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For many people, choosing a deodorant comes down to a personal preference in brand, formula, and scent. But for those living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), finding a deodorant or antiperspirant that keeps them feeling fresh without irritating their skin can be a challenge.
There isn’t one best deodorant for HS. The right product depends on your skin, how much you sweat, and whether your main concern is odor, moisture, or irritation.
Learn why finding a deodorant or antiperspirant that works for HS can be challenging, what to look for, which ingredients may cause irritation, and more. If you have questions about which products may be right for you, talk with your dermatologist.
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Before choosing a product, decide whether you want to control odor, reduce sweating, or both.
These are two types of products you may find:
If body odor is your main concern, a deodorant may be what you want. If sweating or moisture is a bigger concern, you may prefer an antiperspirant. Many products are designed to do both.
Deodorants and antiperspirants aren’t treatments for HS. But finding a product that meets your needs without irritating your skin may make daily life more comfortable. In addition, some people find that limiting the amount of sweat under their arms reduces HS flare-ups.
3. Look for Fragrance-Free ProductsBoth natural and artificial fragrances can cause allergic reactions, including allergic contact dermatitis. If your skin is sensitive or easily irritated, look for products labeled “fragrance-free.”
Some deodorants and antiperspirants are “unscented,” but unscented and fragrance-free don’t mean the same thing. An unscented product may contain ingredients that mask the smell of other ingredients.
Fragrance-free products are likely best, but unscented products may still be better than scented ones.
“I very recently switched to an unscented, aluminum-free deodorant and that’s seeming to help,” one myHSteam member shared.
Natural ingredients may sound harmless, but “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean gentle or nonirritating. A natural deodorant or antiperspirant can still irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions. Natural ingredients that may cause irritation include:
Baking soda
Vitamin E
Lanolin
Essential oils
Parabens
However, these and other natural ingredients don’t affect everyone in the same way.
“I use natural deodorant — anything else causes a flare-up for me,” one myHSteam member shared.
The concentration and formula of the ingredients can also influence how your skin reacts. For example, applying undiluted essential oils to the skin may cause severe allergic contact dermatitis.
If you aren’t sure if and how natural ingredients may affect your skin, talk to your dermatologist.
While ingredients are very important, how you apply a product can also affect how comfortable it feels on your skin and how it may impact your skin.
Deodorants and antiperspirants come in different formulas, including sprays, gels, roll-ons, and solid sticks. Some people with HS find that certain formulas feel better than others, especially when their skin is irritated or sensitive.
“I finally began using a solid stick deodorant, and it has been working wonders,” one myHSteam member shared. “My armpits smell a lot less and flare up a lot less than before, when I was using roll-on deodorants.”
Another shared, “I use a roll-on antiperspirant deodorant. It has worked very well for me.”
You may need to try different formulas to find one that feels most comfortable for you. Just as there isn’t one best deodorant for hidradenitis suppurativa, there isn’t one formula that works for everyone.
If a deodorant, antiperspirant, or other skin care product causes burning, itching, discoloration, or other irritation, stop using it. Even if a product has worked well for you in the past, your skin can react differently over time.
“I tried a new deodorant, and it seemed to work well that entire day,” one myHSteam member shared. “I used it the following day, and the flare-up was very intolerable.”
If you struggle to find products that don’t cause irritation, ask your dermatologist for recommendations.
When you do find a product you like, avoid applying it directly to open wounds or lesions. Applying deodorant or antiperspirant to broken or irritated skin may cause additional discomfort or irritation.
“I don’t apply deodorant to open sores,” one myHSteam member shared. “Sometimes I apply it outside the sore and cover it with a Band-Aid.”
If you’re unsure whether a product is safe to use during an HS flare-up, ask your dermatologist.
Finding a deodorant or antiperspirant that works well with HS may take some trial and error. If you’re unsure which products are right for you or if you experience repeated irritation, talk with a board-certified dermatologist. They can help you find options that fit your skin, preferences, and needs.
It’s also OK not to wear deodorant or antiperspirant if you decide that’s a better choice for you. What matters most is finding an approach that helps you feel comfortable and confident.
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I use Cetaphil bar soap under my armpits whenever i feel a breakout coming and it prevents it and smooths out my skin. Plus it smells good so most of the time I don’t have to use deodorant when I… read more
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