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The best deodorants that actually keep you smelling fresh all day

What's the Best Deodorant for Women: 8 Australian Reviews - Lily Donaldson

We review our favourites

By Chelsea Tromans

Beauty Crew Contributing Editor / March 28 2019

If you had to pick the least exciting product in your beauty cupboard, it would have to be deodorant. It’s one of those products you probably just pick at random in the supermarket aisle without giving another thought to it...until you put it on and realise it doesn’t work. Yep, that’s the clear stench of B.O coming from you and your deodorant isn’t doing a thing about it.

It can take a lot of trial and error to find the one that works for you, but who has time for that?! While they’re not a huge investment thankfully, when you’re dealing with body odour, you don’t have time to wait it out.

So what is it you look for in a deodorant? Are you after the best smelling one or an unscented deodorant? Would you like an organic deodorant? A no-sweat deodorant or are you just in need of something to combat body odour? Where do you stand on roll on vs spray deodorant? Yep, there’s a lot more to consider about this beauty category than you originally thought.

Perhaps the most important thing, did you know there’s a big difference between a deodorant vs antiperspirant? Deodorants are formulated with antibacterial ingredients and fragrances, which are designed to mask body odour. Antiperspirants, however, are formulated to limit how much you sweat, which in turn reduces your production of odour-causing bacteria. You can read up more on how they both work in further detail over here (hint: there are pros and cons to both).

Ok, now that you’re better informed and have had a think about what you want out of your deodorant/antiperspirant, it’s time to help you find a goodie. We asked our Beauty Crew team and SUPERcrew members to share their thoughts on what is the best deodorant for women and the best antiperspirant for women in Australia, according to their own personal experiences. These are their antiperspirant and deodorant reviews.

#8 / Rexona Clinical Protection Antibacterial Defense Antiperspirant Deodorant

This antiperspirant stick provides 48-hour protection with the help of MotionSense™ technology that targets odour-causing bacteria. It is a clinical-strength antiperspirant that has a soft solid formula that is gentle on sensitive skin.

The review: “The best deodorant is the Rexona Clinical Protection Antibacterial Defense. Unfortunately, my underarms sweat at the press of the button, even in the cooler months. This is the only product that keeps them completely dry all day long and smelling great!” Alex, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $14.73

#7 / NIVEA Invisible for Black & White Clear Roll-On Deodorant

An antiperspirant, this formula goes on clear so you’ll never have any unsightly white stains showing up on your clothes. It protects against yellow sweat stains for up to 48 hours and has a delicate scent. This supermarket buy is free from alcohol and colourants.

The review: “It keeps me dry from the morning till night, even on really hot, high-humidity days. It's great if you are wearing any black or white tops as you won't see any white marks of deodorant. It is gentle on the skin even after shaving your underarms. I have been using it for a very long time now.” Amanda C, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $3.79

#6 / KIND-LY 100% Natural Deodorant

This deodorant combats the bad bacteria that forms under armpits with good bacteria in the form of probiotics to support a healthy microbiome. It also contains vegetable-based powders to soak up wetness and is formulated without aluminium, parabens or alcohol. This Australian brand has a range of five scents.

The review: “I have very sensitive skin so finding a deodorant that doesn't irritate me or cause any itch has been a long process of trial and error. The best I have found is KIND-LY. It is a 100 per cent natural deodorant that’s vegan, cruelty-free and Australian made. It is a roll-on formula which is soft and nourishing and comes in a small variety of pleasant essential oil scents. My favourite is Cyprus & Sandalwood. I really feel it keeps me protected and eliminates odour for the entire day. While it is slightly on the expensive side, the comfort and protection is well worth the investment.” Amanda G, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $18.95

#5 / Dove Original Clean Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

A dermatologically-tested cream-stick deodorant, this clinical-strength formula provides wetness protection while also treating your delicate underarm skin to Dove’s signature moisturising cream. The scent is clean and fresh and delivers up to 48 hours of antiperspirant protection. It also comes in a Cucumber & Green Tea scent.

The review: “This is moisturising with no white residue, and keeps me dry through my walk to work and stressful days. The smell is crisp and clean, and it feels nourishing.” Georgia, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $14.95

#4 / Sukin Natural Deodorant

Scented with tangerine, mandarin and lavender oils and vanilla, this aluminium-free natural deodorant also contains aloe vera, burdock and nettle extract to soothe skin post-shaving, while zinc helps prevent bacteria growth. What makes it’s really great is all the things you won’t find in it: sulphates, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, triethanolamine, mineral oils and parabens!

