The 10 Best Deodorants for Women in 2026, Tested by a Beauty Editor

ProsGlides over skin with no pulling or tuggingDoesn't leave any white marks on clothingSmells great and keeps you dry for a full dayConsMay not last as long as some of the other competitionWhen it comes to selecting the best overall deodorant for women, it's tough to find a winner that doesn't include aluminum. As mentioned above, aluminum is the only active ingredient approved to stop perspiration in its tracks—a major consideration. What's more, the powdery texture works double-duty to absorb moisture and leave skin with a silky finish.And like most Dove products, this stick is chock full of moisturizing ingredients so you can rest assured that this one won't dry out your skin. “I feel like this is a deodorant you can’t go wrong with," says Women's Health beauty writer Danielle Jackson. "I recently switched back to this after using some aluminum-free formulas with more subtle scents, and I’ve just found that I’m much more confident about any sort of odors being blocked when I wear it."But the ultimate test is, Can this hold up to activity? Jackson says this Dove stick passes that test with flying colors. "I also realized that I don’t have to worry as much about it doing its job when I’m being active or working out," she says. "It lasts all day and has a powdery scent that smells great but isn’t overbearing.”When it comes to usage, Jackson assures that the Dove antiperspirant stick glides on easily without pulling (a major downside for most other sticks) and won't leave any white marks on my skin or clothes. Talk about an A+!The one potential downside (if you can even call it that) is that some of the other products on our list have a longer-lasting dryness promise (this one will only keep you dry for 24 hours as opposed to say, the 48 or 72 hours promised by some other brands). But if you're like me and shower frequently, that won't be an issue.Read more: Best Natural DeodorantsKey SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantAntiperspirantBest ingredientsAluminum, castor oilFormulationStickLongevity 24 hoursProsMade with pH-balancing minerals to help neutralize unpleasant body odorHas the highest possible concentration of sweat-stopping ingredientsConsCan be irritating on very sensitive skinA Women's Health Beauty Award winner for best deodorant, this heavy-duty antiperspirant leaves me with fresher-smelling pits from the second I swipe and up to 48 hours later. Obviously, I'm not going two days without showering, but I do notice that whenever I wear this antiperspirant while enjoying HIIT exercises or on the treadmill I'm less sweaty. Now that's pretty amazing.Secret swears their antiperspirant helps camouflage sweat caused by activity, nerves, and heat—and I think it does a solid job, especially for heat. I wore this deo regularly back when I practiced martial arts, swam, rode horses, and attempted to play tennis. I don't normally sweat heavily, but in the summer I'd definitely reach for this antiperspirant especially when commuting underground on the New York subway system. It’s still helpful during the fall and winter season when I’m bundled up in several layers.The only thing I don't enjoy about Secret is the packaging design. It's shaped like your standard stick deodorant where I twist the bottom to help push up the creamy formula, but I noticed the turn mechanism on mine requires a little more effort than others on this list. But if you're a heavy sweater, that's a fairly minor downside—and you shouldn't let this small con deter you from this one.Key SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantAntiperspirantBest ingredientsAluminum, castor oil, kaolin clayFormulationSolid stickLongevity72 hoursAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAvailable in a variety of fresh, clean, and natural scentsPerforms well for a natural non-antiperspirant deodorantI learned about this deodorant years ago through my mom, who has been using Tom's forever. I tried it during the pandemic, but stopped using it in favor of other deodorants. But, I wanted to revisit Tom's for this story—and I'm so glad that I did.The brand recently reformulated their line of natural deodorants, and I'm obsessed with the chic new packaging and all the incredible new scents available, like Wild Lavender, North Woods, and Mountain Spring. Tom's swears the formula is still as long-lasting as ever though, with this deodorant keeping odor at bay for 48 hours. That's pretty impressive for a natural formula. Like I said earlier, I won't ever skip my daily shower (occasionally twice daily in the summer because it's that humid along the East Coast) but Tom's keeps up with my daily activities. Think long daily commutes to the office, full work days, after work shenanigans, and so much more.To be frank, this level of protection isn't the norm for natural deodorants, but this stick is formulated with a generous dose of glycerin and aloe to condition my skin. It's also free of artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive noses like mine.All this being said, this is not the formula for you if you're a heavy sweater. I'd also say the biggest bummer about this deodorant is that it doesn't glide as easily as other alternatives on this list. There's a light dragging on my underarms, but it's not a huge problem, rather a minor annoyance that shouldn't deter you from enjoying this pick.Key SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantDeodorantBest ingredientsAloe, glycerinFormulationStickLongevity 48 hoursProsEasy to apply and leaves behind no stains on your clothingRoll-on formula doesn't tug skin or cause irritationConsDoesn't dry as quickly as some others.Is anyone else flashing back to middle and high school gym class just looking at this deodorant? I know I am, but there are several reasons every girl in my PE classes all used this roll-on antiperspirant—it's so easy to use and it's virtually invisible.Since it's an antiperspirant, Ban keeps me sweat- and odor-free and embarrassing sweat marks on my clothes