Living in a city that requires me to do a lot of walking ensures that summer isn't the only time of year that I need ample products that keep me from sweating through my clothes. Using deodorants to block sweat and odor is a year-round task for me, and it's a reason why whole body deodorants have become a staple in my body care routine.
Whole body deodorants are exactly what they sound like: they're sweat- and odor-proof products that are gentle enough to be applied anywhere (that's your underarms, inner thighs, under your breasts, or generally, any crevice that has potential to become sweaty) as opposed to just your underarms like a lot of traditional formulas. I'm a recent convert to these types of products, and during my time putting them to the test, I've been able to curate a small list of my favorite whole body deodorants to date.
Read ahead to shop them and get ready to smell fresh year-round.
Spray and Go
I used to have an aversion to spray deodorants due to the fact that so many of them have a reputation for smelling really strong and powdery—but they’ve evolved a lot over the last several years, and plenty of spray formulas are available in a variety of scents while also being suitable for all-over use. These are a few of my favorites.
Dove's whole body formula comes in a handful of scents, but the coconut and vanilla scent is probably my favorite. On top of the fact that the product itself dries quickly, the scent is really soft and light, and it blocks odor without being overpowering.
Secret’s whole body deodorant uses a special technology that cools the skin, so it comes in handy to use when you’re already slightly overheated. It’s another one that manages to block odor with a scent that’s subtle but still noticeable.
I can be a sweaty girl at times, so given the reputation that aluminum-free deodorants have, I was initially skeptical about how well this one would be able to block odor, but I also trusted that it’d be safe to use all over with zero irritation. It provides 24-hour protection, but if you’re someone who sweats a lot or if you’re in warmer weather, you may have to reapply once or twice.
This deodorant reminds me of a body mist (likely because it doesn’t come in an aerosol can like most spray deodorants), but I like that it can be applied anywhere without leaving behind a residue or being too concentrated. It also comes in a handful of soft and subtle scents that work unexpectedly well when blocking odor.
Best Balms
Cream and balm deodorants may not be the most convenient or mess-free option, but they’re great for areas where your skin might be more sensitive to chemicals.
This formula is really gentle, yet it’s still powerful enough to keep your sweat in check. The scent is also pretty light, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing a fragrance that’s overly powdery or outdated.
AKT has a whole lineup of deodorant balms, but one that really caught me by surprise is the brand’s unscented product. It’s easy to feel skeptical about a deodorant that’s both aluminum-free and unscented, but dare I say, it works surprisingly well at controlling sweat and odor.
Alpha-hydroxy acids are mostly known for exfoliating, but they’re also able to fight odor (they kill the odor-causing bacteria), which is why the star ingredient of this balm is glycolic acid. It’s gentle on sensitive areas, and includes niacinamide as well, which helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and reduce sensitivity.
Stick To It
As much as I love a spray, the convenience of a deodorant stick can't be beat, and that's mostly because they're mess-free and really easy to travel with. The best ones also go on smoothly without leaving behind chunks and residue.
Degree’s deodorant spray continues to be one of my all-time favorite antiperspirants, so it’s pretty easy to trust that the brand’s whole body stick can get the job done just as well. Even with an aluminum-free formula, it has a way of making you feel extra-fresh and odor-free.
Mandelic acid is another exfoliator that reveals brighter skin while also preventing bacteria from collecting on the skin and causing odor. It’s this product’s hero ingredient, which would explain why it works so well.
Possibly the best thing about Salt & Stone’s deodorant stick is its warm, spicy scent. It smells so good that it almost alleviates the need to follow up with an actual fragrance.
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