6 Serum Deodorants That Fight Funk, Discoloration and Ingrown Hairs

By Alice Ruby On Apr 25, 2024

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Serum is one of the superior formats for imparting self-care products on the skin. First of all, it feels great going on. It’s lightweight enough to feel non-existent but often powerful enough to get the job done, whatever that might be. We love serum sunscreen, body serums, serum skin tints and other silky smooth serum-based products.

Recently, serum deodorants have caught on, and our pits are partying over it. Deodorant formulators have tried a lot of formats, including classic solid, clear gel roll-ups, sprays, powders and lotions. After years of being a deodorant-wearer, serum has struck a chord with me, and I don’t see myself going back to the deodorants of yore anytime soon.

We often leave our underarms out of the skin-care conversation, but they can benefit from a bit of TLC like any other area of skin. These serum deodorants have skin-care benefits to give the oft-neglected underarms a bit of a facelift, promoting smoother, brighter skin while also putting an end to body odor. Pro tip: apply before getting dressed so it can dry more easily.

Serum deodorants we love

1 / 6

Ban AHA Roll-On Serum Deodorants ($10)

This is the serum deodorant that changed it all for me. They had been trending for a bit, but I hadn’t felt drawn to switch over to the serum side—until I rolled this over my underarms. It works better than most deodorant I’ve used, of any format. I’ve been using it every day since I first tried it out. The scents are unique, and the product is powerful yet non-irritating.

BUY NOW – $10

2 / 6

Billie AHA Deodorant ($13)

This liquid-gel features exfoliating acids that help prevent odor-causing bacteria from being able to grow. Made with AHAs, this serum exfoliates, helping clear ingrown hair and smooth and brighten skin. It’ll be hard to choose between the delightful scents of Tidal Rose, Lavender Milk and Botanic Air.

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3 / 6

Saltair 5% AHA Serum Deodorant ($12)

An extension of Saltair’s variety of gorgeously scented body products, this serum deodorant is a standout. Pink Beach and Santal Bloom are best-selling scents, and Exotic Pulp and Seascape are new to the deo range. There is also a fragrance-free option if that’s more your speed. Skin-care ingredients like mandelic acid, lactic acid and niacinamide combat odor, brighten discoloration and smooth and reduce the appearance of pesky ingrown hairs.

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4 / 6

Kosas Chemistry Deodorant ($16)

Kosas was one of the earlier brands on the serum deodorant frontier, so they’ve got their formula down pat. According to Kosas, “only pit-nourishing ingredients [are] allowed,” which includes shikimic, mandelic and lactic acid and aloe vera juice, hyaluronic acid and bioactive peptides. Body odor, ingrown hairs and discoloration are no match for that all-star lineup of ingredients.

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5 / 6

Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel ($18)

This serum-in-gel deodorant boasts some serious stats. In just four weeks, 95 percent of users said their underarm skin felt smooth, and 80 percent said underarm skin looked even. Meanwhile, the formula is covertly combating odor.

BUY NOW – $18

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