The Best Deodorants for Smelly Armpits (2023) (2024)

It’s time to say sayonara to smelly pits. When you’re throwing those bad boys up in the air like you just don’t care, you want assurance that your body odor is kept under lock and key. That’s why a high-quality deodorant is crucial.

Having natural body odor is nothing to be ashamed of, but, like most of modern humanity, you probably want to smell like a fresh flower garden after a spring rain. At any rate, you don’t want to stink up the office after a particularly sweaty August morning when you had to rush to work and ran out of time to swipe deo on those pits.

A good deodorant can keep bad body odors at bay; a great deodorant can do that and release a refreshing, good-smelling scent all day. Plus, a high-quality deodorant won’t introduce harmful chemicals into your body.

Start and end your search here for the best deodorants for smelly armpits in 2023.

1. Blu Atlas Deodorant

Looking for a scent that locks away bad body odors? Blu Atlas Deodorant will do the job. A premium brand for men, Blu Atlas takes skin- and hair-care seriously.

As the winner of the best deodorant for smelly armpits, it’s an odor blocker that gets down to business. It’s also safe for your sensitive pit area, as it’s made with ingredients of 99% natural origins, and is free of aluminum, parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic chemicals. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, making it one of the market’s most well-rounded, people-loving deodorants.

This smooth, clean deodorant comes in a 2.65 oz tube and helps dispatch unwanted body odors with volcanic ash and bamboo extract. Volcanic ash works with underarm skin to tighten pores, absorb excess oil and sweat, and rid skin of impurities. Bamboo extract, a champion anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial substance, works to reduce inflammation, unwanted bacteria and red bumps. Horsetail extract is another natural anti-inflammatory property that helps soothe stressed-out skin and prevent irritation.

Unisex and suitable for every armpit in the family, Blu Atlas Deodorant is a safe, aluminum-free deodorant that stays fresh all day long. Wearers of this odor blocker love the effective, extraordinary scent that helps them remain confident all day long. And you’ll never have to worry about unappealing pit stains or deodorant streaks on your best outfit.

Interested in introducing other clean, vegan products to your daily routine? Hop over to Blu Atlas to take their quick quiz that identifies your needs. By subscribing to their self-care products, you can save 20% with each purchase.

2. Native Cashmere & Rain Sensitive Deodorant

Natural deodorants don’t have to suck. That’s why brands like Native exist. With a cult-like following, Native is the No. 1 pick for every backpacker, rock climber and resident of Colorado.

Another deodorant with naturally derived ingredients, the formula is safe for the skin and your sensitive underarm area. Coconut oil soothes bumpy, irritated skin and delivers a high concentration of antioxidants and moisture. Shea butter is a superstar moisturizer that also works to reduce inflammation. Free from baking soda and aluminum, this deodorant contains natural ingredients that block sweat and absorb excess odors, sweat and oil.

Working quickly to keep pits smelling good, the clean fragrance of cashmere and rain evokes images of sweater weather – comfy and cozy, tucked under a blanket as you watch the rain streak the window. The scent is comforting while remaining pure and fresh.

3. Oars + Alps Natural Deodorant Fresh Ocean Splash

Made for men but loved by women as well, Oars+Alps Natural Deodorant has morphed into a unisex deodorant that smashes glass ceilings and steals trophies from under the noses of decades-old formulas. It’s full of pit-loving ingredients and natural fragrance, so it’s easy to see why so many people have switched to this natural deodorant alternative.

The clean deodorant is a safe option for men and women with sensitive skin and is free from irritating harmful substances like aluminum, alcohol, parabens, sulfates and glycol. The non-sticky, quick-drying formula means you can spend more time living and less time waiting around for your deodorant to absorb or dry.

Users of this natural deodorant love the clear formula and smooth application process. Oars+Alps has five delightful fragrances available in the standard, natural deodorant line and three different scents for their deodorants for sensitive skin. You won’t be hurting for choice as you narrow down your search.

4. Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Stick Jasmine Tea

Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to present the pinnacle in sensitive skin research, Schmidt’s Sensitive Skin Deodorant. Have you tried everything? Do you swing back and forth between wearing deodorant and ditching it after a few weeks of irritation? If you’re fed up with basic deodorants that irritate and inflame your skin, it’s time to try the self-care aisle’s best-kept secret.