The review: “No aluminium and no parabens, plus a great spray bottle! Smells beautiful with natural essential oils and feels light and breathable on skin.” Milan, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $6.95

#3 / NIVEA Anti-Perspirant Stress Protect 48HRS

Available in a roll-on or aerosol formula, this is the best deodorant for sweaty women who need ultimate protection while they workout. The formula is enriched with a zinc complex that provides 48 hours of antiperspirant and antibacterial protection against sweat and body odour, including emotional sweating. It’s also alcohol-free.

The review: “NIVEA Stress Protect is the only deodorant that keeps me dry no matter how sweaty I get, and I sweat a lot! Odour control is amazing, I never need to worry about what the day throws at me. I’ve used this for years and can’t see myself ever changing.” Anne, SUPERcrew member

Cost: $6.59

#2 / Mukti Organics Botanique Deodorant

A certified organic deodorant, a combination of botanical ingredients and pure essential oils work together to neutralise odour without hindering your body from naturally releasing toxins. Not just a girls deodorant, the fresh, herbaceous scent of this spray-on makes it a great unisex option.

The review: “After researching natural deodorants for a story, I can’t bring myself to use anything with aluminium anymore…I have tried many natural alternatives and unfortunately there aren’t many that have staying power. I’m a big fan of this Mukti one, which relies on essential oils and botanical ingredients to help fight odour, sans nasties.” Toni Hynes, Who and New Idea’s Beauty Editor

Cost: $24.95

Dove Anti-Perspirant Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant

#1 / Dove Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

This antiperspirant deodorant keeps bad bacteria away, while also caring for your skin. And we all know how delicate our underarms can be, especially straight after shaving. This formula is made up of one-quarter moisturising cream with zero alcohol. As for sweat protection, it delivers 48 hours of coverage. If you prefer an aerosol formula, this deodorant comes in one as well. If you’re after the best-smelling deodorant, we can’t go past the refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea version of this, but there’s also Original, which has a delicate, clean scent; Pomegranate for a sweet, fruity fragrance; and Powder Soft for those after a floral, powdery scent.

The reviews: “Dove deodorant has always been my go-to. I have really sensitive skin and I find these formulas to be the most gentle and nourishing on the ol’ underarms. The Cucumber & Green Tea Deodorant would have to be my all-time fave – the scent is SO damn refreshing (it always makes me feel ready to take on the day), and the protection *actually* lasts throughout the whole day, right up to the end of a sweaty HIIT class in the evening!” Erin Docherty, Beauty Crew’s Beauty Writer

“Dove Antiperspirant Roll-On Deodorant Original is truly an oldie but a goodie. I’ve been using this deodorant for years and love the smell. When I was growing up, my nana always had Dove’s Beauty Cream Bar soaps in her bathroom and this deodorant has the exact same pretty, powdery, feminine scent as the soap so it always reminds me of her. I’ve also got quite sensitive underarms and unlike a lot of other deodorants I’ve tried, this one’s ultra-moisturising formula doesn’t irritate my skin.” Isobel Larkin, Beauty Crew’s Beauty Assistant

“I’ve had a lot of trouble in the past finding a deodorant that doesn’t irritate my sensitive underarms. Since using this deodorant I no longer get any red bumps or irritation, not even after having just shaved. I am obsessed with the Cucumber & Green Tea scent - it’s so light and fresh - but I also like the Original because the fragrance is so minimal that I don’t feel like it clashes with my perfume.” Chelsea Tromans, Beauty Crew’s Contributing Editor

Cost: $3.89

Besides a good deodorant, these are the beauty products you need post-workout.

What’s your favourite deodorant? Tell us what you love about it in the comment section below.

Main image credit: Getty

Chelsea Tromans

Chelsea is BEAUTYcrew’s Contributing Editor. She has a sweet spot for anything that claims to make skin glow and won’t leave the house without a slick of mascara. Chelsea has 10 years of experience as a beauty editor and her words can be found on BEAUTYcrew, Women’s Health, Daily Addict, The Joye and Primped.