Fashion

5 Invisible Deodorants You Really Can't See

by Courtney Leiva

As someone who doesn't love the heat, finding the best invisible deodorant is honestly key for my summer survival. Summer sweat is definitely one of my biggest seasonal foes. And being that most deodorants I’ve used in the past are either fade too fast, or leave gross white stains on my shirts, I was more than eager to find my perfect product match. Putting my guinea pig skills to action, I decided to try five different, invisible deodorants during one particularly hot week.

Call me a Negative Nancy, but summer usually isn’t my top choice when it comes to favorite seasons. Perhaps it’s the humidity that sets me in a tizzy, or the maybe it’s caused by the fact the cringeworthy heat always makes my subway rides a dreaded (and smelly!) disaster. Le sigh. Let’s just say summer and aren't exactly besties.

Don’t get me wrong though. Summer isn’t completely torturous as I’m probably making it sound. I mean, I definitely like the whole long walks on the beach and never ending ice cream shindig. However, the sticky feeling of summer usually doesn’t sit well with me, especially when it comes to feeling comfortable (read: not drenched in sweat) in scorching temperatures. That, my dear readers, is where these deodorants come in.

Day 1

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant, $4, Amazon

Come the first day of my #deochallenge, I was sure to put the Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant to work. The product went on almost completely clear. Plus, the fresh soap scent also won me over fast.

With such an affordable price, I was bit surprised how my arms were still smelling pretty decent (with no chalky residue!) come six hours later.

Day 2

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Deodorant, $6, Walgreens

Switching up my deodorant for the day, I swiped on the Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant & Deodorant Active Fresh before heading out to a busy morning in the city. Yes, I always look forward to city trips, but don’t exactly love smelling like French onion soup (#subwayprobs) in the process. I usually make the mistake of leaving deodorant at home, so perhaps that’s the big problem right there.

Anywho, I was surprised how this clear goo of formula didn’t leave my arms sticky or smelling like a horrible mixture of shower fresh and sweaty stank. A quick walk through Central Park usually has me smelling like rotten garbage (sorry for all the graphic scentscriptions), but this one kept my pits pleasant.

Day 3

Jack Black Pitt Boss Antiperspirant & Deodorant Sensitive Skin, $16, Amazon

Yes, my stubble was starting to come in, but that’s wasn't going to stop my deo game from going strong. Come day three, and it was time to treat my pits to the Jack Black Pitt Boss Antiperspirant & Deodorant Sensitive Skin.

Even though it's from a men’s line, this one actually had one of my favorite scents. Like the other deodorants I’d tried so far this one passed the clear test, but it did require a few touchups throughout the day, unlike the previous two.

Day 4

Korres Equisetum 24h Deodorant, $19, Sephora

Switching the challenge up a bit, I decided to use natural deodorants for the next two days to see if they were equally effective. Starting with the roll-on Korres Equisetum 24h Deodorant, I was intrigued to test this one out, especially since it promised 24-hour protection.

Overall, this deodorant did smell pretty nice, and it went on pretty invisible. However, it unfortunately didn’t last longer than two hours without touchups. I'll admit I'm a pretty heavy sweater, so it might be perfect for someone with slightly less perspiration. I plan on giving this stuff another go once the weather gets colder to see if I can get my pits used to the natural alternative, but for the dead of summer? I'm sticking to the hard stuff.

Day 5

Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes, $10, Amazon

And on the fifth and final day, I found myself using the Pacifica Underarm Deodorant Wipes, despite the hellish temperatures outside. I’ll admit that I absolutely crushed hard on the coconut summery smell of these disposable wipes, and I loved how they definitely went on clear. However, like the other natural deodorant I tried, this one is best for lazier days when lying around your house is all that's on your to do list.

I loved these for touch ups, though; a flat pack of wipes is so much more convenient for keeping in your bag than a bulky stick.

Conclusions

So what did I learn over this five day experiment? For one, that I'll be saving natural deodorants for the less sweaty parts of my year. More importantly, however, that truly clear deodorants exist — and they work just as well as the ones with a powdery residue. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to wear black for the rest of the season.

Images: Courtney Leiva