With autumn-winter setting in, there’s no better moment to take stock of whether you’ve got the right deodorant on hand for reliable protection and a scent that feels fresh yet comforting through cooler days and layered outfits.
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While deodorant remains an everyday essential, many formulas still fall short of their promises. That’s where comes in – here, we share some of the best deodorants for women, as tried and tested by our editors.
A surprisingly confusing beauty category, there are several different types of deodorants on offer nowadays. Finding the right one for you depends on a number of factors: the sensitivity of your skin, how much you sweat, your level of activity, and whether you like scent, for example. Those who sweat a lot should look for an antiperspirant, whereas if it’s unwanted odour you’re suffering from, formulas that harness antibacterial agents can help to neutralise it.
There are also an array of new natural formulas on the market, many of which forgo aluminium – more on this in our FAQs section – in favour of botanical ingredients and essential oils that help to nurture the underarm skin microbiome. Ultimately, the one you choose should suit your lifestyle and needs, so whether it comes in the form of a stick, spray, cream or roll-on, there is a deodorant for everyone.
The best deodorants for women – and how we tested them
All of the formulas listed have been tried by at least one member of the team for at least 30 days; however, the majority have been worn for much longer. I have personally tested most of them, and I like to think that I am a good subject because – spoiler alert – I sweat a lot.
The Black Friday sale provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on everyday basics – deodorant included. From Akt to Mitchum, many of the team’s favourite formulas have been given the discount treatment. The ones to know are below.
- Why it’s -approved: This may well be a feature documenting the best deodorants for women, but that doesn’t mean I can’t include this men’s formula from Mitchum – just like fragrance, deodorant isn’t really gendered and can be worn by anyone. I have used this formula in the past and found that it works well on both sweat and odour, doesn’t leave white marks, and I like the smell.
- Really cheap, you can share with your significant other, and it promises up to 48 hours of protection from sweat and smell.
- It’s not one for you if you prefer aluminium-free formulas.
- Why it’s -approved: AKT’s Deodorant Balm is excellent. Totally natural, vegan and plastic-free (it’s housed in recyclable aluminium packaging), it is one of the best natural deodorants I’ve ever tried. It’s free of aluminium, but contains sodium bicarbonate and zinc oxide to reduce odour, while arrowroot and diatomaceous earth help combat sweat.
- This is brilliant, straight off the bat, for odour protection. It’s super hydrating, brilliant for the environment and comes in a number of different scents, plus I love that it’s all natural. You can also use it on your feet and anywhere else you sweat too, says the brand.
- It may be because I am a particularly sweaty person, but you need to use it for a few months to experience its full perspiration-protecting benefits. The application method may bother some people who are used to more traditional techniques – you apply with either your fingers or with the brand’s accompanying gua sha.
Salt and Stone
- Why it’s -approved: One of the best-selling deodorants on Amazon for a reason, this Salt & Stone formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients (including seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil and probiotics) that work to nurture the skin in the area. It is also aluminium, paraben and phthalate-free, plus it smells delicious – think warm, woody notes of sandalwood and amber.
- Smells great, full of effective skincare ingredients, minimal residue and has a balmy texture that is easy to apply.
- May leave clothing marks if not left to dry.
- Why it’s -approved: This may well be a feature documenting the best deodorants for women, but that doesn’t mean I can’t include this men’s formula from Mitchum – just like fragrance, deodorant isn’t really gendered and can be worn by anyone. I have used this formula in the past and found that it works well on both sweat and odour, doesn’t leave white marks, and I like the smell.
- Really cheap, you can share with your significant other, and it promises up to 48 hours of protection from sweat and smell.
- It’s not one for you if you prefer aluminium-free formulas.
Why it’s -approved: It is not just the sumptuous aroma or the chic bottle that has made this deodorant a cult buy – although both factors certainly help. The product has been formulated with supercharged ingredients like mandelic acid to prevent odours, as well as exfoliants like lactic acid and PHA to exfoliate, and niacinamide to support the skin barrier. Back to the fragrance, however, the delightful combination of rose, jasmine and sandalwood turns the daily application into a luxury experience.
- With a lovely sandalwood-based scent, this leaves the underarms fresh and beautifully fragranced, while remaining free from aluminium
- Not ideal for those looking for a fragrance-free option
- Why it’s -approved: AKT’s Deodorant Balm is excellent. Totally natural, vegan and plastic-free (it’s housed in recyclable aluminium packaging), it is one of the best natural deodorants I’ve ever tried. It’s free of aluminium, but contains sodium bicarbonate and zinc oxide to reduce odour, while arrowroot and diatomaceous earth help combat sweat.
- This is brilliant, straight off the bat, for odour protection. It’s super hydrating, brilliant for the environment and comes in a number of different scents, plus I love that it’s all natural. You can also use it on your feet and anywhere else you sweat too, says the brand.
- It may be because I am a particularly sweaty person, but you need to use it for a few months to experience its full perspiration-protecting benefits. The application method may bother some people who are used to more traditional techniques – you apply with either your fingers or with the brand’s accompanying gua sha.
