Episode Details

Finding the right deodorant or antiperspirant can feel weirdly difficult. Maybe your go-to product suddenly stops working, maybe you're tired of pit stains ruining your clothes, or maybe you're still not entirely sure what the difference is between deodorant and antiperspirant in the first place.

In this episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Abbie Kozolchyk explains why choosing an underarm product is so personal. She breaks down the science behind sweat and body odor, debunks common fears about aluminum, and shares what she learned from testing dozens of products with everyone from teenagers to older adults. 

Plus, we hear about one of the strangest jobs in the personal care industry: a professional armpit sniffer.

This episode covers: 

• The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant masks odor and antiperspirant reduces sweat. Understanding the difference can make it much easier to find the right product for you.
• Why finding your perfect deodorant or antiperspirant is mostly trial and error. Everyone's body chemistry is different, which means the product your friend swears by might do absolutely nothing for you.
• Why aluminum in antiperspirants probably isn't something to fear. Abbie breaks down why scientists aren’t concerned about antiperspirants causing breast cancer or Alzheimer's.
• How to get better results from the products you already use. From applying antiperspirant at bedtime to giving a new deodorant a full week before judging it, small tweaks can make a big difference.

Products we recommend: 

• Best to prevent pit stains Degree UltraClear Black + White Antiperspirant Deodorant
• Best for preventing white streaks on clothing: SheaMoisture Fresh Antiperspirant Deodorant
• Best for heavy sweaters: Mitchum Women Advanced Control Antiperspirant & Deodorant Gel
• Best for odor control with elevated scents: Nécessaire The Deodorant
• Best for exotic fragrances: Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant
• Best for people with sensitive skin: Dove Aluminum Free Deodorant Stick
• A controversial deodorant balm: Akt’s The Deodorant Balm

Additional reading:

• Best Deodorants
• Best Antiperspirants
• Why Finding a Good Deodorant is S