10 Best Deodorants for Sensitive Skin That Soothe Itching and Control Sweat

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10 Best Deodorants for Sensitive Skin That Soothe Itching and Control Sweat

Including gel, cream, and spray formulas.

In This Article

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In This Article

  • Top Picks
  • Reviews
  • What to Look For
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Meet Our Experts
  • Why Trust Byrdie
Three deodorant bottles for sensitive skin, featuring brands Necessary, Aesop, and Eir NYCThree deodorant bottles for sensitive skin, featuring brands Necessary, Aesop, and Eir NYC

Byrdie

TL;DR

Our favorite deodorant for sensitive skin is the Dove Advanced Care Sensitive Deodorant, which

effectively fights odor, moisturizes, and soothes armpits. Alternatively, Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel offers a calming eucalyptus scent and a clay-mixed formula that absorbs sweat.

We often focus on sensitive skin care for the face, but your underarms deserve just as much attention. Shaving, tight clothing, and harsh deodorants can easily lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort. That’s why choosing a gentle, effective formula (and natural deodorants) is key, especially since common ingredients like fragrance, aluminum, and baking soda can trigger reactions.

To help you narrow down the ones that work, we extensively researched top contenders, considering their ingredients, formulas, application, and effectiveness. We then consulted two board-certified dermatologists—Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., and Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan, M.D.,—to get to the heart (er, pit) of the matter on all things deodorant and sensitive skin.

Top Picks

Best Overall:
SALE

Dove Advanced Care Sensitive Deodorant at Amazon$13$10

Jump to Review

Best Without Aluminum:

Schmidt’s Vegan Deodorant at Amazon$25

Jump to Review

Best Gel:

Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel at Amazon$20

Jump to Review

Best for Itchy Armpits:
SALE

Megababe Daily Deodorant at Amazon$25$15

Jump to Review

Best Fragrance-Free:

Native Unscented Deodorant Sensitive at Amazon$13

Jump to Review

Best for Body Odor :
SALE

Corpus Naturals Deodorant at Amazon$26$22

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Vichy 24-Hour Dry-Touch Deodorant at Amazon$20

Jump to Review

Best Spray:

Aesop Déodorant Spray at Nordstrom$37

Jump to Review

Best Cream:

Drunk Elephant Deodorant Cream at Amazon$18

Jump to Review

Best Refillable:

Myro+ Myro+ Deodorant at Mymyro.com

Jump to Review


Best Overall

Dove Advanced Care Sensitive Deodorant

Dove Advanced Care Sensitive Antiperspirant DeodorantDove Advanced Care Sensitive Antiperspirant Deodorant
Credit: Target

$13

$10 at Amazon$9 at WalgreensView on CVS

What We Like
  • Moisturizing

  • Long-lasting

  • Doesn’t sting

What to Consider
  • Contains aluminum

Key Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY, natural oil | Size: 2.6 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Made with one-quarter moisturizing ingredients, this formula glides on seamlessly and will leave your armpits feeling smooth. Since it is a true antiperspirant, it does contain aluminum (which can be pore-clogging and has been linked to developing breast cancer though that’s not supported by medical data) but it lasts up to 48 hours making it a choice pick for those who simply don’t want to deal with sweat. Plus, because it’s alcohol-free, it won’t sting going on if you’re already dealing with underarm irritation. The bottom line: If you’re looking for a soothing, effective, lasting formula and don’t mind deodorants that contain aluminum, this option is for you. We think it’s ideal for those who are active but don’t want a formula that’s so strong that it’ll burn or irritate your skin.


Best Without Aluminum

Schmidt’s Vegan Deodorant

Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Vegan Deodorant Charcoal & MagnesiumSchmidt’s Aluminum-Free Vegan Deodorant Charcoal & Magnesium
Credit: Amazon
$25 at Amazon$11 at WalmartView on IHerb
What We Like
  • Aluminum-free

  • Long-lasting

  • Affordable

What to Consider
  • Reviewers note it transfers to clothes

Key Ingredients: Magnesium, coconut oil | Size: 3.25 oz | Scent: Charcoal and Magnesium | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A long list of Byrdie editors are fans of the brand, which offers an impressive line-up of scents and formulas. But we love this one for people with sensitive skin because it’s baking-soda-free (baking soda can be irritating on the skin) and instead relies on charcoal and magnesium for all-day odor protection. (Speaking of, those essential oils also give it a lovely floral scent.) Pro tip: Hold it against your skin for a second to allow the natural oil and wax base to warm up and soften slightly so that it glides on smoother.


