Deodorants and Antiperspirants That Stand Up to Serious Summer Sweat
Jun 29, 2018
It’s hard to avoid sweat no matter the time of year, but in the summer, it’s pretty much the pits. That’s why arming yourself with the right antiperspirants and deodorants is the key to surviving the summer swelter without causing a stink (especially if you’re stuck in tight places like a packed subway). We had a dermatologist and a cosmetic chemist weigh in on the best formulas to fight sweat and odor before they start. Scroll on to see their picks and our suggestions.
Degree Ultra Clear Pure Clean Antiperspirant Deodorant ($4): Sweat protection becomes a big priority in the summer, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your wardrobe. It’s why cosmetic chemist and Skinects.com founder Ni’Kita Wilson loves this formula. Aside from avoiding any clothing discoloration, it uses technology to add freshness with every swing of your arms for up to 48 hours.
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant ($27): Many of us might be surprised to see a designer scent like this on this list, but beauty buffs say otherwise. According to NPD Research, it’s the top prestige body product. But it’s more than just a deodorant, as it contains actives that keep uncontrollable sweat at bay.
Dove Clinical Protection Original Clean Antiperspirant ($8):
If the rising temperatures have you sweating through your go-to antiperspirant (hey, it happens to the best of us), it’s worth switching to a clinical. Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner likes this from Dove since it “offers the highest concentration of wetness fighting ingredients, but it is in a non-irritating formula to help maintain healthy skin at the same time.”
Mitchum Advanced Women Powder Fresh Roll-On Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant ($3): You might’ve seen this buy in the medicine cabinet at your parents’ house, and it’s for a good reason. The brand has long been loved for its sweat-fighting sticks, and its roll-ons don’t skimp on the protection either. This one uses Oxygen Odor Control Technology, which Wilson says creates a hostile environment for bacteria that thrive in dark, wet places, like the pits.
Lavilin Underarm Deodorant Cream ($13): Our experts say creams are just as effective since the focus is on the actives. This option from Lavilin was made to help soldiers in military barracks feel fresh, so if your morning routine is rushed and you forget to slather some on, it will still have your back for up to seven days!
Schmidt's Natural Charcoal + Magnesium Deodorant ($10): While Zeichner says that “there is no causal relationship that has been established between the use of antiperspirants and any harmful effects on our health,” there are plenty of more natural alternatives “ranging from silver to minerals, and others to reduce levels of odor-causing bacteria.” This new addition to Schmidt’s range of sticks combines baking soda, magnesium, and charcoal to absorb wetness and odor.
Secret Outlast Unscented Women's Clear Gel Antiperspirant & Deodorant ($5): “Gels tend to go on clearer than sticks, which makes it less messy on clothing,” says Wilson. This formula from Secret stays clear throughout the 48 hours of protection it provides without adding an unwanted secondary scent.
Fresh Sugar Roll-On Deodorant Antiperspirant ($19): The brand's new deodorant is formulated with natural sugar, which has been used to inhibit bacteria for centuries, and pure oat extract to soothe the skin while absorbing any sweat. And yes, it smells just as delicious as the brand's lippies.
Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant ($17): While most of us dab on deodorant before getting dressed, our skin experts actually recommended applying it before bedtime to stop bacteria in its tracks as it “can form a more effective plug within the sweat gland,” says Zeichner. Applying this option from Kiehl’s will keep your underarms cool, dry from sundown to sunup while also softening the hair there.
Underarmed Active Botanical Deodorant ($16): Another natural option, Underarmed has been praised for its effectiveness that stems from the wetness-absorbing baking soda to the hydrogen peroxide that clears out the odor-causing bacteria. The fresh scent you sniff comes courtesy of the formula’s honey and lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot essential oils.
Certain Dri Prescription Strength Roll-On Antiperspirant ($7): “Extreme B.O. can also be caused by the actual sweat from the surface glands breaking down keratin or the foods that were consumed,” says Wilson, which explains why certain snacks can leave you smelling stinkier. For that, the experts recommend an antiperspirant with a high concentration of actives, like Certain Dri, to stop the sweat before it begins.
Tom's of Maine Women's Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick Fresh Meadow ($3): Most natural products meant for your underarms focus on fighting odor rather than stopping sweat, but Tom’s of Maine has made it a priority. While olive leaf extract cuts out odor, the wetness-fighting ingredient in this stick is made from recycled aluminum that originally came from natural mineral bauxite ore.
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