The 8 Best Whole-Body Deodorants for Every Skin Type
If you’ve shopped for a deodorant recently, you might have noticed that your regular underarm deodorant is sharing shelf space with whole-body deodorants. These sticks, creams, sprays, and wipes promise to keep your various body parts (not just your armpits) free of excess sweat and odor.
But are they actually necessary? Maybe, maybe not — like many health and beauty products, it depends on your skin type, activity level, and personal tolerance for body odor. “Whole-body deodorants can help limit moisture and bacteria buildup in areas like the armpits, under the breasts, and the inner thighs, feet, and groin, which means they best benefit people who are active or live in a warm or humid climate and want to maintain freshness throughout the day,” says Melanie Palm, MD, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in San Diego. Whole-body deodorants can also be helpful for people with skin folds or hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating, she adds.
Because deodorant is a subjective choice, there’s a lot to consider before picking a whole-body deodorant. We researched more than a dozen popular whole-body deodorants, consulted with dermatologists, and found our top eight picks based on effectiveness, ingredients, value, and safety.
Our Top Picks for Whole-Body Deodorants
- Best Solid: Lume Whole Body Deodorant
- Best Spray: Native Whole Body Deodorant
- Best Wipes: Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes
- Best Cream: Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream
- Best for Women: Secret Whole Body Sensitive Deodorant Cream
- Best for Men: Old Spice Total Body
- Best Budget: Hello All Over Deodorant Cream
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Dove pH Balancing Whole Body Deo
When to Consult a Doctor
If you’re applying underarm and whole-body deodorant but you feel like it’s not helping, you might want to see a healthcare provider. Body odor can often be improved by dietary and lifestyle changes, but in some cases, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
“A super sweet and strong body odor could be a sign of blood sugar irregularities, while a bleachlike scent could be an indication of a liver or kidney problem,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto.
If your body odor is negatively affecting your quality of life to the point that it keeps you from participating in activities or socializing with others, it’s time to make an appointment with a provider, Dr. Yadav says. You should also check with a provider if body odor is a new problem for you or your normal body odor has suddenly changed or worsened.

Best Solid
Lume Whole Body Deodorant
Pros
- Smooth, creamy application
- Hydrating
- Long lasting
- Unscented, fragrance-free option
Cons
- May be messy to apply
- Some scented options may not appeal to all
- Contains AHA, so you may need additional sun protection
An ob-gyn invented Lume for use near the vaginal area — and the company says that you can apply it to your vulva. But Yadav recommends sticking to external use only to avoid irritation. Lume Whole Body Deodorant is available in several scents, plus an unscented formula for people with sensitive skin or who don’t want to smell like anything.

Best Spray
Native Whole Body Deodorant
Pros
- Easy-to-use spray
- Aluminum-, baking soda-, talc-free
- Ozone-friendly propellant
- 12 scented options
- Transparent about ingredients and what they do
Cons
- May sting or burn on application
- No unscented version
Fans of Native's solid sticks for underarms will appreciate how easy it is to apply their favorite deodorant with the Native Whole Body Deodorant spray. It’s formulated with just six ingredients and is free of talc, baking soda, and aluminum.
Since Native Whole Body Deodorant spray contains alcohol, it may sting or burn when applied to broken skin or recently shaved areas. It’s available in 12 scents, including cucumber and mint, sandalwood and shea butter, and lilac and white tea. However, there’s no unscented version, so this may not be the best option for people who are sensitive to fragrances.

Best Wipes
Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes
Pros
- Convenient wipes when on the go or traveling
- Aluminum-, baking soda-, talc-, paraben-free
- Won’t dry or irritate your skin
- Mild scent
Cons
- Not as economical as a solid or cream
- May easily rip or tear
- May cause sun sensitivity
We especially appreciate that Lume's wipes are easy to use and carry around, and that they come in a mild cucumber scent. That said, wipes aren’t the most economical way to deodorize your body — you can go through them pretty quickly if you’re covering a larger area. Wipes can also tear easily, so you may use more than one in a session.

