I Tested Deodorants Throughout the Heatwave—These 12 Are Totally Sweatproof

I’m 32 years old and feel like I've spent most of my life on the hunt for the best deodorant. In my teens and early twenties, I’d buy whatever was on offer at the supermarket—usually something overly fragranced, overly drying and often ineffective. But as I’ve established a bodycare routine and become more aware of how ingredients affect my skin (especially my fairly sensitive underarms), I’ve taken a more considered approach. Plus, working as a beauty editor has meant I’ve had the opportunity to try a huge variety of formulas. Over the years, I've been able to establish what I do like (roll-on applicators, gel formulas, eucalyptus scents) and don't like (thick textures, powdery sprays and sweet fragrances), as well as what actually works for me.

This summer provided the ideal testing ground. We had not one but several heatwaves here in the UK and I've been regularly working out, walking everywhere, and attempting to navigate dressing in the thick humidity we've been left with. I’m not an especially sweaty person, but I do need a deodorant to keep me feeling fresh and comfortable—and ideally one that doesn’t feel sticky, irritate my skin, or leave residue and stain my clothes (my pet peeve).

I paid close attention to how each product held up: Did it stop odour? Did it feel comfortable on the skin? Did it leave any residue? I also factored in texture, fragrance options, ingredients (including whether or not they contain aluminium), and how well they worked with sensitive skin. Whether you’re looking for a natural formula, something clinical-strength, or just a reliable everyday option, the following list includes the deodorants I’d actually recommend after this sweaty summer road test.

What To Look For

When shopping for deodorant, it’s important to consider more than just the scent. Start with your skin type—if you’re sensitive, look for fragrance-free or alcohol-free options with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or cooling gel textures. If you sweat heavily, you might benefit from an antiperspirant with aluminium salts to block sweat glands, while those seeking a more natural option can opt for formulas with baking soda or magnesium—these are often aluminium-free deodorants. Texture and format also matter—gels, creams, balms, sticks and sprays all offer different application experiences, so it’s worth finding what feels most comfortable for you. Lastly, consider your lifestyle. Long workdays, intense workouts, or frequent travel might call for something with longer wear time or added odour protection.

The Best Deodorants for Women

1. Best Overall: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
2. Best Fragranced Deodorant: Salt & Stone Deodorant
3. Best Stick Deodorant: Phlur Deodorant
4. Best Luxury Deodorant: Malin + Goetz Deodorant
5. Best Sweat-Proof Deodorant: AKT The Deodorant Balm

1. Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel

Best overall

Nécessaire

The Deodorant Gel

Format: Roll-on

Fragrance Options: Eucalyptus, fragrance-free

Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, witch hazel, niacinamide, vitamin B5, chamomile

Aluminium-Free: Yes

I realised I'd finally found my perfect deodorant earlier this year when I used this during a trip to Australia. When you're hiking in the outback in 38°C and not feeling (or smelling) remotely sweaty, you know you've found a good one. I love that the light gel texture not only feels cooling and soothing, but is totally invisible and doesn't leave any unwanted residue or stain clothes. The eucalyptus scent is pleasantly fresh and not at all over-powering, but I also love the fragrance-free version, too.

Pros

• Gel formula
• Doesn't leave stains or residue
• Great for sensitive skin

Cons

• Fragrance-free version may be slightly less effective for strong perspiration days

2. Salt & Stone Deodorant

Best Fragranced Deodorant

Format: Stick

Fragrance Options: Neroli & Basil, Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Saffron & Cedar, Black Rose & Oud

Key Ingredients: Seaweed extract, probiotics, hyaluronic acid, naturally derived oils

Aluminium-Free: Yes

Sand & Stone's deodorant line up featured without a doubt the best-smelling options I tried. There are five scents to choose from (all incredibly potent and long-lasting) but my favourite was Santal & Vetiver—it smells chic and seriously expensive. Although I typically prefer a roll-on, the stick format has a balm texture which feels thin and silky on the skin so doesn't leave residue or dry skin out. Oh, and if you want to smell great from head to toe, I'm also hooked on their body sprays and body lotions.

Pros

• Long-lasting odor control, even in heat or exercise
• Sophisticated, clean scents that feel elevated and not overpowering
• Smooth, residue-free formula that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin

Cons

• Some users report mild irritation or breakouts
• A few noted occasional white residue or faint scent longevity issues in warmer climates

3. Phlur Deodorant

Best Stick Deodorant

Format: Stick

Fragrance Options: Vanilla Skin, Father Figure

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, arrowroot powder, zinc ricinoleate, algae extract, tamanu oil

Aluminium-Free: Yes

It only made sense that Phlur would expand from perfume and body mists into deodorants and they did so with two of their most crowd-pleasing fragrances, Vanilla Skin and Father Figure. These stick deodorants also have a silky, balm-like texture, which melts onto skin, and I found both scents to be long-lasting and effective at neutralising odour.

