16 Best deodorants for smelly armpits

It’s a fact of life: everyone is insecure about the way they smell. Your smell is an important indicator of your hygiene and self-care - but for most of us, sweat (and the stench that comes with it) is simply inevitable.

There are countless deodorants on the market that claim to protect against B.O., yet most of them only irritate and dry out delicate underarm skin, creating an uncomfortable stinging sensation. Others leave ghastly yellow stains on our favorite white shirts that never wash off, no matter how hard we try. No wonder we’re all fatigued with deodorant - none of them seem to work, and those that do are harsh and destructive.

But not all deodorants are made the same. Some are natural, meaning they’re purposefully devoid of any artificial additives that may contribute to sore pits. Others are aluminum-based for increased performance, longevity, and durability - these are aimed at those with overactive sweat glands who can’t stay dry even on a cold day.

Taking into consideration the unique skin needs of every individual, we’ve compiled a list of the 16 best deodorants for smelly armpits so you can find a deodorant that’ll work for you. With our help, you’ll be smelling amazing in no time.

1. Blu Atlas - Deodorant

Blu Atlas’ Deodorant is our number one choice for curbing body odor. This New York-based brand has swiftly climbed the ranks of the skincare circuit and has cemented itself as one of our go-to’s for reliable, effective products.

Their Deodorant is completely natural, meaning it’s aluminum-free and contains no nasty artificial additives that can cause irritations or rashes on the sensitive skin of your armpits. The powerful formula is lightweight, gentle, and unmatched by big-name brands - besides the pleasant smell, you won’t even notice you have it on.

The active ingredient in Blu Atlas’ revolutionary formula is bentonite - also known as volcanic ash. Bentonite is composed of fine-grain particles with high absorbent properties that soak up any excess oil and sweat from your skin and help to tighten pores.

This drying effect is balanced by coco-caprylate, an emollient gel derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid, which moisturizes the underarms for soft, soothed skin. The gender-neutral coconut scent is subtle and won’t override cologne or perfume. In the morning, simply apply Blu Atlas to your underarms, and any other areas prone to sweat or odor, for all-day comfort.

If you want to start your day off feeling and smelling fresh, try out Blu Atlas’ Deodorant. Meant to last, this simple yet effective product can withstand any activity, whether you’re sitting in a hot office or grinding it out in a gym. Take advantage of Blu Atlas’ affordable pricing and never suffer through a smelly day again.

2. Truefitt & Hill - Gentleman’s Deodorant

Truefitt & Hill is a prestigious gentleman’s brand with centuries - yes, centuries - of experience. Born in London in 1805, the folks at Truefitt & Hill pride themselves on their perfected artesian products. Their Gentleman’s Deodorant combines natural ingredients with an innovative formulation to beat back the stench of sweat with a fresh, neutral smell.

The Gentleman’s Deodorant is aluminum and paraben-free. It instead utilizes natural components such as aloe barbadensis leaf juice and citric acid to dry overactive sweat glands and body odor. Unlike other brands, which simply mask B.O., Truefitt & Hill has put in the work and formulated a deodorant that completely eradicates any smell and prevents further sweat without the inclusion of harsh ingredients. This deodorant rolls on smoothly with soft notes of sandalwood before settling into a clean, neutral scent.

Suitable for all skin types, Truefitt & Hill’s Deodorant is an indispensable item for the modern man. It’s classy, reliable, and offers supreme protection against sweat. You won’t have to worry about staining your favorite suit!

3. Malin + Goetz - Eucalyptus Deodorant

Malin + Goetz’ Eucalyptus Deodorant just might just be your new deodorant holy grail. With guaranteed 24-hour effectiveness, this refreshing formula is synthesized with natural eucalyptus extract and citronellyl to neutralize odor without leaving any tacky residue. Malin + Goetz’ cutting-edge formulation resists stench with a natural fragrance void of any parabens, alcohol, baking soda, or aluminum - all of which may irritate your skin.

Eucalyptus is one of our favorite all-around ingredients in luxury skincare. A prime antibacterial substance, eucalyptus oil will cleanse the skin of any harmful impurities while cooling any redness and abrasions. This is particularly useful for those who shave their armpits - unlike with alcohol-based products, you can apply Malin + Goetz’ deodorant without any stinging or burning. Plus, Malin + Goetz is committed to sustainability, so the packaging is recyclable. Not only will you be helping your skin with natural ingredients, but you’ll also be helping the environment. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Say goodbye to t-shirt stains and damp armpits: the Eucalyptus Deodorant will save even the most sensitive skin from the discomfort of sweat accumulation. Give Malin + Goetz the opportunity to exceed your expectations with this long-lasting formula. We promise you won’t regret it.

