Body odor can screw with your confidence — whether you’re at work or on a date (or just running errands in-between). The good news, though, is you don’t have to put up with it.
The best deodorant for odor control is one that doesn’t simply cover up. It leaves you dry, clean-feeling and ready for anything. But faced with shelves overflowing with choices, it’s easy to choose the wrong one.
Some leave residue. Others wear off in hours. And some simply aren’t right for your skin. Here’s how to identify the kind that will do the job without making things worse.
Understand Your Sweat Type
We’re not all sweaters in the same way. Some people hardly perspire yet they, too, stink. Some have shirts soaking in minutes. Of course, understanding how your body reacts helps you pick a deodorant that works for you.
Sweat itself doesn’t smell. It’s only when it combines with bacteria on your skin that odor happens. If you sweat lightly but your odor is strong, pick a formula that combats bacteria more than wetness.
If you sweat heavily, consider a product that also has antiperspirant ingredients. For everyday use, stick deodorants usually work best, but if you’re in need of something stronger, there is always an option for clinical strength products. Also clock how long notes last and whether the setting has buildup.
Examine The Important Ingredients
You don’t need a degree in chemistry, but the label matters. For those who do want odor control without aluminum, there are natural deodorants. Look for those that contain ingredients such as baking soda, arrowroot powder, magnesium or zinc.
These combat odor without clogging your sweat glands. If you are willing to use antiperspirants, look for aluminum compounds. They can temporarily block sweat ducts and help reduce sweating.
But not everyone’s skin is friendly to them. Others might itch, get a rash or bump. If that happens, experiment with a gentler formula that does not contain alcohol or artificial fragrance.
Fit Your Lifestyles And Habits
What you do every day matters more than you think. Are you active? Always on the move? Or sitting at a desk all day? Someone in an air-conditioned office requires a different deodorant from a gym rat.
For those outdoors a lot, opt for a stronger, longer lasting coverage. Roll-ons and gels stay put better while working out. Some are even waterproof. If scent matters to you, be sure it will compliment your cologne or mist. You don’t want to compete smells.
Unscented, or a light version work much better if you like layering with scents. If you’re looking for something that stands on its own, you can also find deodorants that smell of sandalwood, citrus, lavender or musk.
Don’t Ignore Skin Reactions
Other times the deodorant works just fine — until your skin starts to tell. Redness, itching or small bumps are your body’s way of politely saying “no thanks.” Sensitive skin needs a little more attention.
Opt for formulas that are free from alcohol, baking soda (which can be too alkaline for some individuals), and overwhelming artificial fragrances, he said. Instead, seek out calming additions like aloe vera, chamomile or coconut oil.
It quiets the skin and continues to fight odor. Try new deodorants on a small patch as a test run before going all in. If you start to experience irritation a few days later, do not keep pushing through. Switch it up.
Trial, Error And Consistency
The best deodorant to control odor can be a bit of a gamble and it doesn’t always come down to trial and error. Don’t expect magic overnight. Your body might even experience an “adjustment period,” especially if you’re transitioning from antiperspirant to nature-based formulas. That’s normal.
Wear it on gym days, workdays, lazy Sundays to see how it truly holds up. Make a mental note of what worked — the silence of a room, the shapeshifting of an object, the roar of a crowd — and what didn’t.
Conclusion
The best deodorant for odor will not be prescribed by some doctor nor will it cost you a fortune. It simply must function — with your body, your skin, and your lifestyle.
Don’t throw in the towel after using products that wear off too quickly, or that irritate your skin. Keep tabs on the ingredients, how your skin feels and how good you feel all day.
When you find the one that works right, you never have to think about underarm sweat again. Just suit up, step out, and let your deodorant work its magic, unnoticed.
