The 10 Best Deodorants for Women of 2025, Tested

We Also Tested

We tested 47 deodorants and antiperspirants, but only 10 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. Although we like some of these products’ features, they ultimately didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks. 

• Mitchum’s Women’s Roll-On Deodorant provided extremely long-lasting odor control during rock climbing, fitness classes, and hours-long social outings. But we didn’t love the overpowering floral scent, long drying time, or the white residue it left behind on dark fabric. 
• Lavilin’s Roll-On Deodorant has a pleasant rose scent and water-resistant formula that withstood our swim-bike workouts for triathlon training. But we weren’t fans of how long the thick formula took to dry, and it didn’t last throughout lengthy outdoor workouts. 
• Certain Dri’s Prescription Strength Antiperspirant & Deodorant Spray was easy to spray onto our underarms and didn’t transfer to clothing. Unfortunately, we didn’t love its overpowering scent, slippery residue, or mediocre sweat protection. 
• Secret’s Stress Response Clinical Strength Deodorant and Antiperspirant effectively reduced our odor and sweat. However, we didn’t like that it left behind a noticeable white streak on our shirt that we found difficult to clean.
• Tom’s Coconut Lavender Antiperspirant Deodorant did a good job of minimizing odor. But we didn’t like its sticky feeling, and it easily transferred to our clothing.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our initial tested roundup of the best deodorants for women, we’ve tried out 12 new deodorants, wearing them while working out, running errands in hot weather, and in our daily routines, bringing our grand total to 47 deodorants tested. We evaluated each pick for its efficacy, application, scent, transfer-resistance, and value to find the top options on the market. 
• Based on our new testing insights, we’ve added 6 new superlatives, including Best for Those Who Sweat a Lot, Best Natural, Best Moisturizing, and more. 
• Based on our testing insights, we’ve replaced three of our previous picks for Best Wipes, Best Spray, and Best Whole Body, ensuring our top choices reflect our most up-to-date recommendations and the newest products available.

Our Experts

During our research, testing, and reporting process for this story, we consulted with four dermatologists. Some, like Garshick, provided insights into the concerns regarding aluminum in deodorants. Others, like Penzi, offered guidance on identifying the appropriate active and inactive ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants tailored to various user needs. Additionally, we sought expert advice to direct our research and testing, helping us to identify key features to look for and avoid. While we choose products independently, expert insights influence our decisions. 

• Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey, and assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell University
• Lauren Penzi, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Long Island, New York
• Yolanda C. Holmes, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and surgeon in Washington, D.C.
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York, and associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to get aluminum-free deodorant?

Odor-blocking deodorants typically do not contain aluminum, but sweat-blocking antiperspirants do. When used in antiprespirants, aluminum helps block sweat glands. Some people have concerns that aluminum may cause Alzheimer’s disease or breast cancer, but Holmes says there is no scientific link that we know of at this time between aluminum and these conditions.

Is spray or stick deodorant better?

The choice between a spray or stick deodorant is completely up to personal preference, says Garshick. It’s most important to choose a product that’s easy and pleasant to use.

How often should you apply deodorant if you sweat a lot?

It’s best to apply deodorant in the morning and reapply as needed throughout the day, says Garshick. To get the most out of an antiperspirant, you should apply it to dry skin at night before going to bed.

What deodorants do dermatologists recommend?

Our dermatologist experts recommend using deodorants that align with your needs. If you’re looking to significantly reduce sweating and moisture, look for an antiperspirant with aluminum as the active ingredient, like Dove’s Even Tone Antiperspirant. If you have hyperhidrosis, you may benefit from a clinical-strength or prescription-strength antiperspirant, like Secret’s Clinical Strength Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, look for a natural deodorant that’s free of aluminum and synthetic fragrances, like Doc&Glo’s No. 3161 Game Changing Deodorant.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit writer and professional ballet dancer who uses her fitness expertise to recommend only the best products to her readers. She’s tried out countless natural deodorants throughout her career as a professional ballet dancer to find products with strong sweat protection that won’t irritate her sensitive skin. For this article, Megan tested four deodorants firsthand and also reviewed test results to put together our top picks. 

Additional reporting contributed by Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT

Gabrielle Applebury, MA, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, runner, and the associate editor for Verywell Fit. Whether focusing on workout gear, apparel, or other products, she’s dedicated to providing recommendations based on thorough research and testing. For this article, Gabrielle looked over the test results from our Lab to help compile our top picks.