When should kids start wearing deodorant?

It can be difficult to determine when your child should start wearing deodorant, but it's typically when they enter puberty. Because puberty can begin at a different age for every child, it's important to know it can begin as young as 9 years old and up to 14 years old. There's really no specific age at which children can start using deodorant, but when children enter puberty, they start to develop body odor. That's when most parents and caregivers start buying deodorant for their kiddos. It's always best to read the deodorant's recommendations for age, but some products are designed to work at night or right in the morning, so you'll want to know for sure what's recommended. When your child begins wearing deodorant, it's a great time to go over hygiene basics with them and what they need to include daily. However, if your child has any concerns about their sweating or body odor, reach out to their doctor.

Is the aluminum in traditional deodorant safe for kids?

With so many different products on the market for hygiene care, especially with deodorants, it can be tough to know what's safe and what's not. One common ingredient in many pharmaceutical and even makeup products is aluminum, however, many parents and caregivers wonder whether that's safe to put on their child's skin. Aluminum salts in deodorant are what keep us from sweating since they dissolve and stop sweat from producing in your pores. Aluminum becomes a concern for those who have kidney problems because their body is unable to filter out the aluminum fast enough. If your child does not have any kidney problems, their body is able to process the aluminum on their skin better. Dr. Swanson recommends that for children who want to start wearing deodorant early, you should opt for an aluminum-free choice. "I would not see any harm in a child who wants to use deodorant doing that at almost any age. I would, however, recommend using an aluminum-free option," she says.

Which is better for kids: deodorant or antiperspirant?

According to Dr. Zeichner, when choosing between deodorant and antiperspirant for kids, you should consider the purpose. “Many antiperspirants also provide deodorant effects, helping to neutralize odor. Straight deodorants, on the other hand, only address odor but not wetness,” he explains. “If your main concern is a foul smell, then a deodorant is for you. If you are suffering from wetness or excessive sweating, then you should look for an antiperspirant.”

How much does kids’ deodorant cost?

Deodorants for kids are accessible at a variety of prices both online and in stores. For perspective, our highest-priced deodorant on this list is Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant at $17 (it also earned perfect scores in all categories during testing). The deodorant with the lowest price is Hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant with Shea Butter, at nearly half the price of Kopari, $8. While this deodorant had some high notes, its texture was sticky, making it hard for our tester to apply full coverage. Some deodorants also come in a pack, typically saving you a little money.

The 9 Best Kids' Deodorants, As Tested by Real Kids

As your kiddo's body starts to change in their tween and teen years, you may notice an increase in body odor that persists despite regular showers and baths. This is a sign that it's time to introduce your child to deodorant or antiperspirant. The product you use will depend on the child’s needs and personal preferences, but to help you choose, the Verywell Testing Lab team sent out 16 leading deodorants to parents who tested them on their kids during a very hot summer.

When and why do kids need deodorant? One of the signs of puberty is increased perspiration and related odors, but when it starts depends on each child. "Children can begin to develop body odor around the time of puberty, generally between ages 9 and 14," Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, pediatrician, and chief medical officer for SpoonfulONE, tells Verywell Family. "However, some children do start developing body odor earlier."

Deodorants are designed to cover up the odor caused by sweat, while antiperspirants are designed to block sweat glands and stop a person from perspiring, therefore preventing odor. Our testers’ kids tried out some of both, and they reported back on the efficacy, smell, and texture of each product they used.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Smell:

Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Girls:

Good for You Girls Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Tweens:

Fresh Kidz Natural Roll-On Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Light Scent:

Native Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Younger Kids:

Fresh Monster Deodorant for Kids at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Antiperspirant:

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Fragrance-Free:

hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant with Shea at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Play Pits Natural Deodorant for Kids at Target

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Rated
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

Smooth texture
Easy application (roll-on style)
Smells good

Cons

Costly

Kopari Aluminium-Free Deodorant earns the top spot on our list because it passed with flying colors in all of our testing categories. From its easy application to its strength against sweat and odor, the deodorant performed so well that it had our teen tester raving about it. This plant-based deodorant is free of potentially irritating ingredients, like aluminum, and features a coconut scent that our tween tester loved, scoring the deodorant's scent 5 out of 5 stars. "Of all the deodorants I used, this is the one I would use all the time,” the tester said. “It smelled really nice, and I did not stink at all. I really liked it."

