15 Best Deodorants for Teens, According to Dermatologists’ Tips
Deodorant is a crucial part of your daily beauty routine, although it's often overlooked in favor of more glamorous steps, such as hairstyling products, body lotion, and makeup. But it's time for deodorant to have its well-deserved moment in the spotlight!
For years, there were only a handful of deodorants available, primarily at drugstores. (And they all smelled like baby powder!) Today, however, there are so many great options to choose from, ranging from all-natural deodorants made without aluminum or baking soda to ultra-strength sweat blockers that keep you dry for days.
Navigating the deodorant aisle at your favorite store can be confusing and overwhelming at first, especially if you've never worn deodorant before — that's why we've tapped the experts to know exactly what to look for in a deodorant and answer your most pressing questions about deodorants for teens.
Meet the experts- Caren Campbell, MD, board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco
- Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology
Dr. Campbell suggests that younger tweens and teens who haven't yet gone through puberty and aren't experiencing body odor or excessive sweating may start with a deodorant rather than an antiperspirant. “Once puberty has occurred and sweat and odor become more of an issue, consider an antiperspirant or combination of antiperspirant and deodorant,” she adds.
What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, anyway? When we say “deodorant,” we're typically using it as a catch-all term that includes antiperspirant, though the two are technically different. “Think of body odor as a kitchen with an unwelcome smell from something on the stove,” says Dr. Gohara. “You wouldn’t just light a candle and call it a day, you’d turn off the stove, right?” That’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorants are “odor neutralizers,” while antiperspirants are “sweat stoppers," she explains.
Rest assured that there's definitely a deodorant formula for you — it may just take a little trial and error to find the right one. “Managing body odor isn't just about smelling good," says Dr. Gohara. "It's about feeling confident in your skin, even when it's changing.”
Ahead, we've answered all your pressing questions about deodorants and rounded up the 15 best deodorants for teens that are non-spray, including all-natural formulas, the best-smelling deodorants, and a few dermatologist picks.
Deodorants FAQsWhat’s the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?
According to Dr. Campbell, the big difference is that antiperspirants contain aluminum salts to help plug the sweat ducts, which in turn helps reduce sweat. Deodorants, she says, work by “decreasing bacterial growth or masking odor with fragrance,” but they don’t stop sweat. “These products are very likely to contain fragrance given it's helpful to mask odor, but if you're sensitive to skincare products, it's best to stick to fragrance-free formulas.”
Why does body odor happen in teens?
“Puberty brings a lot of newness: voice changes, growth spurts, and yes, unwelcome body odor,” says Dr. Gohara. “It’s totally normal because sweat glands — specifically apocrine glands — kick into high gear during puberty.” When that sweat mixes with bacteria, B.O. is born.
In addition to using an antiperspirant or deodorant to fight body odor, Dr. Campbell says good hygiene is essential, including showering daily and washing the underarms with soap and water using your hands, not a loofah or a washcloth. Dr. Gohara adds that wearing breathable fabrics like cotton can help reduce sweat and odor.
What does “natural deodorant” mean?
Words like “natural” and “clean” aren’t regulated, so any brand can use them. In general, what brands refer to as “natural deodorants” are typically deodorants that don’t contain aluminum salts. Many are formulated with baking soda, though Dr. Campbell flags that baking soda can cause dryness and irritation.
Why is my deodorant irritating my skin?
This happens! You may have to try a few formulas to find your perfect fit. Dr. Campbell says that some patients experience irritation from excess sweat while using aluminum-free deodorants; the increase in sweat allows for more bacterial and fungal overgrowth.
You may also be experiencing an allergy to something in the product, whether it’s an ingredient or the fragrance. Switching to a fragrance-free option can help, as can taking a break for a few days to see if the symptoms return. If so, time to move on.
Do I need a deodorant formulated with AHAs?
AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, are known for their exfoliating power. Both Dr. Gohara and Dr. Campbell say they’re definitely not a requirement in deodorants for teens, and sensitive skin types should stay away. However, AHA-based formulas can help visibly even skin tone if you’re dealing with underarm hyperpigmentation.
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