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The Deodorant Challenge

See which popular brand our testers ranked No. 1

Tired of failing deodorant leaving our arms pinned at the end of the workday, we had three busy Pilates students put five buzz-generating brands -- natural and not -- to the test. View our countdown to see which product fared best.

By Charli Schuler

5: Honorable Mention

Crystal Body Deodorant Stick, $6.99

Form: Stick solid

Pros: Dries immediately, 100 percent natural, no clothing stains or irritation, aluminum-free

"You have to dampen the stick to put on. It felt like nothing went on and I was nervous about using it, but it worked amazingly well." -- Cheryl

Cons: Unconventional form, no anti-perspirant, no 24-hour protection, slightly high price

"No matter how much water I used, I never felt like any deodorant ended up on my skin! Should deodorant be that complicated?" -- Heather

"After a hard workout day, I still had odor -- not offensive, but enough for me to want to shower." -- Jennifer

4: Bronze Medal

Dove Ultimate Clear, $4.49

Form: Stick solid

Pros: Blocks perspiration, moisturizing formula, low price, no irritation, variety of scents (unscented available)

"I loved this deodorant. It dried quickly and prevented odor and perspiration. I would buy this again for sure." -- Jennifer

Cons: No 24-hour protection, debatably pleasant scents, some clothing stains and balling up reported

"It had a nice consistency and was easy to apply, but I wasn't impressed with its ability to fight odor." -- Heather

"Toward the evening I had some body odor. I didn't like the Smooth Cashmere (powdery floral) smell." -- Cheryl

3: Silver Medal

Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, $4.99

Form: Stick gel

Pros: Natural, soft formula, no clothing stains or irritation, variety of scents (unscented available), aluminum-free, low price
"I needed to reapply in the late afternoon in order to stay fresh throughout the evening but for a natural product it did quite well." -- Heather

"I was surprised at how well this one worked. No underarm break out and I even liked it enough to wear it while visiting the in-laws." -- Cheryl

Cons: No anti-perspirant, some strong scents, drying time required, no 24-hour protection

"Application was easy and it didn't ball up under my arms. But I smelled faint body odor after my Pilates class -- and I don't like smelling myself!" -- Jennifer

2: Gold Medal

Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, $11.50

Form: Cream

Pros: Blocks perspiration, moisturizing formula, unscented, no clothing stains or irritation

"Considering it had no scent, I was amazed at how well it prevented odor! It held up respectfully through intense activity during the day but I needed to reapply after some evening yard work." -- Heather

Cons: Unconventional form, drying time required, no 24-hour protection, high price, limited availability

"Having no roller, it was awkward to apply. And it took around 15 minutes to dry, but it worked! I remained dry and odor-free for the day." -- Jennifer

"I liked it but being cream I felt I would go through the tube quicker than I would a stick." -- Cheryl

1: Platinum Star

Secret Clinical Strength, $8.99

Form: Stick solid

Pros: Lasts more than a day, dries immediately, soft formula, no clothing stains or irritation

"While I don't have a problem with excessive wetness, I definitely have never found a product that leaves me smelling and feeling this good for so long. Only two clicks lasted the entire day and night, well into the next morning! I'm switching from Dove immediately!" -- Heather

"I loved this deodorant. It held up during all my activities, including walking and Pilates. I'm a Mitchum girl but I'd consider switching to this one." -- Cheryl

Cons: High price, bedtime application recommended

"This is my type of deodorant. It goes on easily, dries quickly and fights odor. The only down side is that it says to apply at night, since it's designed to work while you sleep, and I like to apply deodorant after a morning shower." -- Jennifer

Click Next for a bonus tip!

Bonus Tip: How to Better Banish B.O.

To best combat body odor, start at the source. "Odor may stay within the topical epidermal (outer) layers of skin," says dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad. "Washing underarms with soap and water helps, but beyond that, using a loofah or sponge to scrub off or exfoliate dead skin from underarms helps more."

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Member Comments

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I think the tip about using a sponge or lufah is really savvy - I found that it helps to prevent breakouts and irritation from shaving as well.

I rated this article: 10 out of 10

by DeLuxMarch 06, 2009 at 10:26AM Report as inappropriate

cant live without this product! love love love. It REALLY WORKS! if you dont have it...GET IT!

I rated this article: 10 out of 10

by EstrellaBonitaMarch 06, 2009 at 08:44AM Report as inappropriate

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