Fight the Funk With the Best Kids' Deodorant, Tested by Real Teens and Tweens

We found the best odor protection that smelled great and lasted all day

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Kopari, Good for you and Toms deodorants lined up on counter

Verywell Family / Tina DiRosa

As your kid gets older and enterspuberty, you may notice an increase inbody odorthat persists despite regular bathing. This is a sign that it's time to introduce them to deodorant.

There aretwo ways to combat these smells:Deodorantsare designedto cover up the odor caused by sweat, whileantiperspirantsare designed to block sweat glands to stop you from perspiring, thereby preventing odor. The product you choose will depend on the child’s needs and personal preferences.

To help you find thebest option for your tween or teen,Verywell Testing teamput kids'deodorants to the test. We sent out17 leading deodorants and antiperspirantsto our editors' kids to test out during a very hot summer. Our teens and tweensevaluated and rated each deodorantontexture, ease of application, scent, and other factors. To better judge theireffectiveness, we had our editors do asniff test at the end of the dayto see if the deodorants successfully combated body odors.

We also had aboard-certified dermatologistfrom ourReview Boardreview this article for medical accuracy and integrity around deodorants for kids and the effectiveness of different ingredients.

Best Overall

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant

Kopari Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil

Amazon

Pros
  • Plant-based formula

  • Easy application (roll-on style)

  • Pleasant coconut scent

Cons
  • Costly

Why We Recommend It

Kopari Aluminium-Free Deodorantearns the top spot on our list because it passed with flying colors in all of our testing categories. From itseasy applicationto its strength against sweat and odor, the deodorant performed so well that it had our teens raving about it. We also love that thisplant-based deodorantis free of potentially irritating ingredients, like aluminum,and features a nicecoconut scentthat we love.

In addition to its beachy smell, the deodorantfeels great against the skin, according to our 13-year-old tester, thanks in large part to aroll-on applicationthat’s enjoyable to apply. Plus, theclear formuladoesn’t leave behind any white residue or stains.

The Takeaway

This deodorant earnedtop marks for its efficacy against sweat and odor. Our teen tester wore it for eight hours outdoors during a heat wave and had zero complaints. In fact, they still smelled the coconut fragrance after a hot and humid day at camp.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Roll-on
  • 气味:Coconut
  • Active Ingredients:Coconut oil, sage oil

Price at time of publication: $16

Best Smell

Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant

Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Efficacy
    4 /5
  • Texture
    4 /5
  • 气味
    4 /5
Pros
  • Fresh scent

  • Smooth application

  • No aluminum or chemicals

Cons
  • May melt in the heat, so not great for sports bags

Why We Recommend It

Kids will love the “wicked cool” smell ofTom’s of Maine deodorant, which our 11-year-old tester also described as “very mild and fresh” without the need for artificial fragrances. The deodorant’s scent also impressed their parent, who said it held up against basketball, soccer, and othersummer activities.

The kids’ deodorant containsnatural ingredients, like aloe and sunflower seed oil, that combine to make a gentle texture. During testing, we found that the deodorant applied smoothly on the skin and didn’t leave any stains or residue on their clothes.

The Takeaway

We love that Tom's of Maine deodorant uses onlynaturally derived ingredients, its products are free of aluminum and parabens, and there are no artificial fragrances or preservatives. During testing, parents and tweens agreed that the scent was a hit, and were impressed by how well it stood up to all kinds of summer fun.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Solid
  • 气味:Freestyle
  • Active Ingredients:Propylene glycol, aloe, and sunflower seed oil

Price at time of publication: $16 for a 3-pack

Best for Girls

Good for You Girls Deodorant

Good for You Girls Deodorant

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Efficacy
    5 /5
  • Texture
    4 /5
  • 气味
    4 /5
Pros
  • Dries quickly

  • 气味干净和新鲜

  • Lasted all day

Cons
  • Rolls on wet

Why We Recommend It

Young kids, tweens, and teens will love thisroll-on deodorant’s fresh smell and easy application—which we confirmed during our testing. Our 10-year-old tester was particularly impressed byGood for You Girls'honeydew scent, which smelled fresh and clean, even after a full day at camp. The plant-based deodorant for kids is chock-full oforganic, plant-derived ingredients, like aloe and witch hazel, to help leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

Thedeodorant rolls on clearfor a simple applicationwithout white residue or stains left behind on clothes. While we love how easy the deodorant is to apply, we noticed that it goes on wet before drying quickly, which can take getting used to.

