Which deodorant really works?

[Elizabeth]

I feel like a freak, but I find that most deodorants I've tried only work so-so on me. Do you guys have any recommendations for ones that really work?

[shopaholic]

I have heard good things about certain dry Its in a box on the very bottom shelves in the deo section. I haven't bought a bottle because I was a little scared by its "presentation" since it doesn't "look" like normal deo.

I am using BAN right now (they are newer scents/formula in a bright neon green tube) and it works VERY VERY well!

[Chris'slady]

I 'am a SECRET and a DOVE fan....... They are so soft and smell good, and keep me dry all day.

[shopaholic]

I do like secret & dove too, but I notice that I have to switch up my deodorant every once in a while beceause it seems to stop working!

[lawyerlee]

I love my Dove Invisible Solid.

[jlp]

Don't feel like a freak, Elizabeth. I think it's more common than you might realize.

I've had issues with deodorant for a few years now. I've tried every kind of women's deodorant, and most men's. I've even gotten a prescription deodorant from the dr., but it causes awful rashes, and I can't wear it.

I'm afraid the only thing I can suggest is to talk to your doctor. The prescription deodorant did work, but the rashes (for me) were too much to bear.

Good luck, and certainly pass it along if you find a good one. I'm still on the search!! :)

[amyloo]

I'm a dove girl, but I have used Certain Dry in the past.

You put it on at night before you go to bed and it shinks the pores so there is less room for sweat to come out. (That would be the non-medical explanation) ;)
After I put it on it made my underarms itch while it dried. Make sure you don't shave before you apply because it stings like the dickens if you do!

It worked very well for me and I only use it occasionally when my regular stuff seems to give out. Hope that helps!

[Rancid13]

I love my Dove Invisible Solid.

Same here!! :) I use the fresh and original clean scents. I reapply before I workout (at the end of the workday) for extra deoderant/antiperspirant protection.

[nektarine]

i've had similar problems finding a reliable deodorant/antiperspirant, and i usually end up going back to Old Spice in the invisible solid. i also like secret platinum, when i get sick of OS's musky scent.

what has NOT worked at all:
Tom's of Maine, roll-on
Ban
Degree
the new Adidas deo/anti-pers. that is aluminum-free.

[tippy]

CertainDri definitely works. I use that at night and Arrid in the morning just for the scent.

[WisWis]

Secret Platinum works well for me, and it smells really good too. DH told me that I smelled nice the other day and the only thing I was wearing was deoderant.

[jennylou]

Another Dove girl here. :)

[stella24]

... and another Dove girl! :)

[kugrrly]

I am another CertainDri user. It has been great in the humid kansas heat!! I use Secret during the day.

[TracieB]

Unfortunately, I know a lot about deodorants. I'm a sweat-er (ha!) and have tried everything under the sun to try and control it.

Right now I'm using the Adidas 24-hour Control stuff. I know that's not the technical name, but I'm at work and don't have it with me! It works pretty well and was ranked "Best Beauty Buy" or something like that in Redbook.

I was really nervous about sweating too much during our wedding, so I got a prescription for Drysol and it was FABULOUS. Worked like a charm! I've tried Certain Dry as well and it works well, but you can't wear it everyday.

I keep telling my hubby that I'm going to Botox my armpits one of these days, but that seems so drastic ;)

[Elizabeth]

Since a lot of people voted for Dove, I tried it. It works so far! And today was a hot day in L.A.! Thanks guys!!!

I had never tried Dove before b/c it seemed like a wimpy deodarant to me. Like the 1/4 moisturizing cream would take away from the active ingredients. But I was wrong! I would have never tried it if it weren't for you guys!

[paiger]

I use Unscented Men's Mitchum. It works pretty well for me, but the end of the bottle must break down or something b/c I can tell when it stops working. I can't get through a bottle of it completely.

I sweat lots, except unless I'm working out it isn't a dripping sweat. But, I get a 'pitty wet' feeling that includes a smell. Women's deoderants like Dove, Suave, Secret, etc do absolutely nothing for me. It's like I have lotion on or something. I am VERY self-conscious about it, b/c it happens even when I'm cold.

I want to speak to my dermatologist about it, but hypersweating (or whatever it's called) isn't covered by my insurance. I'm already on expensive acne medication, so I can't imagine adding a full cost prescription deoderant to the list of med costs!!

[laurenc]

I like Burt's Bees deodorant. It's pricey but it seems to last much longer than any other deodorant I've used. It smells like sage, which I like, and it's a spray, so I don't get clumpy deodorant chunks on my shirts. In terms of it working... it seems to do a pretty good job, and I sweat a lot (I'm always running around from one place to another, and when I teach I'm always anxious!!!).

