2 weeks Ago By Hannah Coates
With summer approaching, there is no better time to consider whether you’ve really got the best deodorant on hand for sweat protection and a fresh scent , whatever the weather. While deodorant is an everyday essential for the majority of people, there are many sub-par formulations that don’t do the job as they say they will. That’s where Vogue comes in – here, we share some of the best deodorants for women, as tried and tested by our editors.
What are the different types of deodorant? A surprisingly confusing beauty category, there are a number of different types of deodorant on offer nowadays. Finding the right one for you depends on a number of factors: the sensitivity of your skin, how much you sweat, your level of activity, and whether you like scent, for example. Those who sweat a lot should look to an antiperspirant, whereas if it’s unwanted odour you’re suffering from, formulas that harness antibacterial agents can help to neutralise it.
There are also an array of new natural formulas on the market, many of which forgo aluminium – more on this in our FAQs section – in favour of botanical ingredients and essential oils that help to nurture the underarm skin microbiome. Ultimately, the one you choose should suit your lifestyle and needs, so whether it comes in the form of a stick, spray, cream or roll-on, there is a deodorant for everyone. Skip to FAQs: The best deodorants for women – and how we tested them All of the formulas listed have been tried by at least one member of the Vogue team for at least 30 days, however the majority have been worn for much longer.
I have personally tested most of them and I like to think that I am a good subject because – spoiler alert – I sweat a lot. Why it’s Vogue approved: AKT’s Deodorant Balm is excellent. Totally natural, vegan and plastic free (it’s housed in recyclable aluminium packaging), it is one of the best natural deodorants I’ve ever tried.
It’s free of aluminium, but contains sodium bicarbonate and zinc oxide to reduce odour, while arrowroot and diatomaceous earth help combat sweat. Pros: This is brilliant, straight off the bat, for odour protection. It’s super hydrating, brilliant for the environment and comes in a number of different scents, plus I love that it’s all natural.
You can also use it on your feet and anywhere else you sweat too, says the brand. Cons: It may be because I am a particularly sweaty person, but you need to use it for a few months to experience its full perspiration-protecting benefits. The application method may bother some people who are used to more traditional techniques – you apply with either your fingers or with the brand’s accompanying gua sha.
Why it’s Vogue approved: French pharmacy brand Vichy has smashed it with this roll-on antiperspirant. Created for people who experience “intense perspiration”, I grabbed it from Boots one day while on a quest to find a formula that would be as efficacious as it says it is, and I was pleasantly surprised. It contains a blend of absorbent minerals, actives and the brand’s trademarked Perspicalm to help the body adapt to the effects of stress – think fluctuating body temperature and sweating more.
I can’t recommend it enough. Pros: It really works, plus it’s easy to apply, works on all skin types – including sensitive skin – and is alcohol free. I haven’t noticed any white marks either.
Cons: It contains aluminium, so this isn’t one for those who wish to avoid it. Why it’s Vogue approved: “Although I love a luxury beauty buy, when it comes down to it, deodorant is where my expertise lies. As a person who sweats a lot – and most of the time – it is crucial for me to use a good deodorant.
This antiperspirant from Sure is my favourite. Offering three times the sweat protection of other high street brands, it uses smart technology to create a micro barrier that keeps sweat under control. While I can’t claim that it’s eliminated my sweat altogether (I am lucky enough that my sweat isn’t smelly, so odour isn’t as much of a problem), my underarms mostly stay dry all day, and it’s still as effective after years of using it.
” – Georgia Day, Vogue contributor Pros: Neutral scent, lightweight and works well against odour and sweat, plus it’s super affordable. Cons: If you prefer stronger scents, this may not be for you. Why it’s Vogue approved: This Dove formula is one of my favourites because it works really well at preventing sweat (it’s the brand’s strongest antiperspirant) and smells incredibly comforting.
It’s thicker than most and packed with moisturising ingredients to leave the area soft and bump-free, plus it lasts significantly longer than most formulas. Pros: Brilliant at reducing sweat, affordable and a good moisturiser, too. Cons: This one does leave white marks, so be careful if you’re wearing dark colours.