Bonus: The women-owned company says the roll-on kids’ deodorant is evensafe to use on stinky feet, though we didn't test this option.

The Takeaway

According to our editors, thisdeodorant's efficacy is outstanding, especially when compared to other natural deodorants they have tried. “My daughter put this on, went to summer camp for eight hours, ran around outside, played soccer, and we didn't smell a thing," says our tester's mother.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Roll-on
  • 气味:Fresh honeydew, powder
  • Active Ingredients:Aloe, witch hazel, lavender, and white tea

Price at time of publication: $12

Best for Tweens

Fresh Kidz Natural Roll-On Deodorant

Fresh Kidz Natural Roll-On Deodorant

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Efficacy
    5 /5
  • Texture
    4 /5
  • 气味
    5 /5
Pros
  • Goes on lightly

  • 气味is fresh and mild

  • No odor after a full day

Cons
  • Need to roll on three to four times to get full coverage

Why We Recommend It

From eight hours at soccer camp to hot and humid weather, this roll-on kids’ deodorant proved its longevity and strength during testing.Fresh Kidz deodorantcomes in a unique rounded bottle, with separate versions forgirlsandboysand four color options to brighten up a morninghygiene routine. We loved theroll-on stylethat made foreasy application without sticky residue.

According to our 11-year-old tester, the deodorant has a“very mild and fresh” smellthat resembles a fruity and powder-like aroma. We were especially impressed by the results of the sniff test after a full day at soccer camp: “I could not smell myself at all,” they noted.

Fresh Kidz has three scent options: Pink has a fresh floral scent with hints of bergamot, dewberry, jasmine, and amber; Purple has a light powdery scent with notes of vanilla, pink grapefruit, red currant, and jasmine; and Blue has a clean citrus scent with elements of bergamot, rosemary, and neroli.

The Takeaway

The deodorant aced our scent and efficacy tests; however, we noticed that kids needed to apply multiple coats of product (three to four) to feel fully protected.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Roll-on
  • 气味:Powder, floral, or citrus
  • Active Ingredients:Dicaprylyl carbonate, glycerin, triethyl citrate

    Price at time of publication: $9

Best Light Scent

Native Deodorant

Native Deodorant

Amazon

Pros
  • Smooth texture

  • Did not leave residue/stains

  • Smells good

Cons
  • 气味may be too light for some

Why We Recommend It

Native deodorantwas well-liked by our 9-year-old tester, who used the brand’s powder and cotton scent beforesummer camp. In addition to thatlight scent,cruelty-free company offers other enticing aromas, like lavender and rose, eucalyptus and mint, or you can opt for the unscented deodorant.

Thenatural deodorantis free of toxic chemicals and contains ingredients you likely have around the house, such as baking soda and coconut oil. During testing,its texture felt smooth and not sticky. It alsodidn’t leave any residue or stainson clothes after a full day of wear.

If you order directly from the Native site, the brand offers a subscription option that allows you to choose what you need and how often. You can even change the frequency, scent, and other options at any time.

The Takeaway

A great texture, natural odor-fighting ingredients, and long-lasting effectiveness make Native agreat option for kids new to deodorant. However, while this pick did block odors, the nice scent wasn't very strong and didn't last as long as we'd hoped. The unscented version could be agood choice for scent-sensitive kids.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Solid
  • 气味:Powder and cotton
  • Active Ingredients:Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide

Price at time of publication: $13

Best for Younger Kids

Fresh Monster Deodorant for Kids

Fresh Monster Deodorant for Kids

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Efficacy
    3 /5
  • Texture
    4 /5
  • 气味
    5 /5
Pros
  • Gummy bear scent appeals to kids

  • No stains on clothes

  • Natural ingredients

Cons
  • May not last all day

Why We Recommend It

Young children trying deodorant for the first time will love this pick thatsmells just like candy. Unfortunately, the sweet aroma of gummy bears didn’t hold up against our tester’s daily activities (mostlymild exercise). According to our editors, the deodorantdid a good job keeping away strong odor, but they noticed a mild armpit smell mixed with the gummy bear scent at the end of the day.