4. Kiehl’s - Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream

The unique formula of the Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream has earned Kiehl’s a place on our list of the best deodorants for smelly armpits. This famous, home-name brand has taken a traditional, gentle approach to their antiperspirant, so you can be assured any moisture is eliminated even on the hottest of days. Both men and women can wear this unscented formula along with their favorite fragrances.

The 24-hour protection against sweat and odor this product offers is thanks to aluminum chlorohydrate, an effective aluminum salt that cares for your skin while inhibiting overactive sweat glands. Meanwhile, witch hazel’s astringent properties tightens and smooths skin for brighter, clearer armpits - you can show your pits off proudly with sleeveless shirts! It’ll also help smooth and soften the skin, reducing any inflammatory compounds that lead to rashes. An aluminum-based formula that doesn’t cause irritation? Color us impressed.

Apply an even amount of this unscented antiperspirant cream onto clean underarms. No need to hide sweat stains - you’ll feel confident knowing that you’re protected all day, every day with Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream.

5. Aesop - Deodorant Roll-On

Aesop’s cult-following is no surprise to us. Born and raised in Australia, Aesop’s high-end skincare and grooming products rejuvenate and energize the skin, offering the perfect morning wake-me-up. Their Deodorant Roll-On should be a staple in your morning routine because it offers long-lasting protection against perspiration and delivers an extraordinarily luxurious experience. We love that it’s alcohol-free and infused with scientifically-researched, beneficial ingredients. With Aesop’s, you’ll know you’re only getting the best of the best.

Aesop’s Deodorant Roll-On contains a lineup of quality components to produce a musky, earthy aroma that combats stubborn stench. Vetiver root is responsible for the woodsy and herbaceous heart of the deodorant, whereas zinc ricinoleate and wasabi extract work to reduce the production of sweat so you can stay dry and clean around the clock. Just roll a generous amount of the product under each arm and allow it to dry.

If you’re in need of a deodorant that works overtime to defend your underarms against odor and wetness, get your hands on the Deodorant Roll-On by Aesop. After you experience the comforting feeling and smell of the formula, we guarantee you won’t turn to any other.

6. Native - Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant

We wanted to keep Native’s Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant our own little secret, but it’s too good not to share. The wonderful smelling deodorant is made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates, or talc, making it the perfect substitution for guys and gals with sensitive armpits. Authentic, natural deodorants only contain naturally-derived ingredients, and Native, true to their name, has certainly achieved an effective, organic formula using just such ingredients.

Native insists deodorant need not be a chemistry experiment - high-performance formulas don’t have to be loaded with aggressive artificial additives to make an impact. The main ingredients in Native’s deodorant are coconut oil and shea butter. Coconut oil contains fatty acids to naturally eliminate bacteria in the moist environment of your armpits, while shea butter is renowned for its ability to foster softened and supple skin. We were shocked at how well this formula absorbs sweat and completely reduces odor without any strong active components. The results speak for themselves.

Even after 24 hours, Native’s Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant will keep you smelling sweet. Enjoy the natural protection of their cruelty-free, award-winning formula that’s powerful enough to fight stench under any conditions, any time, whether you’re working out or basking in the summer heat.

7. Calvin Klein - CK One Deodorant

If you only know Calvin Klein from their world-famous boxer briefs, let us bring you up to speed. Much like their clothing line, CK’s series of gender-neutral fragrances have taken the world by storm. Our favorite from this collection is their CK One fragrance - it boasts an herbal, nutty scent with musky undertones and accents of spice and florals that, despite being complex and nuanced, still smells clean and fresh. Luckily for us (and you), they’ve bottled this stuff up into deodorant form.

The CK Deodorant might be one of the most innovative deodorants on the market today. Taking an iconic fragrance and accurately distilling it into an effective, powerful deodorant is no small task. It doesn’t just smell great, either: Calvin Klein has formulated a deodorant that doesn’t compromise on performance. After rolling on only a thin layer, you’ll stay sweat-free for hours, without staining or stinging your underarms.

The fragrance won’t fade into the skin. Instead, it’ll stay bold and uplifting throughout the whole day. To enjoy the full sensation of the CK One Deodorant, we suggest going sans-cologne - unless, of course, you’d like to layer it with the complimentary CK One cologne.

Both men and women can enjoy the sexy aroma of the CK One Deodorant. There’s nothing more attractive than smelling clean - let Calvin Klein be the ones to get you there.

8. Drunk Elephant - Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream

You can’t go wrong with Drunk Elephant. Founded in Australia, their Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream is a natural deodorant that works just as well as clinical-strength antiperspirants but doesn’t rely on strong chemicals. Free from baking soda, essential oils, and aluminum-derived components, Drunk Elephants have infused their deodorant cream with a blend of natural, highly effective ingredients that keep odor at bay in a skin-friendly way. The deodorant also balances the pH of the underarm area to restore moisture while reducing any cellular damage that can lead to fragile, flaky skin.

