34 Affordable, Indulgent Products You'll Try Once And Swear By Forever
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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Here are some words in a sentence you're gonna love: instant cold-stirred foam caramel iced lattes ... straight out of a packet you can make at home 👀.
1. A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes.
Amazon
Promising review: "Love these. These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of ligh t. I love them. I would highly recommend. I'll probably never sleep without them again." — AJ
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four sets).
2. A pack of instant cold-stirred foam caramel iced lattes so you can get all that delicious, decadent ~froth~ you love so much right from the comfort of your own home. Considering the price of a fancy bev these days, this is a STEAL at a buck per drink.
www.amazon.com
All you need to do to create the foam is stir it with a spoon, but reviewers note it gets an even BIGGER froth with a cheap hand frother!
Promising review:"I was presently surprised by the taste, the latte foam, and how easy it is! This product is awesome!! If you are looking for a great tasting latte at home, this really is perfect." — Kathleen Suarez
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $7.79+ (available in three flavors).
3. Essence's "What the Fake!" Plumping Lip Filler to give your lips a lil' extra ~vavoom~ — this tingly formula not only volumizes your lips, but it's made with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to leave them extra moisturized and hydrated.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the plumping lip filler in action.
Promising review: "I got this as an add-on last minute because of the price. It's small, but wow, it's impactful. A little goes a long way, and you can feel it working instantly. There is a tingle, not quite a burn. I'd def use a bit at a time when starting, but it works great right away." — Bt2turntup
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in five tints).
4. An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend.
www.amazon.com
Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes.
Promising review: "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Le Labo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very, very close! It's a bit stronger, but I love it! The shipment arrived fast, and I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" — Cristina Bertolotto
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).
5. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion, which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." — Dragonheart Jo
Get it from Amazon for $8.98.
6. A lil' polar bear hydrating eye stick for some sweet, sweet relief when you wake up with puffy, aching eyes. This formula is blended with Iceland glacial water to help tighten skin and tackle dark circles so you look and feel more ~refreshed~.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." — Ben
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six styles).
7. Plus Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, an "invisible," color-adaptive holy grail product for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes. This works so fast that everyone's old concealers are doing double takes.
The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.
Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T.
Get it from Amazon for $6.
8. A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint perfect for anyone whose recent step count is "too many." Nothing like a lil' self-care on those aching feet to lift your spirits!
Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action.
I'm a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days!
Promising review:"Very soothing. My husband and l used these on our European vacation, and they definitely felt good on our feet!" — KS2018
Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $10.77.
9. A decorative rainbow window film that says, "Yes, I want my privacy, but I also want to be extremely glamorous about it." Not only does this refract beautiful rainbows in your space, but reviewers mention that it's handy for pet owners whose dogs love to bark at things outside, and that they also used them to outfit the sunroofs of their cars to prevent glare.
Promising review:"I had no privacy in the evenings and was looking for an alternative solution that was not only effective but that would look good, too. After putting these up, I finally have some really effective privacy. It's so nice without everybody being able to see into my windows whenever they please at night. The amazing amount of rainbow effect that happens during the daytime when the sunlight streams through is so neat! My place is flooded with rainbows everywhere. It is better than I pictured!" — Sally Skeleton
Get it from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in four colors and 11 sizes)
10. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub to help gently (and delightfully!) exfoliate and soften your skin with its unique blend of sea kelp and French green clay. Reviewers note that unlike a lot of competitors, this scrub keeps its grittiness through the cleansing, and that a little bit goes a looong way.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "It's a pleasant, gritty scrub that doesn't hurt my face with salt or anything that feels like sandpaper. It's moisturizing, exfoliating and lovely. I follow up with my skin oil, serums and moisturizer. My makeup goes on like butter. I'll buy this again." — JBF
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
11. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Lip Mask for anyone who wants to go TURBO on ensuring they lock in enough moisture for the perfect pout. This silky, hyaluronic acid-infused formula is designed not to stick, so it plays nice with other lip products at all times of the day.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"If I could give this lip mask 100 stars, I would. What is there not to love about this product? It's beyond moisturizing and quite soft as you put it on, like butter. The scent has me perplexed, not sure that's the correct word to use. I know that scent, it reminds me of something from the '70s or '80s. The scent takes me back, but to where I do not know. AAAA++++, it's a must-buy!" — Stina
Get it from Amazon for $7.
12. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them!
Promising review:"Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn't worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus, you can't beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that's been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" — BB
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!
Get a bottle from Amazon for $8.40.
13. A set of instant cocktail packets for anyone who craves the vibe of having a cocktail in hand, but doesn't want to see the evidence littered all over their credit card statement at the end of the month. Reviewers love these quick, delicious, super portable mixes for cocktails and mocktails at home, in the park, or even camping.
Craftmix is a small business that specializes in instant drink mixers.
These are all vegan and gluten-free — all you have to do is add booze, water, or the seltzer of your choice! Reviewers also love it as a party favor.
Promising review:"These margarita mixes are absolutely perfect for hanging out with your girlfriends. They are so refreshing when mixed with tequila and sparkling soda. There were enough drink mixes for 12 margaritas. I also dipped the glasses in rock salt. Great value for your money. I'm going to purchase more for our taco night." — Suze
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 13 different flavors and a variety pack).
14. A set of wildly popular moisture-wicking double-brushed microfiber sheets with a softness so luxurious that you'll be like, "Cotton whomst??" Reviewers especially love that the "cooling" effect of these is no joke, particularly for people in hot climates or people experiencing night sweats and hot flashes.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
LuxClub is a small business that specializes in soft, durable, luxury-style sheets.
P romising review: 'LOVE THESE!! I was searching for a sheet set that would help me sleep more comfortably at night and found these. I have terrible hot flashes with night sweats and get up in the morning just miserable. Of course, these do not eliminate my hot flashes as no sheets will, but they definitely make my nights much more comfortable by eliminating wet bedding, and I definitely appreciate that! Aside from their moisture-wicking abilities, they are very soft, easy to look at, and launder extremely well. I would highly recommend these for anyone shopping for sheet sets and especially for anyone experiencing night sweats!! ' — Shannon Warfel
Get it from Amazon for $22.36+ (available in sizes Twin—California King, with deep pockets, and in 40 styles).
15. E.l.f.'s new Stay Cool Primer Stick for a double dose of hydration and ~coolness~ that will not only help your makeup glide on like a dream, but give your skin a much-needed refresh.
Amazon
Promising review: "Just tried this primer along with the E.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation, and I cannot say enough good things! The primer felt clean and light going on. This is hands down the best primer I have used. The two products are amazing. Def my new favs! Love love love!" — Cozette
Get it from Amazon for $7.
16. A layered necklace set to add such instant sophistication to any outfit that it might just be worth keeping an "emergency" one in your purse for days when you make last-minute plans and need to jazz up your post-office look. ✨
Amazon
Promising review:"I love the ways these layering necklaces look! I haven't taken them off since I received them and they look brand new still. I've worn them in the shower, pools, and beach and they are still perfect." — Allison Kwong
Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three finishes and 15 other styles).
17. And a stackable oval gem ring so gorgeous and well-made that reviewers use it as a temporary wedding ring when they're traveling. Psst — people love stacking it with other high quality Pavoi rings!
TBH, I bought this ring after seeing it blow up on TikTok, and I love it. I wear it every single day, and I've gotten SO many compliments on it — friends are always stunned when I tell them how cheap it is! I've been wearing it for months now without any wear and tear that a quick cleaning won't fix. Pictures don't do it justice; it really does ✨gleam✨ like real jewels. (Bonus: I use this as a fake wedding ring when I travel to encourage humans to leave me alone, lolololol.)
Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in three plates and sizes 5–10).
18. A set of Glamnetic's press-on nails for anyone who's short on time or money but not on glamour — these standard and colorful sets are easy to reshape and apply, *plus* are reusable, so it's really an investment not just in one flawless manicure, but multiple.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Glamnetic is a small business that specializes on uniquely-designed, reusable press-on nails.
Promising review:"I saw these all over my TikTok FYP and was so curious to try them. They are absolutely beautiful, and just after two days I have gotten so many compliments. The glue holds super well and the application process was super simple. I don't think that I will ever get acrylic nails again, as a set like this would likely be three times the price." — Leslie and Paige
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 43 styles).
19. An easy-to-apply one-hour (!!) self-tanner so much cheaper and more effective than its competitors that your medicine cabinet will laugh at the old versions you used. This vegan blend is easy for beginners to use without streaking or uneven patches, and although the tan is instant, the fade is nice and gradual.
Promising review: 'If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I've used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!' — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.50+ (available in 10 styles).
20. A hydrating, plumping lip glow oil reviewers compare to the cult-fave Dior Lip Oil ... that is, if it were a FRACTION of the price 👀.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is by far my favorite lip gloss on Amazon. The lip gloss keeps your lips moisturized and plump throughout the day. Highly recommend if you haven't tried already!" — Brianna Clark
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in six shades and in two-packs).
21. A Dash mini maker with so much fast cooking potential that your tastebuds will *sing* — reviewers use this for anything from whipping up eggs to grilled cheese to pancakes to cookies. People who live alone or in small kitchens swear by this as a fast, easy cooking hack.
Promising review: "This is the perfect easy breakfast sandwich maker. It cooks the egg perfectly (I used jumbo eggs, and it worked perfectly just like regular eggs). It's honestly one of my personal favorite appliances. I just had a baby, and having something I can crack an egg into and let it sit to cook without having to flip and it's done within five minutes is honestly a lifesaver, and it cleans super easy! 10/10 I love this thing; it's just like my George Foreman!" — Emily
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in six colors).
22. The cult-favorite Tree Hut Coco Colada Body Scrub, which is basically a vacation in a jar — this exfoliating, hydrating scrub will not only leave your skin super smooth, but have you smelling like human sunshine.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Coco Colada body scrub.
Promising review:"Heavenly. The scent is amazing and makes your legs feel so good after shaving. If you close your eyes while using, you think you are on tropical island!!!" — SBlanks
Get it from Amazon for $7.97.
23. L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion designed to enhance your skin's natural glow ✨ — perfect for anyone who wants a lightweight alternative to foundation or just a lil' extra low-effort, ethereal shimmer in their lives.
Promising review:"Love love love this stuff. This is such a stellar product that is so versatile. Can be worn alone to put some glowy life to skin. Add to foundation or layer it. Beautiful. Use it as a base where you put highlighter on top. Mix some with moisturizer. This, in my opinion, is better than so many high-luxury brands that make similar products. And I am pretty sure it can be used by all skin types. It's not oily feeling at all, and it doesn't dry out skin either. Just a total package. Can't beat the price either." — Figgy08
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in six shades).
24. A nine-pair set of hypoallergenic golden hoop earrings because sometimes you have to get the outfit vibe just! right!!! which means mixing things up from your usual go-to hoops (bless their overworked hearts). This gives you plenty of affordable, chic options so you can try out a different set every day of the week.
Amazon
Promising review:"I'm picky when it comes to jewelry and love these. They haven't tarnished on me at all or hurt my ears, and the gold isn't tacky looking. Love the variety and you can't beat the pricing. Also, a great gift!" — Marisa
Get a set of nine from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in three colors).
25. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning you need to buy as a favor to all your taste buds immediately. Allow me to paint a picture for you: Thin Mint coffee, Thin Mint pudding, Thin Mint popcorn, Thin Mint anything your dessert gremlin heart desires.