The kids liked the texture of the deodorant, though our editor rubbed the deodorant on the back of their hand and saw some chunks come loose. Additionally, they noticed it feltslightly greasy, but the kids had zero complaints about either issue.No stains were left behindon clothes because the deodorantglides on clear.

The Takeaway

We recommendFresh Monster Deodorantfor kids just getting in the habit of using deodorant. The packaging, name, and scent appeal to the younger set, so they'll be excited to use it. However, they might need toswitch to a stronger option once they start sweating moreor doing more rigorous activities.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Solid
  • 气味:Gummy Burst
  • Active Ingredients:Coconut oil, tapioca starch, baking soda

Price at time of publication: $13

Best for Sensitive Skin

Play Pits Natural Deodorant for Kids

Play Pits Natural Deodorant for Kids

Target

Our Ratings
  • Efficacy
    4 /5
  • Texture
    2 /5
  • 气味
    4 /5
Pros
  • Lavender scent smells good

  • Effective

Cons
  • Sticky, gritty texture

Why We Recommend It

Play Pits deodorantis the result of a mom’s love forplant-based ingredientsfollowing her diagnosis of a rare skin condition. While this kids’ deodorant contains no harmful chemicals, the“sticky” and “gritty” texturedidn’t feel pleasant when applied to the skin, according to our young tester.

The all-natural kids’ deodorant is available in three scents: Sonshine with orange and peppermint; Suga with lemon, grapefruit, and lemongrass: and Happy with lavender, which is what we tested. According to our editors, the scent was strong in the bottle but settled down nicely on the skin, describing it as "aromatherapeutic.” As part of our test, kids wore this deodorant while playing outside for hours in 90-degree weather, and we're pleased to report that the deodorant passed the sniff test at the end of the day with flying colors.

The Takeaway

We love the plant-based ingredients that aregentle on kids' skinand how effective this deodorant is. Thelong-lasting scentis also a plus. Play Pits deodorant is inspired by kids, but the manufacturer says it is safe and effective for all ages.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Solid
  • 气味:Happy with lavender; other options include citrus and lemongrass or orange and peppermint
  • Active Ingredients:Shea butter, coconut oil, kaolin clay

Price at time of publication: $12

Best for Boys

Level Up Deodorant

Level Up Deodorant

Amazon

Pros
  • Easy to apply

  • Not greasy

  • Smooth

Cons
  • 气味is strong

Why We Recommend It

Level up your kiddo’s hygiene game with a deodorant made for kids ages 8 and up.Level Up deodorantcomes in a solid form thatresembles adult deodorantand is easy to apply. According to our 9-year-old tester, the deodorant felt smooth anddidn’t leave behind a greasy sensation on the skin. We especially love the deodorant’swoodsy scent, which is strong enough to mask any odors throughout the day.

The deodorant is made withnon-toxic ingredients, like natural tapioca starch that absorbs sweat. During our test, kids were drawn to the packaging, which is designed to appeal to gamers and encourage kids to want to use the deodorant. According to our tester's parent, that strategy worked like a charm for them. The deodorant also performed well in the sniff test, even after a full day of summer camp.

The Takeaway

With non-toxic ingredients, a pleasant scent, and an appealing design, Level Up deodorant effectively prevents body odor. But more importantly,it actually gets kids to want to use the deodorant, which is half the battle with tweens and teens.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Solid
  • 气味:海洋的新鲜
  • Active Ingredients:Proponediol, saccharomyces ferment filtrate, tapioca starch

Price at time of publication: $10

Best Antiperspirant

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant

Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant for Women Invisible Solid, Completely Clean

CVS

Pros
  • Smooth, not sticky application

  • Easy to apply

  • No odor after full-day wear

Cons
  • Dispensing the product takes some getting used to

Why We Recommend It

Whether your kid is going throughpubertyor they’re simply concerned about sweating, this antiperspirant is an ideal option to keep wetness and odors at bay.Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirantcontainsaluminum to help block sweat glands, which our teen tester found to be true after wearing the antiperspirant for a full day at summer camp.

