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Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.
A reliable antiperspirant or deodorant can make or break your day. It can be the difference between feeling comfortable and confident or self-conscious all day. Invisible deodorants are designed to stay on your skin without transferring onto your clothing. When choosing a product, look for one that dries quickly, doesn't clump, and goes on clear. Also, consider its ability to reduce sweat which helps to minimize transfer. Regarding invisibility, Tiffany Libby, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, says that spray and gel formulations tend to dry more invisibly and without a white residue.
To find the best invisible deodorants, we tested dozens of antiperspirants and deodorants for their smell and sweat-blocking capabilities. We also had a board-certified dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Then, we picked the best options to help you narrow your search for what works best for you.
The best deodorants contain aluminum, according to Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Some deodorants contain silver or magnesium, which help combat odor-causing bacteria. They may also include acids like glycolic acid, which create an inhospitable environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, some deodorants incorporate fragrances that mask odors. A good deodorant will also contain moisturizing ingredients to soothe and hydrate your skin and reduce the risk of irritation. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin, remove underarm hair, or have existing rashes or underarm discomfort.
There has been much concern about the use of aluminum in various products. However, Dr. Wolinsky has conducted research on this topic and found that medical experts do not believe there is a direct relationship between aluminum exposure and breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Libby advises that if you have sensitive skin, you should avoid deodorants containing exfoliating ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids or drying agents like alcohol and baking soda. Moreover, Dr. Wolinsky suggests that natural deodorants are not always better than non-aluminum-based ones. She warns that natural deodorants often contain a lot of sugar, which can cause yeast infections in some people.
Antiperspirants block sweat, and deodorants block odor. However, many products combine both antiperspirant and deodorant ingredients and, therefore, do both. If you're prone to sweating, consider using an antiperspirant rather than a regular deodorant. Antiperspirants contain aluminum-based salts that help block wetness but also offer deodorant benefits.
The Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant was a firm favorite among the Health team. It effectively minimized sweat and odor and didn’t transfer onto our tester’s clothes at all. It even managed to win over someone who doesn’t typically enjoy roll-on deodorants.
After 30 minutes of cardio, the deodorant effectively stopped the smell of the sweat. Even after 24 hours of wearing this antiperspirant, one reviewer said, “There was just no scent from my armpits. Even when showering and smelling my clothes, there was no smell at all!”
The texture of Secret Clinical Strength is silky smooth. While it does roll on wet, it dries clear without clumping. So, just how invisible is it? Our tests showed very little or no transfer at all, even after working out and moving around throughout the day.
As an antiperspirant, our tests showed that this product was effective at managing both sweat and smell and held strong even after the 24-hour mark. And, it seems to be aptly named as our tester revealed there were “no noticeable stains on clothes” and he felt “strongly protected after physical activity.”
This product comes is easy to apply and smooths over the skin easily. The formula itself is white when it glides over the skin, but our testers agreed that it didn’t transfer onto clothes and didn’t leave a sticky residue. Our tester (who hasn’t always been a fan of Degree products) said he highly recommends this product and felt fresh and comfortable, even after a jog on the treadmill.
Our testers agreed that this is a great option for those who prefer their deodorant in a spray application. The packaging claims it’s transfer-resistant for up to 100 colors and that held true during our tests. Dove Dry Spray showed up clear from the first moment of application, stayed wet on the skin for a few minutes before drying completely, and didn’t stain any black tops or sports bras afterwards.
It’s worth noting that the label says that it will keep you protected for 48 hours. However, our tests showed that with a normal working day (which included walking through the city, exercise, and riding the subway), it lasted closer to 24 hours. But we still think that makes for an excellent antiperspirant. The fragrance, though pleasant, can eventually mix with the sweat, which is off putting for some users. If this is you, take advantage of one of the other three spray options in this list.
Do you like to start your day with a touch of luxury? Then perhaps this is the antiperspirant for you. Sitting at the $20 mark, this is one of the pricier options, but for some, it’s worth it for the fragrance and the fact that it’s produced by an independent business and is vegan and cruelty-free.
In terms of performance, the Pit Boss scored 4.4. Major points went towards the woodsy fragrance and the fact that it kept sweat odor at bay for 24 hours. However, it was noted that the product had transferred a little onto the inside of a black shirt.
This antiperspirant is for the anyone who typically finds it hard to wear any deodorant at all. With only six ingredients and a water-based formula, this deodorant is great for anyone who suffers from things like allergies or eczema.
And while it’s designed for those with sensitive skin, this DERMAdoctor antiperspirant proved effective in our tests, meaning it could really work for anyone. Post-exercise, our tester noted that there was no smell at all and that she didn’t feel sweat under her arms—even after a stint of cardio.
It rolled on easily with a nice texture that dried clear and clump-free. And, since there was no transfer after working out and moving around, this antiperspirant is a great option for anybody with or without sensitive skin.
This antiperspirant held up to the test as there was no perceptible smell of sweat post-exercise. However, we did notice some body odor after 24 hours, so our testers agreed that it wasn’t as strong as some of the other deodorants and antiperspirants we tested. With that being said, our testers said the texture was “excellent” because it dried quickly, was clear upon application, and left no residue.
Clinique’s invisible deodorant also received top marks in the transfer-resistance category as it didn’t transfer onto any clothing throughout the test period. Overall, our reviewer said, “This is a good, lightweight product for everyday use. If I were to work out or sweat more, I would want something with more of a scent or a stronger antiperspirant.” This product is great for anyone who is prone to allergic reactions or has sensitive skin.
The Art of Sport Antiperspirant makes for a solid, natural choice as our tests showed that it kept sweat at bay throughout an exercise session and also throughout the entire 24-hour testing period. The scent is refreshing and it was still noticeable post-exercise. However, it’s worth noting that our testers found the smell faded before the end of the 24-hour period.
This product all did a great job in the transfer-resistance category, which can sometimes be a sticking point for natural formulas. Our tester said it didn’t feel sticky after application and that there was no transfer after the testing period had finished.
We named Biotherma’s Antiperspirant Cream the best cream because it check all of our boxes. There was a very light, fresh scent that was backed up by 24 hours of dryness, even in hot and humid conditions.
The unique dispenser means that you can rub in as much or as little as you like. In the case of our tests, this meant that our tester could apply a smaller amount but rub it in for longer which made for better absorption. Even in hot and humid conditions, there was no transfer onto clothing at all. Given this, we think the price is justifiable if you’re someone who would benefit from using a personalized amount of deodorant, likes a cream formula, and can spend a little extra time rubbing in your deodorant every day.
To determine the most effective invisible deodorants, we tested dozens of antiperspirants and deodorants for their odor and perspiration-blocking abilities. Each product was tested over a 24-hour period and assessed for the following features: antiperspirant efficacy, ease of application, scent, and transfer resistance.
At the beginning of the 24-hour period, our testers applied the products to clean and dry armpits and then performed 20 minutes of cardio activity in the Health lab. Since antiperspirants temporarily block the sweat glands, the reviewer expected to have minimal to no sweat post-exercise. The antiperspirant was expected to stay effective for 24 hours without the need to reapply or shower.
The Health team tested each listed deodorant and antiperspirant under dermatologists' guidance and expert advice. They include:
While these products didn’t check all of our boxes, they may still interest you.
Refrigerator Deodorizer Isabella Ubaldi has 10 year of research and writing experience covering topics that range from the best moisturizing body washes to how “femtech” helps to fill the gap in our medical understanding of women’s bodies. Her curiosity about the world feeds her keen interest in helping people reduce the shopping noise and simply make better decisions.