These formulas will keep you fresh from head to toe
Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors.
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Deodorant is one of those skincare formulas that many of us refuse to go a day without. Despite our armpits getting a lot of attention in the deodorant aisles, they’re not the only body parts that can reap the benefits of a little odor control.
Whether you live in a hot and humid environment, have a dedicated and sweaty high-intensity workout regimen, or are just naturally prone to sweating from head to toe, whole-body deodorants can come in handy. Designed to address odor and sometimes even keep perspiration at bay, these formulas are the answer to staying fresh long after a morning shower.
Not sure which whole-body deodorant is best for you? Don’t sweat it (literally). Our PEOPLE Tested team tried nearly a dozen top-recommended formulas to find the best whole-body deodorants to keep you refreshed this summer and beyond.
While testing this formula from Secret, we applied it twice per day and found that it is most effective at targeting underboob sweat while working out. The aluminum-free deodorant has a fragrant lilac and waterlily scent that starts off super strong but fades after a few hours of wear.
Although we were impressed with how long it lasts — especially when faced with sweaty workouts — it was not effective for 72 hours like the product packaging claims. We think this is a great option for summer months and sweaty workouts alike. And, while we did have to apply it twice a day, the bottle lasts a long time, so it’s excellent value, too.
Type: Spray | Size: 3.5 ounces | Scents: Lilac and waterlily, peach and vanilla blossom
This spray from Dove is our top pick for the best whole-body deodorant for men because it’s the most versatile and effective of all the ones we tried. While it’s not the longest-lasting formula (we recommend Mando Bourbon Leather Smooth Solid Deodorant for that), we only needed to apply the Dove deodorant once per day after showering. We never needed to reapply, even in hot and sticky weather.
The deodorant spray is technically from the men’s collection, but it has a gender-neutral aloe and bamboo scent that smells fresh and clean. Albeit a bit strong at first, the scent softens throughout the day but doesn’t fully disappear, so you smell amazing from morning to night.
Since it sprays on clear and is quick-drying, it also doesn’t leave any streak marks on clothing, and we never felt that sticky residue that some body deodorant sprays are prone to.
Type: Spray | Size: 4 ounces | Scents: Aloe and bamboo, shea butter and cedar
If you prefer a stick deodorant and want something a tad more budget-friendly, give this formula from Shea Moisture a try. The whole-body stick deodorant features a coconut and hibiscus scent that invigorates the senses and helps mask bad odor on particularly sweaty days. Since it is a stick, the formula feels a bit heavier compared to some of the spray options on our list. Nonetheless, the application is just as easy, invisible, and effective.
Since it is a more budget-friendly option, it’s not as long-lasting as other options we tried. Because of that, we needed to reapply it three to four times throughout the day, so this is a better option for shorter periods of time, like a sweaty gym session or workout class.
Type: Stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Scents: Coconut and hibiscus
If strong scents bother you or you have sensitive skin, we recommend trying this Lume whole-body deodorant. Our tester tried the unscented option, but there are seven scents you can choose from, including soft powder, minted cucumber, and clean tangerine.
The stick deodorant provides an easy application; it glides across the skin like butter and feels lightweight and non-greasy. The formula isn’t designed to reduce perspiration, and we can confirm that it didn’t impact our sweat production. Instead, it’s meant to minimize body odor and is highly effective at doing so. While testing this formula out, we experienced benefits for up to 48 hours, which is quite exceptional for a body deodorant, though not as long as the packaging claims.
Type: Stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Scents: Unscented, minted cucumber, soft powder, clean tangerine, toasted coconut, lavender sage, peony rose, fresh alpine
When addressing body odor, you don’t actually need to apply a deodorant daily. Instead, opt for something a little longer-lasting, like the Mando Smooth Solid Deodorant.
While testing this formula, we were wowed by how well it reduces both sweat and odor — not something we experienced with other options on our list — and its long-lasting lifespan of 48 hours. Additionally, the whole-body deodorant has a smooth and lightweight texture that glides easily on the body and never feels sticky.
We tested the Bourbon Leather scent and loved the rich and musky mahogany scent. But you can also find this whole-body deodorant stick in three additional scents, plus an unscented formula for sensitive noses.