Schmidt’s natural deodorant is a baking-soda-free formula that is perfectly safe for sensitive skin. The stick is also free from aluminum and harmful materials like parabens, sulfates and phthalates. The brand brings together coconut oil, vitamin E, arrowroot powder, shea butter and jojoba esters to make its safe-for-skin deodorant.

Most natural deodorants lack a long-lasting formula that can keep body odors away for more than eight hours. Schmidt’s deodorant is made to last for up to 48 hours and contains no synthetic fragrance. Fresh whiffs of natural essential oils also last up to 48 hours.

Schmidt’s Sensitive Deodorant is one of the best natural deodorants for folks with smelly armpits.

5. Lume Natural Solid Deodorant Stick Clean Tangerine

Not just for your pits, Lume’s Natural Solid Deodorant Stick is approved for full-body use. Yes, that’s right, guys and gals. You can swipe this bad boy anywhere you need it. Notice a bit of funky BO in your knee creases or areas where your skin regularly touches? Swipe away until you’ve taken care of the funky stench.

While it’s not a replacement for good old-fashioned showering, it’s certainly a step in the right direction for men and women who suffer from stinky BO no matter what they do. Lume’s Solid Stick Deodorant will lock down unwanted scents and smells for 72 hours, which means more time living and less time worrying about your stinky pits.

Chucking out harmful synthetic materials, Lume filled the deodorant stick with safe-for-skin ingredients. There is no aluminum, baking soda, parabens, sulfates, phthalates or other harmful materials in this product.

People who use the stick rave about its crazy scent-stopping ability and say that they smell great all day and night long. The secret to using Lume’s deodorant stick? Don’t overapply it! Overapplying may actually reduce its effectiveness. Three to four swipes are all you need to keep body odors away.

7. Harry’s Odor Control Deodorant Fig

When you can’t keep unwanted body odors at bay, it’s good to have a tube of Harry’s Odor Control Deodorant on hand to tackle the problem. This is the perfect product for folks who struggle with seriously funky body odor, such as men and women who perform physical labor or spend a lot of time in the sun.

Giving the nostrils of everyone around you a break, Harry’s Deodorant is a safe alternative to antiperspirant deodorants. Using natural materials, this hardworking deodorant offers 48-hour odor control, and is aluminum-free and paraben-free. It only takes a few swipes to eliminate odors.

Harry’s Fig scent is a rich, welcoming aroma of cardamom, blood orange and fig. Ideal for men and women, users love that they can stay fresh all day with such a simple deodorant.

8. Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream

Searching for something a bit different? The luxury brand Kiehl’s created the Antiperspirant Deodorant Cream as a luxurious underarm treatment. Fragrance-free, paraben-free and free from harsh chemicals, the cream grants 24 hours of sweat- and odor-free pits.

Antiperspirants do more than just tame odor. They block the production of sweat and reduce funky body odors. Witch hazel and aluminum chlorohydrate are the stars of the show, and work hard to keep your pits smelling clean.

Wondering how to use a deodorant cream? Just dab a pea-sized amount of product onto a finger and gently rub the cream into your clean pit. Repeat for the other side.

Kiehl’s has discussed discontinuing this beloved product due to supply-chain issues. Get your hands on it now before it’s gone!

9. Degree UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

Every little black dress and bespoke suit needs a deodorant spray it can trust. Degree’s spray-on deodorant is a trustworthy product that won’t leave stains or streaks on any of your outfits.

No more worrying about bad body odors. No more worrying about ruining clothes. The Degree spray is a favorite for a reason. This bottle doesn’t mess about, giving wearers up to 72 hours of odor and sweat protection. Special MotionSense technology releases whiffs of fresh fragrance as you move about. It’s the best spray deodorant for smelly armpits this year.

10. Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort Deodorant Stick

Sometimes you need to grab a quick, easy option in the deodorant aisle at the grocery store. Brands like Dove, Secret, Old Spice and Degree occupy most of the shelf space. But which grocery store option is best for killing odors and keeping skin happy?

Dove’s Men+Care Clean Comfort Deodorant Stick is an affordable option for every household. It has multiple fragrance options, so there’s no reason to write off Dove Men’s deodorants because you’re worried you’ll smell like a dude who just stepped out of the locker room.

11. Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

Bright notes of eucalyptus define Malin+Goetz’s Eucalyptus Deodorant. The price tag may make your eyes water, but so will the incredibly refreshing scent of this luxury deodorant. For men and women who want a high-end deodorant, Malin+Goetz’s is hard to beat.

