15 Best Deodorants for Teens, According to Dermatologists’ Tips
Deodorant is a crucial part of your daily beauty routine, although it's often overlooked in favor of more glamorous steps, such as hairstyling products, body lotion, and makeup. But it's time for deodorant to have its well-deserved moment in the spotlight!
For years, there were only a handful of deodorants available, primarily at drugstores. (And they all smelled like baby powder!) Today, however, there are so many great options to choose from, ranging from all-natural deodorants made without aluminum or baking soda to ultra-strength sweat blockers that keep you dry for days.
Navigating the deodorant aisle at your favorite store can be confusing and overwhelming at first, especially if you've never worn deodorant before — that's why we've tapped the experts to know exactly what to look for in a deodorant and answer your most pressing questions about deodorants for teens.
Meet the experts
- Caren Campbell, MD, board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco
- Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology
Dr. Campbell suggests that younger tweens and teens who haven't yet gone through puberty and aren't experiencing body odor or excessive sweating may start with a deodorant rather than an antiperspirant. “Once puberty has occurred and sweat and odor become more of an issue, consider an antiperspirant or combination of antiperspirant and deodorant,” she adds.
What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, anyway? When we say “deodorant,” we're typically using it as a catch-all term that includes antiperspirant, though the two are technically different. “Think of body odor as a kitchen with an unwelcome smell from something on the stove,” says Dr. Gohara. “You wouldn’t just light a candle and call it a day, you’d turn off the stove, right?” That’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorants are “odor neutralizers,” while antiperspirants are “sweat stoppers," she explains.
Rest assured that there's definitely a deodorant formula for you — it may just take a little trial and error to find the right one. “Managing body odor isn't just about smelling good," says Dr. Gohara. "It's about feeling confident in your skin, even when it's changing.”
Ahead, we've answered all your pressing questions about deodorants and rounded up the 15 best deodorants for teens that are non-spray, including all-natural formulas, the best-smelling deodorants, and a few dermatologist picks.
Deodorants FAQs
What’s the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?
According to Dr. Campbell, the big difference is that antiperspirants contain aluminum salts to help plug the sweat ducts, which in turn helps reduce sweat. Deodorants, she says, work by “decreasing bacterial growth or masking odor with fragrance,” but they don’t stop sweat. “These products are very likely to contain fragrance given it's helpful to mask odor, but if you're sensitive to skincare products, it's best to stick to fragrance-free formulas.”
Why does body odor happen in teens?
“Puberty brings a lot of newness: voice changes, growth spurts, and yes, unwelcome body odor,” says Dr. Gohara. “It’s totally normal because sweat glands — specifically apocrine glands — kick into high gear during puberty.” When that sweat mixes with bacteria, B.O. is born.
In addition to using an antiperspirant or deodorant to fight body odor, Dr. Campbell says good hygiene is essential, including showering daily and washing the underarms with soap and water using your hands, not a loofah or a washcloth. Dr. Gohara adds that wearing breathable fabrics like cotton can help reduce sweat and odor.
What does “natural deodorant” mean?
Words like “natural” and “clean” aren’t regulated, so any brand can use them. In general, what brands refer to as “natural deodorants” are typically deodorants that don’t contain aluminum salts. Many are formulated with baking soda, though Dr. Campbell flags that baking soda can cause dryness and irritation.
Why is my deodorant irritating my skin?
This happens! You may have to try a few formulas to find your perfect fit. Dr. Campbell says that some patients experience irritation from excess sweat while using aluminum-free deodorants; the increase in sweat allows for more bacterial and fungal overgrowth.
You may also be experiencing an allergy to something in the product, whether it’s an ingredient or the fragrance. Switching to a fragrance-free option can help, as can taking a break for a few days to see if the symptoms return. If so, time to move on.
Do I need a deodorant formulated with AHAs?
AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, are known for their exfoliating power. Both Dr. Gohara and Dr. Campbell say they’re definitely not a requirement in deodorants for teens, and sensitive skin types should stay away. However, AHA-based formulas can help visibly even skin tone if you’re dealing with underarm hyperpigmentation.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Secret Outlast Invisible Solid Antiperspirant, $7
- Best Dermatologist-Approved: Crystal Mineral Roll-On Deodorant, $6
- Best for Heavy Sweaters: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant, $7
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant, $11
- Editor's Pick: Megababe The Cream Deo, $14
The 15 best deodorants for teens:
Best Overall: Secret Outlast Invisible Solid Antiperspirant
Do you need a deodorant that smells good, lasts all day (and more), and fits your budget? Secret's Outlast Invisible Solid Antiperspirant checks all the boxes. It fights 99% of odor-causing bacteria and keeps you fresh and dry for up to 72 hours, which is no small feat. Fans like the fresh, clean scent and potent sweat and odor protection.
Pros: Powerful formula keeps you smelling good and feeling dry for up to 72 hours
Cons: None to note
Size: 2.6 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Completely CleanBest Baking Soda Free: Kopari Coconut Deodorant
Many “natural” deodorants use baking soda to fight odor, but it can be irritating. Kopari's Coconut Deodorant is free of baking soda and aluminum, using coconut oil and sage oil in its place. The coconut fragrance is light and fresh, neither too sweet nor too heavy, making it ideal for both teens and adults.
Pros: Gentle, plant-based formula that glides on clear
Cons: High price point
Size: 2 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Coconut milk
Best for Heavy Sweaters: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant
Sweat is a part of life, but if you're sweating a lot, to the point that it becomes embarrassing or impedes your daily life, you may want a stronger antiperspirant formula. Dr. Campbell points to Certain Dri as a possible solution, as it contains a high percentage of aluminum to plug the sweat glands and stop sweat for up to 72 hours.
Pros: The strongest formula you can get without a prescription
Cons: May be irritating to sensitive skin
Size: 1.2 oz
Formula: Roll-on
Scent: UnscentedBest for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant
If you have sensitive skin, you know it's typically best to ditch scented products. Vanicream, known for its fragrance-free, gentle body care, also offers an antiperspirant deodorant formula that helps combat sweat and odor without causing irritation.
Pros: Super gentle formula
Cons: None to note
Size: 2.25 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Unscented
Best Scented: Megababe The Smoothie
Even the name is cute! Megababe's The Smoothie Deo comes in adorable pink packaging and features an equally adorable, fruity scent of coconut, lime, and berry. It utilizes a blend of fruit enzymes to eliminate bacteria and combat body odor, along with coconut, jojoba, and sunflower oils to nourish the underarms.
Pros: The moisturizing ingredients feel great on skin and the fresh, fruity scent is fun to wear
Cons: More expensive than other deodorants
Size: 2.6 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Coconut, lime, bilberryBest Unscented: Secret Unscented 24-Hr Invisible Solid
There's a reason Secret is one of the most popular and trusted deodorant brands of all time: it works. This unscented deodorant boasts numerous five-star reviews on Amazon, praising its effective odor protection and comfortable feel. Unscented deodorants are great if you typically wear a lot of perfume or scented body products; they'll keep you odor-free but won't compete with your signature scent.
Pros: All-day odor protection from a trusted brand
Cons: None to note
Size: 2.6 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Unscented
Best Cream: Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream
Meow Meow Tweet's cream formula has been a go-to for natural deodorant lovers for years. The “cake frosting”-esque deodorant comes in a jar, so you have to scoop it and apply it with your hands versus a stick, which may take some time getting used to! A combo of baking soda and essential oils helps fight odor. The brand also offers a baking soda-free version.
Pros: Great for those looking for a more natural option
Cons: There's a learning curve to the application. Some users don't love the jar packaging
Size: 2.4 oz
Formula: Cream
Scent: Lavender, Grapefruit, Rose Geranium, Tea TreeBest Drugstore: Mitchum Triple Odor Defense Antiperspirant Deodorant
There are tons of quality deodorants available at the drugstore, and Mitchum is a longtime favorite that really works to control sweat and odor. The gel formula may take some getting used to, but you'll love the fresh feel that lasts for up to 48 hours.
