When is the best time to apply deodorant for maximum effectiveness?

It’s something most of us do without thinking, adding a swipe or spray of deodorant to our underarms as part of our morning regime, or when we want to feel a little fresher during the day.

Something we’re often asked is whether applying deo at night is a smart idea. This prompted us to ask: when is the best time to put on deodorant?

Of course, the question of when to put on deodorant ultimately comes down to personal choice or preference – whatever works for you is usually the best call. It’s all about what fits best for your needs and your lifestyle. Read on to find out more about the benefits of applying deodorant at different times of the day.

Clean and dry does the trick

First things first: there’s nothing wrong with using deo once you’ve already started sweating (if you feel in need of a quick, confidence-boosting top-up during the day, you’re definitely not alone).

But while deo effectively masks odor whenever you use it, applying it onto sweaty skin won’t be quite as effective as using it on clean, dry underarms. Washing first will get rid of old sweat, while ensuring your skin is completely dry means you won’t dilute your deo. So it figures that right after you dry off from showering is a great time to use your deodorant.

Getting your sweat on

Right before exercise is another smart opportunity to deodorize those areas where you sweat the most. Fresh sweat doesn’t smell, as it’s colorless and odorless, but if you’re planning a long workout, you might feel more comfortable or confident dabbing on deodorant ahead of your session.

Using a combo antiperspirant deodorant like Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick will help stop you sweating (its active ingredient works by safely plugging your pores). Because it also contains moisturizers with natural oils which soothe and care for your delicate underarm skin, your armpits will stay soft and irritation-free, too.

Busy day ahead? If you’re in a hurry, try Dove Invisible Dry Spray Sheer Fresh Antiperspirant – an antiperspirant deodorant proven to leave no white marks on 100+ colors, meaning your favorite workout clothes are safe and your deo lasts longer.

In fact, if you’re a fan of stick or gel deodorants, it’s a good idea to wait a few seconds before dressing, especially if you’re wearing tight- fitting workout gear, to give it time to dry. Sprays, on the other hand, are an excellent alternative to solids in guaranteeing long-lasting protection and they dry instantly. They’re also unlikely to leave marks on your clothes. So if you’re planning a quick HIIT session and are short on time, reaching for the spray is a no-brainer.

So… what about at night?

Here’s where things get interesting… Applying your deo right before you go to bed could actually help it work more effectively. Because your body temperature drops and you sweat less at night, using a combo antiperspirant deodorant like Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick Rose Petals right before bed gives it time to really get to work.

It’s worth noting that this doesn’t apply to deo-only products, like Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Stick Coconut and Pink Jasmine, which protect you from odor, but don’t prevent you from sweating – you’re better off saving these for straight after your shower.

And yes, you can still shower in the morning, before reapplying your deodorant for extra protection (onto fully dry skin, remember). Overnight, your antiperspirant will have sunk into your skin, which means it can survive showering – giving you the freedom to forget your underarms and live confident and carefree for the day ahead.