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How Do I Choose the Best Deodorant Soap?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

When choosing deodorant soap, you should consider the condition of your skin, the ingredients in a soap, and your own preferences with regard to a soap's fragrance. Other considerations should include the efficacy of a deodorant soap in controlling body odor and whether you prefer to use a bar or liquid cleanser in the shower or bath. In many cases, you may find that you will simply have to try out several different types of deodorant soap before you find the best one for your needs.

Deodorant soaps come in several forms, including bars, liquids and gels. Many people have a personal preference when it comes to a bath cleanser, while others don't. Some people find bars to be more convenient to use, while others prefer using a gel or liquid along with a scrub brush or bath puff. If you travel a lot, keep in mind that the laws in your country may restrict your ability to bring liquids and gels on airplanes. In such cases, you may wish to choose a bar soap or purchase your favorite deodorant soap liquid or gel in a small size for travel purposes.

Deodorant soap.
Deodorant soap.

One consideration should be the effect that a deodorant soap has on your skin. Some skincare experts believe that true soaps can be very drying to the skin, and that bar soaps may contain ingredients that can trigger breakouts or skin rashes. You may wish to look for a more gentle, detergent cleanser that nonetheless smells good and that effectively removes oil, dirt and bacteria from your skin. Another consideration is how sensitive you are to potentially irritating fragrances. You may wish to choose a fragrance free deodorant soap if you have sensitive skin, or simply because you don't care to wear scented products.

Bottles of deodorant shower gel.
Bottles of deodorant shower gel.

In many countries, you will have numerous types of deodorant soap to choose from. You may be able to find smaller trial size bars or bottles of deodorant soap in grocery stores or pharmacies, which are helpful for use during travel as well as for testing different types of soap. By purchasing a small size, you can try out the soap to find out whether works for you. It's a good idea to use the soap for several days to see how your skin reacts and whether you feel that the soap addresses your personal hygiene needs.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

There are many deodorant soaps at the store with a "fresh" scent. It's usually the scent of various herbs or fruit like mint or lemon. These are nice and they do have a clean smell, but I'm looking for something that has a milder sweeter scent like vanilla. These scents are more difficult to find. Most deodorant soaps I've purchased smell very strong and overpowering. My husband actually prefers this type but it's not for me.

fBoyle

@SarahGen-- I think you are talking about soaps with synthetic fragrance and chemicals. Those are very drying and irritating to skin although they may smell good when opened. There are however all natural soaps with natural essential oils that provide the scent without drying out skin.

I use one that has a sage scent. It also has natural moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, so it does not irritate my skin.

So I recommend an all natural deodorant soap. Check the ingredients list on the package for moisturizing ingredients. These are natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, shea butter, etc.

SarahGen

I like how deodorant soaps smell. They leave a nice refreshing scent on skin and it sort of has a therapeutic effect while showering too. But unfortunately, deodorant soap makes my skin very, very dry which in turn makes it itchy. So although I like deodorant soap, I'm unable to use it regularly.

Does anyone else experience this issue?

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      Bottles of deodorant shower gel.