How to Apply Deodorant:
Tips to Make Your Deodorant More Effective

Learn how to apply deodorant the best way with our simple step-by-step guide.

When was the last time you thought about your technique for applying deodorant? Probably not since puberty when someone showed you the basics. Since then it’s become a part of your morning routine. But what if there was a better technique that could make your deodorant more effective and leave you smelling fresher, longer?

The Best Way to Apply Deodorant

Deodorant works by killing stink-causing bacteria on your skin and preventing body odor. Here’s how to get the most out of your odor protection and put your smelly armpit worries to rest:

Wash your skin: Shower or bathe with a gentle cleanser to effectively get rid of sweat, concentrating on the underarms and any other places you tend to sweat.

Dry your skin completely: Antiperspirants and deodorants should be applied to completely dry skin because wetness can make the formula less effective.

Apply deodorant anywhere you tend to sweat: While some deodorant brands are meant only for armpits, most can be applied anywhere you sweat (like behind the knees or inner thighs). If you want to keep other areas of your body fresh and dry, check the label first to make sure your deodorant is safe to use anywhere.

Apply deodorant to underarms: Apply deodorant to your underarms using 2-3 upward and downward sweeps. This technique helps ensure you’re covering all of your sweat glands. If you have hair in your armpits, you may need to apply more pressure when putting on deodorant.

Let your deodorant dry: Give your deodorant several minutes to dry before dressing. This will give it time to set and also help you avoid deodorant from getting on your clothes.

Bring your deodorant with you: Deodorant can be reapplied throughout the day if you need to freshen up. For best results, use a cleansing cloth and then dry your underarms before reapplying.

Should I Apply Deodorant Before or After Exercise?

You can apply deodorant before or after exercise, but it will be less effective if you’re currently sweating. Though sweat itself doesn’t smell, that all too familiar funk begins to waft up to your nose when it mixes with naturally-occurring bacteria on your skin.

Unfortunately swiping, rolling, or spraying on more deodorant won’t undo the bacterial breakdown or stop you from sweating (and smelling). To prevent stink, apply deodorant to dry skin before you exercise. You can also take a shower after exercising and apply deodorant again once your skin is completely dry.

Tips for Applying Different Types of Deodorant

Antiperspirant Deodorant

For antiperspirant deodorant, apply two upstrokes and two downstrokes to clean, dry skin before bedtime. This allows the formula to set completely. If done correctly, antiperspirants should keep you dry for a full 24 hours.

Roll-On Deodorant

For roll-on deodorant, roll your deodorant across each underarm a few times for even coverage. Be sure to apply to clean, dry skin and allow the gel to set for a few minutes before getting dressed.

The iconic Ban roll-on antiperspirant deodorant is America’s #1 roll-on—and it should be—we literally invented them in 1954. The Ban roll-on uses roller ball technology, modeled after a ballpoint pen, to contour to the armpit for precise coverage. This allows the product to glide on smoothly and easily. Ban roll-on antiperspirant deodorant uses odor-fighting ingredients and Kihada extract to target and help eliminate odor, not just cover it up. The clear formula won’t leave white marks on your clothes or under your arms. Ban roll-on antiperspirant deodorant rolls on wet—so you can stay dry all day.

Spray Deodorant

First, shake your deodorant to make sure all the ingredients are mixed together. Then, hold the can a few inches from your armpit and coat each underarm with a layer of spray. Approximately two seconds for each underarm should do the trick.

Stick Deodorant

Apply 2-3 strokes of your stick deodorant to clean, dry skin after showering. Start at the center of your armpit and work your way outward in all directions until it is completely covered. Reapply throughout the day as needed.

Gel Deodorant

Twist the knob at the bottom of the deodorant container to push a small amount of gel towards the top. The gel should form little beads, and if the gel begins to roll over onto itself, you’re using too much. Rub the gel onto each underarm for about 10 seconds. This will allow the product to penetrate through any hair and into the sweat glands.

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Key Takeaways

Deodorant is most effective when applied to clean, dry skin.

It is better to apply deodorant at night, before bed, when your body is less likely to sweat.

You can use most deodorants anywhere you tend to sweat, not just the underarms.

Let your deodorant dry completely before getting dressed to avoid white marks on clothing.

Deodorants tends to be available as a stick, gel, liquid, or spray.

Products Mentioned in This Article

Roll Ons Antiperspirant

How to Apply Deodorant

How to Apply Deodorant:
Tips to Make Your Deodorant More Effective

The Best Way to Apply Deodorant

Should I Apply Deodorant Before or After Exercise?