This deodorant comes in a "soft solid" presentation, which is acreamy texturethat is dispensed through slots on the top of the applicator. Your teen will twist the wheel at the bottom of the container until they hear two clicks, which is the recommended dosage per underarm. The product is then rubbed into the skin, just like you would any other solid deodorant. During testing, we found that itglides smoothly onto the skin, doesn't feel sticky, and the white creambecomes clear as you rub it in.

While Secret’s antiperspiranttackled sweat and odors without a hitch, it was the antiperspirant’s scent that our tester found to be just average and "faint." We should note that Secret has since discontinued the particular scent we tested. Therefreshed fragrance optionson this line of products now include lavender, coconut, powder, shower fresh, unscented, stress response, completely clean, and odor shield with charcoal.

The Takeaway

If you're looking for an antiperspirant rather than just a deodorant for an older teen or for fighting excessive sweat and odors, this one is a great option. The soft solid presentation takes a little bit of getting used to, but once they get the hang of it, your kids will be odor-free no matter what those teenage years throw at them.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Antiperspirant
  • Form:Soft solid (creamy textured dispensed through slots)
  • 气味:Options include lavender, coconut, powder, shower fresh, unscented, stress response, completely clean, and odor shield with charcoal
  • Active Ingredients:Aluminum chloride

Price at time of publication: $13

Best Moisturizing

hello Unicorn Deodorant With Shea Butter

hello Unicorn Deodorant
Our Ratings
  • Efficacy
    4 /5
  • 气味
    3 /5
  • Texture
    3 /5
Pros
  • Effective

  • Light scents

  • Cruelty-free

Cons
  • A little sticky

  • Difficult to apply

Why We Recommend It

While we love that this formula includesmoisturizing plant-derived ingredientslike shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil, the texture of the deodorant wasn’t ideal. Our 11-year-old tester wore the deodorant once a day for a week while playing basketball and soccer and participating in otheroutdoor activities.

根据我们的测试人员,the deodorantfelt a bit sticky, which made it hard to achieve a smooth application and full coverage. Despite that, the deodorant was有效地牵制汗水和气味all day. In addition to no aluminum, hello's deodorants also do not contain baking soda, parabens, talcs, dyes, or artificial fragrances.

Hello's line of shea butter deodorants is available in several fragrances, including coconut, sage and eucalyptus, peach, and citrus. There's even one created especially for kids: watermelon-scented "Unicorn."

The Takeaway


We found this deodorant effective despite the off-putting texture. While the company has since discontinued the fragrance-free version we tested, there are now plenty of fun, kid-friendly options available, including peach and watermelon.

Key Specs:

  • Type:Deodorant
  • Form:Solid
  • 气味:Options include watermelon "Unicorn," coconut, sage and eucalyptus, peach, and citrus
  • Active Ingredients:Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, arrowroot

Price at time of publication: $14

We Also Tested

  • Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant:While its smooth application was perfect for everyday wear, the floral scent was too strong and didn’t mask body odor as well after a lot of activity.
  • Kobi Sports Deodorant:无味除臭剂辜负它的香味free promise, but our tester could smell his sweat at the end of the day.
  • Lume Deodorant:This deodorant was a breeze to put on, but it had an odd scent that even the fragrance couldn't mask.

How We Tested the Best Kids' Deodorant

To find the best deodorants for kids, we started our research by speaking to parents and dermatologists about the specific needs of tweens and teens when it comes to deodorant and odor protection. With their recommendations in mind, we researched dozens of options on the market and narrowed our list down to 17 top-rated deodorants for kids.

我们的实际测试的孩子的除臭剂over the summer, when 10 editors and their kids took the deodorants home and incorporated them into their daily routines. During the testing period, the teens and tweens attended camp, played sports, and ran around under the sun. At the end of the day, the parents performed the sniff test to determine if the deodorant had effectively kept odors at bay.