I stared at this for months online before caving and buying it, and when I tell you!! It jazzes up my morning coffee in a way that makes my little '90s baby heart sing. I've also loved it on Greek yogurt, oatmeal, and mug cakes. Plus, when I am feeling lonely for a real Thin Mint, and we're not in Girl Scout cookie season, I'll shake this on an Oreo Thin to stave off the despair.
Get it from Amazon for $4.98 (and try their s'mores seasoning blend, too!).
26. A set of wineglass charcuterie toppers to make you the ultimate host of wine and cheese nights ... *or* just an elite experience curating your own snack-and-vino vibe at home. (Friday night cheese is the most sacred cheese of all.)
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "These are so cute! I hosted a wine tasting at my house and the coasters fit into many different wine glasses. I had about three to four fairly decent size chocolates on top. These were a hit and everyone thought they were in a nice restaurant with the setup!!" — Melanie M.
Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set of eight).
27. A deep exfoliating shower back scrubber so soothing and effective that it won't be long before all your friends are like, "Wow, remember when they talked about something other than how squeaky clean their back feels?" A lot of reviewers with dry skin and keratosis pilaris swear by this for relief!
Amazon
Dermasuri is a small business that specializes in skincare and personal care products.
Check out a TikTok of the back scrubber in action.
Promising review: "I used this back scrubber the day after it arrived, and I love it. Finally, I have an easy-to-use and more effective way to scrub my back. I saw the dead skin fall to the shower floor. Wow! And it easily rinsed cleaned, too." — Naomi M.
Get it from Amazon for $18.79.
28. A set of itty bitty vintage-inspired spoons that are just BEGGING to be used for all your coffee, tea, dessert, and yogurt needs. (Is it just me, or do we all have an Emotional Support Tiny Spoon?)
Promising review: "The perfect little coffee spoons on my coffee bar! They go with my modern vintage thrifted decor and make me smile. 🥰" — Lindsey
Get a set of six from Amazon for $7.99.
29. A two-slice touch screen toaster with all the fanciness of the $350 TikTok-famous version and none of the "YIKESSSSS" of the price tag. This lets you select seven different toastiness levels for your bread, and specify if you're putting other carbs in there, like bagels, English muffins, waffles, and even gluten-free bread.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I love this toaster! It has all the options I need: lifter, countdown timer, visual icon of the toast colors, and all the toast varieties anyone could want, from white to grain to bagel to waffle to English muffin to gluten-free. It not only has reheat and defrost options, you can even add more toasting time, too. Truly, it has all the bells and whistles anyone could want and is easy to use." — Tanya Feddern-Bekcan
Get it from Amazon for $50.13+ (available in four colors).
30. A reviewer-beloved electric fondue set for an investment in your future happiness, because I'm hard-pressed to think of anything a vat of melted cheese and chocolate *won't* fix.
Kusini is a small business that specializes in kitchen products.
Promising revie w: "I absolutely love fondue and this made at-home fondue easy and mess free! Warms up quickly and holds the perfect amount of fondue plus dippers." — Ruby Pagel
Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in two colors).
31. A buildable Space Glow Color-Changing Lipstick with a sheer, subtle shimmer and a unique blue-based pink tint formulated with pH technology so it will adapt to a personalized shade so perfect you'll look stellar 💫.
Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the Space Glow Color-Changing Lipstick in action.
Promising review: "I liked the first one I bought so much that I went back and ordered another for my purse. It's smooth and the color, on me, develops into a soft rose. Give it a try!" — MarieTherese
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
32. A mini weighted blanket perfect for people who want a quick dose of calm and relaxation, but don't want to overheat or commit to the whole heavy shebang of a full-size weighted blanket. This one's the perfect size to easily drape over yourself on the couch.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Read more about how to choose a weight and what these blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"I love weighted blankets, but I always get way too hot with them. This is perfect because I can cover up the half of my body that I want the weighted feeling on while the rest do my body gets to stay cool. It is perfect for me." — Patricia Newt
Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in three weights and four colors).