In addition to its beachy smell, the deodorant feels great against the skin, according to our 13-year-old tester, thanks in large part to a roll-on application that’s “enjoyable to apply.” Plus, the clear formula doesn’t leave behind any white residue or stains, earning it 5 out of 5 stars for texture.

Testing Notes: “This is definitely not cheap, but it's enjoyable to apply, and the smell lasts all day. [My son] wore it eight hours, outdoors, and says he'll happily use this every day going forward.”

This deodorant earned another 5 out of 5 stars for its efficacy against sweat and odor. Our teen tester wore it for eight hours outdoors during a heat wave and had zero complaints. In fact, they still smelled the coconut fragrance after a hot and humid day at camp.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Coconut | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil}

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Fresh scent
Smooth application
No chemicals

Cons

Decal sticker may come off over time

Kids will love the “wicked cool” smell of this pick that’s “very mild and fresh,” according to our tester, without the need for any artificial fragrance. The Tom’s of Maine deodorant is available in other scents, like Summer Fun or an unscented version. The deodorant’s “mild and fresh” scent impressed our tween tester and their parent, who said that the fragrance held up against basketball, soccer, and other summer activities. “My tween thought it did a great job keeping body odor away, and I agreed!” said our tester’s parent.

Testing Notes: “We love Tom's! I have used it for years as an adult, and I love that I have the option to give my kids the same body odor protection (especially between showers!) without the chemicals.”

The kids’ deodorant contains natural ingredients, like aloe and sunflower seed oil, that combine to make a gentle texture. According to our 11-year-old tester, the texture was nice and applied smoothly to the skin. The kids’ deodorant also didn’t leave behind any stains or residue on their clothes.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Freestyle | Active ingredients: Propylene glycol, aloe, and sunflower seed oil}

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Dries quickly
Smells clean and fresh
Lasted all day

Cons

Rolls on wet

Young kids, tweens, and teens will love this roll-on deodorant’s fresh smell and easy application, which proved true during our testing. The Good for You Girls Deodorant earned 5 out of 5 stars for its impressive honeydew scent that our 10-year-old tester said smelled fresh and clean, even after a full day at camp. The plant-based deodorant for kids is chock-full of organic, plant-derived ingredients, like aloe and witch hazel, to help leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

The deodorant rolls on clear for a simple application without white residue or stains left behind on clothes. While our testers loved how easy the deodorant was to apply, they noticed that it goes on wet before drying quickly, which can take getting used to, so they gave it 4 out of 5 stars for its texture.

This kids’ deodorant was flawless in efficacy and easily earned 5 out of 5 stars. Our tween tester applied the deodorant before heading off to summer camp, where she engaged in physical activity most of the day. “I loved that it kept my daughter smelling fresh after eight hours of being outside and doing sports and activities,” said our tester’s parent.

Testing Notes: “My daughter tested this product, and if I had to use one word to describe it, it would be AMAZING! I had purchased other ‘natural’ deodorant products, and they didn't work! My daughter put this on, went to summer camp for eight hours, ran around outside, played soccer, and we didn't smell a thing! NOTHING! I was amazed!”

Bonus: The women-owned company says the roll-on kids’ deodorant is even safe to use for stinky feet.

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Fresh honeydew | Active ingredients: Aloe, witch hazel, lavender, and white tea}

4.4

Amazon

Pros

Goes on lightly
Scent is fresh and mild
No odor after a full day

Cons

Need to roll on three to four times to get full coverage

From eight hours at soccer camp to hot and humid weather, this roll-on kids’ deodorant proved its longevity and strength during testing. Fresh Kidz deodorant comes in a unique rounded bottle, with separate versions for girls and boys and four color options to brighten up a morning hygiene routine. Our tween tester loved the roll-on style that made for easy application without sticky residue in its place. However, the deodorant earned 4 out of 5 stars for texture, because he noted having to apply it multiple times (about three to four) to achieve a full application.

