The Worst No. 4: Secret Scent Expressions Clear Gel, $3.99, 10 Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants -- and the 4 Worst

Body

10 Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants -- and the 4 Worst

There's nothing worse than a deodorant that doesn't work. Here's what to choose -- and what to skip -- to stay dry and body odor-free

January 23, 2012 | by Stephanie Shum | 54 COMMENTS

The Worst No. 4: Secret Scent Expressions Clear Gel, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.8*
Why: Readers say this deodorant is "messy, slimy, smells awful, and does not do its job," because "it doesn't block odors at all, but attempts to cover it with a different smell." One reader says, this product is "not a deodorant, but an odorant" and "if you have problems with sweating, stay away from this gel because as soon as I get sweaty, it smells like perfume and armpits." Some readers also say their underarms get "sticky and irritated after using this product for a few days in a row."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Worst No. 3: Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, $3.99

2 of 15

products mentioned

Secret Scent Expressions Clear Gel

6.7

Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick

6.3

Suave 24-Hour Protection Invisible Solid

5.9

Secret Original Aerosol

4.9

Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and...

8.6

Secret Original Invisible Solid

7.9

Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Roll-On Deodorant

8.3

Secret Clinical Strength Sensitive Skin

8.3

Jason Soothing Aloe Vera Deodorant Stick

8.7

Avon On Duty Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

8.5

Certain Dri Regular Roll-On

8.7

Mitchum Smart Solid Clinical Performance

8.6

Secret Clinical Strength Original

8.9

Pristine Beauty Take A Whiff! Natural Deodorant

8.7

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by brianna121791 Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

I work as a waitress and a bartender and I go out and dance a lot with friends, so you could say I’m a very active person. One of my coworkers at the restaurant saw me putting on anti-perspirant during one of my breaks and she gave me some Lavilin to try. I put on some that night and haven’t used my anti-perspirant since! Even when the restaurant is crazy busy and I’m running around taking care of customers all night, I am completely odorless at the end of my shift. I usually apply it once a week, after a shower, and I am good to go!

by lindafay Monday, April 29, 2013 at 10:34AM Report as inappropriate

i believe UARMSOL deodorant powder is one of the best out there. I'm using it now and there's no chemicals, oil or scents. The deodorant doesn't mask odour either and it works great there's no armpit odours even after exercises.

by underarm Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 11:23AM Report as inappropriate

I agree the Secret Scent Expressions Gel deoderant was pretty bad. It smelled nice but that is about it.

by glandrews Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 06:27PM Report as inappropriate

I use dove deoderant and it works well

by butterfly11 Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 07:43PM Report as inappropriate

Applause! Excellent picks. I love Certain Dri and Avon's On-Duty (really a bargain during a sale). Mitchum Liquid should definitely be included here--you CAN actually skip a day without perspiration or odor!

by GigiSD Friday, March 8, 2013 at 06:55PM Report as inappropriate

No Dove? It workes great for me even before I started transitioning. Really suprised it was no where to be found here. I have never used any of the products mentioned in this guide. Might try some and see though

by Alana_Danes Friday, February 22, 2013 at 08:13AM Report as inappropriate

I love dove deodorant

by LittleBunny Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 10:37PM Report as inappropriate

I am glad I am not the only one who had issues with the Tom's deodorant.

by charbonn Friday, January 11, 2013 at 02:10AM Report as inappropriate

I love dove deoderant

by LittleBunny Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 09:49PM Report as inappropriate

I love my Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant! It goes on smoothly, doesn't get all over my clothes, smells nice, and lasts all day!

by dramageek4ever Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 05:25PM Report as inappropriate

I really want to try the Avon roll ons because they always sell well. I had to get prescription Drysol because my sweating was so bad. Now I use regular deodorant and have no problem.

by Lamexicana1 Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 09:15AM Report as inappropriate

Suave definitely didn't work for me. Wore off pretty fast.

by EricaF123 Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 12:13PM Report as inappropriate

I will never use another Suave deodorant again after it stained a ton of my clothing. It was IMPOSSIBLE to get out, so they were ruined. The Certain Dri roll on is my favorite deodorant though-a lifesaver!

by Chris213 Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 07:11PM Report as inappropriate

I used this Tom's Of Maine one (in Apricot scent) and it was awful. I smelled fruity and funky at the same time. But they recently came out with a new antiperspirant and I received a free sample and tried it for two weeks and it's REALLY good. Keeps the sweat at bay and no smelly armpit odor (and this sample was unscented). So they're getting there!

by Kishamunson Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 12:39PM Report as inappropriate

Great! Lots of convenient, afforable products. Mitchum is one of my favorite brands. I also really like Avon Perfumed deodorant. The scent lasts all day.

by Helmi Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 04:21PM Report as inappropriate

I'd love to see a best natural/aluminum-free deodorant round up here. Some of these are natural and I know one was pointed out as being aluminum-free but there have to be more options out there. This is something many people are looking for nowadays, but it is still quite difficult to find effective options.

by HeathRene Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 11:25AM Report as inappropriate