33. A chic wax melt warmer that blends so seamlessly with the rest of your decor that it will give a vibe of ~quiet luxury~.
Amazon
Promising review: "It warmed up really quick and looks nice in my laundry room! It's small enough to hide and still make a big impact on the area it was in! It's sturdy and easy to use. The wax I have in here smells amazing!" — Cassandra
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four styles).
34. An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat. Very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it in so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" — Cheyenne
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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The 9 best deodorants and antiperspirants for men in 2025, according to testers and dermatologists
If you haven't realized by now, men's deodorant isn't one size fits all. You have the option between deodorant and antiperspirant, then the choice of solids, gels, sprays or wipes, plus 24-, 48- or 72-hour protection. It gets kind of overwhelming to think about, but there's a purpose for every deodorant option out there. To help you break down the madness so you can choose the best deodorant and/or antiperspirant for you, we turned to a panel of experts, including dermatologists and in-house testers. For starters, we asked about the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant, and why you might want both in one product. "Deodorants mask the odor, while antiperspirants prevent you from sweating," said Dr. Monika Kaniszewska, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago. So, in order to stop stink and sweat, you'll want a combination of both. With feedback from our experts, we compared dozens of products, from extra-strength sweat-stopping antiperspirants to gentle, all-natural, aluminum-free deodorants, to find the best of the best. Whether you're looking for an all-natural deodorant for men, designed to stop the stink without harsh chemicals, or the best antiperspirant for men to block sweat completely, this list has you covered. Best deodorant for men overall for 2025 Other top deodorants for men we recommend for 2025 What to consider when buying the best deodorant for men How we chose the best deodorant for men FAQs Meet our experts Update, June 6, 2025: We checked all product prices, availability and specs. Our number one pick for the best men's deodorant remains unchanged. (back to top) (back to top) While some people use the terms "antiperspirant" and "deodorant" interchangeably, these are two different things. According to Dr. Camila Antia, a Houston-based dermatologist, "Antiperspirants control sweat by blocking sweat glands, usually with aluminum compounds. Deodorants, on the other hand, primarily mask odor and may contain antimicrobial agents. Some products are combination antiperspirant deodorants, providing both functions." The difference means that if excessive sweating is your main concern, antiperspirants are better suited for you than a standard deodorant. You can tell whether a product is an antiperspirant by looking for the term "antiperspirant" on the label. Furthermore, in the United States, antiperspirants are regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter drug and have drug information panels on their labels. Many deodorants claim to be all-natural, but if you're shopping in the United States, this term means little in terms of cosmetics. However, many deodorants advertised as "natural" are free from parabens, which are preservatives often found in many cosmetics. Some research has suggested that parabens can disrupt human hormone production, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "health effects from environmental exposure to low levels of parabens are unknown." Aluminum-based antiperspirants: Various aluminum compounds are used in antiperspirants because they work to reduce the release of sweat by physically blocking it from exiting the sweat glands, chemically inhibiting sweat release, or a combination of the two. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Baking soda acts as a deodorizer, partially by killing the bacteria that cause body odor. While baking soda is nontoxic, it can cause skin irritation. Avoid it if you have sensitive skin. Fragrances: In the United States, companies are not required to list ingredients added to products to create scents, but fragrances can cause allergic reactions. Since there's no way to identify which chemical caused the reaction, those who've had allergic reactions to fragrances should choose unscented deodorants. Solid: Solid deodorants are just that — solid rather than liquid or gel-like. Solids are often bright white, which can lead to stains on darker clothing. Invisible solid: Invisible solids are identical to other solids except they go on clear instead of white. Roll-on deodorant: Roll-on deodorants are liquid and often have a smooth, gel-like consistency. You apply these deodorants by rubbing a roller ball at the end of a tube against your skin. The biggest downside is that they can leave you