[LRL]

I also switch between Secret Platinum Unscented and Mitchum unscented.

[JRPAGV]

I was using Dove Invisible Solid and Lady Speed Stick Invisible Dry. Both work well, but the Lady Speed Stick one started leaving white residue all over the outside of my dark-colored shirts. I just switched back to Secret Platinum Invisible Solid and it works great and smells nice. Haven't tried it with dark shirts, but I don't remember having a problem with it before. Oh, I currently have the Ocean Breeze scent.

ETA: The Secret Platinum Invisible Solid also goes on easier. It feels more moisturizing than the others.

[Heidi9771]

CertainDri definitely works. I use that at night and Arrid in the morning just for the scent.

I do as well. Certain Dry should be used by everyone. It is truely a miracle! Also, I noticed that when I started using it, not only did I stop sweating, the discoloration under my arms vanashed!

[Clattercote]

I use the Thai deodorant crystal from the health food store - I know it may sound a bit odd but here's what happened - I was sweating profusely, staining every shirt I had and nothing worked. Tried Mitchum's and tried some of the prescription strength and they did truly dry me up, but also gave me hives - :( So clearly that wasn't going to work -

But I read somewhere (a Martha Stewart mag in the dr's office, perhaps?) that aluminum chloride containing deodorants can, in some people, actually worsen the sweating and staining - it really depends on your body chem. So the suggestion was to switch to non-aluminum chloride - the only place those are sold is health food stores, at least in my area. I was dubious but tried it - the crystal not only worked (I have NO stains on any of my clothes now, and no odor), but it lasts forever - I bought one two years ago that I am still using though I'm almost through it.

So anyway, that's something that might work for some people -

[Katy]

If you're talking straight deodorant, like many of you, I'd find one that starts out working and then stops. About six or so months ago, I found Lush's AromaCream (http://usa.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/2170?expand=:upd=y) and it's been GREAT! It's aluminum-free, so no smudges and such left. And it's natural (for the most part) so it smells yummy. Now it's not an antipersperant so it won't keep you "dry" but it will keep you odor-free from morning to night.

The only drawback to this particular product is it can lead to the "pits of fire" where you break out in an itchy, burning rash (lovely, I know), but I'm talking from experience, if you wait just a bit after shaving, you'll get used to it. It stopped bothering me after the first month and now I can apply it right out of the shower with no problem.

It might seem pricey, but it lasts a looong time. I bought an $11 chunk in early May (I was shopping with friends after a "function" so I remember) and I still have 2/3 of it left. So it's well worth the initial cost.

Hope this helped...

[PaisleySloan]

I'm having another issue here. Deodorant stains. I have the cutest purple cotton tank that I love. You can imagine my horror when I removed it from the dryer today only to find the pits were stained. :eek: The kicker is that I've been rotating between several different deodorants lately, and I have no idea which one is the culprit. I'm not thrilled with any of them, so I'll probably buy a brand that I don't own already.

Any suggestions?

[sublime311]

I'm a Secret girl (original formula), but may try Dove since so many recommended it.

[HeatherFL]

I use CertainDri too! Very happy with it. I put Dove over for the scent (very light scent).

~H.

[andrew&shannah]

I use CertainDri too! Very happy with it. I put Dove over for the scent (very light scent).

Me too! Dove also helps prevent the skin from drying out since CertianDri can sometimes dry my skind out.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I do like secret & dove too, but I notice that I have to switch up my deodorant every once in a while beceause it seems to stop working!

I use the same two brands and have the same issue!! I also noticed that when it goes out I stink more than if I put nothing on at all. We have some Dove Spray Deodorant that I use 1/2 way through the day at work.

I'm having another issue here. Deodorant stains.

I watched on the view that it is Deodorant that causes the pit stains in your shirts. I think they used Baking Soda to get it out.

Some times for a refresher I use the antibacterial lotion from Body Works. My husband and ex-boyfriend actually commented that I smelled really good when I wore it. (Who knows... I also was told that I smell really good when I accidentally flung Italian dressing in my hair.)

[HeatherFL]

My ex-husband got stains on some of his shirts so we called the deodorant company and they told us to soak them in vinegar. It worked!

~H.

[PG-rated]

Add me to the list of Dove ladies. :)

[Elizabeth]

Dove's stopped working for me already. :rolleyes: Maybe I'll try Secret next. I tried it years ago and it didn't work, but maybe it's better now. Sure used to always work for me, and I got some recently and it didn't work! :( What's wrong with me!

[ysolde]

Deodorant (not anti-perspirant) -- Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass Creme Deodorant. Smells great, works all day, no burning, and no stains on anything.