The prime ingredients in the Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream are mandelic acid and arrowroot powder; together, they work to kill odor-causing bacteria and absorb moisture from the skin. These are complemented by shea butter and marula oil, both known for their ultra-hydrating properties that rejuvenate the skin and restore skin-barrier protection. Mongongo and baobab seed oil top things off and offer super smooth and supple skin. Every one of these ingredients is derived from a natural source and undergoes minimal processing before it hits your skin.

The manufacturers recommend the Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream be applied only once per day for optimal results - it lasts all day, regardless if you workout or stay at home. And it’s mostly scentless, so you won’t get a headache from any abrasive smells. The list of benefits is endless.

No matter how you sweat throughout the day, Drunk Elephant’s Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream will always have your back.

9. Degree - Intense Sport

Based on their track record for effective, affordable products, it’s no wonder Degree has been a leader in the deodorant game for a while. This brand is a go-to for athletes, avid exercisers, and those who work outdoors for all-day sweat and odor prevention. The Intense Sport deodorant is the perfect stink fighter for days when you need to keep your head in the game. Zesty lemon blends with bergamot orange and subtle musk for a scent that’ll keep you smelling fresh and clean, no matter how hard you push yourself.

Designed with the demands and exertions of sport in mind, Degree’s Intense Sport deodorant can help you play your best. It’s packed with active odor-fighting molecules that slowly sink into the sink for long-lasting protection. Intense Sport boasts an incredible 48-hour sweat and stench protection guarantee, meaning you can stay active all day (and the next day!) without any distractions. We recommend chucking a tube into your gym bag as a workout companion. After just one swipe, it’ll look like you haven’t broken a sweat at all.

Generally, intense deodorants leave sticky and smeary residues on your clothing. Degree’s Intense Sport is an exception to the rule. It works fantastically, doesn’t rub off, and smells fresh, all while keeping the skin in top-notch condition. Grab your own Intense Sport today and see for yourself.

10. Old Spice - Classic Deodorant Stick

Old Spice is the epitome of masculine scents. It’s so popular that the trademark citrus and clove scents of the original product are often imitated by other brands attempting to achieve their own ultra-manly fragrance. We all know and love it. Fortunately, Old Spice has taken the initiative to bundle all the burly power of their iconic cologne into a stick deodorant for a convenient, easy, 24-hour odor protection. Now, you can do more of what you love without having to worry about B.O.

The Old Spice Classic Deodorant Stick doesn’t take the easy way out when it comes to quality. It’s free of aluminum, yet remains exceptionally powerful at eliminating underarm wetness and smell. The zesty-yet-musky fragrance overpowers even the thickest of odors, preparing you to face whatever life throws your way. Old Spice claims you could climb a mountain wearing the Classic Deodorant and never feel a drop of sweat.

Old Spice can be the difference between natural man-stench and smelling manly. Guys no longer have to compromise their masculinity with feminine, floral-scented deodorants, which also clash with cologne. The high endurance Classic Deodorant Stick can be used on its own or with Old Spice cologne to intensify the notes, or it can be used with a complimentary dark cologne.

If you’re a guy (or a gal!) after a deodorant that works just as well as your favorite fragrance, look no further than the guys who do it best. Old Spice won’t let you down.

11. Mario Badescu - Deodorant

Sick of aggressive deodorants that leave streaks and smears all over your clothing? What about those with overpowering smells? Are your armpits feeling red and raw? There’s truly only one man for the job - Mario Badescu. Their deodorant is one of our favorites for a simple yet effective way to fight odor, all while improving the look and feel of the skin. Feel-good freshness has never been so easy!

In recent years, Mario Badescu has a become hotshot in the self-care world. They’re known for their naturally-based formulas, rich in potent ingredients, that swiftly and gently bring out the best in your beauty. Their deodorant is no exception. The aluminum and baking-soda-free formula glides onto the skin for an impossibly soft and invisible finish, nourishing deeply while fighting even the strongest of underarm odors.

Mario Badescu’s Deodorant is formulated with cleansing sage, cucumber, and ginger root oils. This conditioning botanical blend helps neutralize smell while enriching the skin with delicate compounds that hydrate and rejuvenate cells for a soothing, comforting effect. This formula can withstand all-day activity without needing to reapply. It holds up in even the most humid weather conditions. Simply swipe onto clean, dry underarms in the morning to unlock your stink-free potential. The deodorant also pairs well with the Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap for an all-round, spa-like experience - your skin will thank you for it.

12. Vanicream - Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

Vanicream’s Anti-Perspirant Deodorant will change your life. Without having to rely on common chemical irritants, this clinical-strength formula offers 24-hour protection against sweat and odor-causing bacterias. Those with sensitive skin using this product don’t have to worry about skin breakouts or rashes.