It comes in a 100% recyclable bottle, so you save more than just your pits from unwanted body odor. Natural eucalyptus extract and citronellyl neutralize odors, absorb sweat and release a fresh, bold scent. Instead of clogging pores with synthetic materials, the natural BO fighters allow the skin to breathe. The deodorant is safe for the skin and free from aluminum, parabens and alcohol.

To get the best results with this ripe, juicy scent, swipe the product onto fresh, clean underarms.

12. Old Spice Classic Deodorant

Keep life simple with a timeless deodorant. Men and women who prefer Old Spice are confident that their pits smell great after every swipe.

Old Spice deodorants made their first appearance in 1937. Yes, you read that correctly. The brand has been producing and making deodorants for over eight decades. With so much experience under their belt, it’s no surprise they create products people love.

Their Classic Deodorant is a simple odor-fighting formula that dries out excess oil and absorbs the scent. Perfect for people who want a strong, memorable scent at an affordable price.

The ultimate guide to getting rid of smelly armpits

Keeping your underarms smelling their best is the job of every deodorant. Our essential deodorant guide will help you narrow the search for the best deodorant.

Understand what’s in a deodorant

Every self-care product you use is unique. Understanding the critical features of deodorant can help you identify the perfect deo for your pits.

Ingredients armpits love

Keeping your underarms happy is easy. By using safe ingredients that are good for the skin, deodorants can keep out bad body odor and soothe the skin.

Your armpits will love natural ingredients that enrich the skin with nourishment, nutrients and organic moisturizers. A few popular ingredients are bamboo extract, volcanic ash, aloe vera, rose extract, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, calendula oil, tapioca starch and natural essential oils.

Ingredients to avoid

Deodorants often contain ingredients that disrupt your body’s natural hormones and systems. To be frank, we recommend avoiding deodorants that contain hard-to-read ingredients or have too many ingredients on the label. If there are 20+ ingredients on the label, it’s almost a guarantee that there are materials in it you don’t want to slap on your underarms.

You should always keep an eye out for a few irritating ingredients. Always avoid parabens, aluminum, phthalates, sulfates, alcohol, mineral oil, formaldehyde and synthetic fragrance.

People with sensitive skin

Baking soda is a common cause of irritation, dryness and red bumps from regular deodorant use. While baking soda is not the worst ingredient, it quickly dries out the skin and irritates when used in deodorants, especially for folks with naturally dry or sensitive skin.

If you’re one of the unlucky hordes dealing with sensitive skin issues, you’ll know that finding the perfect deodorant is like a balancing act. You can often find all-natural deodorants, but they don’t cover all your body odor. Or you may find the perfect coverage for body odor, but it causes a red rash with every application.

Your best bet: Finding a deodorant that is truly free from artificial chemicals. Opt for a natural deodorant free from synthetic fragrances, baking soda, parabens, sulfates and phthalates. You’ll end up with what we lovingly refer to as a “hippie-dippie” deodorant. But you won’t have to sit in silence and irritation any longer, and your armpits will be happy.

Difference between deodorant and antiperspirant

Antiperspirant blocks sweat glands and prevents bacteria from forming. Bacteria and sweat are the natural creators of smelly body odor, and they’re what cause the unwanted scent. Deodorants use a unique blend of ingredients to control and limit odors.

Antiperspirant literally blocks sweat production, while deodorant naturally combats odors.

Best tips and tricks to use deodorant

Like everything else in life, there are tips and tricks to ensure you have the best experience with your chosen deodorant.

When to apply deodorant

The best time to apply deodorant is when your underarms have just been washed or you really need an afternoon pick-me-up of refreshing scent.

Applying deodorant to underarms with bacteria and the strong scent of body odor will trap the BO and mingle with your deodorant scent. You end up with a mix of fresh deo and a strong body odor. This is why applying deodorant to clean skin is so important.

You want to apply your stick of deodorant before any smelly scents arise, ensuring you lock in a light, appealing deodorant scent.

How to apply deodorant

Applying deodorant is a fairly simple task. First, ensure your armpit is clean, fresh, and ready to rock and roll. Why? Because if your armpit isn’t clean, you’ll trap the fuggy body odor scents under the deodorant you’re applying. So, if your pits aren’t clean, grab that bar of soap on your bathroom counter and give your pits a quick and thorough scrub.