[Leia]

Seriously, buy the Certain Dri. Use it (overnight) for a week, and then use something else for everyday, but keep it in your cabinet periodic use as necessary. It's a miraculous thing.

[MrsSmith]

Deodorant (not anti-perspirant) -- Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass Creme Deodorant. Smells great, works all day, no burning, and no stains on anything.

I have heard this so many times. I haven' tried it yet, but I just have to know what everyone is talking about.

[Elizabeth]

Deodorant (not anti-perspirant) -- Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass Creme Deodorant. Smells great, works all day, no burning, and no stains on anything.

But if it's not an a/p, do you still get sticky? How much is it?

[PaisleySloan]

Some times for a refresher I use the antibacterial lotion from Body Works. My husband and ex-boyfriend actually commented that I smelled really good when I wore it. (Who knows... I also was told that I smell really good when I accidentally flung Italian dressing in my hair.) Interesting! I'm going to try that as well. The antibacterial lotion, not the Italian dressing :p

Katy, I'm heading to the Promenade today and I'm going to pick up some of that Lush! Sounds yummy!

I bought some Dove and I'm putting it to the test! I do have Certain-Dri, but I only use it at night because it said to on the label and well, I'm a dork so I listened.

I'm going to try some of the suggestions for removing the pit stains. On the purple tank, it just kind of bleached out the color. We'll see if any of those solutions work.

I'm telling you, whoever invents a deodorant that is actually invisible, protects you from wetness, and doesn't stain will make a KILLING!

[ysolde]

But if it's not an a/p, do you still get sticky? How much is it?

I don't get sticky, but I am not outside much. I think it's about $16, and a bottle lasts about 6 months.

[Brandy]

I have used Dove Soft Solid for a few years and just switched to the Dove Silk Soft Solid (so much nicer!). Everything has caused my arm pits to break out and itch like crazy.

My arm pits are discolored though, darker in some areas and I always have razor bumps despite shaving last in the shower, using sensitive skin shaving cream and a fresh blade. What can help this? In Shop magazine I read that Dermadoctor Ultra Brightening Anti Perspraint can help, but it is $28 and sold out everywhere! Any ideas?

[KiewiStyles]

I love Dove. They have different scents. I like the original but I got a free sample of the Cucumber Melon, and it smells really nice, too.

[Sposa06]

I switched to Degree Ultra Clear about a month ago, and I love it! It goes on clear and stays clear--none of my shirts have had any deodorant marks on them. We've been having what constitutes a heatwave in Seattle for days now. Temps have been up over 90 and this stuff has held up really well in the heat. I definitely recommend it!

[princesse]

After reading this thread I tried Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Cream Deoderant and I just love it. I have not had any problem with stickiness at all and have never had any any any issue with any hint of an odor. It is about $10 and I just love it.

[msnicolea]

Loving the Degree Ultra Care, too--no marks on any of my clothes, which is always a problem as I really prefer the white powdery kind to the alcohol-y ones.

[skittltoes]

I loooooooooooove Degree Ultra Clear, too. No marks and it works really well.

[seapod]

Has anyone tried the secret clinical yet? I've seen advertisements for it. I went to their website and found a free sample/coupon that they will be sending.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

I tried the new Secret Clinical, but it didn't control the wetness. I have been using Certain Dri for ther past couple years, but now it is a huge irritant an leaves a rash. I'm unfortunately at the point where I'm out of options, and I will be having Botox done.

[~queen~]

I used to use Dove, but after being caught embarassingly funky one too many times, I vowed to never use it again.

My go-to deodorant is Lady Mitchum Clear Gel. I have never, ever had a funkident (funky accident) from it like I did with the Dove and Secret.

[seapod]

So I went out and bought Certain Dri and have tried it for a week so far and It is amazing. I'm not sweating under my arms anymore. I am one who sweats all the time and have the stains to show for it :( Now I need to work on getting those stains out. Thanks all for the recommendations.

[shopaholic]

I just received a sample of the new Secret Clinical Strength deo. It seems to be like certain dri since you have to apply it at night. I haven't used it yet but thought I would throw it out there as an alternative to Certain Dri.

[keska]

I liked the Secret clinical.

[PurpleRose]

I'm shocked at how well Secret works. I usually use Lady Speed Stick or whatever's on sale, but I just tried the Kuku Cocoa Butter Invisible Solid, and it works really well!

[greenbunny]

Has anyone tried the secret clinical yet? I've seen advertisements for it. I went to their website and found a free sample/coupon that they will be sending.


I'm using it right now and not only does it work perfectly, but I have a hard time getting it off in the shower. I think I could probably use it every other day and be fine.

