Summer heat has a way of testing even the most reliable deodorant, and if yours has started falling short, you may want to consider switching things up. While sticks and sprays get most of the attention, roll-on deodorants deserve a closer look — the liquid formulas tend to glide on evenly, covering every bit of skin without the streaky patches or gaps you can get with other formats.
To find out what actually makes a roll-on worth adding to your routine, I spoke with dermatologists about what to look for when shopping for one. Then, I used their guidance to pick the best roll-on deodorants for men and women that are worth your consideration.
The best roll-on deodorants
To compile this list of the best roll-on deodorants, I used expert guidance to find highly-rated options that are worth your consideration. Most of the options below are both antiperspirants and deodorants — which means they prevent sweating and mask odors. I also prioritized options that dry quickly and don’t leave behind white streaks on your clothing.
The list also includes unscented formulas, which isn’t the same as one that’s fragrance free. Fragrance-free formulas have no added scent chemicals, whereas unscented formulas often contain masking chemicals to neutralize the smells of certain ingredients. Still, every deodorant on this list has at least a four-star average rating from more than 1,000 shoppers.
The best roll-on deodorant for women
This Mitchum roll-on antiperspirant deodorant offers sweat and odor protection and has a powdery fresh scent. Its quick-drying, alcohol-free formula glides on smoothly without leaving sticky residue or white marks, according to shoppers. Some shoppers do note that it has a very strong scent — which many see as a pro, but could bother someone with a more sensitive nose.
This hypoallergenic roll-on is ideal for those with sensitive skin. But it also doesn’t skimp on strength — its clinical-grade antiperspirant formula delivers up to 72 hours of sweat protection and therefore odor prevention, according to the brand. Reviewers say the unscented formula is fast-drying and applies smoothly for even coverage.
Suave’s roll-on antiperspirant has a light powdery scent and a formula that dries quickly and won’t rub off on clothes, according to the brand. The formula also contains cocoa and shea butter to hydrate your skin as it fights sweat.
The best roll-on deodorant for men
This gender-neutral antiperspirant is made for heavy sweaters. The formula contains aluminum chloride, the strongest active ingredient available without a prescription, according to experts I spoke with. One thing to note: You don’t apply this formula in the morning. Instead, it should be applied to clean, dry underarms at night to prevent sweating and odor the next day.
If you want a more natural option that isn’t an antiperspirant, Weleda’s roll-on relies on licorice root and witch hazel to fight odor. It’s free of synthetic preservatives and fragrances, dermatologically tested, and a good fit for anyone looking to skip aluminum while still getting a fresh scent.
This deodorant-antiperspirant combo offers 48-hour sweat and odor protection, guarding against sweat triggered by heat, motion and stress, according to the brand. Shoppers say the unscented formula dries down without a trace and doesn’t leave any white residue. Just keep in mind that after you apply it, you want to give it several minutes to dry before you get dressed.
How I picked the best roll-on deodorants
To choose the best roll-on deodorant, I asked experts what to consider while shopping. Here are the things they suggest you prioritize:
- Formula: This is the first fork in the road. Deodorants tackle odor by killing bacteria on the skin, but they don’t stop you from sweating, says Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas. Antiperspirants go a step further, using aluminum-based compounds to temporarily block sweat glands and reduce wetness along with odor. If you deal with heavy sweating, an antiperspirant (or a combination formula) is worth seeking out; if you just want to smell fresh and prefer to skip aluminum, a straight deodorant may be the better fit.
- Scent: Roll-ons come in everything from powder-fresh classics to herbal, citrus, or unscented options, and the right one often comes down to personal preference and skin sensitivity. Fragrance-free formulas are worth considering if you have sensitive skin or a fragrance allergy, since added perfumes are a common source of irritation, says Collins. And keep in mind, like I said earlier, unscented and fragrance-free are not the same, so don’t assume that they’ll have the same ingredients (or lack of).
- Hour of protection: Look at how many hours of protection a product claims — most fall somewhere between 24 and 72 hours — and consider whether that matches your actual day, whether that’s a workout, a long shift, or just influenced by hot summer weather, says Collins. If you experience excessive sweating, formulas with a higher concentration of an active ingredient (like aluminum chloride) offer more clinical-strength protection. For everyday use, a standard-strength option is usually plenty, but it’s worth reapplying if you’re especially active.
Frequently asked questions
Roll-ons, sprays and sticks can all be effective at decreasing odor and sweat, says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and author of “Skin Rules.” However, roll-ons can make application easier. “They apply evenly and provide excellent coverage because the product is distributed directly onto the skin,” says Collins. “They also tend to waste less product than sprays and create no airborne particles, which can be beneficial for people with asthma or fragrance sensitivities.”
“The main downside is that roll-ons usually need a minute or two to dry before you can get dressed, which some people find inconvenient,” says Collins. Additionally, you should avoid sharing a roll-on deodorant. “The applicator comes into direct contact with the skin and can transfer bacteria,” says Collins.
Some people get tripped up when applying roll-on deodorant, not knowing how much they should be applying. The general rule is you just need a thin layer of the deodorant on your underarms for it to do its job. For most, this means rolling the ball of the applicator over your underarms two to three times. Another thing it takes some people getting used to is the fact that roll-on deodorant goes on wetter than spray or stick formulas. Roll-on deodorant does try to dry within a minute or two, but it is a different feeling than other types when first applied.
According to most brands, a three ounce bottle of roll-on deodorant will last you around three months if you are just using it once a day. However, if you use deodorant more often — like in the morning, after the gym and for a mid-day refresh — you may notice you go through bottles a bit more quickly than that.
Meet our skin care experts
At NBC Selected, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Kristina Collins is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and author of “Skin Rules.”
Why trust NBC Selected?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers wellness, beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about the difference between hair and scalp oil, the best SPF lip balms and more. For this story, I spoke with dermatologists about what to look for when shopping for roll-on deodorant.
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