are nonexistent when I roll this onto my underarms (its clear formula doesn't transfer or leave behind any marks). What I really appreciate about Ban, though, is how it's lightweight on my skin. Sometimes creamy sticks feel like they're leaving behind a clump of product onto my pits, but that's a non-issue with Ban.One important thing to note is that this gel roll-on doesn't dry quickly. It's not a huge drawback—the waiting period is minimal—but if you're in a super rush in the morning, keep that in mind. It's also not quite as long-lasting as some of the other formulas at 24 hours, but that's not a problem for me since, again, I shower daily.Key SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantAntiperspirantFormulationRoll-onBest ingredientsAluminum chlorohydrateLongevity24 hoursAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsInvisible and won't leave any stains on clothingLong-lasting formula keeps you dryConsSpray is hard to control and get messyI've always preferred stick deodorants and antiperspirants because it's what I'm used to. But this Dove formula makes a compelling case for anyone who's also shopping for weightless odor and sweat protection. So how does it work? “They create a flexible film of active ingredients on your skin and remain dry,” says cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski. Dove relies on finely milled aluminum for invisible protection, plus a special masking oil to prevent any marks from getting on my clothes.But similar to spray sunscreens, spray deodorants and antiperspirants can get a little messy and feel hard to control, and this one is no exception. So, it's probably best to skip buying this one for someone who isn’t super clean or a pre-teen who might spray this a little too liberally.Key SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantAntiperspirantFormulationSprayBest ingredientsAluminum chlorohydrate and sunflower seed oilLongevity72 hoursProsCan be used all over the body, including sensitive areasCream formula is spreadable and shouldn't irritate skinConsCan get messy as opposed to sticksAs we've said before: Whole body deodorants are hugely popular right now, with all the major players getting in on this trend. It's a smart idea—just 2 percent of our sweat glands exist in our underarms, so it's clear the need for all-over odor solutions is great.This formula, with tapioca starch and mandelic acid, works to acidify skin’s pH, preventing odor-causing bacteria from proliferating. Rub a pea-sized amount into smelly areas, including the vulva, under-boob, thigh folds, and underneath the butt cheeks. A little goes a long way here, and you can always add more as needed.Since its launch, Lume has expanded its portfolio to include stick deodorants, wipes, body creams, body washes, and acidified cleansing bars that are pH-optimized to control odor.Key SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantDeodorantBest ingredientsTapioca starch, mandelic acidFormulationCreamLongevity 72 hoursAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsMade with clean, plant-based ingredientsGlides on clearEco-friendly packagingConsOffers some moisture absorption but not as strong as a traditional antiperspirantI've spent four years wearing this deodorant on and off and can confirm that evolvetogether hits all of the factors I look for in a deodorant. For starters, it’s made with natural ingredients. Instead of potentially harsh baking soda, aluminum, and talc, this deodorant uses tapioca starch to soak up sweat and moisture. There's also DeoPlex, a plant-based sugarcane that neutralizes bad odors, while glycerin moisturizes and prevents underarm irritation. Panthenol hydrates my underarms and helps the stick glide on easily.Most importantly, the odor protection is on point! If you are from the South like I am then you know that even if we shave our underarms sometimes it's so hot and humid out that we inevitably get a little smelly. Not the case with evolvetogether. I've worn this deodorant walking 5Ks around my neighborhood, on the treadmill, during long cross-country flights, and I've never felt self-conscious about my smell. (My mom is also very honest and would have told me if I ever have an odor issue, so I know evolvetogether works well for me.)As much as I love fun colors and prints, in New York I'm almost always wearing something black because it's easy to select an outfit. evolvetogether deodorant glides on clear and doesn't leave behind embarrassing white marks on my dark clothing which is a major relief on laundry day.Bonus: While this doesn't impact the quality of evolvetogether products, I'd be remiss if I didn't highlight that each purchase supports a small, AAPI woman-owned business which I always consider a major win.As for the cons, it’s really minimal. Heavy sweaters like runners will likely need a traditional antiperspirant to keep their pits truly dry. However, for daily activities this is one of my long-time favorites.Key SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantDeodorantFormulationStickBest ingredientsTapioca starch, DeoPlex,glycerin, and panthenolLongevityN/AProsCreated by an elite pro athlete, so you. know the performance is on pointLightweight, non-sticky, and clear finishRefillableConsSkip if you don't like fragrance-free deodorantsYou deserve a deodorant that can keep up with your active lifestyle. Who better than tennis star Sloane Stephens to create a high-performance natural whole B.O.dy deodorant. I’m a huge fan of this spray and previously named it one of the best whole body deodorants of all time.What impresses me the most is that 24/7 Hustle is made with clean ingredients, but it doesn’t skimp on performance or irritate my skin. I wore it from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and was pleasantly surprised that I still smelled fresh and felt clean throughout a long travel day. It keeps up with light and intense physical activity. When I want to touch up I just swiftly spritz on this spray and I’m good to go after workout classes. No obvious residue or clammy coating that sticks to my workout sets. Woo!So how does it work? The proprietary Deoplex Complex contains enzymes that help neutralize BO, while a botanical blend of goji berry, dragon fruit, chamomile, and ashwagandha prevents environmental damage that causes dry skin. The gentle formula also soothes my sensitive skin.A bonus: This is the only refillable deodorant worth your hard-earned money. You can purchase a refillable pouch with enough liquid to refill your bottle nearly three times for $35. The combined price of a single refill pouch and the initial bottle is $53, while purchasing four new bottles would cost $72, resulting in a savings of nearly $20.