[princesse]

What does the Clinical smell like? One of the probs I have with deod is the noxious smell that eminates after an hour or so. It gets so perfumey and funkadellic. I'm still using E. Ardin Green Tea which is purely a deod, not an anti-perspirant and I am ok with that. Interested in the Clin and will have to do a sniff test at the store today!

[PG-rated]

I'm still using E. Ardin Green Tea which is purely a deod, not an anti-perspirant and I am ok with that. Interested in the Clin and will have to do a sniff test at the store today!
If you're OK without any anti-perspirant (just deodorant), wouldn't the Secret Clinical be overkill? I'd stick with what works.

[FallingforPhil]

I got a sample of the Secret clinical in the mail, and honestly, I'm not that impressed. It has 20% of the active ingredient--the same as my Mitchum--and, it's super itchy and irritating when I put it on. Maybe I'm missing something???

Guess I'll stick with the Mitchum, which works OK most of the time.

[pugmomma]

I switch between Dove and Degree ultra clear. I *hate* getting the white junk all over my shirts!

[MrsBeckyLP]

I'm using it right now and not only does it work perfectly, but I have a hard time getting it off in the shower. I think I could probably use it every other day and be fine.

Is the Clinical an antiperspirant or deodorant? I don't have wetness problems, but I do have issues with my deodorant becoming ineffective after a few weeks of wearing it. I have to switch brands all the time. I always ask DH and friends if I "smell" and they always say no, but I don't believe them. I can smell myself (if I lift up my arm and take a little sniff:o ) by about 3 or 4 in the afternoon.

Maybe I should try the Elizabeth Arden stuff? I'd pay a bit more for something that really works.

[Boomer]

So I went out and bought Certain Dri and have tried it for a week so far and It is amazing. I'm not sweating under my arms anymore. I am one who sweats all the time and have the stains to show for it :( Now I need to work on getting those stains out. Thanks all for the recommendations.

Sounds like me. Certain Dri is the ONLY thing that works for me. But I did, for the first time ever, ruin a shirt the other day. I know you are supposed to use it at night but I forgot and used it in the AM. I had done it before with no problems but this time it totally bleached out under my arms of a brand new shirt (of course it was new right?). Needless to say once I discovered it, I wore my sweater all day in the office. I live in Florida too :-)

[greenbunny]

futuremrslp, it's an antiperspirant.

[Heidi9771]

I have heard good things about certain dry Its in a box on the very bottom shelves in the deo section. I haven't bought a bottle because I was a little scared by its "presentation" since it doesn't "look" like normal deo.

Another one who uses this and swears by it! A little goes a long way...You can still apply daily but not after shaving/showering due to skin sensitivity. Interesting about the shirt bleaching...I will have to keep that in mind!

I do not perspire under my arms now...at all. :)

[Baxter78]

Sounds like me. Certain Dri is the ONLY thing that works for me. But I did, for the first time ever, ruin a shirt the other day. I know you are supposed to use it at night but I forgot and used it in the AM. I had done it before with no problems but this time it totally bleached out under my arms of a brand new shirt (of course it was new right?). Needless to say once I discovered it, I wore my sweater all day in the office. I live in Florida too :-)

I have found a lot of deodorants bleach out the under-arms of shirts. However, I recently found a way to get rid of the "bleach" stains. When you wash whatever shirt is bleached, add vinegar to your washing machine. I don't know how it works, but it takes these deodorant bleach stains out and returns the shirts to like new color.

I've been using Secret Platinum for years. I am pretty happy with it, although I'm really interested in trying Certain Dry. I just find it weird that you have to apply at night. I shower in the mornings, so I am just used to putting on deodorant after showering.

[shopaholic]

I am on a mission tonight to find a new deodorant/antipers. Right now I am switching between 2 diff. dove scents and secret and they all have seemed to stop working.

[Hello Kitty]

I still like Soft & Dri - not the gel one - one with the power stripe. I've got a sample of secret clinical, but haven't tested it out yet. Will try it for an all-day wedding next weekend.

[gina]

I just got the Degree little black dress approved one and so far so good!

[shopaholic]

I just got the Degree little black dress approved one and so far so good!
LOL, I was just going to post about this. I love it so far!

[Tanya]

So I gave up anti-perspirants about a year ago and had been using the Adidas deoderant with cotton for absorption. Eh, it was ok, but I still sweated. Then I finally tried the crystal--it's now in a stick form, so not as bizarre as the rock version. It's awesome! I think I sweat even less than with an anti-perspirant, it has absolutely no scent, and I don't smell one bit. The only downside is that you have to wet it before you put it on, but it dries super-fast. You can find it almost anywhere and it should last a really long time. It's about $5 (there's also a roll-on and spray, but I know at least the spray isn't as good).