The deodorant aced scent and efficacy testing, earning 5 out of 5 for both. According to our 11-year-old tester, the deodorant has a “very mild and fresh” smell that resembles a fruity and powder-like aroma. After wearing the deodorant for a full day at soccer camp, our tester performed the sniff test. “I could not smell myself at all,” he noted.

Price at time of publication: $11

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Powder | Active ingredients: Dicaprylyl carbonate, glycerin, triethyl citrate}

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Smooth texture
Did not leave residue/stains
Smells good

Cons

Scent too light for some

Native deodorant was well-liked by our 9-year-old tester, who used the brand’s powder and cotton scent before summer camp. In addition to that light scent, the cruelty-free company offers other enticing aromas, like lavender and rose, eucalyptus and mint, or you can opt for the company’s unscented deodorant.

“After a day at camp, actively playing soccer, running around for eight hours, there was no smell at all,” said our tester’s parent. While the scent was light and not overpowering, its delicate smell left our tester wanting more. The natural deodorant is free of toxic chemicals and contains ingredients you likely have around the house, such as baking soda and coconut oil. Its texture felt smooth and not sticky, according to our tester. It also didn’t leave any residue or stains on our tester’s clothes after a full day of wear.

If you order directly from the Native site, the brand offers a subscription option that allows you to choose what you need and how often. You can even change the frequency, scent, and other options at any time.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Powder and cotton | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Gummy bear scent appeals to kids
No stains on clothes
Natural ingredients

Cons

May not last all day

Young children trying deodorant for the first time will love this kids’ deodorant that smells just like candy. The bright and crisp scent impressed our 11-year-old tester, who proudly proclaimed, “It smells exactly like gummy bears!” The light smell wasn’t overpowering, according to our tester, and earned 5 out of 5 stars.

Unfortunately, the fresh aroma of gummy bears didn’t hold up against our tester’s daily activities, like mild exercise. Our tween tester’s parent said the deodorant did a good job of keeping away a strong odor but noticed a mild armpit smell mixed with the gummy bear scent at the end of the day. “I would recommend this for kids that don't really need deodorant yet, or maybe just need it a bit,” the parent said. “It has such a nice smell and is appealing to kids (both packaging, name, and scent). My daughter does love it and will continue to use it, but over time it might not be effective enough.”

The tester liked the texture of the deodorant, though her parent rubbed the deodorant on the back of their hand and saw some chunks come loose. Additionally, they noticed it felt slightly greasy, but her kiddo had zero complaints about either issue. No stains were left behind on clothes because the deodorant glides on clear.

Price at time of publication: $13

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Gummy Burst | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, tapioca starch, baking soda}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Smooth, not sticky application
Easy to apply
No odor after full-day wear

Cons

Has a faint smell

Whether your tween or teen is going through the stages of puberty, or they’re simply concerned about sweating, this antiperspirant is an ideal option to keep wetness and odors at bay. It contains aluminum to help block sweat glands, which our teen tester found to be true after wearing the antiperspirant for a full day at summer camp. "It worked. I did not smell at all,” said the tester, adding that the antiperspirant’s solid form was easy to apply. It glided smoothly onto the skin without feeling sticky. “I did feel it on my skin, which was a little annoying,” they added.

While Secret’s antiperspirant tackled sweat and odors without a hitch, it was the antiperspirant’s scent that our tester found to be just average. The 13-year-old said that while it didn’t smell good or bad, the overall scent was “fine” but “faint.”

Price at time of publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Type: Antiperspirant | Form: Solid | Scent: Light and fresh | Active ingredients: Aluminum chloride}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Effective
Barely a smell (fragrance-free)
Cruelty-free

Cons

A little sticky
Difficult to apply

Our tween tester had mixed feelings about this deodorant. While it includes moisturizing plant-derived ingredients, like shea butter and coconut oil, the texture of the deodorant wasn’t ideal. Our 11-year-old tester wore the deodorant once a day for a week while playing basketball and soccer, and in other outdoor activities. According to our tester, the deodorant felt sticky, which made it hard to achieve a smooth application and full coverage. Despite that, the deodorant did an effective job of keeping sweat and odor away.

