- The Best Women's Deodorant Overall: Hume Supernatural Deodorant
- The Best Cult-Favorite Women's Deodorant: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant
- The Best Drugstore Women's Deodorant: Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Stick
- The Best-Smelling Women's Deodorant: Corpus Naturals Nº Green Deodorant Stick
- The Best Luxury Women's Deodorant: AKT The Deodorant Balm
When Hume burst onto the scene a few years ago, it was lauded for its innovative formula. This gel stick is full of prebiotics and probiotics that work with your skin's microbiome to minimize the impact of the bacteria that cause funky smells. At the same time, fossilized algae and tapioca starch absorb wetness, so you don't feel slick midday.
Type: Gel stick
Size: 2 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Vanilla Daze, Desert Bloom, Coconut Coast, After Rain, Wild Coral, Amber Woods, Out West, Fragrance Free
What I Love: Applies smooth and clear; Wonderful smell; Works all day long and then some
What I Don’t: Nothing!
Review for MC: "I have tried... so many deodorants. This is the one I keep coming back to (which is a big deal in itself, as there is something to be said about a product not working as well after a while). I love the vanilla scent; it's nice, gentle, warm, and plays nicely with my perfume of the day. Even more so, I love that I smell nice long after that perfume of the day has worn off. I can go to the gym, hang in the garden, or run around anywhere—Hume has me covered." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Freelance writer Sophia Vilensky holds her beloved Hume Supernaturals deodorant—you can see that nice texture!—and shows her happily clothed and nicely scented underarm after a day of use.
All the coolest girls I know wear this deodorant—and for good reason. Luxurious and so lovely with its Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley, and sandalwood-forward scent, this is a product that helps you understand how the phrase "simple luxury" came to be. It also comes in an aluminum-free format, if that's more your speed(stick).
Type: Powder stick
Size: 1.7 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Just the one and only
What I Love: Amazing scent; Does its job all day long
What I Don’t: More expensive than other options
Review for MC: "Getting my hands on this deodorant for the first time a few years ago was, no exaggeration, one of the best things to ever happen to me. That might sound dramatic, but I mean it. It’s unlike any other I’ve tried: it glides on smoothly and luxuriously, smells powdery in an elevated, perfumey way, and actually works all day long. It’s a splurge, but one I’ll keep making—no hesitation." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa Petrarca has been wearing Donna Karan Cashmere Mist deodorant for years.
This deodorant contains a lot of the same hydrating ingredients you'd find in a traditional moisturizer, which is a great thing for anyone with sensitive skin. Another major plus: you can find it anywhere. It's no problem if you forget your deodorant or your night takes you somewhere you didn't expect—you can re-up with a quick stop at your local drugstore.
Type: Solid stick
Size: 2.6 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Shea Butter, Pomegranate Lemon Verbena, Lavender Vanilla, Cotton Flower Sandalwood, Rose Petals, Coconut Pink Jasmine, Cucumber Green Tea
What I Love: Feels hydrating; Also available in aerosol format
What I Don’t: Not the chicest bottle, but it does the job
Review for MC: "I’m not one to rave about a deodorant—that is, until I tried this one from Dove. It comes in a variety of scents that are clean, fresh, and never overpowering, but my favorite is the Lavender Vanilla. The best part: this is the one and only deodorant I’ve tried that doesn’t leave white marks on my clothing—yes, even my black shirts and dresses. I recommend it to anyone and everyone!" — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Freelance beauty writer Catharine Malzahn is a longtime fan of Dove's 0% Aluminum Deodorant. While she usually goes with the Lavender Vanilla scent, she's perfectly pleased with the classic Shea Butter.
With its green design elements and chic accessory offerings to match its body care necessities, Corpus Naturals is such a lovely brand. This natural deodorant (the first they released before adding a spray version to their repertoire) uses naturally derived enzymes and plant extracts to eliminate odor. Bonus: the scents are glamorous.
Type: Gel Stick
Size: 2.6 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Nº Green, Santalum, Third Rose, California, Cedar Flora, Nerol
What I Love: Gorgeous scents; Glides on smoothly; You can find your favorite scent in other luxurious body products
What I Don’t: While impressive, it doesn't seem to last as long as other options
Review for MC: "I'm a longtime CORPUS girlie. Nº Green is the first scent that stole my heart a couple of years ago, and now I'm on the Santalum train. I plan to dig into every other fragrance as time goes on; I'm sure there's not a bad one in the essential oil-composed, aromatically complex bunch. Besides the sweet smells, I love how the water-based gel formula glides on and—despite doing its job for hours on end—doesn't feel like anything after initial dry-down." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Freelance writer Sophia Vilensky didn't try to match her sweatshirt to Corpus Naturals' brand colors while testing; this bottle of Santalum deodorant pairs nicely with any top and sweat-forward activity.