Type: Stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Scents: Bourbon leather, clover woods, Mt. Fuji, pro sport, unscented
Native is one of our favorite deodorant brands, so we honestly weren’t surprised that the whole-body deodorant spray had some wow factor. The spray comes in three light and fresh scents, including coconut and vanil -
la, cucumber and mint, and lilac and white tea.
Since it is a clean formula, we found it isn’t as long-lasting as some of the other options on our list and needed to be reapplied a few times throughout the day. Nonetheless, the clear spray makes application super easy, and we never had to worry about streaks or stains on clothing while reapplying.
This deodorant makes you feel instantly refreshed upon application. The formula is cooling, and the light scents invigorate the senses without causing irritation. And, while it doesn’t last as long as we would have liked, it’s effective at addressing sweat and odor, which isn’t always the case with whole-body deodorants.
Type: Spray | Size: 3.5 ounces | Scents: Coconut and vanilla, cucumber and mint, lilac and white tea
Deodorant isn’t always the most sensitive skin-friendly formula. So, if you’re on the hunt for a good one, try this cream body deodorant from Hello. The cream is not just sensitive skin-friendly; it’s one of the best options for reducing body odor in non-armpit areas, making it a great option for sweaty workouts, camping, moving, traveling, and more.
The cream is designed for every-other-day application and is most effective at reducing odor in non-armpit areas, like under the breasts and behind the knees. Despite its creamy consistency, it doesn’t streak clothing and goes on virtually undetected overall (minus the actual odor reduction).
Type: Cream | Size: 3 ounces | Scents: Clean and fresh, sweet coconut, lavender vanilla
When shopping for a whole-body deodorant, there are a few different types to consider. Lots of formulas come in a traditional solid stick design and usually have a creamy consistency that glides over the skin with ease. These are great for the underarms, backs of the knees, and other creases that are prone to sweat and odor.
If you want something a little more functional for full-body application, consider a spray, such as the Dove Men+Care Whole-Body Deodorant Spray or Secret Whole-Body Deodorant Spray, as these are a little easier to apply, are typically invisible, and can last a long time.
A cream formula like the Hello Clean + Fresh Cream All-Over Deodorant is also a great choice for all-over application. The consistency takes some getting used to (it feels more like applying sunscreen), but depending on the formula, it can last several days.
Although not necessary, scent provides an added layer of odor protection. If you have a sensitive nose (or skin), go with something unscented, like the Lume Solid Stick Whole-Body Deodorant. Otherwise, consider your scent preferences before choosing an aroma. You can go for a more gender-neutral scent with the Dove Men+Care Whole-Body Deodorant Spray, a woody aroma with the Mando Bourbon Leather Smooth Solid Deodorant, or go full floral with the Secret Whole-Body Deodorant Spray.
When it comes to longevity, whole-body deodorants all vary. To get the most out of a whole-body deodorant, Dr. Jeannette Graf, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, says to “choose a deodorant that will last throughout the day through sweating, especially if you’ll be exercising or you live in a hot climate.”
Some options, like the Hello Clean + Fresh Cream All-Over Deodorant and Mando Bourbon Leather Smooth Solid Deodorant, are longer-lasting and can provide protection against bad odor for days. Others, like the Native Whole-Body Deodorant Spray, need several applications throughout the day to keep sweat and stench at bay.
To find the best whole-body deodorants, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of formulas, focusing on cost-effective products with rave reviews from major and niche brands alike. We also considered a variety of formulations, including sticks, sprays, and creams, and consulted with customer reviews to narrow down our selections. After digging in deep, we landed on 11 whole-body deodorants and took them out for a sweaty, real-world spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best whole-body deodorants, Jessie began by reviewing the PEOPLE Tested team’s real-world insights to gain a better understanding of what went into the testing process and their experiences with each formula. Based on their results, she then narrowed down the top picks and selected superlatives for each based on some of their most note-worthy details. Jessie also reached out to gynecologists and dermatologists to learn more about what to look for in these formulas. As a result, she curated this list of the best whole-body deodorants.
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