What it lacks in imperceptibility, it makes up for in its sweat-busting capabilities. Why it’s Vogue approved: Harnessing an array of active ingredients, including five per cent alpha hydroxy acids, niacinamide and panthenol, this formula is beloved by a number of beauty editors. Those who love it really love it.
With a super fresh and invigorating eucalyptus scent, it simultaneously works on the appearance of the skin in this delicate area, reducing clogged pores, keratosis pilaris and uneven tone. Pros: Luxurious packaging and a multitasker that works on skin health and odour. Doesn’t leave white marks.
Cons: It’s on the pricey side, but since it also offers skincare benefits, that makes sense. Why it’s Vogue approved: Deodorant doesn’t get more luxurious than Rollr, a refillable brand that marries pro and prebiotic-rich formulas (to prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria) with packaging that harnesses the wellbeing benefits of crystals in its rollerball applicator. The aluminium-free blend houses antioxidants, aloe vera and a delicious scent to keep you hooked.
Pros: Earth-friendly and refillable (two refills cost £25). Smells and looks great, and is a dream to use. Cons: This is not the most powerful formula if odour and sweat is top of mind, plus it’s an investment – but a stylish one nonetheless.
Why it’s Vogue approved: This may well be a feature documenting the best deodorants for women, but that doesn’t mean I can’t include this men’s formula from Mitchum – just like fragrance, deodorant isn’t really gendered and can be worn by anyone. I have used this formula in the past and found that it works well on both sweat and odour, doesn’t leave white marks and I like the smell. Pros: Really cheap, you can share with your significant other and it promises up to 48 hours of protection from sweat and smell.
Cons: It’s not one for you if you prefer aluminium-free formulas. Why it’s Vogue approved: To My Ships is the chic new brand from Dennis Paphitis, the founder of Aesop, and it’s not to be missed. This easy-to-use spray-on deodorant marries a delicious and discreet green citrus fragrance with the postbiotic lactococcus extract and lipids to deodorise, while keeping the skin barrier nourished.
Free of aluminium and alcohol, it’s a real delight to use and can be doubled-up as an all-over body spray, too. Consider it the perfect deodorant top-up throughout the day – those who don’t sweat a lot can also use it first thing too. Pros: Dries really quickly, smells great and works to improve skin health in the area.
It’s also easy to apply and works on natural, waxed and shaved armpits. Cons: It’s not going to stop intense sweating. Why it’s Vogue approved: “I have lost many a good shirt to natural deodorants that haven’t quite stood the test of my daily routine but, as of a few months ago, I found one that doesn’t irritate my skin, smells great and genuinely works as well as a traditional deodorant.
Outside of these upsides, another benefit of this Salt Of The Earth roll-on is that it doesn’t cost the earth. It works, doesn’t impart the clammy, wet feeling that can come with paste deodorants and smells lovely, too. A real winner.
” – Morgan Fargo, Vogue beauty and wellness editor Pros: Smells great, is affordable, refillable and feels good upon application. Cons: A heavier consistency, which some people don’t like. FAQs: Yes, you just have to find the right one for you – and stick with it.
Traditional antiperspirants commonly use aluminium, which temporarily blocks sweat glands, preventing it from being released at the skin’s surface. Natural deodorants use other ingredients – such as zinc and probiotics – to neutralise the bacteria that causes a bad smell, and foster good bacterial growth instead. However, you often have to give the area time to adjust to these new ingredients, especially if you have been using an aluminium formula for some time.
Deodorants that contain aluminium are totally safe for use, says the science , however some people prefer to stick to natural ingredients that can be gentler on the skin. Deodorants fight odour with the help of antibacterial ingredients, but don’t stop you from sweating, while antiperspirant reduces both sweating and odour. If you’re someone who sweats a lot, I recommend you choose the latter.
The bane of everyone’s life, those yellow stains that form under the arms of fresh white T-shirts are a result of a reaction between the proteins in your sweat and the aluminium that’s in your deodorant. If you remove aluminium from the equation, you shouldn’t get those yellow marks. If you want to stick with aluminium deodorants because you find they work better, then try a clear or gel-based formula, wash your clothes regularly and ensure your armpits are fully dry after application before you get dressed.
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