While talking to Marie Claire about luxury deodorants earlier this year, AKT London co-founder Ed Currie said that he's received "far more compliments from wearing just deodorant than I ever did wearing Santal 33 from Le Labo, Byredo, or Aesop." I guess that makes sense, if he was wearing this luxurious balm. Created by West End performers who know a thing or two about bright lights and long hours, AKT's deodorant balms come in a nice metal tube. You squeeze a little onto your (clean) fingertips and gently apply to your underarms. Pretend you're giving yourself a little well-deserved bodywork while you do so.
Type: Balm
Size: 1.76 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Orange Grove, After Thunder, The Onsen, Halcyon Summers, Columbia Road, Unfragranced
What I Love: Beautiful scents; Luxurious packaging; Impressive consistency; Lasts a long, long time
What I Don’t: The application method takes some getting used to
Review for MC: "While a luxe purple tube of deodorant felt like it was too good to be true (what happened to sticks and ugly packaging?), I was so, so impressed with AKT. After applying a pea-size amount of the vetiver, lavandin, and citrus-forward The Onsen to my pits, I went about my day. A whole weekend day later, after a walk, brunch, plenty of lounging, and some lawn mowing time, I was shocked to realize I hadn't thought about my underarms all day. They felt dry and they smelled, well, like vetiver, lavandin, and citrus-forward. I've been loving this balm ever since." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Freelance writer Sophia Vilensky shows off the gorgeous packaging of AKT's Deodorant Balm—and her fresh armpit after a full day of wearing it.
Evolvetogether's excellent deodorant sticks are body heat-activated, which means the more you move and sweat, the more the fragrances release and the better you smell. The clear gel formula also includes skin-loving ingredients like panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, to add moisture and a smooth feel, and glycerin, which helps soften your skin to reduce irritation.
Type: Gel stick
Size: 1.7 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Tulum (lemon, sage, patchouli), Havana (cardamom, vetiver, cedarwood), Monaco (rose, mandarin, oud, patchouli), Taormina (orange blossom, geranium, jasmine)
What I Love: Works to neutralize odors instead of masking them; Gorgeous scents; Skin-loving ingredients; Container cuts down on plastic
What I Don’t: Scent is a little powerful upon initial application
Review for MC: "Would you ever expect a deodorant to make you feel like you're on vacation? Nah, me either—until I found evolvetogether. This clear gel deodorant glides on so nicely and smells absolutely divine. I adore the cardamom-forward Havana scent and its soothing formula. As far as the body heat activation goes...a trip to the sauna sold me completely." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
The body heat-activated evolvetogether deodorant saw freelance beauty writer Sophia Vilensky through a trip to the sauna.
Formulated with skin-loving and odor-fighting ingredients, this deodorant spray doubles as a body spray for anyone choosing to cut down on their scented body product routine. You can use it all over, and its aluminum-free formula makes it great for sensitive skin.
Type: Liquid spray
Size: 3 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Coconut Nectar, Warm Vanilla, Peach Soleil, White Tea, Santal Sage, Ocean Air, Orange Neroli, Juniper Eucalyptus, Grapefruit Cassis
What I Love: Nice scents with great projection; Easy to apply; Dries down quickly
What I Don’t: Some scents are a bit overpowering
Review for MC: "I first met Curie's Warm Vanilla spray deodorant in candle format, which I'm sorry to say is no longer available. I'm sorry because I fell deeply in love and wish you could enjoy it for yourself. But actually...you can? My first spritz of this deodorant-slash-body spray (you can also find it in stick format!) was a shock to the system; the scent projection is impressive. Why use perfume, or even candles, for that matter, when your deodorant has tricks like this?" — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky before and after testing Curie's Deodorant Body Spray. Honestly, it's surprising you can't smell this warm vanilla scent through the screen.
Tronque's Axilla Orb deodorant features a gentle, milky formula that rolls on with a stainless steel ball (that would be the "orb") applicator to assist with lymphatic drainage. It's known for its unique "deo-tox" ingredient, a muscle relaxant created to mimic the Botox side effect of sweat reduction. It works by inhibiting the release of the muscle neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thereby reducing nerve signals that control sweat gland activity.