feeling a little wet and sticky for a few moments until they're completely absorbed by your skin. Spray: Spray, or aerosol, deodorants are applied by spraying under your armpits, like you would a spray-on sunscreen. Gel: Some deodorants come in gel form but are applied like a solid deodorant rather than a roll-on. These deodorants don't leave stains, unlike most solids. However, they can take a while to dry. Wipe: Wipes can be an easy way to reapply deodorant throughout the day if you need to remove some sweat in the process. Most don't contain antiperspirant and tend to be on the expensive side. Many deodorants and antiperspirants are labeled "extra-strength." This usually means that they have more of whatever active ingredient (typically aluminum) included to keep you dry and smelling fresh. Figuring out whether you need an extra-strength product is a matter of trial and error. Different deodorants and antiperspirants claim to last different amounts of time. Most last for a minimum of a day, while others claim to last up to three or four days. While these results vary, you might want to choose a longer-lasting product if you forget to reapply or don't shower every day. Since deodorants and antiperspirants need to be reapplied at least once every couple of days, choosing one that you can afford to purchase on a regular basis is important. Deodorants advertised as "all-natural" and ones from luxury brands tend to be more expensive, yet may or may not contain sweat- or smell-blocking ingredients. More popular brands can sometimes be bought in bulk online, which can drive down the cost per stick. When evaluating the price of a product, make sure to check not only how many sticks of deodorant are included, but also how many ounces of product are in each stick, since each product can vary in size. (back to top) We evaluated dozens of deodorant and antiperspirant products and spoke to board-certified dermatologists, in addition to reviewing the scientific literature. We chose products that received positive reviews online that provided a breadth of features, depending on the category. We rated each product based on variables such as ingredients, cost, longevity, scents and what the product stated it was designed to do. (back to top) Yes, says Antia. "Generally, antiperspirant deodorants are considered safe for most people. They work by reducing sweat production and often contain aluminum compounds. Some individuals may be sensitive to certain ingredients, so it's advisable to check for any allergic reactions." Nope. "The strength of deodorants is not necessarily determined by gender," Antia says. "Some products may be marketed with specific scents or packaging for men or women, but the effectiveness is more related to the formulation." So if you like that lilac-scented deodorant you sniffed at the drugstore, go for it. Although the conventional wisdom is that you should apply deodorant after your morning shower, that's not when it's most effective to do so. Antia says that "it's best to apply antiperspirant to clean, dry skin at night. Sweat gland activity decreases during sleep. Nighttime application allows the active ingredients, such as aluminum-based compounds, more time to penetrate and block sweat ducts. It also allows the product to dry thoroughly and decreases the chance of irritation." That depends. Different products claim to last a variety of times: anywhere from one to three or four days. Antia says that while these claims can be true, your results depend far more on your lifestyle and biology. "Whether a deodorant can last for 48 hours depends on factors such as individual sweat rates, activity levels and product composition." No and no. Dr. Natalie Hone, a dermatologist in Houston, says aluminum is needed for a deodorant to have antiperspirant properties. "Aluminum-free deodorants work by neutralizing odor but do not reduce sweat like antiperspirants." So while you may want to avoid aluminum if you're allergic, don't worry about it giving you cancer. While it's been suggested that aluminum can cause various ailments and disorders, most notably Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer, there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause any health concerns, including no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer. "If excessive sweating or persistent odor becomes a concern, it's advisable to consult with your dermatologist," Hone said. "They can help determine if there's an underlying medical issue or recommend suitable solutions." If over-the-counter solutions aren't working for you, there is still hope, she said. "There are several treatment options for patients with severe sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. Options include topical towelettes, oral medications and even neurotoxin injections to the area." (back to top) Camila Antia, MD, board-certified dermatologist Natalie Hone, MD, board-certified dermatologist Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist; founder, Advanced Dermatology and Monika Kaniszewska, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
