Finding a deodorant that actually works shouldn’t be this difficult, but somehow it is. Every brand claims “72-hour protection,” “never stains,” “keeps you fresh all day,” and then you use it once and start questioning your life choices. I went through way too many options, compared the formulas, and narrowed everything down to a few clear winners.

These aren’t sponsored picks. Just the ones that consistently perform and don’t leave you embarrassed halfway through the day.

Best Overall for Women: Secret Clinical Strength

If you want something that actually holds up during real life — not just sitting in an air-conditioned room — Secret Clinical Strength is the safest choice. It’s designed for stress sweat, heat sweat, workout sweat… basically all the situations where regular deodorants give up.

Why It Works Well:

• Strong protection that holds up in heat and activity
• Invisible formula
• Several scents, including sensitive-skin options
• Dermatologist-designed
• Claims up to 72 hours of protection
• Usually affordable

Things to Consider:

• Contains aluminum
• Not a natural formula
• Uses a ball applicator

If you don’t care about “all natural” and just want something that works every time, this is the most reliable option.

Best Overall for Men: Degree UltraClear

Degree UltraClear is pretty similar to Secret Clinical Strength in terms of performance, but it’s designed to avoid staining black and white clothing — which is a huge deal if half your wardrobe is neutral basics.

Why It Works Well:

• Strong protection that lasts through workouts
• MotionSense formula that activates when you move
• No white marks or shirt stains
• Reliable 72-hour protection

Things to Consider:

• Contains aluminum
• Not natural
• Scent can be strong if you’re sensitive

If you want something powerful but clean on clothing, this is the best option.

Best Natural Deodorant: Schmidt’s

Most natural deodorants smell good for five minutes and then completely disappear. Or worse — they leave you smelling worse than before. Schmidt’s is the rare one that actually works all day, has clean ingredients, and doesn’t leave white streaks everywhere.

Why It Works Well:

• No white marks
• Goes on dry, not gel
• Strong all-day scents
• Clean ingredients
• Doesn’t have that “natural deodorant smell” after a few hours

Things to Consider:

• Expensive compared to regular deodorants

If you want a natural option without sacrificing performance, this is the one to get.

Deodorant Comparison Chart