Finding the right deodorant has never been an easy task.
From when we were first told by our mothers that we’d need to start embarking on this daily hygiene ritual, it was all Claire’s Accessories roll-ons and gooey drug store ‘moisturising’ deodorants for those Bic razor-induced dry patches.
For such an essential element in our daily ablutions, we’ve remained awfully hasty about grabbing the easiest and cheapest deodorant on offer. We’re not 13 anymore ladies, there’s simply no excuse. Just like how the women in the Dove adverts seem to apply their deodorants with a delicate and loving ease, it’s time to treat your underarms with the care and attention they deserve.
Firstly, let’s quickly break down the difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. Put simply, deodorant protects against odour, while antiperspirant helps to control sweat too. Aluminium salts are used as the active ingredient that make antiperspirants reduce sweat, so if you’re looking for an aluminium-free deodorant – you’ll have to do without the sweat control. Fear not, you’ll still smell fresh as a daisy.
Why do some people prefer aluminium-free deodorant?
Some manufacturers and skincare specialists suggest that allowing your body to sweat freely prevents clogged pores in your underarms, and aids in the overall skin health of the area. Sweating also helps you to naturally detoxify your body and limiting the natural process with antiperspirants containing aluminium can prevent sweat from doing its job.
However, it is important to note that, according to the National Cancer Institute in the USA, no studies to date have confirmed any substantial adverse effects of aluminium that could contribute to increased breast cancer risks.
How to get deodorant stains out of shirts
The tried and tested method that we at ES Best, and our mothers and grandmothers before us, have used, is a simple mixture of baking soda and water. Mix it into a paste and let it sit on the stain for 20-30 minutes before washing it off with some warm to hot water. You can also add a drop of lemon juice if you’re feeling extra fancy. Otherwise, we recommend scooping up a handy stain remover pen or some classic Vanish.
Can you take deodorant on a plane?
Yes indeed. Even the aerosol kind – as long as it is under 100ml. If you’re planning on checking your luggage into the hold, there’s no limitation on the size of your deodorant.
Keep scrolling for our run-down of the best deodorants and antiperspirants on the market.
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Glossier Deodorant
If you’ve already read our review of this spanking new deodorant from Glossier, then you already know that we’re currently obsessed with it. Created with expert skincare in mind, this wonderfully balmy, yet creamy deodorant stick glides on with the utmost ease and leaves your underarms dry and fresh all day.
The natural formulation means that it is aluminium, baking soda and acid free – no irritation on the cards here. It also includes superfruit elderberry extract and coconut oil for their nourishing properties, potato starch to absorb moisture and magnesium hydroxide to balance pH and reduce the possibility of sweat stains.
If you’re obsessed with Glossier’s cult favourite fragrance You – you can grab your refillable stick in this scent. Otherwise, choose from fragrance-free, Orange Blossom Neroli or Sandstone.
Buy now £18.00, Glossier
MALIN + GOETZ EUCALYPTUS DEODORANT
NYC-born Malin + Goetz has a similarly skincare-informed approach to deodorant. Another wonderful option for a deodorant free from all the nasties, this natural formulation appears in a transparent gel-like texture which glides on easily and absorbs pretty quickly. Cruelty-free and totally vegan, this deodorant eliminates odour with citonellyl and eucalyptus oil to grant all-day protection.
Buy now £19.00, Cult Beauty
Megababe The Smoothie Deo Fruit Enzyme Daily Deodorant
This highly rated natural roll-on deodorant by Megababe smells like a fruity dream. Named the smoothie due to its fruit-packed formula, this deodorant utilises bilberry, lemon and orange-derived acids to help combat odour.
Designed with your skin’s pH balance in mind, Megababe has employed a whole range of other active, all-natural ingredients to help you sweat safe. The formula is enriched with lactobacillus ferment, a healthy probiotic that signals your skin to produce all those extra good microbes for added odour protection.
Buy now £8.00, Cult Beauty
Mitchum Powder Fresh Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 200ml
A tried and tested classic – most of us have been using this bad boy since the changing-room days. Mitchum’s Triple Odour Defence Technology shields against odours caused by heat, motion and stress. If you’re looking for something that is guaranteed to keep you fresh and dry all day, and aren’t fussed about aluminium, this is the deodorant for you.
Buy now £2.99, Superdrug
CORPUS Nº Green natural deodorant 75g
This luxuriously vegan and cruelty-free deodorant by CORPUS is one of the originals when it comes to natural deodorants. One of the first in the game, the slightly higher price point reflects the quality of the ingredients. The brand was founded by skincare expert J.P Mastey back in 2018 and has achieved cult status since.
This beautifully light scent contains notes of bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom and a hint of cardamom. Made from a water-based formula, this deodorant is chock-full of naturally derived enzymes and plant extracts to help flight body odour while remaining gentle on the underarms.
Buy now £26.00, Selfridges
Dove 0% Aluminium Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant Aerosol 200ml
If you’re looking to eliminate aluminium from your underarms, but prefer an aerosol deodorant, Dove has got you covered. Zero per cent aluminium and zero per cent alcohol, this super fresh deodorant will keep you odour-free all day. It is also formulated with moisturising cream and vitamin B3 to help keep your underarms protected against shaving irritation. The cucumber and green tea fragrance is simply a classic.
Buy now £2.00, Boots
NIVEA ULTIMATE PROTECT ANTI-PERSPIRANT SPRAY
This antiperspirant contains no ethyl alcohol, but does have a nifty Zinc complex for extra protection. Dermatologically proven, this spray is suitable for all skin types and is guaranteed to last up to 72 hours. It’s no-nonsense, fuss-free odour and sweat protection at an affordable price.
Buy now £4.59, Nivea
