It stinks to stink: Body odor is right up there with bad breath as a totally avoidable misfortune. But while deodorant might seem like an odd category to get overly psyched about, as a longtime grooming editor, I can confidently say we're living in a golden age of the underarm essential. Unlike the synthetic and chalky ghosts of deodorant sticks past, today’s best deodorants are a a sea of sophisticated formulas, improved textures, better scents, and naturally derived ingredients that, yes, actually work.
The only hard part is honing in on the best one for you. Price, feel, skin sensitivity, and your sweat and odor levels matter. So I tested a whole lot of deodorants to narrow the field to seven standouts, some new, some tried-and-true, plus a few more deeper cuts I also loved.
I also tapped trusted dermatologists, for some expert insights further down. Just one last quick note: We’re not talking antiperspirants here, which primarily rely on aluminum compounds to reduce sweat. If that’s what you’re after, I’ve got recommendations for those, too.
Now, are there more targeted, more sophisticated, and, well, chicer deodorants on this list? But at the end of the day, you want your deo to do three things: keep the stink at bay, smell good, and be easy to repurchase. Dove Men+Care hits every mark, which is why it's in every drugstore.
The price, of course, is great, but then there's the scent: a surprisingly sophisticated blend of bright bergamot and warm white amber that's fresh, subtly citrusy, and softly warm. It smells so much better than your typical underarm fare and is actually a little mood-boosting, as the packaging suggests. The aluminum-free, baking-soda-free formula features moisture-attracting ingredients, giving it a little skincare credibility, too.
It also feels super smooth going on, and kept its scent for most of the day. The Details Key Ingredients Glycerin and propylene glycol help keep skin hydrated; sodium stearate gives the stick its solid structure; fragrance provides a subtle bergamot and amber scent Size 3 oz. (85 g) Texture Solid gel stick Formula Aluminum-free; baking-soda free Hip grooming brand Church California's deodorant only launched two years ago, but for me, it's everything a niche, forward-thinking deodorant should be: Effective, made with almost entirely naturally derived ingredients, and housed in compostable, plastic-free packaging. The formula uses magnesium and organic tapioca starch for odor and moisture control, with coconut oil and shea butter adding a little skin-conditioning goodness.
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