When it comes to caring for your pits, it seems the pendulum is swinging beyond the traditional deo. The best exfoliating deodorants are kicking things up a notch via potent actives that yield amplified benefits than the average formulas. “To combat odor, AHA-based deodorant formulas work by lowering the skin’s PH, creating an environment where odor-causing bacteria can’t thrive,” Claudia Sulewski, founder of Cyklar, tells Vogue. Plus, per Erin Sale of Saltair, “deodorants that contain exfoliating acids can also help to smooth and brighten skin, plus reduce the appearance of ingrown hairs (often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells over the hair follicle).” We like to think of it as a continuation of skincare below the neck in line with the year’s emerging body care trends; in this case, going beyond odor-prevent for smoother, brighter underarms.
And no, that’s not all fluff—there’s a real science behind it. Natural deodorants often have a bad rep of just not doing the trick, with formulas that may exclude harsh ingredients, but as board-certified nurse practitioner Vanessa Coppola explains, they don't address the real issue. “Sweat itself is not what causes odor—it is the interaction between sweat and bacteria on the skin,” she says. “Many natural formulas rely on absorbing moisture or masking odor, but they don’t significantly shift that bacterial environment.” Exfoliating deodorants, however, change that dynamic: As Coppola explains, instead of trying to outperform sweat, AHAs help to actually interrupt the process in the first place.
Vogue’s Favorite Exfoliating Deodorants
In This Story
- Can exfoliating deodorants prevent sweat?
- Exfoliating Natural Deodorants vs. Traditional Formulas
- What causes body odor?
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
I, too, remained a healthy skeptic of the concept—especially during warmer months when natural deos failed me during sweaty L train commutes to work. Don’t even get me started on the grainy cream bases that didn’t feel worth the discomfort, even if the benefits stood up to the test. It was Cyklar’s gel that made me a full-on convert. For starters, it’s packed with mandelic acid which helping to clear my acne-prone skin, and as it turns out, is excellent to prevent ingrown hairs and brighten hyperpigmentation on my olive-toned skin.
And, on a less efficacious, more aesthetic note, many of these natural exfoliating formulas often deliver the same sleek aesthetics in their packaging and experience as prestige skin-care products. “When thinking about skincare rituals, we are always considering the experience (through formula, texture, fragrance, and packaging) just as much as the performance, ” says Sulewski. “When a product works, and it makes me feel something, that’s when I know it’s earned a spot in my routine and ritual.” With all that in mind, below are Vogue’s six favorite exfoliating deodorant formulas to know.
For Smoothing: Nécessaire The Déodorant Gel
- Why We Love It: Nécessaire’s cooling, gel deodorant, has been around since 2022, and paved the way for the category’s slow-burning demand. It’s no wonder board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Mina Amin, MD considers it a go-to. “This deodorant is unique because it contains 5% AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) to help with any skin texture concerns, and it also has niacinamide to soothe the skin,” Dr. Amin previously told Vogue.
- Editor’s Experience: “I prefer Nécessaire’s gel to its creamy offering, mostly because this one feels more comfortable on the skin. Lightweight, yet packed to the brim with not only exfoliating acids and gentle agents like witch hazel, glycerin, and panthenol, it’s well-rounded to keep my pits balanced.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, witch hazel water, lactic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, glycerin, matricaria flower extract
- Format: Roll-on gel
- Scents: 2
- More To Know: Free from aluminum, baking soda, parabens, PEGs, and silicones.
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Non irritating and fast-drying | Some experience a slightly tingly sensation |
| Fragrance-free option for those who prefer it |
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Cyklar Mandelic Acid Brightening Deodorant Gel
- Why We Love It: Cyklar’s deodorant only launched this past month, and it’s already set to be a cult-favorite. “Our Brightening Deodorant Gel has mandelic acid, azelaic acid, and shikimic acid, which more than checks more than one box of effective deodorizing,” says Sulewski. “It smooths skin, brightens the look of discoloration, and prevents ingrown hairs.” She notes that Mandelic acid's larger molecular size makes the product less likely to be irritating, whilst brightening in combination with azelaic acid. Meanwhile, zinc and magnesium help to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Editor’s Experience: “I’ve tried many natural deodorants, but none kept me fresh—and I absolutely hate a gritty, grainy texture. The roll-on serum format immediately caught my eye, and my editor, Kiana Murden, spoke so highly of Cyklar that I couldn’t resist trying it. Mandelic acid has already been my holy grail ingredient for clear skin, so I was thrilled to find it here. I was pleasantly surprised by just how effective this deodorant is, and my obsession with smelling good remains intact. Plus, there’s nothing clinical-looking about it. The only quirk is that, since it’s a liquid, I have to let the formula dry for a moment before getting dressed—but it absorbs quickly. Honestly, I’d take that any day over deodorant marks all over my clothes!” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: 5% Mandelic acid, azelaic acid, shikmic acid, licorice root, zinc PCA, magnesium PCA
- Format: Roll-on gel
- Scents: 4
- More To Know: Free from aluminum and baking soda
- Size: 1.70 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Effective odor protection, clinically-tested for up to 48 hours | Can feel a bit wet before drying |
| Brightening and residue-free formula | |
| The deodorants are available in several of Cyklar’s most-popular body care scent options |
Best with Lactic Acid: Kosas Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant
- Why We Love It: Kosas’s deodorant was the brand's first body care product, launching all the way back in 2020. A pick of board-certified dermatologist Brooke Jeffy, MD, she previously told Vogue that the blend of mandelic and lactic acids makes it particularly effective at combating stubborn ingrown hairs. Meanwhile, soothing skin with a combo of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, glycerin, mandelic acid, shikimic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronicaAcid, ylang ylang oil
- Format: Roll-on serum
- Scents: 3
- More To Know: Free from aluminum, baking soda, silicones, and parabens
- Size: 1.70 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Slender packaging makes it easily portable | Some say it can feel a bit sticky before drying |
| Residue-free serum | |
| Fragrance-free option for those who prefer it |
Best with Niacinamide: Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant
- Why We Love It: Saltair’s formula includes niacinamide along with its AHAs and PHAs, for added brightening. “Our deodorant was specifically formulated to combat odor, and contains a blend of mandelic, lactic, and polyhydroxy acids to address the issue at the source (the growth of odor-causing bacteria),” Sale says. “The serum format goes on clear, feels weightless, and doesn’t transfer on your clothes.” Plus, xylitol esters help to further reduce odor-causing bacteria from adhering to the skin.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, PHA, niacinamide, xylitol esters
- Format: Roll-on serum
- Scents: 10
- More To Know:
- Size: 1.70 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Effective odor protection, clinically tested for up to 48 hours | Some find the scents strong (though this is a pro for those that want added fragrance!) |
| Expansive scent range |
Best Value: Billie AHA Deodorant
- Why We Love It: Billie offers an especially affordable exfoliating deodorant option for just $10. It contains a blend of AHAs (mandelic and lactic acids) and salicylic acid—a potent BHA. Plus, gluconolactone (a PHA) helps to strengthen the skin barrier as a hydrating exfoliant. That said, while the price point is hard to beat, BHAs are higher in molecular weight, which can be irritating for those with especially sensitive skin.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, gluconolactone, salicylic acid
- Format: Roll-on serum
- Scents: 3
- More To Know: Aluminum-free, baking soda-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.