"I was instantly hooked on Phlur's deodorant sticks. I've tried both the Vanilla Skin and Father Figure scents and they are both heavenly," says Who What Wear's beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "Vanilla Skin is a subtly creamy, skin-like take on vanilla, while Father Figure is a refreshing take on fig that leaves you feeling fresh all day. The packaging is so luxe, too. The twist-up stick means it's great to throw in your bag for top-ups and the texture itself is buttery soft, effortlessly gliding onto the skin."

Pros

• Smooth and non-sticky balm texture that’s comfortable and undetectable on underarms
• Clinically tested for up to 48-hour odour protection
• BHA gently exfoliates and brightens underarm skin
• Great scents

Cons

• Some users find it doesn’t last all day and requires reapplication

4. Malin + Goetz Deodorant

Best Luxury Deodorant

Format: Stick

Fragrance Options: Otto, Eucalyptus, Bergamot

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, fatty acids

Aluminium-Free: Yes

I'm a huge fan of Malin+Goetz's candles and body care products, and the brand's deodorants tick a lot of boxes for me. I love the scents—Eucalyptus and Bergamot are both fresh and uplifting, while Otto is richer and more floral. What's more, the formulas are also really effective, thanks to odour-neutralising enzymes which offer long-lasting protection for up to 12 hours. Take it from me, these are heatwave-proof.

Pros

• Feels light, residue-free, and alcohol-free
• Ideal for sensitive skin or post-shave areas

Cons

• Some users say it doesn't control odour well enough, especially on sweat-heavy days

5. AKT London The Deodorant Balm

Best Sweat-Proof Deodorant

AKT London

The Deodorant Balm

Format: Cream

Fragrance Options: Multiple fragrance options and a fragrance-free offering

Key Ingredients: Natural oils, shea butter

Aluminium-Free: Yes

Although the application takes a little bit of getting used to and is admittedly messy, AKT's deodorants are definitely one of the most effective formulas I tried when it came down to reducing sweat and odour. AKT initially designed their deodorant balms to be used by performers, so they've been formulated to stand up against intensely hot and humid conditions. You only have the read the reviews to be converted.

Vousden is also a fan. "I was initially hesitant to try the AKT deodorants. I've long been committed to my Dove or Mitchum ones, but when I heard how much the rest of the Who What Wear UK team loved them, I knew I had to give it a try," she says. "And I'm so glad I did! While the cream formula takes a bit of getting used to, it dries down to a powdery finish and I was surprised by how well it kept my underarms feeling both dry and fresh throughout the day—even after a workout class. My favourite scent is After Thunder, which smells like the fresh air of a forest after a heavy downpour. I like that AKT designed these to be used all over the body, too."

Pros

• Balm texture that transforms into powder on the skin
• Multiple fragrance options

Cons

• Application can be messy without the Assistant applicator (sold separately)
• Only sold online

6. Glossier Deodorant

Best Refillable Deodorant

Format: Stick

Fragrance Options: Glossier You, Sandstone, Orange Blossom Neroli, fragrance-free

Key Ingredients: Elderberry extract, coconut oil, magnesium hydroxide

Aluminium-Free: Yes

Although it's a thicker, creamier formula than the other stick deodorants on this list, I did find that Glossier's deodorants didn't quite perform in particularly hot and sweaty conditions, but they do smell amazing. Glossier You is one of my favourite scents of all time and I love layering this deodorant with the perfume and body cream. I also love that these are refillable—given it's a product we all use on a daily basis, buying and throwing away deodorants can feel incredibly wasteful.

Pros

• No white marks or residue
• Subtle, elegant scent
• Refillable packaging

Cons

• Reports of breakouts or rash for some sensitive skin users after continued use

7. Dr. Hauschka Deodorant Roll-On

Best Natural Deodorant

Dr Hauschka

Deodorant Roll-On

Format: Roll-on

Fragrance Options: Rose, Sage Mint

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, zinc ricinoleate, sage extract, witch hazel, bentonite clay

Aluminium-Free: Yes

Another gel formula which feels incredibly cooling and soothing on the skin. I did find that this deodorant needed reapplying on particularly active days, but for daily wear it as perfectly fine. The Sage Mint scent was one of my favourites of all the ones I tried, it's subtle but a perfect mix of calming and refreshing.