Hello deodorant is also available in several fragrances, like sweet coconut and fresh citrus. The fragrance-free version is what our tester tried, and it lived up to its name. According to our tester, there was “barely a smell,” making this an ideal option for those who want an unscented kids’ deodorant.

Price at time of publication: $14

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Fragrance-free | Active ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, arrowroot}

4.3

Target

Pros

Lavender scent smells good
Effective

Cons

Sticky texture

Play Pits deodorant is the result of a mom’s love for plant-based ingredients following her diagnosis of a rare eczema skin condition (and when her 6-year-old son started having body odor). While the kids’ deodorant contains no harmful chemicals, the “sticky” and “gritty” texture didn’t feel pleasant when applied to the skin, according to our 6-year-old tester’s parent, and they gave it 2 out of 5 for that attribute. The all-natural kids’ deodorant is available in three smells, such as the currently sold-out scent our tester tried: Happy With Lavender. According to our tester’s parent, the scent was strong in the bottle but settled down nicely on the skin. “It's a bit aromatherapeutic,” they added, giving it a 4 out of 5. The 6-year-old wore the Play Pits deodorant for five days during 90-degree weather and passed the sniff test at the end of the day.

Testing notes: “I didn't smell my son's pits from the moment he walked in the door after being outside for hours. That's already a win. That pleasant smell seemed to last all night until bath time.”

Price at time of publication: $12

^{Key Specs:
Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Happy With Lavender | Active ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, kaolin clay}

How We Rated the Best Kids' Deodorant

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best kids’ deodorants we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These kids’ deodorants are excellent. They might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great kids’ deodorants, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These kids’ deodorants are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend kids’ deodorants with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant: While its smooth application was perfect for everyday wear, the floral scent was too strong and didn’t mask body odor as well after a lot of activity.
Kobi Sports Deodorant: The unscented deodorant lived up to its fragrance-free promise, but our tester could smell his sweat at the end of the day.
Lume Deodorant: This deodorant was a breeze to put on, but it had to be constantly reapplied in order for it to mask body odor.

How We Tested Kids’ Deodorants

Ten kids, tweens, and testers evaluated 17 deodorants by incorporating the hygiene product into their regular routines at home. We assessed each deodorant on several attributes, such as texture, efficacy, scent, and value. To find out what to look for in a kids' deodorant, we also spoke with:

Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, pediatrician, and chief medical officer for SpoonfulONE
Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital

Testers considered the texture of the deodorant and how it felt when applied to the skin. We asked them to be aware of any stains or residue left behind on clothes or skin and whether the texture made application difficult. While some deodorants for kids glided onto the skin smoothly, others felt sticky or gritty. For scent and efficacy, we asked testers to apply the deodorant like usual to determine if the scent and ingredients were effective against sweat and odor. We asked testers (or their parents) to perform a sniff test following a full day of wearing the deodorants. Lastly, we carefully considered all other attributes in comparison with the price to assess overall value.

What to Look for in Kids’ Deodorant

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

While the terms are often used interchangeably, antiperspirant and deodorant are not the same. "Deodorants get rid of the odor of sweat by covering it up, and antiperspirants actually stop or dry up perspiration," Dr. Swanson tells Verywell Family. Most antiperspirants, like Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant, include aluminum that blocks the sweat glands, while deodorants typically do not. Teens and tweens going through puberty may find antiperspirants to be necessary. Younger kids can typically stick to deodorant to keep their armpits fresh throughout the day.

Dr. Zeichner echoes Dr. Swanson, adding, “In younger kids, the issue is typically a foul smell, so I usually recommend straight deodorants. These products are aluminum-free and typically do not cause irritation.” For younger children, a deodorant, along with a balanced diet and consistent hygiene practices, should be enough to keep their smell in check. “As with any new personal care products, I always recommend a patch test or using it to the entire area,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “When performing a test, a small amount is applied to the skin to test for any potential irritation. Deodorants typically provide effectiveness all day, but you certainly can reapply a second time during the day if needed.”

Before reaching for any product, read the ingredients and the description, to be clear on what you are buying. If you aren't sure which is right for your child, always consult their pediatrician.