Best Cream
Little Seed Farm Deodorant Cream
Pros
- Absorbs and dries quickly
- Made with organic ingredients
- Aluminum-, baking soda-free
- Includes a hygienic scooper
- Comes in a glass jar with a recyclable metal lid
Cons
- Not a lot of product for the price
- Essential oils may be irritating
Little Seed Farm is a family-owned company that makes sustainable skin-care products, and its Deodorant Cream is one of its most popular options. Not only are these little cream pots adorable but they are also made of organic ingredients and are free of aluminum, GMOs, and baking soda. There’s an unscented option and seven scented versions, including lavender, grapefruit lemon, cedar vanilla, and rose. All of the creams are made with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
As much as we love this item, you don’t get a ton of product here, so this might not be the best choice for allover deodorizing. But what you do get works well. Our research found that this deodorant was easy to apply, dried quickly and absorbed into skin, and blocked odors well.

Best for Women
Secret Whole Body Sensitive Deodorant Cream
Pros
- Cream helps with precise application
- Can protect against chafing
- Aluminum-, baking soda-, paraben-free
Cons
- Scent may be strong
- Contains AHA, so you may need additional sun protection
The cream format allows you to apply it exactly where you need it (under a bra strap or on that spot where one thigh rubs against the other when you exercise). The neutral, soapy scent doesn’t scream “I’m wearing whole-body deodorant,” and the formula can provide some protection against chafing.

Best for Men
Old Spice Total Body
Pros
- Neutral scents that don’t overpower
- Cools on contact for use after workouts
- Aluminum-, talc-, phthalate-, paraben-free
- Ozone-friendly propellant
Cons
- Applicator doesn’t always function properly
- May sting or burn on application
This spray deodorant does all that without potentially irritating ingredients like talc, baking soda, or aluminum. Users like the scents (vanilla, cucumber and avocado, and lavender and mint) and the length of time they remain odor-free. As with other alcohol-based products, it may sting or burn initially on application.

Best Budget
Hello All Over Deodorant Cream
Pros
- Most affordable on our list
- Aluminum-, baking soda-, paraben-, dye-free
- Contains moisturizing jojoba oil
- Lightweight, nongreasy
Cons
- May not last long
- May cause sun sensitivity
Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in quality to stick to your beauty budget, but that’s not true for Hello All Over Deodorant Cream. Dr. Palm says that this pick is a great, affordable option that’s also aluminum-free and appropriate for sensitive skin — and we agree. Not only is this whole-body cream cheaper than many of its competitors but it’s also formulated with mild, neutral fragrances.
As for ingredients, Hello contains nourishing jojoba oil to help your skin feel soft and smooth while fighting odors, plus mandelic acid and lactic acid for reducing the amount of odor-causing bacteria on your skin. Since this contains AHA, keep in mind that you may need additional sun protection if you’re using it on exposed areas.
We also like that there are no dyes, baking soda, or parabens; it’s certified vegan; and it has a creamy, nongreasy texture with quick absorption.