They forgot to mentions something EXTREMELY IMPORTANT about the Certain Dri deodorant. If you apply it within 24 hours of shaving, 2 hours after showering, or you have really sensitive skin in general, it will ITCH AND BURN really badly, and might not go away for hours. This is a VERY common problem although it's a really good antipersperant.

by GingerDrink Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 10:32PM Report as inappropriate

Sometimes I think people get confused on that deodorant is and what antiperspirant is. At least they have some of both in this article!

by Taylerbootz Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 06:58PM Report as inappropriate

I love Secret Clinical Strength in Powder Fresh Scent. Used since it came out.....the best, even in Florida heat!

by Ydabney Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:12AM Report as inappropriate

I generally use Secret and the scent I use, depends on the mood I'm in when I purchase it. There are a lot of kinds here that I haven't seen or heard of before. I think I may give the Certain Dry a shot just to mix it up.

by flirtygirl214 Monday, July 23, 2012 at 04:14PM Report as inappropriate

I use most natural mineral salt deodorant powder called UARMSOL by dermacop, it works amazingly. Even when I sweat I have no odours, and I only need to apply a small bit of powder for the whole day. it's awesome.

by underarm Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 10:01PM Report as inappropriate

Ugggh I've tried so many products, including clinical strength and none of them have worked that well, I'm currently using Secret and I have to carry it around in my purse to re-apply. If I knew I would be doing that I wouldn't have bought it!

by RoleModel Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 09:39PM Report as inappropriate

The Kiehl's is absolutely the best! It is a superb deodorant and antiperspirant. I have VERY sensitive skin and am a professional ballerina of 6 years (been doing ballet 17 years) as well as an Ashtanga (super fast cardio-vascular-workout ancient yoga) and Bikram (ancient hot yoga- the kind that makes you sweat like crazy because it must be done at a minimum of 98 degrees F) instructor of 5 years (been doing yoga 11 years). I go to work to dance and do yoga every day. I also live in Austin, Texas, where it is between 69 degrees F and 101 degrees F on a regular basis and regular year (not including insane freak years where it's even hotter and you're luck if it's 95) in the months of: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October and the Southwestern sun is bright and blaring, so intense, burning your skin and causing massive amounts of horrible odor and people to drip in sweat. In my 30 years of health-conscience and highly physically active life (raised by athletic hippies who believe in natural and organic, and I admit I do as well), I have tried at least 70 various remedies to take care of odor and sweat, including prescription deodorant-antiperspirant from dermatologists, everything natural, pretty much everything chemical including men's...you name it. Finally I found Kiehl's 2 years ago through my friend's recommendation. Finally, zero irritation, 24 hour (it really does last 24 hours unlike so many that claim to, it's amazing, I only have to put it on once every morning after I shower and towel-dry! Incredible!) effectiveness for both odor and sweat control, allows for a little bit of sweat as it should (be suspicious if your product doesn't let you sweat under your armpits or elsewhere at all and you've been doing activities that should cause sweat, or in heat that should cause sweat...total blockage of sweating can contribute to cancer! Scientific fact)...yet I never have a spot on my lovely dance costumes, my T-shirts, my yoga clothes, my evening gowns, my long-sleeves in the winter (it can get down to 30 here in December-February) or for workouts or most important performances, or even just for fashion fun...never a spot! Pretty amazing. And with no sleeves, it doesn't show either. I can tell I am sweating a bit but it's not gonna be like "OH MY GOD THAT GIRL IS SWEATING!" to anybody- barely noticeable! And I smell so much better. I feel so much better. It is mostly natural ingredients combined with some chemicals used in prescriptions, but with a bit less strength- though still very effective and strong! If I can do hot yoga for 5 hours without getting smelly, or any residues or spots, we know it's working! Goes on very smoothly, feels like cream, feels very pleasant and lovely. Is basically unscented, if you smell anything it would be the bit of citrus fruits such as orange and lemon extracts they use. They also use Linseed extract. It's a light pleasant smell, very light, and the product itself is very light, it feels like it's not there! It also has witch hazel which plant extract has been used for centuries to purify and tone skin, kill fungi and bateria, help cleanse he pores- and it works! It also has Aluminum Chlorohydrate which is a gentle, yet effective aluminum salt that is used to formulate antiperspirants, and Propylene Glycol which is a moisture carrying ingredient in skin care. It acts as a humectant by absorbing water from the air. It penetrates the upper layers of the skin well and leaves a nice feel. Kiehl's has helped me with shaving and waxing, has made my skin softer, more hydrated, nicer, better-looking, better-feeling...it's worth the price! And never ever an irritation. Can't recommend enough. I'll go through 2 a month of the two point five fl. oz. tube which is mentioned here for $19 even (hey, y'all forgot to mention that they also have a one point seven fl. oz. for $15 even- of course the $19 is the better deal but if you're hesitant I suppose go for the smaller one). I recommend going to their website to see stores near you that carry it. I was really surprised to learn that 6 stores (all small, locally owned little stores, not the chain ones- you won't find these products at Walmart, Target, or any chain except Neiman Marcus)....and my city really isn't all that big and certainly not known for being a beauty care hub, LOL! With tax for me it comes out to $19.20 at the local stores. My little niece who is 12 just started using deodorant and she, her mom, and her dad (and me of course) are all very, very pleased to have something so gentle and nice and effective- her mom uses it as well, and so does *shock* her dad. It is definitely female-targeted and has more of a girly smell but again is so lightly scented that it's not a big deal, and instead of floral, it is citrus fruit, so a lot men like it as well. Even my brother does! He used to use Tom's but as people mentioned...unfortunately it isn't effective. It's lovely that it's natural and family-owned, but it just doesn't work well or sometimes at all. People have commented since I started using Kiehl's that I "smell nice" maybe they mean I don't smell anymore lol but I have noticed that overall I smell nicer, naturally, I believe the natural ingredients are doing the trick! :) Go for Kiehl's over this. :) Excellent article by the way, I agree with all the worst and best mentioned entirely. Very impressed.