Application Type

Deodorants and antiperspirants are available in a variety of forms: solid, roll-on, gel, crystal, and wipes. The type of deodorant your child uses will depend on their age and preferences. For example, our top pick, Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant, features a roll-on style that our tester found easy to apply. If you choose a solid deodorant, opt for one that goes on clear, to prevent any white residue or stains on clothing. Be sure to check in with your child on the type they’d prefer to use or try.

Scented versus Unscented

For deodorant-reluctant kids, a sweet-smelling product can convince them to use it daily. Most deodorants for kids have options that have a light fragrance that isn't too overwhelming. However, for scent-sensitive kiddos (especially those prone to allergies), a fragrance-free, natural-smelling option would be a better choice, such as the Hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant With Shea Butter.

If you feel that your child's body odor is worsening, contact their doctor. "If your child’s odor doesn’t improve or worsens despite using an antiperspirant or a deodorant, and improving hygiene habits, you can call your doctor," says Dr. Swanson. "Sometimes, children can have conditions that cause excess perspiration. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest running tests to confirm whether body odor is due to growing up or other problems, like an infection, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid."

Ingredients

The skin under your child's arm is delicate, sensitive, and still developing. To ensure that their deodorant doesn't cause a rash or otherwise irritate them, opt for a formula that is free from harsh chemicals, like Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant.

Many parents and caregivers opt for plant-derived ingredients, because they are unsure of aluminum in their child's deodorant. However, there's no need to worry, Dr. Swanson says.

"There is concern by some that aluminum and other ingredients found in antiperspirants (parabens and propylene glycol) might be linked to an increased risk of some medical problems in life," Dr. Swanson explains. "This has not been proven in human studies, and studies haven’t shown that applying these substances to the skin causes an increased risk of any disease. If you’re concerned about these ingredients, you can skip the antiperspirant and choose a gentle deodorant for your child or teen."

Frequently Asked Questions

When should kids start wearing deodorant?

It can be difficult to determine when your child should start wearing deodorant, but it's typically when they enter puberty. Because puberty can begin at a different age for every child, it's important to know it can begin as young as 9 years old and up to 14 years old.
There's really no specific age at which children can start using deodorant, but when children enter puberty, they start to develop body odor. That's when most parents and caregivers start buying deodorant for their kiddos. It's always best to read the deodorant's recommendations for age, but some products are designed to work at night or right in the morning, so you'll want to know for sure what's recommended.
When your child begins wearing deodorant, it's a great time to go over hygiene basics with them and what they need to include daily. However, if your child has any concerns about their sweating or body odor, reach out to their doctor.
Is the aluminum in traditional deodorant safe for kids?

With so many different products on the market for hygiene care, especially with deodorants, it can be tough to know what's safe and what's not. One common ingredient in many pharmaceutical and even makeup products is aluminum, however, many parents and caregivers wonder whether that's safe to put on their child's skin.
Aluminum salts in deodorant are what keep us from sweating since they dissolve and stop sweat from producing in your pores. Aluminum becomes a concern for those who have kidney problems because their body is unable to filter out the aluminum fast enough. If your child does not have any kidney problems, their body is able to process the aluminum on their skin better.
Dr. Swanson recommends that for children who want to start wearing deodorant early, you should opt for an aluminum-free choice. "I would not see any harm in a child who wants to use deodorant doing that at almost any age. I would, however, recommend using an aluminum-free option," she says.
Which is better for kids: deodorant or antiperspirant?

According to Dr. Zeichner, when choosing between deodorant and antiperspirant for kids, you should consider the purpose. “Many antiperspirants also provide deodorant effects, helping to neutralize odor. Straight deodorants, on the other hand, only address odor but not wetness,” he explains. “If your main concern is a foul smell, then a deodorant is for you. If you are suffering from wetness or excessive sweating, then you should look for an antiperspirant.”
How much does kids’ deodorant cost?

Deodorants for kids are accessible at a variety of prices both online and in stores. For perspective, our highest-priced deodorant on this list is Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant at $17 (it also earned perfect scores in all categories during testing). The deodorant with the lowest price is Hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant with Shea Butter, at nearly half the price of Kopari, $8. While this deodorant had some high notes, its texture was sticky, making it hard for our tester to apply full coverage. Some deodorants also come in a pack, typically saving you a little money.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son.