Key Ingredients: Nature's 'Deo-Tox' Mimicking Muscle Relaxant, Sugarcane Enzymes, Anti-Microbial Pomegranate Oil
Type: Liquid serum roll-on
Size: 1.7 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: None
What I Love: Leaves your underarms feeling moisturized; Innovative formula; Can be applied anywhere
What I Don’t: Expensive
Customer Review: "I switched to a natural deodorant last year but have been disappointed with every one that I’ve tried using until now. The Tronque deodorant leaves no white marks on my clothes, has no overbearing scent and most importantly is actually antiperspirant. I love that it performs exactly as a deodorant should but is from natural products. I also appreciate that it comes as a refill. Absolutely love this product." — Tronque
I'll never forget when Native took over my college campus in 2017. Everyone was shocked by how well it worked—and it still does! Free of parabens and aluminum, these sticks utilize tapioca starch to absorb sweat, plus coconut oil and shea butter to keep the skin friction-free. The big thing to note is the presence of baking soda in many of the (many, many) scents; some underarms don't do well with the ingredient and end up with irritation, so make sure you're okay before you apply and set off into the world.
Type: Solid stick
Size: 2.65 oz
Baking Soda: Yes
Scent Options: Too many to list (sorry!)—they've even done collaborations with the Girl Scouts and Jarritos
What I Love: Tried and tested for years; Long-lasting protection; Available in a ton of scents; Applies like the deodorants you grew up with
What I Don’t: Baking soda is a commonly irritating ingredient for sensitive skin
Customer Review: "I’ll admit it—I was skeptical. I’ve tried 'natural' deodorants before, and let’s just say… they left me and everyone around me questioning our life choices. But Native? Native came in like a coconut-scented superstar. Not only does it smell amazing, it actually works. I’m talking all-day freshness, no weird residue, and it somehow keeps the sweat at bay like it’s got magical anti-stink powers. Honestly, I went from 'natural deodorant skeptic' to 'Native evangelist' in one underarm swipe. Would absolutely sniff myself again." — Amazon
If you're looking for a strong—like, really strong—deodorant, this is your guy. "Secret's clinical strength formulations are potent enough to keep the heaviest sweaters dry, and the sensitive, unscented version is formulated with skincare products and provitamin B5 to prevent irritation. It's the best of both worlds," Cheri Frey, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Maryland, previously told Marie Claire.
Type: Solid stick
Size: 2.6 oz
Baking Soda: Yes
Scent Options: Waterlily, Clean Lavender, Completely Clean, Nurturing Coconut, Free Sensitive, Powder Protection, Shower Fresh, Stress Response
What I Love: Impressive clinical testing results; Lasts a wildly long time
What I Don’t: Some customers complain about the packaging
Customer Review: "OK this is crazy but this deodorant works miracles! I profusely sweat from my underarms and this deodorant has given me my confidence back in wearing colored shirts instead of just black all the time!!" — Target
Forever-viral beauty brand Kosas's foray into the deodorant world was, and still is, impressive. This liquid formula utilizes AHAs, aka alpha-hydroxy acids, which we usually know as exfoliants. Fun fact: they also kill odor-causing bacteria and prevent ingrown hairs.
Type: Liquid serum roll-on
Size: 2.4 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Serene Clean, Beachy Clean, Fragrance-Free
What I Love: Liquid formula dries down quickly; Easy application; Scent is super light
What I Don’t: Feels a little bit sticky before drying; Some customers report irritation
Customer Review: "This is the best deodorant I have ever used. I accidentally got the unscented, which is totally fine, because it does the job that no other deodorant has been able to do for me: keep odors at bay. Whenever I wear this, I don't smell a thing. As for my skin, I haven't noticed much difference in the texture/color, but it does help with ingrown hairs." — Sephora
What's chicer than a brown glass bottle of deodorant? Maybe a sign-off from a board-certified dermatologist. "Grown Alchemist has a deodorant, and what I love is that it has gentle ingredients, feels lovely to apply, and offers a soft scent while also naturally eliminating bacteria that causes malodor," says Dr. Greenfield. It helps to balance the microbiome of skin and is naturally anti-inflammatory, which in turn further neutralizes the odor."
Type: Liquid serum roll-on
Size: 1.69 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: One-hit wonder (but it smells lovely!)
What I Love: Soft, herbaceous scent; Innovative formula
What I Don’t: Sells out often
Customer Review: "Real talk: I had the rankest anxiety sweats—truly embarrassing, which did not help. Within a couple of weeks of using this, I smell like a normal human being—a clean one! Not an anti-perspirant; I still sweat, I just don’t stink. After two months of use, the signs of irritation from all the other products I’ve tried before are clearing up and my my pits are the smoothest they’ve been in years. Bonus: it doesn’t stain my clothes. This deodorant is a miracle! Please, please re-stock it soon!" — Grown Alchemist
Upon first sniff, it's hard to recognize that this spray is a deodorant. You don't get that "this must be doing something if it feels like this" product buildup, and it smells invigorating. Nevertheless, it is exactly what it says it is. To use this spray, simply spritz a few times under each armpit. Then enjoy going about your day with a little more brightness (if you want to take it easy, you can also try "Calm" or "Chill") and a lot less odor.