Additionally, our editors and their kids assessed each deodorant according to the following key criteria:

  • Texture:We considered the texture of the deodorant and how it felt when applied to the skin. Did the texture make application difficult? While some deodorants for kids glided onto the skin smoothly, others felt sticky, gritty, or overly wet.
  • Stains or Reactions:We took note of any stains or residue left behind on clothes or skin. In addition, we pad attention to adverse reactions like rashes, blisters, or itchiness.
  • 气味:We asked teens and tweens to apply the deodorant and rate the scent upon application. Was it something you'd want to smell like all day? Was it overwhelming or astringent? Many reported scents that were too light or scents that didn't last long enough.
  • Efficacy:To gauge each product's efficacy, we put the deodorants through the wringer: activity-filled weekends, hours of sports practice, full days at camp during a super-hot summer. To determine how well the deodorants fared, we asked parents to perform a sniff test after a full day of wear.
  • Value:Taking into account all of our research and feedback, we considered the product's price to assess its value.

Our Experts

To find out what to look for in a kids' deodorant, we also spoke with:

  • Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, pediatrician, and chief medical officer for SpoonfulONE
  • Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

What to Look for in Kids’ Deodorant

  • Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant:While the terms are often used interchangeably, antiperspirant and deodorant are not the same. "Deodorants get rid of the odor of sweat by covering it up, and antiperspirants stop or dry up perspiration," Dr. Swanson explains. Most antiperspirants include aluminum to block sweat production, while deodorants do not. According to our experts, kids going through puberty may find antiperspirants necessary; younger kids can typically stick to deodorant.
  • Application Type:Deodorants and antiperspirants are available in a variety of forms: solid, roll-on, gel, crystal, and wipes. Thetype of deodorantyour child uses will depend on their age and preferences. For example, our top pick,Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant, features a roll-on style that is easy to apply. If you choose a solid deodorant, opt for one that goes on clear to prevent any white residue or stains on clothing. Be sure to check in with your child on the type they'd prefer to use or try.
  • 气味ed vs. Unscented:For deodorant-reluctant kids, a sweet-smelling product can convince them to use it daily. Most deodorants for kids have options with a light fragrance that isn't too overwhelming.
  • Ingredients:Before reaching for any product, read the ingredients and the description to better understand what you're buying. The skin under your child's arm is delicate. To ensure their deodorant doesn't cause a rash or other irritation, opt for a formula free from harsh chemicals or fragrances and perform a patch test before using the product. According to Dr. Swanson, there's noneed to panic about aluminum, parabens, or propylene glycol, but "if you're concerned about these ingredients, you can skip the antiperspirant and choose a gentle deodorant for your child or teen."

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should kids start wearing deodorant?

    There's really no specific age children should start using deodorant, but they begin to develop body odor when they enter puberty. Because puberty can begin at a different age for every child, it's important to know it can begin as young as 9 years old and up to 14 years old.

    It's always best to read the deodorant's recommendations for age. When your child begins wearing deodorant, it's a great time to go overhygiene basicswith them and what they need to include daily. However, if they have any concerns about their sweating or body odor, reach out to their doctor.

  • Is the aluminum in antiperspirant safe for kids?

    Aluminum salts are what keep us from sweating since they dissolve and stop sweat production. "There is concern by some that aluminum and other ingredients found in antiperspirants (parabens and propylene glycol) might be linked to an increased risk of some medical problems in life," Dr. Swanson notes. "This has not been proven in human studies, and studies have not shown that applying these substances to the skin causes an increased risk of any disease." The ingredient may be an issue for people with kidney problems since their body can't filter the aluminum out fast enough.

  • Which is better for kids: deodorant or antiperspirant?

    According to Dr. Zeichner, when choosing between deodorant and antiperspirant for kids, you should consider the purpose. “Many antiperspirants also provide deodorant effects, helping to neutralize odor. Straight deodorants, on the other hand, only address odor but not wetness,” he explains. “If your main concern is a foul smell, then a deodorant is for you. If you are suffering from wetness or excessive sweating, then you should look for an antiperspirant.”

  • How much does kids’ deodorant cost?

    Deodorants for kids are accessible at a variety of prices both online and in stores. Typical prices range from around $5 to $17, depending on the ingredients. Some deodorants come in a multi-pack, which can save you a little money. You may also be able to save money by subscribing to receive the product on a regular basis either through the company website or at an online store like Amazon.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cosseyis a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son.

2 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Aluminum| Toxfaqs™ | CDC.gov.

  2. Using Deodorant for Kids and Teens -Nemours KidsHealth.