Exfoliating deodorants: the underarm revolution has arrived

The deodorant aisle is undergoing a significant shift. For years, the standard option revolved around masking odor with antiperspirants, but a new wave of exfoliating deodorants is changing the game. Expert opinions suggest a move away from simply suppressing sweat towards addressing the root cause of body odor.

“When thinking about skincare rituals, we are always considering the experience (through formula, texture, fragrance, and packaging) just as much as the performance,” says Claudia Sulewski, founder of Cyklar. This consumer shift is driven by a growing desire for products that not only control odor but also actively improve skin health.

What causes body odor?

Body odor arises from the breakdown of apocrine sweat, which contains potent compounds that emit a distinct smell. Traditional deodorants aim to block sweat glands with aluminum-based ingredients and often incorporate harsh chemicals. Conversely, exfoliating deodorants, as explained by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, address the issue through a different mechanism.

“Exfoliating natural deodorants do not address sweat itself; rather, they focus on reducing the bacterial load and improving the skin’s environment,” Dr. Camp clarifies. He notes that while antiperspirants may temporarily reduce the amount of sweat, the majority of people find that exfoliating deodorants effectively control odor by altering the microbial ecosystem in the armpits.

How we tested exfoliating deodorants

Our selection process prioritized products recognized by top experts in dermatology and aesthetics. We look at product ingredients, texture, and overall suitability. Dermatologists, nurses, and product testers helped narrow down options, prioritizing products that deliver on performance and consumer appeal.

The goal: identifying those products that offer effective odor control alongside skincare benefits.

The rise of exfoliating formulas

The core difference between traditional deodorants and exfoliating deodorants lies in their approach. Conventional deodorants often rely on alcohol and aluminum to inhibit sweat and mask odors. However, exfoliating deodorants leverage ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) to gently exfoliate the skin. This process not only removes dead skin cells but also creates an environment less hospitable to odor-causing bacteria.

Dr. Vanessa Coppola, a nurse practitioner specializing in skin health, highlights that while antiperspirants can reduce the amount of perspiration, exfoliating deodorants can lead to a perceived reduction in odor as bacteria are less able to thrive. Note that individuals with hyperhidrosis may still require stronger solutions.

The best exfoliating deodorants

The following products stood out in our testing, each offering unique benefits and catering to diverse needs.

For smoothing: nécessaire the deodorant gel

This gel deodorant, featuring 5% AHA and niacinamide, is a favorite for its soothing and exfoliating properties. Dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin praises its ability to address skin texture concerns.

Best for hyperpigmentation: cyklar mandelic acid brightening deodorant gel

Launched recently, Cyklar’s deodorant utilizes mandelic acid and other potent ingredients to brighten underarm skin and prevent ingrown hairs.

Best with niacinamide: saltair 5% aha serum deodorant

Saltair's formula combines AHAs, PHAs, and niacinamide to combat odor while offering a lightweight, clear application.

Best value: billie aha deodorant gel

Billie offers an affordable option packed with mandelic and lactic acids, providing effective odor control.

Best with arrowroot: drunk elephant sweet pitti deodorant cream

Dr. Elephant’s cream-based deodorant utilizes arrowroot powder and other ingredients for moisture absorption and odor prevention.

Brightening + body balm: kaia naturals brightening deodorant + body balm

This product combines niacinamide and other brightening ingredients with charcoal to address hyperpigmentation and odor.

Exfoliating deodorants go beyond simply masking odors. They actively work to improve skin health, offering a holistic approach for those seeking a more effective and comprehensive underarm care routine.