- Size: 1.70 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Best Replica price point | Salicylic acid might be irritating for sensitive skin types |
| Clean formula, with up to 24 hours of odor control |
Best with Arrowroot: Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
- Why We Love It: For those who prefer a more traditional, creamy format, Drunk Elephant’s exfoliating deodorant option does just that—while still being aluminum and baking soda-free. Aside from bacteria-fighting exfoliants, arrowroot powder acts as a natural moisture absorber without clogging pores. Meanwhile, shea butter, glycerin, and marula oil add hydration to prevent chaffing or over-exfoliation.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, shea butter, glycerin, tapioca starch, sweet almond oil, marula oil
- Format: Cream
- Scents: 1
- More To Know: free from silicones, dyes, baking soda, aluminum, and solvent alcohols.
- Size: 2 fl oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Effective odor control | People often complain of the twist up dispenser getting stuck |
| Creamy formula requires no dry time |
Best with Charcoal: Kaia Naturals Brightening Deodorant + Body Balm
- Why We Love It: Kaia Naturals formula serves as both a brightening deodorant and a spot treatment for body hyperpigmentation. It combines niacinamide, licorice root extract, kojic acid, and salicylic acid to brighten. Probiotic-fermented ingredients address odor, while arrowroot powder and aloe vera help prevent chafing—making it effective for thigh rub irritation, as reviewers note.
- Key Ingredients: Candelilla wax, arrowroot powder, aloe vera, salicylic acid, glycerin, alpha arbutin, glycerin, kojic acid, licorice root extract, charcoal, probiotic ferment
- Format: Balm
- Scents: 1
- More To Know:
- Size: 2.29 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Dries with a clear, powder finish | A slightly pricier pick |
| Brightening and anti-odor formula | |
| Multipurpose body balm |
Everything You Need to Know
Can exfoliating deodorants prevent sweat?
As Sulewski points out, deodorants and antiperspirants serve entirely different functions—antiperspirants block sweat glands with aluminum-based ingredients; whereas, deodorants mask odor and kill bacteria. However, in her experience. Coppola finds that patients still notice a difference in their sweating when using an exfoliating, natural deodorant.
“When you reduce bacterial load and improve the skin environment, the sweat is not breaking down in the same way, so there is less odor and less of that 'damp' sensation people associate with sweating,” says Coppola, noting that this can lead to the perception of overall better perspiration control. She adds that, while patients with hyperhidrosis will still need to address sweat at the glandular level, the majority of folks can likely find exfoliating natural deodorants to be an effective option.
Exfoliating Natural Deodorants vs. Traditional Formulas
“By definition, deodorant products only address odor,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, tells Vogue. “Traditional deodorants eliminate smells with alcohol-based ingredients to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin.” That, plus aluminum for sweat blocking, and often other harsh ingredients. Exfoliating natural deodorant formulas, on the other hand, use active ingredients to balance the underarm skin’s pH levels, which deters odor-causing bacterias.
What causes body odor?
“Body odor comes from the breakdown of apocrine sweat; the organic compounds released by these bacteria possess a potent smell,” says Dr. Camp. That’s why, as Dr. Camp explains, exfoliating deodorants are so effective—by making it difficult for bacteria to thrive and multiply, and reducing odorous compounds.
Benefits of Exfoliating Deodorants
“Hyperpigmentation sometimes occurs in the underarm area as a result of skin friction, shaving, or skin irritation from heat, sweat, and clothing,” says Dr. Camp. As with dark spots on the face, exfoliating ingredients help brighten the skin while unclogging congestion and smoothing texture. So, beyond just treating odor alone, these formulas act as skincare for your underarms.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue's vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to nurse pracitioners—to gain professional acumen on the industry's standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to exfoliating deodorants, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the skin care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Mina Amin, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist in New York and Long Island.
- Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC, MSCP, is a Yale-trained aesthetics and menopause expert specializing in skin health during hormonal change and medically guided weight loss. She is the founder of Bare Aesthetic and Bare Soul Wellness and a national educator in integrative aesthetic medicine.
- Claudia Sulewski is the founder of Cyklar/
- Erin Sale is the CMO of Saltair