Pros

• Gentle and non-irritating for sensitive underarm skin
• Light gel texture

Cons

• Not designed for sweaty days or workouts—some users note odour control fades before the day ends

8. Gem Skin-Loving Deodorant

Best Affordable Deodorant

Gem

Skin-Loving Deodorant

Format: Aerosol spray

Fragrance Options: Vanilla Macadamia, Coconut Vanilla, Santal, Cool Fresh

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, corn starch, willow bark, squalane, caffeine, oat extract

Aluminium-Free: Yes

If there's one thing I noted from writing this article it's that most of the innovation within deodorant NPD seems to be for stick and roll-on formulas. Aerosol sprays were much more old-school and tended to be quite irritating and prone to leaving residue and stains. The one exception I came across was this one from Gem, a new-to-the-UK Australian brand. Aside from the chic packaging and crowd-pleasing scents (try Santal!), it keeps me fresh and odour-free all day long and didn't leave marks on either my skin nor my clothes.

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Offers 48-hour odour and sweat protection
• Long-lasting scent

9. Aesop Deodorant Spray

Best Spray Deodorant

Format: Spray

Fragrance Options: Single botanical blend (vetiver, coriander seed, lemongrass)

Key Ingredients: Zinc ricinoleate, essential oils (vetiver, coriander, lemongrass, patchouli)

Aluminium-Free: Yes

If you prefer a spray but don't love an aerosol then this is a brilliant option. Not the most heavy-lifting deodorant if you are particularly sweaty or exercise frequently, but again a great everyday deodorant. It also basically doubles up as a body spray—I love the spicy, herbal scent.

Pros

• Earthy-herbal scent reminiscent of a natural perfume
• Refreshing spray application

10. Mario Badescu Deodorant

Best for Sensitive Skin

Format: Stick

Fragrance Options: Cool Mint, Cucumber & Sweet Mint, Sage & Cucumber

Key Ingredients: Ginger root oil, aloe vera, saccharomyces ferment

Aluminium-Free: Yes

This was my go-to for years and is still a firm favourite. It's a stick format, but the balm melts into a silky, invisible gel so it doesn't leave any residue. The scents are very fresh and subtle and the formula itself is definitely workout and heatwave-proof.

Pros

• Smooth to apply and gentle on skin
• Effective odour control for most users for up to 8 hours

Cons

• Not as effective on intense activity or hot days

11. Megababe Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant

Best Invisible Deodorant

Megababe

Rosy Pits Daily Deodorant

Format: Stick

Fragrance Options: Rosy Pits, Santal, Coco, Peachy

Key Ingredients: Saccharomyces ferment, willow bark extract, caffeine, squalane, colloidal oatmeal, coconut, arginine

Aluminium-Free: Yes

I remember the excitement when Megababe first launched into the UK—they were the first brand to really make deodorants that actually look good on your shelf. Of course their popularity is also down to the fact that this is a really good and really effective formula—I keep one in my gym bag. Again, the balm texture is very light and truly does melt onto the skin so I've never experienced any issues with residue or irritation.

Pros

• Skin-friendly, water-based formula glides doesn't leave residue or cause irritation
• Subtle fragrances

Cons

• May require reapplication by evening, especially in sweaty or hot conditions

12. Estrid Antiperspirant Roll-On

Best Roll-On Deodorant

Estrid

Antiperspirant Roll-On

Format: Roll-on

Fragrance Options: Petal (rose & peony), Wave (lavender & patchouli), Leaf (citrus herbal notes)

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic noni fruit extract, aloe juice, squalane, glycerin, botanical oils

Aluminium-Free: No

This option ticks a lot of boxes for me, namely because I was really impressed to see that Estrid had achieved a way to make refillable roll-on deodorants. The scents are very very subtle, truly barely there at all, but as an antiperspirant (in fact the only one on this list) this is a great option for anyone who is particularly sweaty.

Pros

• Clinical strength antiperspirant that controls both sweat and odour for up to 48 hours, even for hyperhidrosis sufferers
• Refillable
• Gentle on sensitive skin

Cons

• Some users experience issues getting product out of rollerball

How We Tested

To ensure each deodorant was thoroughly tested under real-life conditions, I personally used each product over several weeks (which included some intense UK heatwaves!). I assessed each deodorant’s effectiveness in controlling odour, managing sweat, longevity throughout the day, ease of application, skin feel and whether it caused any irritation. I also took note of the fragrance experience—both its initial scent and how well it wore over time. By putting each formula through high-pressure conditions like long work days, travelling and gym sessions, I was able to separate the ones that truly perform from those that simply promise to.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you. We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.