Best Gel

Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

Nécessaire The Deodorant GelNécessaire The Deodorant Gel
Credit: Net-a-Porter

$20

$18 at Amazon$20 at Sephora$20 at Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Has a clear, quick-dry, and no-residue gel formula

  • Smells good

  • Clear formula doesn’t transfer onto clothing

What to Consider
  • Pricier than other options

Key Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acid, silica, kaolin, zinc | Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Eucalyptus, unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The ingredients this formula doesn’t contain are noteworthy: aluminum, parabens, baking soda, synthetic fragrance, and phthalates, just to name a few—all ingredients that can cause irritation for people with sensitive skin. But what it does contain is equally as exciting. Namely, a blend of mandelicand lactic alpha-hydroxy acids, which help smooth skin. There are also wetness-absorbing silica, zinc, and clay in the mix, and while the eucalyptus scent is a fave among Byrdie team members, there’s a fragrance-free version for those whose skin is super sensitive.


Best for Itchy Armpits

Megababe Daily Deodorant

Megababe Rosy Pits Daily DeodorantMegababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant
Credit: Ulta

$25

$15 at Amazon$14 at UltaView on Megababebeauty.com

What We Like
  • Contains antioxidant-rich botanicals that promote healthy skin

  • Long-lasting

  • Glides on clear

What to Consider
  • Dries down slowly

Key Ingredients: Coconut, green tea, vitamin E, sage, sandalwood, horsetail plant | Size: 2.6 oz | Scent: Fresh, rosy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We love this option, for its lovely and fresh rosy scent and smooth formula. Despite the cutesy name and packaging, the formula is still totally hardcore when it comes to keeping odor-causing bacteria at bay, thanks to ingredients like green tea and sage.


Best Fragrance-Free

Native Unscented Deodorant Sensitive

Native Women’s Deodorant Unscented SensitiveNative Women’s Deodorant Unscented Sensitive
Credit: Courtesy by Amazon

$13

$13 at Amazon$13 at Target

$15

$13 at Walmart

What We Like
  • Unscented

  • Long-lasting

  • Nongreasy

What to Consider
  • Reviewers note plastic-free packaging isn’t sturdy

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter | Size: 2.65 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We totally get wanting a deodorant that smells good, but if your armpits are really beaten up, avoiding any kind of fragrance (even if it’s naturally derived) can be a good move, at least for a little while. In the meantime, reach for this formula. Paraben-, aluminum-, and baking soda-free, it boasts a simple and straightforward ingredient list containing shea butter, tapioca starch, and coconut oil that ward off odor and moisture, while simultaneously soothing skin.


Best for Body Odor

Corpus Naturals Deodorant

Corpus Naturals DeodorantCorpus Naturals Deodorant
Credit: Nordstrom

$26

$22 at Amazon$26 at Goop.comView on Credo Beauty

What We Like
  • Contains mineral actives that work to destroy odor-causing bacteria

  • Gentle formula

  • Glides on smooth

What to Consider
  • The fragrance could be a bit stronger

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, tapioca starch | Size: 2.6 oz | Scent: Bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom, cardamom | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Our editors rave about this luxe pick for its sophisticated scent combinations and its buttery smooth application (which is not always the case with natural deodorants). It’s on the pricier side, for sure, but the soft formula and chic, display-worthy packaging, and again, those scents, make it well worth the price tag. Plus, we appreciate that it’s free from common irritants, like synthetic fragrances, aluminum, and baking soda. Our only gripe is that it doesn’t last as long as some others that we tested.


Best Budget

Vichy 24-Hour Dry-Touch Deodorant

Vichy 24-Hour Dry-Touch DeodorantVichy 24-Hour Dry-Touch Deodorant
Credit: Courtesy by Amazon
$20 at AmazonView on CVSView on Vichyusa.com
What We Like
  • Has an invisible dry-touch finish

  • Gentle formula

  • Nongreasy

What to Consider
  • A lot pricier than other drugstore options

Key Ingredients: Zinc gluconate, perlite | Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: No

The active ingredient in this formula, zinc ricinoleate, combats odor-causing bacteria to keep you fresh for, you guessed it, 24 hours. It’s aluminum-, alcohol-, paraben-, and fragrance-free, so gentle that it can even go right onto freshly-shaved underarms, and has a clear formula that won’t leave behind any telltale residue. Just make sure you’re applying it onto totally dry skin for the best results.


Best Spray

Aesop Déodorant Spray

Nordstrom AESOP Spray DeodorantNordstrom AESOP Spray Deodorant
Credit: Nordstrom
$37 at NordstromView on Aesop.com$37 at Revolve
What We Like
  • Has an evaporative mist

  • Long-lasting

  • Doesn’t stain clothes

What to Consider
  • The scent might be overwhelming for some

Key Ingredients: Vetiver Root, zinc ricinoleate, coriander seed | Size: 1.7 oz | Scent: Woody, herbaceous, earthy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s no aluminum to be found in this spritz; instead, it relies on refreshing essential oils, such as sage, rosemary, and eucalyptus, that help neutralize odor. The naturally derived, unisex vetiver scent also helps to camouflage odors. Plus, it’s completely clear, meaning you won’t have to worry about staining your clothing when applying it.


