Beat the Heat This Summer With These 14 Byrdie Editor-Approved Deodorants (2024)

In the beauty products world, deodorant may not necessarily be 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 every day, right? And as of late, this basic personal care necessity has reached new heights, with more options than ever before.

Whether you need a serious, sweat-stopping antiperspirant or are making the switch to a more natural deodorant, the market is saturated with a little 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 on their active ingredients, how they apply, and the results. After consulting with Byrdie editors for their picks on deodorants that work for them, we landed on the following best in show.

Our Top Picks

What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Various scents available

  • Moisturizing

What to Consider

  • Leaves a sticky residue

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, fragrance | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Regardless of preference, we guarantee you there’s a Dove deodorant for that. They have a variety of traditional antiperspirants, including the aluminum-free deodorant that is a big hit with Byrdie editors. In true Dove fashion, all of the formulas are super moisturizing and gentle on skin, too.

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

The sweatiest spin class or hottest yoga session is no match for this bad boy, which, according to the brand, touts an impressive 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex (say that three times fast), the active ingredient that keeps sweat at bay, and the highest concentration you can get over-the-counter. It also comes in both solid and gel variants. Top tip: Apply it at bedtime so it can do its thing overnight to minimize sweat and keep on working for up to 48 hours.

What We Like

  • Natural formula

  • Aluminum- and baking soda-free

  • Moisturizing

What to Consider

  • Must be reapplied often

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

A Byrdie Eco Beauty Award-winner, this aluminum- and baking soda-free formula uses coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil to help keep you fresh all 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 super easy.

What We Like

  • Doesn't leave a residue

  • Chic packaging

  • Baking soda-free

What to Consider

  • Need to reapply regularly

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Petitgrain, vetiver root, geranium leaf, citrus rind | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: 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—which may potentially be irritating for some—this relies on tapioca starch and diatomaceous earth to wick away moisture, and it’s also free of synthetic fragrance, a boon for those with sensitive underarm skin.

What We Like

  • Vegan

  • Aluminum-free

  • Doesn't leave a residue

What to Consider

  • Must be reapplied often

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Eucalyptus, citronellyl | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: 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 that glides on nicely, without leaving behind any residue.

What We Like

  • Natural formula

  • Moisturizing

  • Various scents available

What to Consider

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

This natural deodorant is a winning combo of affordable and effective, which is why it's Commerce Editorial Director Jess Mahgerefteh's daily go-to. Magnesium hydroxide is meant to control odor, while coconut oil is meant to nourish the skin; This refreshing bergamot and lime version is Mahgerefteh's favorite, but the brand also offers others such as rose and vanilla, lavender and sage, and charcoal and magnesium. One thing to note: This formula does contain baking soda, so if you're sensitive to that, Schmidt's offers a baking soda-free option, too.

What We Like

  • Natural formula

  • Treats discoloration

  • Minimizes bumps

What to Consider

  • Bottle can leak

Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), silica, kaolin, zinc | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

When Byrdie contributor Jenna Igneri tested Nécessaire's debut deodorant, she fell in love with its eucalyptus scent immediately. "I never thought that a deodorant could smell sexy," she said. "But this is it." It doesn't just smell great, though—its natural formula really works, thanks to lactic and mandelic acids (meant to fight odor) and a blend of while silica, zinc, and kaolin clay (meant to keep you dry).

What We Like

  • Doesn't stain

  • Moisturizing

  • Affordable

What to Consider

  • Strong smell

Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: Aluminum chlorohydrate | Size: 5.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

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 moisturizers to keep skin extra soft and smooth. Plus, it goes on totally clear, so there’s never any need to worry about tell-tale white streaks on your LBD.

What We Like

  • Travel-friendly

  • Can use all over body

  • Aluminum-free

What to Consider

  • Not as effective as other options

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

These wipes make it easy to stay free on the go. Another one of our favorite natural options, a deodorizing blend of essential oils, keeps B.O. at bay, while coconut milk and shea butter help hydrate. Use them not only under your arms but anywhere on your body whenever a shower is hard to come by.

What We Like

  • Moisturizing

  • Vegan

  • Aluminum- and baking soda-free

What to Consider

  • Must be reapplied often

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

Cream deodorants can be a bit messy, but not this one from Drunk Elephant—its twist-up-style applicator is super easy to use. What's more, its 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.

What We Like

  • Affordable

  • Only one ingredient

  • Doesn't leave a residue

What to Consider

  • Must warm up before application

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Mineral salt | Size: 4.25 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

It can admittedly take a little bit of time to get used to using crystal deodorant, but if you’re ready to make the switch, this one gets our vote. A mineral salt shaped into a gem-like stone, all you have to do is moisten the top and rub it under your arms.

What We Like

  • Aluminum-free

  • Various scents available

  • Long-lasting

What to Consider

  • Can sting if used right after shaving

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide | Size: 2.65 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

This aluminum-, paraben-, cruelty-free drugstore buy consistently pulls in thousands of glowing reviews, with users applauding how well it works.It comes in four different scents, plus seasonal varieties, as well as a custom option that lets you create your own.

What We Like

  • Customizable

  • Aluminum-free

  • Various scents available

What to Consider

  • Pricey

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Arrowroot powder, tapioca powder, kaolin, baking soda (optional) | Size: 2.11 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Anything and everything custom are having a major moment in the beauty world, and deodorant is no different. This brand lets you customize not only the scent but the strength, too, for a final formulation that suits exactly your needs and preferences. The natural option is free from aluminum, parabens, and other hard-to-pronounce ingredients, instead, relying on baking soda plus organic essential oils, butter, and waxes.

What We Like

  • Slows hair growth

  • Dermatologist-tested

  • Vegan

What to Consider

  • Not as effective as other options

Type: Solid stick | Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, larrea divaricata extract | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

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

What to Look for in Deoderant

  • 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. This is due to the link that some research has found between aluminum and cancer, specifically breast cancer. 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 or remove unwanted body odor. Antiperspirants block actual sweat glands to inhibit sweat as well as control smell. Consider what type of protection works best for you.
  • Scent: Deodorants come in a wide variety of scents. Choosing one that doesn't put you off is essential since you will smell it every day. Some brands also use perfumes that might cause allergic reactions in you or other people who are close to you. Essential oils are typically less likely to cause allergic reactions. There are also unscented versions of deodorant and antiperspirant.
  • 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. Some brands claim to be clinical strength antiperspirants for people who are very sweaty.

Why Trust Byrdie

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.

According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough deodorantsfrom Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Beat the Heat This Summer With These 14 Byrdie Editor-Approved Deodorants (2024)
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