The Best Whole Body Deodorant for Head-to-Toe Freshness
These tackle odor everywhere.
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We all experience body odor. It’s just a part of life. The summertime can present an unwelcome challenge to keep odor under control. That’s why many people are beginning to look to whole body deodorants to keep them feeling fresh all over.
Whole body deodorant is designed to minimize smell in areas that wouldn’t typically get the attention of traditional deodorant. Unlike a deodorant for your underarms, “a whole body deodorant is designed for the skin around the groin, under the breast and even the soles of the feet,” says Omer Ibrahim, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. He notes that while most underarm deodorants are formulated to deal with sweat as well as scent, “whole body deodorants mostly work to cover up odors.”
We've rounded up the best options out there based on tests from the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab and thousands of consumer reviews. The result is the top brands on the market right now that you can trust to help you manage body odor everywhere.
Dove Beauty Whole Body Aluminum Free Invisible Deodorant Spray
Pros
- Long-lasting scent
- Not greasy or sticky
- Did not cause irritation
Cons
- Some found the scent to be too strong
Free of baking soda and aluminum, this deodorant spray is designed to control odor for up to 72 hours, according to the brand. The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab pros named it a top product in our Beauty Awards. Lab testers found that it felt comfortable on the skin, did not cause irritation over a two-week period and that it was effective in providing all day odor protection.
"The application was a breeze compared to other formulas (cream and stick)," Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann noted. "I liked that it dried fast and left no residue. The scent is very beachy, vacation-evoking and cooling." She added that when she did sweat, "I did not notice residue and the skin did not feel tacky. The scent is long-lasting. Though nice, the scent is a bit overpowering."
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Received top scores for odor control
Cons
- May take effort to remove residue when showering
An alternative option for those who aren't fans of stick or spray deodorants, this cream formula deodorant, when tested by our Lab, received top scores for odor protection and not irritating testers' skin. Many also found that it absorbed quickly and felt comfortable on the skin, though some noted that it left behind a powdery residue that required scrubbing in order to be removed when showering.
"I liked the odor control element of this product. I've switched from traditional deodorants to natural deodorants and always have a hard time finding one that really helps with odor control," one tester said.
Pros
- Not sticky
- Easy Application
Cons
- Didn't provide all day odor protection
A spray that won't leave behind a tacky, sticky residue, this deodorant has brand received rave reviews from both Amazon reviewers and GH testers. It was rated as top overall among our Beauty Lab round up of best aluminum free deodorants. Plus, several Amazon reviewers reported that it goes on smooth and masks odor well. Though, one tester noted that it was not as long-lasting as other similar products.
"I liked the scent and how it easily it applied," one tester shared about the unscented stick version. "I also had to reapply it throughout the day (which is typical of natural deodorants). If I only applied once, it didn't last through a full day or anything more strenuous than regular activity."
Pros
- Comes in 9 scents
- Keeps users dry
Cons
- Reviewers found initial scent unpleasant
With over 57,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and over 1,000 purchases in the last month, this whole body deodorant is an easy winner among Amazon reviewers. It comes in nine scents (clean tangerine, vanilla bliss, lavender sage, unscented, toasted coconut, soft powder, peony rose, minted cucumber and fresh alpine) and stick or cream options. Several have praised the product for its smooth application, comfortable feel on the skin as well as its ability to minimize body odor and keep the skin dry.
"I am pleasantly surprised at how well this works!" one reviewer said. "What enticed me was that it's female-owned and pH balances (which is why there is an initial funky smell; it contains mandelic acid, which is anti-fungal and helps with acne). This one actually keeps that under-boob (and other parts) dry!! This will be perfect for summer."
How we chose the best whole body deodorants
Chemists and experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab have years of experience testing and trying out several deodorant brands. For this story, whole body deodorants were evaluated for their ability to conceal odor, prevent sweat and their texture and feel on the skin. We landed on a combination of three products that have previously been tested in our Lab and a highly-rated consumer option.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This list was put together with help from our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab experts who have tested and evaluated thousands of beauty products, including deodorants.
Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins has a wealth of experience researching and writing and beauty and skincare content. She sorted through thousands of consumer reviews to find the best products. We also consulted Omer Ibrahim, M.D., F.A.A.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine for his expertise on deodorants.