Pros: Strong odor protection for up to 48 hours
Cons: Gel formula can feel sticky and wet at first
Size: 2.7 oz
Formula: Gel
Scent: Pure Fresh, Powder Fresh, Shower Fresh
Best Splurge: Glossier Deodorant
Match your deodorant to your signature scent with Glossier's refillable Deodorant. It's available in a few different scents, but the classic You is our favorite. The deodorant is made with a coconut oil base and no baking soda or aluminum.
Pros: The scents are truly incredible
Cons: Refillable case is sold separately for $5
Size: 2.2 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: You, Orange Blossom Neroli, Sandstone, UnscentedBest for Newbies: Dove Strawberry Sparkle Deodorant Stick
This fun, strawberry-scented deodorant is ideal for tweens and young teens who are just starting to use deodorant. It smells bright and fruity and doesn't contain aluminum; this means it won't block sweat, but it will block body odor.
Pros: Gentle, moisturizing formula helps nourish skin
Cons: Won't control sweat
Size: 2.6 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Strawberry Sparkle
Dermatologist Pick: Crystal Mineral Roll-On Deodorant
Dr. Campbell likes Crystal's mineral deodorants, which use potassium alum to fight bacteria, which in turn controls odor for up to 24 hours. If you're sensitive, opt for the fragrance-free version.
Pros: This deodorant is cruelty-free and vegan
Cons: There may be an adjustment period as your body adapts to the mineral deodorant
Size: 2.25 oz
Formula: Roll-on
Scent: Unscented, Vanilla Jasmine, Chamomile & Green Tea, Lavender & White TeaEditor's Pick: Megababe The Cream Deo
“I've been using the Megababe The Cream Deo for a year religiously and can say it's my favorite deodorant ever,” Teen Vogue editor-at-large Sara Delgado says. "It has a very distinct tea tree smell and is great at blocking odors since it has 5% AHAs. It's a cream, so it's also moisturizing.
Size: 3 oz
Pros: Effective odor-blocking while moisturizing
Cons: Younger teens might want to avoid AHAs
Formula: Cream
Scent: Tea tree and mint
Best Natural: Alo Supernatural Deodorant
Though labeled as unscented, the Alo Supernatural Deodorant has a faint tea-tree oil. It is made without baking soda or aluminum and features recyclable packaging, so if you are looking for a no-frills natural option, this might be the one. The odor blocking is adequate, and the formula is very gentle.
Pros: Super moisturizing formula with soothing ingredients like aloe and hyaluronic acid
Cons: Higher price point
Size: 1.7 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Unscented, Fresh CitrusBest Exfoliant: Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
Kosas's deodorant is formulated with a blend of AHAs, including lactic and mandelic acid, to exfoliate and deodorize underarms. The clean, vegan formula is lightweight and nourishing, and the tube packaging is easy to toss in your bag for on-the-go use.
Pros: Lightweight formula
Cons: Price point is more expensive than other options; AHAs may irritate sensitive skin
Size: 2.4 oz
Formula: Roll-on
Scent: Serene Clean, Beachy Clean, Fragrance Free
Best Refillable: Saltair Santal Bloom Skincare Deodorant
If you're concerned about excess packaging, a refillable option may be a good idea. Saltair's Skincare Deodorant is made with 100% PCR packaging and has a secure-fit cap to keep your deodorant smelling its best. Plus, the formula keeps you odor-free for up to 24 hours.
Pros: Refillable packaging saves plastic
Cons: Scents may be too strong for sensitive noses
Size: 1.76 oz
Formula: Stick
Scent: Santal bloom (sandalwood, amber, musk), salt water vanilla (vanilla, creamy sandalwood, sea salt), green grapefruit (grapefruit rind, lime zest, juicy orange), pink beach (coconut, almond blossom, vanilla)
