19 Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants for Women, According to Skincare Pros

A  Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner and GH Beauty Lab expert favorite, Secret turns a body basic luxe with sophisticated packaging and true essential oil-based scents like lavender, cedarwood and rose in this effective antiperspirant/deodorant. "It works like a charm keeping skin dry and feeling soft, even through two hour long tennis practices," reports GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. "I like the delicate whiff of scent they give which is far subtler than other deodorant/antiperspirants that can quickly become too much for me." Another tester agreed: "No telltale 'deodorant' smell — more like aromatherapy." (It also comes in an aluminum-free version.)

Dove's dry spray deodorant technology has made a convert of even  beauty editors who are lifelong solid users. "For years I was a stick deodorant girl, but recently I switched to spray and I’m never going back," says beauty editor Dori Price. "I love that this dries super quickly and I never feel sticky after — I can get dressed right away!" Plus, the large-sized can is long-lasting for the baragain price.

For those prone to heavy body odor (hello, smelly armpits!), opt for a deodorant labeled "clinical strength", like Secret's formula, which Dr. Luke recommends. Clinical and prescription strength deodorants are the strongest over-the-counter option for those looking to combat serious body odor. With a high 20% level of aluminum zirconium (one of the most popular and effective antiperspirant ingredients) it will effectively fight both undesirable underarm aromas and moisture.

A GH Beauty Award winner, Dove’s aluminum-free deodorant with one-quarter moisturizing ingredients and 48-hour odor blocking has gone sustainable in sleek, functional refillable packaging that reduces plastic waste. The case comes with a lifetime guarantee. “One of the best product launches I’ve seen in my career and definitely prevents malodors,” Aral says. GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek agrees: “ I am blown away by this product — it's the only deodorant without antiperspirant that’s kept me smelling good all day long and feels light."

Beautycounter's refillable deodorant, made with organic ingredients like corn starch and coconut oil, won a GH Sustainable Innovation Award for minimizing the amount of single-use plastics in landfills. The formula "feels like a balm once applied and I liked the easy to swap refill," Wizemann says. When it comes to sustainability, "the brand is looking at the big picture,” one GH expert judge said. 

Made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax and arrowroot powder, Freedom's deodorant formula is a GH beauty editor favorite. "I love that it's made without baking soda, which can irritate my skin, and that the coconut scent is subtle yet doesn't let odor through like other 'natural' deodorants can," GH's beauty director says.

If you struggle with excessive sweat, look no further than Certain Dri's clinical strength antiperspirant/deodorant, which lives up to its name. It's made with a high 25% concentration of the sweat-stopping active ingredient aluminum. "I recommend this for those who have excess sweating and need better control," Dr. Luke explains. 

Dr. Luke recommends Vanicream's fragrance-free antiperspirant/deodorant for those who have sensitivity or are allergic to fragrances. "This deodorant is the first one I tried that actually works, without causing that awful itching or burning sensation," an Amazon reviewer said. 

Stay fresh with Eir NYC’s minimalist aluminum-free “natural” deodorant, a winner of GH's Sustainable Innovation Awards. Expert judges appreciated its simple biodegradable paper packaging. Testers needed a little practice with the push-up design, but they said they got good odor protection. 

GH Beauty Lab senior chemist Sabina Wizemann is a loyal fan of this Nubian Heritage vegan (and affordable!) deodorant formula. "I like its subtle scent and how gentle it feels on my skin, but still keeps it dry throughout the day," she notes.

To coddle sensitive underarm skin, turn to Dove's skincare-inspired formula. "This innovative serum antiperspirant/deodorant formula is more like a softening skincare product than a traditional stick," says a GH beauty editor. "The creamy texture glides on skin and feels soothing, with zero irritation, and the floral fragrance smells luxurious, unlike the usual powdery scents."

Sweat isn't exclusive to our underarms: Sometimes things can get a little heated all over the body. Behold Lumé's star product, which received praise in a study conducted by the GH Beauty Lab for being easy to use and providing long-lasting protection for keeping even areas outside the underarms odor-free throughout the day.  “It seemed very effective, and the tube allowed me to apply liberally and to use it all over my body," one tester said. "Plus, it did not stain my clothing!"

Another GH Beauty Award winner, this first-ever sphere deodorant from Secret is more than a ball to use. “It fits even in a small bag but works just as well as my full-size!” a tester reported, making it perfect for toting or travel. 

Soften itchy, rough underarm skin while you stay fresh with Secret's novel antiperspirant and deodorant gel infused with coconut oil. "It feels like a moisturizer going on skin and relieves that uncomfortable feeling you can get under your arms," GH's beauty editor says. 

Mario Badescu's minimalist deodorant is a favorite of both Wizemann and her husband. "It is slightly scented, with traces of lemon and sage, but the scent doesn’t dissipate quickly and is unisex," she says. "I like it the most for how it easily glides onto skin thanks to its buttery texture containing shea butter and its comfortable, powdery finish." Plus, "it doesn't contain baking soda, so there is no itchiness," Wizemann adds.

Created specifically for women in motion (hence the name!), Degree is a great choice for female athletes thanks to its powerful odor and sweat protection. "It's advertised as 48-hr protection and it does just that, even after a hike/workout," a Walmart reviewer reported. 

Infused with Elizabeth Arden's iconic soft, warm white tea scent, this pick elevates your everyday deodorant to a fine fragrance experience. "This is one of my all-time favorite perfumes, and I love that I can wear it as a deodorant, too," a GH beauty editor says. 

One of the original aluminum-free deodorants, Lavanila's sticks are beloved by GH's beauty editors for their delicious vanilla-based scents that come in variants from lavender to lemon and eucalyptus. Plus, the formulas are infused with skincare ingredients like aloe and botanical extracts.

Wipes offer a quick and easy way to deodorize on-the-go and for discreet touch-ups. These Pacifica aluminum-free deodorant wipes, a GH beauty editor favorite, are made with coconut milk and shea and have a lightly sweet, tropical scent. "I glide these all over whenever I don't have time to shower and need a refresh," she says.