Best for Sensitive Skin
Dove pH Balancing Whole Body Deo
Pros
- Unscented, fragrance-free
- Aluminum-, baking soda-, paraben-, alcohol-free
- Contains 1.25 percent lactic acid to fight odor
- Rubs in clear
Cons
- Doesn’t last as long as some other products
- Contains AHA, so you may need additional sun protection
This deodorant is free from aluminum, baking soda, parabens, and alcohol, making it even more suitable for sensitive skin. We also like that it’s a cream deodorant, giving you the most control over where you apply it and exactly how much you use.
Comparison Table
- Cornstarch, mandelic acid to fight odor
- Hydrating ingredients
- Neutral scents
- Denatured alcohol to kill odor-causing bacteria
- Unscented
- 1.25 percent lactic acid to fight odor
How We Chose the Best Whole-Body Deodorants
Next, we consulted with these dermatologists about how whole-body deodorants work, including what makes them different from underarm deodorants, why so many of them are marked aluminum-free, and which ingredients could be irritating to sensitive skin:
- Geeta Yadav, MD
- Melanie Palm, MD
- Amy Huang, MD, of Medical Offices of Manhattan
From there, we narrowed down our options and sorted them into categories, selecting deodorants that are easy to apply, available at multiple retailers, and safe for most skin types, as well as products that receive generally good ratings and feedback from online reviewers.
What to Look for When Buying Whole-Body Deodorants
If you’re not sold on any particular whole-body deodorant, start by thinking about a few specifics when you’re choosing between types and brands. This will help you figure out which whole-body deodorant will fit best in your routine or lifestyle.
Where you need it: There isn’t one single whole-body deodorant that works better than others, says Yadav, but you’ll get the best results by thinking about where you want to apply it. A cream deodorant is messier to apply to feet than a spray, stick, or wipe. On the other hand, you could use up several wipes trying to cover a lot of your body; in that case, a spray might be more economical.
Ingredients: Because whole-body deodorants are used on multiple parts of your body, Palm says that it’s important to find a formula without additives like parabens, dyes, and fragrances that may be irritating. Also, pay attention to the ingredients used to absorb moisture and reduce odors. “I would opt for whole-body deodorants that use cornstarch or zinc to absorb moisture and formulas that kill odor-causing bacteria instead of masking it with fragrance,” says Palm.
Convenience: Consider where you’ll be using your deodorant. A spray works well if you need a deodorant that can be tossed in your purse or gym bag, while a stick or wipe might be better for discreet application in an office bathroom.
Scent: This is totally personal, so think about how strong you want your deodorant’s scent to be. Most deodorants come in a variety of scents, so make sure you choose one that you like or is unscented.
Duration: If you work long hours or work outside, you might need a product with the potential to last 72 hours. But if you just want an occasional touch-up after exercising, maybe you can get away with a milder formula that lasts less than a day.
Value: You’ll probably use up whole-body deodorant faster than underarm deodorant, so think about how much you’re willing to spend and how much product you’ll need. Sticks and creams usually last the longest. Wipes can run out quickly, and spray bottles don’t always let you use the exact amount you want.
How Is Whole-Body Deodorant Different From Underarm Deodorant?
Most whole-body deodorants are only deodorants, not antiperspirants. An antiperspirant prevents you from sweating excessively by blocking the sweat ducts just under your skin. By stopping sweat, you also stop the growth of odor-causing bacteria, so antiperspirants work on multiple levels — keeping you dry and eliminating odors.
What Whole-Body Deodorants Are Safe for Sensitive Skin?
There are two things to consider if you have sensitive skin: application method and ingredients. Whole-body deodorant sticks are usually less irritating than wipes, sprays, and creams, says Dr. Huang. Wipes may be too harsh for people with sensitive skin, and creams can clog pores. Also, keep in mind what other sensitivities you may have. “Sprays can irritate the respiratory tract for people with asthma or other respiratory disorders,” Huang says.
Choose a product that doesn’t contain fragrances, dyes, baking soda, or other harsh and drying ingredients. Deodorant works in part by disrupting the pH balance of your skin, which can be especially bothersome for people with sensitive skin. Yadav suggests looking for a formula with soothing and conditioning ingredients to counteract that effect, like anti-inflammatory niacinamide or moisturizing panthenol, dimethicone, or shea butter.
FAQ
Some people worry that exposure to aluminum in antiperspirants may increase their risk for cancer, particularly breast cancer, but there’s no credible evidence that this is true. Multiple studies have found no link between antiperspirants and cancer of any kind.
Why Trust Everyday Health

Sarah Bradley
Author
Sarah Bradley is a freelance writer who has been creating online health content since 2017. Her work has included personal essays about parenting and homeschooling, as well as reported features on pregnancy, women's health, and child health. She's also worked as a commerce writer who has reviewed a wide range of health products, including toothbrushes, mattresses, and pacifiers.
As someone who looks for trustworthy internet advice when trying to solve her own health problems or resolve family dilemmas, Sarah takes her job researching and writing reliable health and parenting content seriously. Her goal is always to present accurate information in a friendly, easy-to-understand way.
Her work has been featured in Women's Health, Verywell Health, The Bump, O, the Oprah Magazine, BabyCenter, and Parents, among others.
She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband and three sons.
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