by kaldoreistar Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 08:56AM Report as inappropriate

Works great! Doesn't leave marks on black shirts. I love that it is easy to apply and doesn't leave a build up so whenever I shower it just washes right off!! :)

by lien_ha Friday, May 25, 2012 at 05:25PM Report as inappropriate

I have tried most of these and this article is on point! I really wish Toms was good, since its natural!

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 08:38PM Report as inappropriate

The worst thing ever is getting stuck wearing a bad deodorant all day...I like certin-dri at bedtime and dove cucumber melon in the morning

by glamgirlseven Friday, April 6, 2012 at 07:34PM Report as inappropriate

I hate roll ons

by eatinglipstick Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

I would add the Fresh deodorant on the worst side as well!

by powerwoman033 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 02:48PM Report as inappropriate

I recently discovered that my favorite deodorant wasn't working as well as I thought it was (eek!!). This list has helped me decide what to try next!

by tallredamanda Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 07:04AM Report as inappropriate

If u want a rapturous scent that lasts all day,try the Donna karan deodorant,works great even in humid weather

by yetunde Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 11:29PM Report as inappropriate

I'm currently using a worst deoderant. Will have to try some of the bests--I've been looking for alternatives and the Kiehls looks great!

by bitemeinks Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 08:55AM Report as inappropriate

I love this site! Great new beauty tips & buys every day. It's like a Consumer Reports for beauty & health.

by palmpilot Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 04:01AM Report as inappropriate

I have to agree with the best of reviews on the Avon On Duty and The Secret original deodorant. I am a pyrotechnician and spend alot of time around July 4th outdoors in tank tops sweating to death. Those 2 have never let me down! I am suprised that Dove didnt make the best of list anywhere as well though. They have nice clean scents that dont overpower as well as great odor and sweat protection. I recently started using the Dove that is supposed to condition your underarms and help you shave less and get rid of discoloraton, will write a review sometime if I see any results from it!

by jslate304 Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 10:47PM Report as inappropriate

I use the scent expressions deodarant and because i had a stick and i just didnt want to waste it. i guess i will try the secret clinical as summer draws closer.

by kez_shay Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 07:58PM Report as inappropriate

I guess im using the worst kind of deodorant. I use the secret and actually i love it. Maybe when i run out i will check out one of the best kinds.

by laurie72 Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 07:16PM Report as inappropriate

My daughter always has a yellow stain on her white teeshirts. It is impossible to wash out. She doesn't sweat much, or smell, but it always leaves a yellow stain. She has tried several deodurants, what should she do?

by Gunlockgirl Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 04:51PM Report as inappropriate

I don't spend $22 dollars on deodorant

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 04:32PM Report as inappropriate

I like Dove, personally.

by DeLux Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 04:18PM Report as inappropriate

Donna Karan deodorant. Smells great and keeps you fresh ALL DAY! I am a profuse sweater and it works in the heat and humidity of Southern Illinois like a charm.

by Sywillis Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 03:23PM Report as inappropriate

hahaha a review of mine was used!

by volta Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 11:42AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks, I might try secret next time.

by Mysterylady Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 10:33AM Report as inappropriate

I use the clinical and dove. Think I will be trying the avon. Great price.

by tiffany_gallehugh Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 10:30AM Report as inappropriate

The dove deodorants are awesome. I love their visibly smooth deodorant in the wild rose scent.

by taryn.romero Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 08:52AM Report as inappropriate

dove is a good deo.. and their products smells good!

by Mssaralee18 Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 08:03AM Report as inappropriate

I don't sweat very much and I like my deodorants to be as natural as possible.. I think I'll try the arm and hammer deodorant

by gisellemarie Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 10:43AM Report as inappropriate

I need to try the Secret Clinical strength deodorant! I usually use the regular Secret deodorant. I've tried the crystal kind, when I thought my deodorant was giving me eczema, but it didn't work very well and was too messy.

by LipglossandSpandex Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 04:11PM Report as inappropriate