Type: Liquid spray
Size: 2 oz
Baking Soda: No
Scent Options: Wake, Calm, Chill
What I Love: Can be used all over; Easy to apply; Invigorating scent; Great for sensitive skin
What I Don’t: Doesn't last as long as other options
Customer Review: "Bought the deodorant to wear to my hot yoga classes to cut on the body odor without stopping the perspiration. Get the job done perfectly. My husband uses as well when a mild deo is needed, such as on forest walks. Smells refreshing, unisex, citrus and rosemary kind of smell. Will be definitely repurchasing the refill." — by/ rosie jane
What to Look For in a Women's Deodorant
Dr. Greenfield's best advice when choosing a deodorant is to choose one with a more subtle fragrance. (While lovely, none of the above are overpowering—except maybe the Curie, but that's the point.) "Fragrance mix and propylene glycol are two ingredients that are the culprits of many allergic reactions in skincare, including deodorants," explains the dermatologist. I recommend deodorants with natural, antimicrobial ingredients to stop the odor-producing bacteria when they mix with sweat."
Deodorants vs Antiperspirants
While "deodorant" is a broad term, it's important to know the difference between a regular ole deo and an antiperspirant. "A deodorant has the purpose of masking malodorous sweat in the armpits. An antiperspirant stops the expression of sweat from sweat glands," explains Dr. Greenfield. "Both are considered safe from a dermatological perspective, but some people have reactions to chemicals and preservatives found in antiperspirants and switch to a clean deodorant, which can be more gentle on the skin."
Evolvetogether did the important work of formulating a deodorant that makes you feel like you're on vacation.
What Causes Underarm Irritation?
Some ingredients in deodorants, like additive fragrance, have the potential to irritate. What's important to remember is that everyone is different. Some people do well with baking soda, while others—especially those with sensitive skin—have trouble with it. Finding your perfect deodorant will likely be a journey full of trial and error.
Can I Use Too Much Deodorant?
While it might seem like the right move to keep applying, there is such a thing as overkill regarding deodorant. "If you use too much and occlude the skin, it may result in an imbalance of the skin microbiome, inflammation around the hair follicles and sweat glands, and a breakout in the skin," says Dr. Greenfield.
Reapply throughout the day as needed, but don't go too hard.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
To compile this list of the best deodorants, MC freelance beauty writer Sophia Vilensky scoured the internet and combed through countless customer reviews to track down the top-rated options on the market, then called in samples and got to testing—each option was given two swipes (or spritzes) on each armpit and made to prove its worth through normal day-to-day activities, sweaty workouts, sauna sessions, and long days in the sun. She also asked the Marie Claire team to share their holy grail picks. After selecting 13 favorites, she assessed each product based on ingredients, scent, application, and (most importantly!) staying power.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Dr. Greenfield earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, City University of New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors in mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry.
Dr. Greenfield attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. She completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Greenfield has been published in many medical journals, including The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the Journal of Women’s Dermatology and Pediatrics. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.
iLABS is an innovation-focused, full service, global beauty company founded by serial entrepreneur innovator, David Chung. Their 140,000 sq. ft. facility located in Mahwah, New Jersey, is where their award-winning formulas and products are developed. iLAB’S formula expertise is expansive, covering all categories of beauty.
Dr. Cheri Frey is a board-certified dermatologist, assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University, and Chair of the dermatology section of the National Medical Association. Dr. Frey practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at Howard University in Washington, DC.
Dr. Frey was born in Washington, DC. She was a National Achievement Scholar and was awarded several full scholarship offers. Dr. Frey ultimately chose Iowa State University due to her interest in Architecture, but later decided to pursue a career in medicine. She graduated with distinction, earning a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a minor in Advertising. Dr. Frey earned her medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed her internal medicine internship and dermatology residency at the University of Florida. Dr. Frey was the first black female dermatology resident and also served as chief resident. She was a recipient of the Outstanding Resident Teacher Award as an intern and dermatology resident.
Dr. Frey began her career as an assistant professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Florida. In 2016, she returned to the DC area and joined Advanced Dermatology. She was in private practice prior to joining Howard University.
Dr. Frey has published research in peer-reviewed journals and given numerous dermatology lectures across the country. Dr. Frey has a passion for teaching and mentoring. She has published numerous articles and textbook chapters. Dr. Frey lectures nationally and internationally. She is frequently quoted in media outlets. is a devout Christian and licensed minister. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Brent (Orthodontist), attending sporting events, and traveling.
