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

Clean and dry does the trick
First things first: there’s nothing wrong with using deodorant when you’ve started to smell (if you forget to put deodorant on in the morning, you’re definitely not alone).

But while deodorant effectively masks odor whenever you use it, applying it to sweaty skin won’t be quite as effective as using it on clean, dry underarms. So, if you’re wondering how to put on deodorant for the best results, we’d recommend washing first, then allowing your skin to dry completely. Right after you dry off from showering is one of the best times to put on deodorant as your skin will be odor and bacteria-free .

Getting your sweat on
Just before exercise is another good time to apply deodorant if you want to go into your workout feeling fresh and confident that you’re protected from odor.

If you’re looking for protection against both sweat and odor, you might like to try our Advanced Care Cool Essentials Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray. Not only does it offer 72-hour sweat protection, but its kind-to-skin formula (with ¼ moisturizers and natural oil) and refreshing scent leave your underarms feeling fresh and cared for. And, as a dry spray, it dries instantly, so it’s unlikely to leave marks on your clothes, making it ideal if you’re planning a quick HIIT session and are short on time.

If you’re really in a hurry, Dove Invisible Dry Spray Clear Finish Antiperspirant is a great choice. This no-white-marks antiperspirant deodorant is invisible on 100+ colors,  which means it leaves your favorite workout clothes stain-free and leaves you feeling fresh and protected against sweat and odor for longer.

Prefer stick or gel deodorants over sprays? You’ll just need to wait a few seconds for them to dry after applying before you get dressed so that it doesn’t mark your clothes – especially if you’re wearing tight-fitting workout gear.

So… what about at night?
There’s a lot of debate about whether applying deodorant or antiperspirant before bed is a good idea – after all, you’re only sleeping, so why would you need protection against sweat or odor? Well, this is where things get interesting… before bed is actually one of the best times to put on deodorant or antiperspirant. This is because your body temperature drops and your sweat glands are less active at night, which gives the formula a chance to really get to work.

If you want to feel protected against odor but still give your underarm skin a chance to breathe, you might want to use an aluminum-free deodorant like our 0% Aluminum Coconut & Pink Jasmine Deodorant Spray. Aluminum-free deodorants offer odor protection, but don’t stop moisture from leaving the skin, like an antiperspirant does.

And how often should you apply deodorant? 
So, we’ve covered when to apply deodorant. But how often should you top it up? The truth is: it’s completely up to you and your plans for the day. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on how to use deodorant throughout the day, but there are specific times when you might want a little top-up. Some people like to freshen up with some extra deodorant or antiperspirant after a long journey (after all, it can get warm on public transport), or after a busy morning running errands. And some people just like to regularly reapply deodorant for a little confidence boost.

Ultimately, how to use deodorant comes down to personal preference,  but however often you apply it, dermatologist Dr. Barba advises you should choose one that is “is alcohol-free, non-irritating and has ingredients that provide added skin care benefits such as moisturization”.