Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant: Which Is Right for You? (2025)

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If you’re a sweaty person (and let’s face it—all of us sweat), then you’ve probably heard the debate on antiperspirant versus deodorant. Regardless of your preference, the best deodorants are designed to keep your underarms moisture- and odor-free throughout the day.

That same coverage has now extended to your entire body (boob sweat and back sweat, anyone?) with whole-body deodorants becoming more and more common to help you stay fresh everywhere. “In a fairytale world we wouldn’t sweat at all. But in reality we all sweat—and not just from our underarms,” says Ed Currie, cofounder of whole-body-deodorant brand AKT London, who was inspired to create his formula after performing on the stages of London’s West End. “Our colleagues would use AKT on their foreheads, forearms, underbreasts, and pubic area. Of course the underarms are the main culprit, but often it just relieves that anxiety in other areas too.”

When it comes to finding the right deodorant for you, a key factor is whether you should use an aluminum antiperspirant or a deodorant. To help you find the best option for you, we asked experts and dermatologists everything you need to know on antiperspirant vs. deodorant.

• Best Overall: Secret Aluminum Free Deodorant, $13

• Best Spray: Degree Advanced Protection Antiperspirant Dry Spray, $23

• Best Unscented: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel, $18

• Best Invisible: Nivea Black and White Invisible Roll-On Antiperspirant, $12

• Best Alcohol-Free: Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray, $22

13 Best Deodorants, Tested by *Glamour* Editors & Dermatologists

Secret Aluminum-Free Deodorant in Lavender

$24.00, Amazon

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Degree Advanced Protection Antiperspirant Dry Spray

$30.00, Amazon

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Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

$18.00, Nordstrom

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Native Deodorant

$13.00, Amazon

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Vanicream Antiperspirant/Deodorant

$11.00, Amazon

BUY NOW

Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray

$22.00, Amazon

BUY NOW

Nivea Black and White Invisible Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant

$13.00, Amazon

BUY NOW

Dr. Hauschka Rose Deodorant

$24.00, Amazon

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Lume Whole Body Deodorant

$20.00, Amazon

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Vichy 24-Hour Aluminum-Free Dry Touch Deodorant

$20.00, Amazon

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EvolveTogether Natural Deodorant

$44.00, EvolveTogether

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Megababe Daily Deodorant

$14.00, Amazon

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Shaklee Protect Deodorant

$24.00, Shaklee

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What is the difference between antiperspirant vs. deodorant?

Antiperspirant functions differently than natural deodorant and contains a key ingredient. “Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, and they work by reducing sweat, while deodorants have no effect on sweat production,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami.

If you want to stop sweating so much, antiperspirant is your best bet. “The function of aluminum in conventional deodorant-antiperspirant formulas is to essentially plug your sweat glands, which in turn keeps you dry,” says Nadia Musavvir, ND, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in skin health

In comparison, deodorant works to cancel out odors. “Deodorant is designed to control body odor by neutralizing or masking the smell of sweat produced,” explains Teresa Song, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City. “Deodorants may contain antimicrobial agents to inhibit bacterial growth, fragrances to mask odors, and ingredients to absorb moisture.”

Salt & Stone Deodorant

$20.00, Amazon

AKT The Deodorant Balm

$29.00, Amazon

Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant

$8.00, Amazon

SheaMoisture Antiperspirant Deodorant

$20.00, Amazon

Is it better to use antiperspirant or deodorant?

This depends on your personal preference, since both options are effective at combatting body odor and moisture. Aluminum works to plug up sweat, but some people prefer natural deodorant to avoid the preservatives used in antiperspirants. Despite some belief that aluminum can contribute to cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, experts point out that there is not enough evidence to prove any link.

“Aluminum is used in antiperspirants to reduce sweat production by blocking sweat ducts,” says Julia Zhao, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Vivid Clinic in New York. “While this can be effective for heavy sweaters, some people may wish to avoid aluminum due to potential skin irritation or sensitivities. No scientific evidence links the use of these products to the development of breast cancer.”

Musavvir also notes that sweating helps regulate your body, which could be a reason why one would want to use natural deodorant. “One of the ways we eliminate waste through the skin is via sweat,” she says.

That being said, if you’re a sweaty person and want to reduce your output, antiperspirants will help. “There are several over-the-counter products that can help control excessive sweating and provide relief from it, including antiperspirants,” says Jody Alpert Levine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of dermatology at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC. “Brands like Secret Clinical Strength, Dove Clinical Protection, and Certain Dri are popular.”

If you’re not a heavy sweater, “deodorants are the way to go,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Deodorants are typically aluminum-free products that work by lowering levels of odor-causing bacteria on the skin,” he explains.

Megababe Daily Deodorant

$14.00, Amazon

Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant

$24.00, Amazon

Vanicream Antiperspirant/Deodorant

$11.00, Amazon

Nivea Black and White Invisible Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant

$13.00, Amazon

Originally Appeared on Glamour

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