Deodorants That Smell So Good, People Will Ask What You’re Wearing (2025)

Some people see terms like "natural" associated with deodorant and immediately run for the hills—allow Saltair’s iteration to change your mind. With exfoliating salicylic acid and calming algae, your underarms will be visibly brighter and smoother.

Key notes: Magnolia, rose, jasmine, sandalwood

Size: 1.76 fl oz

Target rating: 3.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I walk fast, which means I can work up a pretty mean sweat throughout the day. I never worry, though, because 90 percent of the time, I’m wearing this Saltair deodorant. Each swipe has a refreshing, delicate scent and a non-sticky finish.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor

Necessaire’s offerings are imbued with skin-loving ingredients that give the areas below your neck the same TLC as your face—and The Deodorant Gel is no exception. This lightweight gel formula uses exfoliating AHAs to combat odor and hyperpigmentation and niacinamide to strengthen the skin with each swipe.

Key notes: Eucalyptus

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

Our expert says: “I love the way this deodorant gel feels when you apply it. The eucalyptus scent is so refreshing and spa-like. The formula isn’t long-lasting, so I recommend it only to those who don’t experience much body odor. Personally, I reserve it solely for the cooler months when I am sweating less.”—Danielle James, beauty expert

Excessive waxing, shaving, or any tension in the pit area can cause darkness, ingrown hairs, burns, etc. But the Kosas deodorant is formulated with a host of AHAs to brighten and exfoliate, as well as hyaluronic acid to keep the skin smooth and hydrated. Plus, it comes with a clean, fresh scent.

Key notes: Jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla

Size: 2.4 fl oz

Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My days of shaving are long behind me, but the dark, burned armpits from years of dull razors and too-harsh depilatory creams are evidence that I have a lot of correcting to do. What seemed like a long journey to clearer, brighter ’pits actually had a very short turnaround time, thanks to this deodorant. The AHAs help exfoliate dead skin and address hyperpigmentation without further irritating the skin. I’ve tried all of Kosas deodorant formulas, and this is the one I love the most.”—Nerisha Penrose

There's just something so sweet about smelling like vanilla all day long. The Phlur Vanilla Skin Deodorant not only smells amazing, but it's packed with salicylic acid and algae for bright and hydrated underarms.

Key notes: Vanilla, Sandalwood, Pink Pepper, Jasmine

Size: 1.7 oz

Amazon rating: 4.2/5

An ELLE editor says: “Phlur's Vanilla Skin has become my go-to perfume—and the deodorant version of the best-selling scent is my latest obsession. The aroma is warm and comforting, yet not too sweet and overpowering. Especially in the deodorant, which has a perfectly subtle smell that lasts all day long.”—Emma Aerin Becker, associate beauty e-commerce writer

The key ingredients in this formula read like a hydrating serum instead of a deodorant. Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, spirulina, and probiotics protect and soothe the skin while neutralizing odor.

Key notes: Black rose, oud

Size: 2.6 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I’m usually skeptical of aluminum-free [deodorants] because I can never find one that works for me to keep sweat and smell under control. This one checks all the boxes; I’m impressed.”

On Mount Rushmore of the best-smelling deodorants is this cult favorite from Donna Karan. Everything you love about the accompanying body mist or lotion remains intact in the deodorant, including the intoxicating, powdery floral notes that keep you smelling fresh and clean all day.

Key notes: Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I will never buy regular deodorant again. I bought this blindly and had no idea what it smelled like. I saw someone using it daily before working out and I knew I needed to try it. I can’t express how amazing this deodorant is. It is so fresh, stays on all day and I don’t scratch under my arms all day like I did with other deodorant brands. It’s a beautiful powdery smell, and it pairs so well with my favorite fragrances. Don’t miss out on this deodorant. Buy it TODAY!”

Scent layering doesn’t just stop at perfumes and lotions. Fans of Sol de Janeiro’s popular body mists and creams will be happy to know they can enhance their Sol layers with an accompanying deodorant. As fruit enzymes exfoliate and tapioca starch sops up sweat, warm gourmands create a soft aroma that protects against odor.