Vanicream has carefully crafted a fragrance-free, ethanol-free, and gluten-free product that’s dermatologist-tested for guaranteed results. There are no dyes, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde, or other preservatives, making Vanicream’s Anti-Perspirant one of our top recommendations for those with skin issues such as psoriasis or dermatitis.

Eliminating scents and additives that may irritate the skin is the best way to treat skin ailments. But you don’t have to miss out on effective anti-sweat products. Everyone’s skin is different: natural deodorants don’t work for everyone, and some people need a little more power than naturally-derived plant extracts to fight off body odor. Vanicream works as a hybrid of your classic, reliable antiperspirant and ultra-sensitive natural deodorant for a potent solution to your smelly armpit problem.

Feel empowered with Vanicream’s Anti-Perspirant. Skin breakouts will be a thing of the past, and you’ll spend all day smelling good. What do you have to lose?

13. Dove - Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant

There’s a reason why Dove has become such a staple in most households. Their line of skincare and hair products proves that quality doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. Their Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant has earned a spot on our list of the best deodorants for smelly armpits because of its soothing, long-lasting formula that offers unbeatable 48-hours of wetness and odor protection. We particularly love the calming cucumber and green tea aroma - it’s the perfect gender-neutral clean and crisp scent that will suit anyone’s lifestyle or hygiene routines.

Dove’s Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant is made with special Dove NutriumMoisture and ¼ moisturizers, both of which smooth out the underarms with regular use. The 0% alcohol content also helps the recovery of delicate underarm skin, particularly after shaving irritation or exposure to potent antiperspirant chemicals.

Awaken your senses with Dove. Your armpits will transform, becoming touchably soft and supple with no darkness or texture. The Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant deserves a spot in your morning routine.

14. Schmidt’s - Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant

Schmidt’s motto, “Really natural, really works” holds true with their Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant, the first Ecocert-certified aluminum-free deodorant in the United States. 1-2 swipes of this potent formula is all you need for 24-hour odor protection - and it only contains pure, natural ingredients.

The secret to the power of the Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant is hemp seed oil and rose, which both neutralize odor naturally for all-day freshness. A fragrant floral aroma is mixed with a splash of cracked peppercorn to add a nuanced edge to the sweetness.

Because there’s no artificial fragrance, you can rest assured that Schmidt’s won’t exacerbate any skin ailments such as cracking, over-sweating, or burning. Coconut oil provides a rich, nourished feeling and treats any dryness or dullness in the armpit region. Foster smooth, clean skin naturally.

With over 13,000 5-star reviews and a plethora of awards backing them, Schmidt’s has conceived an out-of-this-world “healthy” deodorant that both men and women can enjoy. Treat your skin the right way with Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant.

15. Dr Sweat - Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant

We knew we had to include Dr Sweat’s Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant on our list of the best deodorants for smelly armpits because it’s simply that good. We’re always on the lookout for deodorants that blow us out of the water in terms of quality, feeling, performance and longevity - and Dr Sweat has definitely made a splash. This clinically-proven formula only needs to be applied once per week. Yes, you read that correctly. One application lasts seven days - what more could you want?

The innovative technology behind Dr Sweat’s Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant lies in the application method. Instead of your typical spray or roll on, these come as a pack of premium pre-soaked pads that you press onto your armpits, allowing the formula to absorb into the skin. Even if you work outside or slam out a difficult session at the gym, you’ll still remain protected from sweat and odor. They’re fragrance-free and contain no alcohol, too, so you won’t experience any itching or discomfort.

If you’re a guy or girl who sweats a lot, this Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant is the best option for you. No more hot, damp days, and no more being insecure about your sweat patches. You’ll never turn back once you discover how Dr Sweat commits to getting the job done.

16. Secret - Invisible Solid with Essential Oils

The final knockout product on our list of the best deodorants for smelly armpits is Secret’s Invisible Solid with Essential Oils. This product brings together premium sweat and odor defense with the invigorating aroma of essential oils that were hand-selected by expert perfumers. Our favorite in Secret’s selection of deodorants is the rose and charcoal scent.

The classically bright rose fragrance is muted slightly by dusky cedarwood and supported by zingy lemon and bergamot. The resulting experience is totally indulgent - it’s as if you’ve sprayed your favorite perfume instead of simply applying an antiperspirant.

The formula lasts 48 hours, so you’ll stay smelling incredible through all the ups and downs of the day. Every deodorant in the collection is crafted with pure essential oils derived from natural sources such as plants’ flowers, roots, and stems. Each is also free from parabens and dyes, meaning those with sensitive skin can still enjoy the lovely smells without any hang-ups.

The craftsmanship behind Secret’s formula is evident in its smell and longevity. You’ll immediately notice a difference in your natural odor with Invisible Solid with Essential Oils deodorant - and so will those around you.