Once dry, you can swipe (or spray) your deodorant on the underarm area two to four times.

We recommend applying deodorant before you get dressed and allowing ample time for it to dry out and absorb into the skin. This way, you avoid white deodorant stains on your nice clothes. Deodorant stains can be hard to remove.

How often should you apply deodorant?

We want to preface this by saying there’s really no right or wrong answer here. Because everybody is different, the number of times they need to apply deodorant will vary.

The amount of sweat and body odor you produce is unique to you and your lifestyle. Someone working in an office for eight hours will create a much less funky scent than someone running a tennis camp in the summer heat.

So, what’s the magic number when it comes to applying deodorant? Most folks will want to apply their deo two to three times per day; more if they have an active nightlife.

Popular deodorants today often have a lasting power of eight-plus hours. But again, this depends on how active or sweaty you are as a person. If you’re super confident that your deodorant can last all day and into the night as you fist pump to techno music, then one application is all you’ll need!

How to switch to an aluminum-free deodorant

What’s the commotion all about? If you’ve heard the buzz, aluminum-free deodorant is a safe-for-skin product that combats odor and doesn’t introduce aluminum to your system.

Many people are switching to aluminum-free deodorants as part of the push for men and women to adopt safer lifestyles. The problem they face is the stink. Your pits don’t want to part with the chemicals dampening your natural scent, which can be overpowering.

Types of deodorant

As we all have different preferences, there are deodorants suitable for everyone. From quick and easy spray-ons to invisible solids, you can find a deodorant type that suits you and your lifestyle.

Solid

The generic gold standard, solid deodorants are the most common form. The cylindrical and oval tubes are full of solidly packed deodorant products. With the smooth, slick application, the deodorant quickly swipes onto underarm skin. The secret to solid deodorant is applying it so the white substance doesn’t get all over your clothes! Solid deodorants cause white streaks on anything you pull over your head. The best way to avoid this is to apply your solid deodorant after dressing and give it time to absorb into your armpit.

Gel

Sometimes sticky, gel deodorants are a slick, moist way to armor up against body odor. Gel deodorants often come in twistable tubes to turn, swipe and prepare your armpits for another day. The key to using gel deo is to apply either before you have a shirt on or when you can properly dry out your underarms without getting any product on your shirt.

Spray

A spray deodorant is your best bet if you are always in a rush and need an extra dose of sweet fragrance. Spray deodorants are easy and fun to use. Simply point and spray at your underarm for a few seconds. Then give it 30 seconds to dry and absorb into the skin before getting dressed.

Invisible Solid

Similar to a “solid” deodorant in almost every way, invisible solids glide onto the pit and absorb into the skin. At first glance, they appear the same. Gliding the invisible solid onto the armpits is a smooth process. The deodorant will then absorb into the skin and become invisible! When using invisible solids, you don’t have to worry about white deodorant streaks all over your clothes.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best deodorant for heavy sweating?

If you’re a heavy sweater, you know the struggle of trying to find a deodorant that can keep your liquid monsters at bay. The best fighter of sweat and body odor is a combination antiperspirant deodorant. Antiperspirant will block sweat from forming, and deodorant will help combat any funky smells. We recommend Gillete’s Soft Solid Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant. It’s tough on body odors and sweat and helps people stay fresh during life’s most important moments. Experts recommend touching up your antiperspirant deodorant multiple times throughout the day to ensure sweat production is blocked correctly.

What deodorants should I avoid?

Always avoid deodorants that contain harsh chemicals that irritate or inflame your underarms. You know those super-cheap tubes of deodorant in the grocery store aisle? Yeah, those are full of irritants that your skin will not thank you for. Avoid deodorants that contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.

Can women use men’s deodorant?

Absolutely. Many women use men’s deodorant to keep body odor at bay. The main difference in deodorants for women is the scent. While many deodorant brands offer unisex fragrance options, it’s common to find fruity and floral options for women and earthy aromas for men. If you prefer rich, woody scents, then a deodorant targeted toward men is the perfect option, regardless of your sex!

What’s the best deodorant for smelly armpits?

Armor up with the best deodorant for smelly armpits: Blu Atlas Deodorant. It’s our No. 1 choice this year for guys and gals who want to beat the stink and have clean pits all day long. The deodorant gives you a fresh, clean scent for all-day wear, so you can spend your time doing more important things. Like impressing your mother-in-law with a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies.