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Deodorant is arguably the personal care product we rely on most. Many of us are more apt to skip brushing our teeth than to leave the house without the swipe-swipe that's been part of every morning since puberty, which is why it's common to clamor for the best dermatologist-approved deodorant.
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We don't ask for much from those helpmates, only not to be unpleasant company to our colleagues and companions. But it's easy to be thwarted in even that humble goal by the number of products to choose from. Indeed, it can take some trial and error to figure out which ones really work, and work well for you.
However crowded the deodorant market is — and is it ever — it's still possible to winnow down the contenders to standouts that sop sweat, squash
Native is known as the deo that makes reluctant first-timers say, "Antiperspirant who?"
This pick is loaded with coconut oil (a rich, moisturizing
Your secret weapon for the sweatiest, stinkiest days, this sleek stick provides 24-hour odor protection. The formula leverages calming ginger root and bisabolol from German chamomile to soothe easily irritated skin.
We like the distinctive scents in this line, especially Redwood and Stone. Even better? The deodorant boasts more than 1,100 five-star ratings.
Buy it:
This one gets the nod from Dr. Graf as one of the best dermatologist-recommended deodorants for sensitive skin. Dove is known for pampering and moisturizing skin, and this product is no different.
Are you loyal to their super-popular antiperspirant, and the thought of breaking up with it makes you, well, perspire? Swapping in their deo is a seamless way to make the switch.
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Finding a fragrance-free deodorant isn't easy, let alone one that actually, you know, deodorizes.
This one, recommended by Dr. Graf, boasts gentle absorbents, such as arrowroot powder, and odor-protecting ingredients, including tea tree oil. It's also clinically proven to have 24-hour odor protection.
Bonus: The 100-percent PCR plastic packaging.
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This best deodorant pick comes from Dr. Om. Relying on natural mineral salts to work its fresh magic, this non-sticky glide-on won't leave streaks or white marks.
A winner of the Clean Label Project Purity Award and clocking more than 2,000 five-star reviews, it's also hypoallergenic and dries super fast.
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Dr. Graf is a fan of Schmidt's, pointing to their use of
"Degree 48-Hour works great, and the scent is so good," Dr. Mark says. "It gets me through long work days and the gym after. And unlike others, it doesn't stain my shirts."
He's not the only one who swears by this tried-and-true sweat-stopper. It has a 4.7-star average review on Amazon.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $3.18
What to Look for in a Deodorant
Now you know what deodorants dermatologists recommend. But if you prefer shopping on your own, here are some features to keep in mind:
1. Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant
"Deodorants and antiperspirants are two distinct products," Dr. Om says. "Put simply, deodorants fight odor, while antiperspirants fight sweat."
That funky smell is caused by bacteria mixing with sweat. Deodorants, which are considered cosmetic products, mask odor rather than reducing the amount of sweat you produce.
"Antiperspirants decrease sweating with salt ingredients, such as aluminum chloride. They are considered a drug, regulated by the FDA," Dr. Om says.
2. Ingredients
The ingredient that has caused the most controversy in antiperspirants is aluminum, once suspected of causing breast cancer and other health issues.
But a clear research link between aluminum-based antiperspirant use and breast cancer has not been found, according to the National Cancer Institute.
In fact, research has shown that armpit skin absorbs only a negligible amount of aluminum in the first place, per a September 2017 review in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International.
"Aluminum has been found to be quite safe," Dr. Graf says.
That said, people with actual aluminum allergies need to avoid the ingredient. Dr. Om further advises avoiding aluminum if you have compromised kidney function. (And for the record, "aluminum-free deodorant" is a meaningless term. Deodorants by their very nature do not contain aluminum.)
Another ingredient to watch for is baking soda. For some of us, baking soda can be irritating, Dr. Graf says. "It can also cause discoloration, which some people find alarming."
3. Fragrance
Coconut, musk, lavender, sea salt, fig, rose, nectarine, vanilla ... you get the idea! You can find deodorants in scads of scents.
And by the way, all three of our experts emphasized that fragrance is the one and only difference between "men's" and "women's" deodorants and antiperspirants (we use that language to reflect the companies' branding).
"The fragrances used in men's deodorants might be better at masking body odor, since men usually have a stronger odor," Dr. Graf says. "Nowadays, a lot of the newer deodorants are marketed as unisex and have fresh scents that everyone likes."
So don't let the gendered marketing thing complicate your choice. Just go with whatever product works for you, in whatever scent appeals.
4. Application Style
Deodorants and antiperspirants can be found as sticks, roll-ons, gels, sprays (both pump and aerosol), even crystals and creams you apply with your fingertips.
Solid sticks are by far the most popular, but the "best" form comes down to your personal preference (in other words, how you want to apply it.)