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDermatologist-developedIndividually wrapped for travelNeutralizes BOConsSkip if you don't like mild and fresh aromasMeet my favorite deodorant launch of 2026. I recently crowned it the best deodorant of the year in our annual Beauty Awards package. Here’s the TL;DR: They’re travel-friendly wipes that can be used all over the body.And now that the weather has finally warmed up, I’m heavily relying on these dermatologist-developed deodorant wipes to help me win the battle against body odor.Their genius lies in the trifecta of odor-neutralizing enzymes, soothing aloe vera juice, and exfoliating glycolic acids that don’t sting or tingle my sensitive skin. I’ve tried the spray and love it, but the wipes are my current go-to. Since they’re individually wrapped, I can keep a few in my gym bag, work tote, and carry-on bag so my pits are quite literally covered.TBH, I genuinely enjoy these deodorant wipes, which is why they took home a big win. However, if I must be nitpicky then it would be cool if these were available in multiple scents. However, that might easily irritate very sensitive skin types and those with sensitive noses. And honestly, the current mild scent isn’t bad—just natural and fresh, which I appreciate. Plus, it won’t accidentally clash with my perfume collection.Key SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantDeodorantBest ingredientsGlycolic acid, aloe, coconut extracts, eucalyptus leaf oilScents available1FormulationWipesProsWH Skincare Award winnerMade with clean, simple ingredients that don't irritate my sensitive skinApplies smooth and creamyIf you’re familiar with any of my skincare content at Women’s Health then chances are you’ve likely seen me gush about Nécessaire products. I’m a ride-or-die fan of the brand’s body wash, exfoliator, serum, and deodorant. The line’s genius lies in the simple yet effective ingredient list. Think odor-neutralizing mandelic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) paired with triethyl citrate and zinc ricinoleate for odor-protection. The soft and creamy stick deodorant is also infused with soothing vitamin B3, B5, and E for hydration.Another reason I’m genuinely obsessed with this deodorant? The incredible variety of enticing scents that are noticeable enough for me to enjoy but wouldn’t overwhelm my colleagues at work.The featured Hinoki scent is my top pick—and the one I crowned as the winner in our 2025 Skincare Awards package. Inspired by Japanese hinoki cedar trees, this earthy and woody aroma is a zen dream. It also blends notes of basil, vetiver, and magnolia, adding a spa-like serenity to my morning routine.Another reason I love this deodorant is that it glides on seamlessly without dragging my sensitive pits. It also doesn’t leave behind white marks on my dark clothing.TBH, it was super hard to brainstorm a true con. Nécessaire gets so many things right with this formulation. They even have a gel deodorant if that’s more your vibe. If I’m forced to name one area of improvement then it would be that there aren’t any travel-sized versions. The cylinder shape does take up a decent amount of space in my cosmetic pouch, but TBH, the formula and longevity are worth it for me. Still, if you’re a seasoned traveler who keeps things minimal, then you should consider the Anti Odorant pads instead.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsLong-lasting odor controlGoes on clearMade with natural ingredientsDermatologist Kiran Mian, MD, previously called this one of the best natural deodorants out there because of its impressive ingredients. "It has a blend of probiotics, plant-based extracts, antioxidants, cornstarch for moisture absorption, and soothing ingredients to prevent irritation," Dr. Mian said. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate my sensitive underarm skin without feeling damp throughout the day.This is one of the best natural deodorants I’ve used in the last two years. The odor protection is comparable to traditional deodorants even during workouts and unairconditioned subway rides around New York. It definitely keeps up with sweltering summer weather along the East Coast and Euro vacations with ease.Other reasons I’m a huge fan? It doesn’t leave behind a white cast on my clothing and it holds up nicely after exercising. Since I’m not a runner, I can’t vouch for its efficacy there, but I will say it quite literally has me covered during vinyasa yoga and mat pilates. This deodorant also holds up surprisingly well on the StairMaster and high incline walks on the treadmill.I’m not the only fan. Tester Brigitt Earley is impressed by the texture of this deodorant, which she describes as almost like a body butter in stick form—and I agree. It doesn’t skip or tug on my skin, which has been an issue with other competitors. Truly, the only downside with this deodorant is the price but I will say each one easily lasts me at least two months. Technically, I’m only paying $10 a month to have stink-free underarms and that’s well worth the cost to me.SALT & STONE DEODORANT REVIEWKey SpecsDeodorant or AntiperspirantDeodorantBest ingredientsProbiotics, spirulina, niacinamide, antioxidantsScents available5, including Santal and vetiver; bergamot and hinoki; black rose and oud; saffron and cedar; neroli and basilFormulationStickLongevity 48 hoursNicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.