How to Apply Deodorant (+ When to Put it On & Which Kind to Choose)

Putting on stick deodorant is an easy part of your hygiene routine, but if you haven’t used it before, you’re probably wondering how it works and how much to use. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to put on stick deodorant, when the best time to apply it is, and how to avoid getting pesky deodorant marks on your shirts. Keep scrolling to learn more, with tips from board-certified dermatologists and a professional laundry specialist!

How to Use a Deodorant Stick

Remove the cap and the plastic seal underneath (if it’s a new stick).
Twist the applicator wheel at the bottom of the stick 2 or 3 times.
Apply 2-4 swipes in an even layer, starting from the center of your armpit.
Put the cap back on and store the deodorant in a cool, dry place.
Wait until the deodorant dries to get dressed (if you have time).
Reapply a thin layer later to keep odor under control, if needed.

Section 1 of 4:

Applying Stick Deodorant

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As board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD, says, “As a dermatologist, I always recommend that my patients [apply deodorant] to clean, dry skin.”^{[1]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview} So, take a quick shower or wash your armpits before opening your deodorant. Then, dry your armpits with a towel so the deodorant will roll onto your skin smoothly without smearing.

Meet the wikiHow Experts

Mohiba Tareen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood, and Faribault, Minnesota.

Ellen Turner, MD is a double board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the Dermatology Office, with locations in Dallas and Irving, Texas.

Robert Shapiro is a laundry specialist and the General Manager at Milt & Edie's Drycleaners & Tailoring Center in Burbank, California, with more than a decade of experience.
On a brand-new deodorant, there’s usually a plastic seal on top of the deodorant stick that needs to be removed (the seal keeps the deodorant moist and avoids evaporation). Pull it off, or twist the wheel at the bottom of the stick a few times to push it up and off.

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Twist the applicator wheel at the bottom of the stick 2-3 clicks. Once the lid is off, turn the wheel on the bottom of the deodorant stick 2 or 3 times so that you have enough deodorant exposed at the top. This helps ensure full coverage.
- Turn the wheel so that just enough deodorant is sticking up to keep the plastic rim of the deodorant tube from scratching against your skin when you apply it.
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Apply the deodorant in an even coat to your underarms. Start at the center of your armpit and work your way outward in all directions until your underarm is completely covered. Reapply throughout the day as needed.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source

DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

Go to source}
- Apply a thin but even coat to start (overdoing it can make the deodorant “cake up” on your skin). You can always apply more later if needed!
- How many swipes do you need? Only “swipe” the deodorant as many times as you need to fully cover your armpit (maybe 2-4 swipes).
Without the cap on, the stick will dry up, and you will no longer be able to use it. “[Deodorant] lasts longer when unopened and stored in a cool, dry location,” like a vanity cabinet or underneath your bathroom sink, explains double board-certified dermatologist Ellen Turner, MD.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Ellen Turner, MD
Double Board-Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview}
6
Wait to get dressed until your deodorant is dry. Deodorant is known to streak on clothes, so wait as long as possible (at least a few minutes) to get dressed afterward. If you put it on right before putting your shirt on, you’re more likely to get white marks or deodorant stains on your clothing.
- As an alternative, put on your deodorant after you’ve already gotten dressed.
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Reapply deodorant later for extra protection (if needed). If you’ve had an active and sweaty day, you might need to reapply your deodorant or antiperspirant later to stay fresh. If you can, rinse or wipe your underarms first to remove sweat and bacteria. Then, apply a thin layer (less than your initial layer) to avoid buildup that can stain your clothes.^{[4]
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- Reader Poll: We asked 683 wikiHow readers if they use deodorant, and 84% of them said yes. [Take Poll]

Section 2 of 4:

The Best Time to Use Deodorant

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It’s best to apply deodorant at bedtime or after a shower. “The best time of day to apply [deodorant or] antiperspirant is in the evening, preferably at bedtime. At night, people perspire less and more of the aluminum-based active ingredient is absorbed by the skin into the sweat glands,” explains Dr. Tareen. This gives you longer-lasting odor protection! She adds that you can “reapply a second layer in the morning for an extra layer of protection.”^{[5]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview}
- Applying after a shower is also a good idea since your underarms will be clean and ready to absorb the deodorant or antiperspirant.

Section 3 of 4:

Choosing a Deodorant

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1
Deodorant vs. antiperspirant Lots of people think that deodorant and antiperspirant are the same thing, but they’re not quite. Deodorant blocks or covers up the odor that comes from sweat and bacteria, while antiperspirant reduces how much you actually sweat to help fight odor (in addition to having a fresh scent, like deodorant).^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} If you’re not sure which is best:
- Choose a deodorant if you don’t sweat much and just need a fresh scent under your arms.
- Choose an antiperspirant if you tend to sweat more and want to eliminate the cause of the odor (as well as cover it up).
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Regular vs. special formulas Not all deodorants or antiperspirants are the same, and you may have specific needs based on your skin. Here are some things to consider when you’re picking out a new stick:
- Choose a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic formula if you have sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation.
- Look for a clinical-strength antiperspirant formula if you’re an extra-heavy sweater.
- If you’re super active, choose a long-lasting formula that’ll last throughout the day.
- Pick an all-natural deodorant or antiperspirant if you want an aluminum-free, potentially less irritating formula.^{[7]
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Section 4 of 4:

Avoiding & Treating Deodorant Stains

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Put on your shirt carefully to avoid rubbing against your armpits. If you don’t have time to wait for your deodorant to fully dry, you can still avoid white streaks on your shirt. Put your arms into your shirt first, then gently stretch it wide while you put it over your head to avoid armpit contact. Or, roll your shirt up from the bottom and put it on as normal; when you unroll it, any accidental deodorant streaks will be on the inside of the shirt.^{[8]
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- You’re also less likely to leave an accidental stain if you don’t overapply. Less is more!
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Treat fresh deodorant stains with dish soap and water. It’s really that easy! Laundry specialist Robert Shapiro says, “We typically just apply soap and water, and that usually removes [the stain].”^{[9]
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Expert Source

Robert Shapiro
Laundry Specialist

Expert Interview} Here are the steps:^{[10]
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- Dampen the stained area with cool (not warm or hot) water.
- Work in a small dab of dish soap with a microfiber cloth to break down the residue.
- Rinse the shirt and put it through the laundry as usual.
Get rid of set-in stains with baking soda and vinegar. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water, and add about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar (or oxygen bleach for white shirts). Rub the paste into the stain with a soft-bristled brush and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Wash as normal and air-dry (heat from the dryer can set the stain in even more).^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Old Spice deodorant makes me itch but doesn't give me a rash. Why does this happen and what should I do about it?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Old spice has a strong perfume component, which could be causing the itchiness for you. Just don't use it anymore and try other deodorants until you find one that you like and feels comfortable to use.

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Question

Can I eat deodorant? If so, does it taste good?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Deodorant most likely does not taste good. You shouldn't eat it, because it isn't designed to be eaten. Many deodorants have ingredients that can cause you to get sick if you consume them.

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Question

My feet and underarms sweat a lot and they really smell bad. I use foot deodorant and regular deodorant but it doesn't seem to work. It definitely damages my social life, but does that mean I have hypohidrosis?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

It is possible. You need to be evaluated by a doctor in a clinical setting. They may have prescription-strength deodorant for you to use to help you with your sweating and odor.

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Tips

If you have especially hairy armpits, stick deodorant may not be as effective. Try using a spray instead.

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Try not to overuse deodorant; many people do not like a heavy fragrance radiating from other people. If possible, buy an antiperspirant if you plan on working out.

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Keep your underarm hair trimmed to help the deodorant or antiperspirant absorb into your skin more easily. Long hair can also trap odor, contributing to smells.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

There’s a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant prevents odor but does not stop sweating, while antiperspirant generally does both. You can use either or both depending on your personal preferences. (There are also antiperspirant/deodorant combos.)
Deodorant works much better when applied at night. Because you don’t sweat as much at night, the product has time to set in. And don’t worry if you like to take a shower in the morning—it won’t wash off!

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Warnings

If you experience discomfort or get a rash, stop using the deodorant and see a dermatologist.

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Read the deodorant label to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients.

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