Ever heard of something called a self-serving bias? It means that we’re more likely to agree with nice things about ourselves, but blame bad things on external factors. It’s why even the Libra (sun, Aquarius moon, Aquarius rising) writing this can admit that horoscopes may not be the most reliable source of information. It’s also why you can’t always trust deodorant recommendations! Everyone wants to think that their horoscope is always spot on, and that the amazing deodorant they read about on the internet is actually working.
In the name of side-stepping potential favor, we rounded up the seven most talked about deodorants at Glossier HQ, and tested them out. The products range from teenage boy to downright hippie, and are available for purchase everywhere from Walgreens to Goop—though, perhaps surprisingly, they’re all aluminum free. The best deodorants should stand up to the worst situations, from ‘I knew my ex was going to be at this party but I couldn’t not show up,’ to ‘I didn’t know there’s a subway stop in Shrek’s swamp.’ And if it doesn’t, it’s the deodorant’s fault, not the summer’s. Read on to hear how this bunch held up.
Dr. Hauschka in Rose
The Stats:
Aluminum-free, liquid roll-on, $24
The Claim:
“I love the Dr. Hauschka Rose Deodorant. The scent is really subtle, it applies clear, rolls on nicely, and it’s natural, but doesn’t leave you smelling like sweat.” —Hadas Drutman
What We Thought:
“The only liquid on this list actually goes on the most comfortably, and dried pretty quickly! But the scent is definitely detectable, and when you first apply it smells faintly of antiseptic, like a doctor’s waiting room. That fades quickly, but if you don’t like the smell of rose, this is not the deodorant for you because that scent lingers for much longer. That being said, it definitely did the thing it was supposed to, which is keep me smelling nice after a day of running around Manhattan.” —Ali Oshinsky
Agent Nateur Holi(Stick) No. 3
The Stats:
Aluminum-free, stick, $21
The Claim:
“It’s natural, and it works! I find most natural deodorants to be polarizing, or smell very herbaceous, but this one smells so good. I’ve been using it for over a year.” —Eva Alt
What We Thought:
“The very kind, very beautiful Ariel Gitlin graciously let me shove my face into her underarms the other day. She was wearing the Agent Nateur deodorant that had been so recommended around HQ, and was worried she smelled. But to my surprise and delight, her pits smelled lovely! Like vanilla, or something! Neither polarizing, herbaceous, nor resembling sour cream and onion Pringles. A win in her book, and mine.” —AO
Arm & Hammer Essentials in Fresh
The Stats:
Aluminum-free, stick, $5.46
The Claim:
“This is the best deodorant on the planet. It doesn’t help with sweat, but definitely keeps you fresh enough that you don’t even mind the sweat. I will die if they ever discontinue it.” —Sarah Hudson
What We Thought:
“Maybe it’s the baking soda, but this is better than most “natural deodorants” around—it definitely does something. But coming from the world of prescription-strength, heavy-duty, 48-hour anti-perspirants, I think I’m going to need something a little more powerful when July and August swing by. But for colder, less sweaty months? This checks out.” —Ashley Weatherford
Old Spice Deodorant in Original
The Stats:
Aluminum-free, stick, $3.31
The Claim:
“The packaging says it’s for The Commanding Man, but j’adore.” —Bela Yousif
What We Thought:
“A fun fact about me is that I used to take Old Spice spray to my all-girls summer camp, and spray it on my pillow to fall into a deep slumber replete with dreams of teenage crushes. Hey, we only had male contact twice in eight weeks! If only had known then that the young men I’d been yearning for were also beauty-woke enough to use aluminum-free deodorant… point is, I know now. This definitely masks b.o., but also has a definite smell all its own. Which I personally don’t mind! I guess I’ll always have a soft spot for good stolen-from-the-boys scent.” —AO
Crystal Deodorant
The Stats:
Aluminum-free, it’s just a totally dry crystal stick, $7.79
The Claim:
“I transitioned to Thai Crystals about five years ago. I know it’s polarizing, but it keeps me dry and unsmelly all day. Obviously it has no scent at all, but it’s very natural, and effective!” —Wenonah Echelard
What We Thought:
“First of all, I don’t recommend putting this on right out of the shower. Since it’s just a dry crystal stick, the process of applying it to freshly dried skin was difficult, to say the least—no silky roll, no smooth glide, just a lot of dry crystal kind of sticking to my pits. On the upside, it’s dry! If you’re into that. The first day I wore this it was kind of chilly in New York, and I was almost convinced that it worked. It passed the roommate test—I smelled good! But the second day was sunny, and it stopped working right after my morning commute. So, this is a good deodorant for days you can get away with not wearing deodorant. It’s a no from me, dawg.” —AO
Megababe Rosy Pits
The Stats:
Aluminum-free, stick, $18
The Claim:
“I honestly never thought too much about deodorant, whether it was natural or not, whether I even owned it or not. I stole my husband's and that was that. But then I met Katie Sturino and she convinced me to try her Rosy Pits natural deodorant and I got hooked. I love the smooth way it glides on, the gel-like texture, clear finish, and the scent. And obviously the most important thing is that it works." —Leah Chernikoff
What We Think:
“A deodorant that’s truly pleasant! Goes on floral, wears comfortably, doesn’t leave any stains, and I haven’t been able to catch any hint of an undesirable body smells so far—especially impressive because not all natural deodorants can cover all those bases! And I know…I’ve tried a bunch. I’ve only been testing it on days that I know I’ll be zipping around, in and out of the office, but keep in mind, that also includes the 20 minutes of walking to and from the train in the A.M. and early evenings. It leaves me feeling fresh. It seems that Leah and Taryn may be onto something.” —Utibe Mbagwu
Lovefresh Super Strength Deodorant
The Stats:
Aluminum-free, stick, $24
The Claim:
“Lovefresh Super Strength Deodorant works so well for me—it’s natural, and has a very slight baby powder scent. It works all day, and through workouts.” —Maura O’Neill
What We Thought:
“This natural deodorant is made with extra baking soda to neutralize body odors, so if you’re sensitive, you may want to start slowly with it. Typical stick format, but it goes on a little wet, more like a gel. I definitely had to do a little wacky wavy inflatable tube man dance before putting on my shirt. Can confirm the slight baby powder scent—to me, this smelled the most like a traditional deodorant. (Think, Dove stick.) I slapped it on top of the Crystal after that one stopped working, and it saved me for the rest of the day.” —AO
Photo via ITG