Deodorants are one of those overlooked skincare items that feel more like an unappealing necessity than a luxury in our routines. Sure, they do a lot for us, and they're high on our priority list of desert-island must-haves, but they certainly don't warrant as much time and consideration as the rest of our products. But when the time does roll around for us to restock in this department, it can be a bit overwhelming. There's a multitude of products on the market, each claiming to make miracles happen – and it's hard to know which one is the best. We didn't want to round up a list of all-round favourites, because that does little to address our individual priorities, skin types, budgets and concerns. So we decided to give you our top picks for each category – so you only have to pick from three products, instead of an endless onslaught of them. Whether your priority is finding a natural deodorant or one that cuts through after a hot and sweaty pilates sesh – check out our pick of the best deodorants currently on the market in Australia that smell great and actually work.
Best for: Sensitive skin
Skin sensitivity around your underarms can be a real issue, particularly as many women also shave and apply deodorant to this area consistently, both of which can irritate the skin if not done right. If your underarm skin is in need of some particularly gentle care, we love NECESSAIRE Deodorant Gel in Eucalyptus, ENDOTA Natural Deodorant, and KIEHLS Superbly Efficient Antiperspirant & Deodorant Cream.
Best for: An all-natural alternative
For those looking for a cleaner, greener choice when it comes to formulation and packaging, we're loving EVERKIND Organic Deodorant Stick, which comes in compostable cardboard packing. We also love MALIN + GOETZ Botanical Deodorant, which is vegan and cruelty-free, and Zero Co. Deodorant in Vetiver and Neroli for their refillable packaging.
Best for: Spray on-the-go
Sometimes you just need a product that can be re-applied on-the-go, without having to do much manoeuvring. Spray-on deodorants are an easy way to top-up in the car or the bathroom of your local gym or workplace, and are a much more sanitary option for when your friend forgot theirs after a pilates class. Currently, we're loving the AESOP Spray Deodorant, BONDI WASH Deodorant, or the NOOSA BASICS Natural Deodorant Spray.
Best for: Sport and perspiration
Sometimes it's not just odour we are worried about, but those hot summer days or sports games where we just want to keep our perspiration to a minimum. For these scenarios, it's about finding a product that will cut through and deliver on what you ask of it. For these reasons, we love KOSAS Sport Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant, REXONA Women Antiperspirant Pump Deodorant Sport or the CHANEL Allure Homme Sport Deodorant.
Best for: Skin care benefits
If you're looking for a deodorant that does more than just eviscerate nasty smelling sweat, or keep perspiration to a minimum, and you're searching for a product that will do that and more – say, soothe irritated skin or hydrate dry skin – then look no further than theMUKTI ORGANICS Botanique Deodorant, the DRUNK ELEPHANT Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream and the ACCA KAPPA White Moss Deodorant Spray. Each bring to the table a plethora of 'skin care' benefits, designed to balance your skin's pH environment and soothe delicate skin.
Best for: Smelling damn good
If your first priority is to ensure your underarms smell just as good as your fragrances, then we've got you covered. SALT & STONE Natural Deodorant in Bergamot and Hinoki is calming and earthy, a perfect everyday scent to keep you smelling fresh in an understated way. SOL JANEIRO Rio Deo is like a sweet, fruity punch, with hints of vanilla that will keep you smelling delicious through the day. And of course, who could go past the olfactory connoisseur themselves, the LE LABO Deodorant being an ideal sensory experience for the more indulgent amongst us: hints of bergamot, lavender, violet and tonka bean.
Best for: When you're on a budget
Sometimes you just don't want to spend an arm and a leg on something as simple as deodorant – you just want something that works and isn't going to break the bank in order to do so. Our favourite drugstore faves are THURSDAY PLANTATION Tea Tree Deodorant, MOO GOO Fresh Cream Deodorant in Oats & Honey, NATIO Aromatherapy Aluminium Free Roll-On Deodorant. Each are accessible at your local chemist Australia-wide, and won't cost you more than a tenner.