72-Hour Stress Resist Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
- Why it’s -approved: French pharmacy brand Vichy has smashed it with this roll-on antiperspirant. Created for people who experience “intense perspiration”, I grabbed it from Boots one day while on a quest to find a formula that would be as efficacious as it says it is, and I was pleasantly surprised. It contains a blend of absorbent minerals, actives and the brand’s trademarked Perspicalm to help the body adapt to the effects of stress – think fluctuating body temperature and sweating more. I can’t recommend it enough.
- It really works, plus it’s easy to apply, works on all skin types – including sensitive skin – and is alcohol free. I haven’t noticed any white marks either.
- It contains aluminium, so this isn’t one for those who wish to avoid it.
Women Maximum Protection Clean Scent Anti-Perspirant Cream Stick Deodorant
- Why it’s -approved: “Although I love a luxury beauty buy, when it comes down to it, deodorant is where my expertise lies. As a person who sweats a lot – and most of the time – it is crucial for me to use a good deodorant. This antiperspirant from Sure is my favourite. Offering three times the sweat protection of other high street brands, it uses smart technology to create a micro barrier that keeps sweat under control. While I can’t claim that it’s eliminated my sweat altogether (I am lucky enough that my sweat isn’t smelly, so odour isn’t as much of a problem), my underarms mostly stay dry all day, and it’s still as effective after years of using it.” – Georgia Day, contributor
- Neutral scent, lightweight and works well against odour and sweat, plus it’s super affordable.
- If you prefer stronger scents, this may not be for you.
Women Antiperspirant Deodorant Maximum Protection
- Why it’s -approved: This Dove formula is one of my favourites because it works really well at preventing sweat (it’s the brand’s strongest antiperspirant) and smells incredibly comforting. It’s thicker than most and packed with moisturising ingredients to leave the area soft and bump-free, plus it lasts significantly longer than most formulas.
- Brilliant at reducing sweat, affordable and a good moisturiser, too.
- This one does leave white marks, so be careful if you’re wearing dark colours. What it lacks in imperceptibility, it makes up for in its sweat-busting capabilities.
The Deodorant Gel – Eucalyptus
- Luxurious packaging and a multitasker that works on skin health and odour. Doesn’t leave white marks.
- It’s on the pricey side, but since it also offers skincare benefits, that makes sense.
- Why it’s -approved: Offering two different types of deodorant – antiperspirant and natural – Make Waves’s refillable formulas make application a joy. My pick is the antiperspirant in the beachy coconut and vanilla scent – it does a great job of warding off sweat – plus I love that you can subscribe for convenient top-ups (the refill capsule lasted me about six weeks) and a lower price. The one-time purchase price is £20, which gets you an applicator and two refills, but if you subscribe, you can get three refills delivered every three, four or five months for £12. Eco-friendly and easy – the dream!
- Great defence against sweat, well-priced, eco-friendly and smells nice. It’s also easy to use and purchase.
- Not as many scent options as some brands.
- Why it’s -approved: To My Ships is a chic brand loved by Alexa Chung – it is not to be missed. This easy-to-use spray-on deodorant marries a delicious and discreet green citrus fragrance with the postbiotic lactococcus extract and lipids to deodorise, while keeping the skin barrier nourished. Free of aluminium and alcohol, it’s a real delight to use and can be doubled up as an all-over body spray, too. Consider it the perfect deodorant top-up throughout the day – those who don’t sweat a lot can also use it first thing too.
- Dries really quickly, smells great and works to improve skin health in the area. It’s also easy to apply and works on natural, waxed and shaved armpits.
- It’s not going to stop intense sweating.
Salt of the Earth
Refillable Lavender & Vanilla Natural Deodorant Roll-On
- Why it’s -approved: “I have lost many a good shirt to natural deodorants that haven’t quite stood the test of my daily routine, but as of a few months ago, I found one that doesn’t irritate my skin, smells great, and genuinely works as well as a traditional deodorant. Outside of these upsides, another benefit of this Salt Of The Earth roll-on is that it doesn’t cost the earth. It works, doesn’t impart the clammy, wet feeling that can come with paste deodorants and smells lovely, too. A real winner.” – Morgan Fargo, beauty and wellness editor
- Smells great, is affordable, refillable and feels good upon application.
- A heavier consistency, which some people don’t like.
Is natural deodorant effective?
Yes, you just have to find the right one for you – and stick with it. Traditional antiperspirants commonly use aluminium, which temporarily blocks sweat glands, preventing them from being released at the skin’s surface. Natural deodorants use other ingredients – such as zinc and probiotics – to neutralise the bacteria that cause a bad smell, and foster good bacterial growth instead. However, you often have to give the area time to adjust to these new ingredients, especially if you have been using an aluminium formula for some time.
Deodorants that contain aluminium are totally safe for use, says the science; however, some people prefer to stick to natural ingredients that can be gentler on the skin.
What’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
Deodorants fight odour with the help of antibacterial ingredients, but don’t stop you from sweating, while antiperspirants reduce both sweating and odour. If you’re someone who sweats a lot, I recommend you choose the latter.
How do I prevent yellow stains from deodorant?
The bane of everyone’s life, those yellow stains that form under the arms of fresh white T-shirts are a result of a reaction between the proteins in your sweat and the aluminium that’s in your deodorant. If you remove aluminium from the equation, you shouldn’t get those yellow marks. If you want to stick with aluminium deodorants because you find they work better, then try a clear or gel-based formula, wash your clothes regularly and ensure your armpits are fully dry after application before you get dressed.