Key notes: Pistachio, vanilla, salted caramel, sandalwood

Size: 2 fl oz

Sephora rating: 3.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This product helps very much with heavy odor and leaves you smelling like salted caramel all day❤️. I have gotten many compliments on this the first day of use.”

As the newest addition to Malin + Goetz's plant-powered deodorant line, the Otto Deodorant features a clean rose scent that absorbs moisture for 12 hours. Plus, it's formulated with enzymes that balance the skin and control odor.

Key notes: Rose otto

Size: 2.6 oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I usually wear the euca and must admit I love the rosey/floral scent of this and the pink packaging is fun! M G deodorants are the best on the market in my opinion I wouldn’t use any other brand. They keep me dry and fresh even in hot weather and holidays. The bottle is also fully recyclable.”

You can never go wrong with a classic Dove deodorant spray. Not only is this scent bustling with delicious fruity and floral notes, but it’s also packed with ceramides to add an extra cushion to the skin on your armpits.

Key notes: Pineapple, pear, rose

Size: 3.8 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “Stylist Zerina Akers introduced me to this deodorant. I hate it when my deodorant gets on my little black dress before a night out. This formula is truly invisible, so your clothes will never have to suffer from those annoying white streaks just to combat your body odor.”—Danielle James

Think about whatever you want to smell like, and there’s sure to be a Native scent to match your mood. The best part of Native deodorants is how nourishing they feel on the skin, thanks to a blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and probiotics.

Key notes: Coconut, vanilla

Size: 2.65 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve tried a number of different aluminum-free deodorants and this one was a clear winner for me. I like the fragrance and the texture (not too soft or sticky) and it holds up well for the whole day.”

If luxury is what you’re after, it doesn’t get more luxurious than Chanel deodorant. Doused in the house’s iconic No. 5 scent, this spray-on deodorant keeps your armpits fresh and free.

Key notes: Rose, jasmine

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Chanel rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Chanel reviewer says: “Works well and the scent is not overpowering. I don’t want my scent (especially deodorant ) to enter the room before me. High-quality product, works well, and no irritation.”

You can recognize Le Labo’s signature scent anywhere—now imagine all the compliments you’ll field when wearing the deodorant iteration. While the fresh, woody aroma protects against odor, glycerin and vitamin E ensure your skin barrier is supported and nourished.

Key notes: Tonka, sandalwood, bergamot, lavender

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Now this one actually really works its magic and the scent is strong! Love it!”

Looking for a fruity scent that packs a punch but is never overbearing? Try out Each & Every's After Glow. It boasts a refreshing raspberry and mandarin scent that lasts, and a coconut oil formula that melts into the skin.

Key notes: Raspberry, mandarin

Size: 2.5 oz

Ulta rating: 4.7/5

An Ulta reviewer says: “I recommend this deodorant 100%. It smells lovely, and it's not overbearing at all. It lasts throughout the whole day. The heat and I don't do well together, and this deodorant is the only one that makes me smell good even on a hot day.”

Forget traditional deodorants and try using a deodorant balm instead. All you need is a pea-sized dollop to protect your armpits from excessive sweating and foul odor. Even better, the balm comes in a variety of scents—from minty to citrusy to earthy—but Hay Fever is our current favorite.

Key notes: Earl grey, marmalade, rose

Size: 1.76 fl oz

An ELLE editor says: “I'm not going to lie, I was a little skeptical at the idea of a deodorant balm; However, I was very pleasantly surprised at how well the unique formula instantly absorbed any and all moisture. Plus, the spa-like scent is addicting.”—Emma Aeerin Becker

Here’s a deodorant you can gift to the man in your life—or keep for yourself. With zinc ricinoleate and a blend of essential oils, Aesop’s formula keeps sweaty pits at bay and the compliments rolling in.

Key notes: Sage leaf, zinc ricinoleate, witch hazel

Size: 1.7 oz

Bloomingdale's rating: 3.9/5

A Bloomingdale's reviewer says: “Smells Amazing! This smells SO good!! Masks any body odor completely and lasted all day. I would say to pair it with some powder for actual sweat but definitely odor blocking and packaging looks really nice on my counter”

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