The Best Deodorants

RealSimple.com: The Best Deodorants

Best of the dozens we tried, these picks won’t ball up, rub off, or quit by day’s end.

Most Innovative
Clean Moisture-Absorbent Deodorant
It has a sublime, freshly laundered scent and is super-absorbent to boot. No surprise when you consider that one of the ingredients is pulverized cotton seeds, which help soak up moisture so skin stays dry.

To buy: $18, sephora.com.

(Credit: Jens Mortensen)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Best All-Natural

Tom’s of Maine Naturally Dry Antiperspirant Deodorant
Even testers skeptical of natural formulas had to concede that this one, with antimicrobial olive-leaf extract, keeps odor and wetness at bay. Ideal for sensitive skin.

To buy: $5, tomsofmaine.com.

(Credit: Jens Mortensen)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Longest-Lasting

Suave Everlasting Sunshine Clinical Protection PROsolid
This antiperspirant-deodorant keeps you dry and fresh for 24 hours. Testers reported that they could still detect the light scent of passionflower and vanilla at bedtime.

To buy: $6 at drugstores.

(Credit: Jens Mortensen)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Least Streaky

Dove Go Sleeveless Soothing Chamomile Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Testers insisted that this white stick went on clear instantly and left no residue, even on black clothing. Bonus: It has a touch of chamomile to soothe chafed skin after shaving.

To buy: $6 at drugstores.

(Credit: Jens Mortensen)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Most Portable

Lavanila The Healthy Mini Deodorant
Containing about an ounce of product and standing a mere three inches high, this stick may be dainty, but it offers mighty protection against odor. Make it a permanent resident in your gym bag or dopp kit.

To buy: $10 for .90 ounces (or $18 for 1.7 ounces), sephora.com.

(Credit: Jens Mortensen)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Best Solid

Dove Ultimate Go Fresh Revive Deodorant
It glides on smoothly, thanks to a blend of moisturizers that nourish skin and protect against razor burn and chafing.

To buy: $4.50 at drugstores.

(Credit: James Wojcik)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Best Gel

Soft and Dri DriGel
A click produces just enough for a sheer, clear coat of protection. And during a day of clothes shopping (pull on, pull off), it left fabrics clean of marks.

To buy: $2 at drugstores.

(Credit: James Wojcik)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Best Heavy-Duty

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Swipe it on at night (when your body can best absorb the formula) to minimize moisture with prescription-like power.

To buy: $8 at drugstores.

(Credit: James Wojcik)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Best for Sensiti...

Dermadoctor Total Nonscents Ultra-Gentle Antiperspirant
This mild roll-on formula is fragrance-free, dries in seconds, and won’t irritate sensitive (or freshly shaved) underarms.

To buy: $20, dermadoctor.com.

(Credit: James Wojcik)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Best Scent

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant
This stick keeps you dry and leaves behind a soft hint of bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla.

To buy: $19, donnakaran.com.

(Credit: James Wojcik)