Best Cream

Drunk Elephant Deodorant Cream

Sephora Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant CreamSephora Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
Credit: Sephora
$18 at Amazon$18 at Sephora$18 at Ulta
What We Like
  • Absorbs excess moisture from the skin

  • Formulated at a skin-friendly pH of 4.0

  • Great for sensitive skin

What to Consider
  • It has a bit of a play-dough scent

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, shea butter, marula oil, mongongo oil, baobab seed oil | Size: 2 oz | Scent: Sweet | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Cream deodorants have a big following but can be admittedly messy to apply, which is why we especially like that this has a twist-up applicator. (But if you want, you can still apply it with your fingertips.) It’s pH balanced and has protective and soothing shea butter, too. Meanwhile, other ingredients, such as mandelic acid and arrowroot powder, work to kill odor-causing bacteria and absorb any moisture. Also noteworthy: This is one of the few natural formulas that doesn’t contain essential oils, which can be problematic and irritating for those with especially sensitive skin.


Best Refillable

Myro+ Myro+ Deodorant

Myro+ DeodorantMyro+ Deodorant
Credit: Courtesy by Myro
View on Mymyro.com
What We Like
  • Sustainable packaging

  • Soothes skin

  • Formulated with naturally-derived ingredients

What to Consider
  • Has a wet feel

Key Ingredients: Aloe, probiotics, sage | Size: 2 oz | Scent: Unscented | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Available in five unique scents, this Myro deodorant relies on plant-powered ingredients to keep odors to a minimum. The formula is packed with skin soothers like aloe vera, probiotics, and sage, and we love that the ingredient list is short and free from potential irritants, like essential oils and synthetic fragrances. What else makes it stand out? The fact that it comes in refillable packaging. Each time the stick runs out, you can get a new insert rather than needing to repurchase the product and the packaging all over again. Also nice: the minimal ingredient list is great for those who experience sensitivity on their underarms.

What to Look for in Deodorants for Sensitive Skin

  • Ingredients: The most important thing to consider when buying a deodorant for sensitive skin is the ingredients. Ingredients like aluminum, fragrance, baking soda, and alcohol can all contribute to skin irritation (especially if you already have sensitive skin), so finding a formula that’s free from these ingredients is key. Instead, it’s wise to choose formulas that lean on more nourishing and gentle ingredients that help to fight odor.
  • Format: Deodorant sticks are the most common format, but you’ve got other options, too. If you prefer lightweight formulas that you can spritz on, try a spray deodorant. If you prefer a roll-on formula, you’ve got options there, too.
  • Scent: Fragrance-free deodorants are great for people with sensitive skin because synthetic fragrances and fragrances derived from essential oils can be irritating. However, if you can tolerate fragranced deodorant and prefer that, finding a scent that you love will add to the user experience.
FAQ
  • What common deodorant ingredients can be irritating for sensitive skin?

    “People with sensitive skin should avoid deodorants with fragrance as many people can find this reactive on the skin,” says Dr. Sitabkhan. “Parabens, which are preservatives often found in deodorants, can also cause contact rashes in some people.”

  • How can you test whether a deodorant is right for their skin?

    “Apply the deodorant to a small area of skin on the forearm and make sure no reaction occurs over the next 24 to 48 hours,” Dr. Sitabkhan says. “If anything happens, talk to a dermatologist.” 

Meet Our Experts

For this story, Byrdie interviewed two experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when searching for a deodorant for sensitive skin.

  • Dr. Amreen Sitabkhan, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist from U.S. Dermatology Partners North Dallas. 
  • Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City.

Why Trust Byrdie

Samantha Leal is a lifestyle and beauty journalist with more than 13 years of experience. She was trained by Mark/Avon Cosmetics as a makeup artist under their college ambassador program, and has been writing, editing, and reviewing makeup and beauty products ever since. 

Melanie Rud is a writer for Byrdie covering beauty and lifestyle product recommendations. She’s dedicated to learning the science behind products and personally vetting them herself.

Edited by
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Klotz, K., Weistenhöfer, W., Neff, F., Hartwig, A., van Thriel, C., & Drexler, H. (2017). The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure. Deutsches Arzteblatt international114(39), 653–659. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653

  2. Jacobs SW, Culbertson EJ. Effects of topical mandelic acid treatment on facial skin viscoelasticity. Facial Plast Surg. 2018;34(6):651-656. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1676048

  3. Babilas P, Knie U, Abels C. Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2012;10(7):488-491. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2012.07939.x

  4. Suzuki N, Nakano Y, Watanabe T, Yoneda M, Hirofuji T, Hanioka T. Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions. J Appl Oral Sci. 2018;26:e20170161. doi:10.1590/1678-7757-2017-0161

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Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/deodorant-for-sensitive-skin-11760532


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