Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts; youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.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, SpoonfulONE, told Verywell Family. “However, some children do start developing body odor earlier.” As your kiddo’s body starts to change, you may notice an increased body odor that is persistent despite showering and bathing regularly. This is a sign that it’s time to introduce your child to deodorant or antiperspirant.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. For younger children, a deodorant along with a balanced diet and consistent hygiene practices should be enough to keep their smell in check. For your tweens and teens that are in the thick of puberty, an antiperspirant is more suitable and can help them feel confident all day long.Find the best deodorant for kids that is comfortable, easy to use, and makes them feel good about themselves.
Great for boys or girls and sensitive skin, it’s natural and free of parabens while it promises 24 hours of odor protection.
Since it’s a roll-on, the deodorant goes on smoothly without any stickiness while it has a fresh, natural fragrance.
For scent-averse kiddos with sensitive skin, this fragrance-free formula is made with tea tree oil and shea butter.
Suitable for boys or girls, the product is lightly scented with essential oils and is free of concerning elements like aluminum.
The charcoal works to absorb underarm wetness while the coconut oil neutralizes any body odor and hydrates the skin.
Lightly coconut-scented and made with a unique blend of coconut and sage oil, it glides on smoothly without any sticky residue.
Aluminum-free and available in a variety of sweet scents, they’re safe for kiddos and go on smoothly.
Ideal for older kids experiencing puberty, it provides three times the sweat protection than regular antiperspirants.
Perfect for sensitive skin, while it’s not an antiperspirant, it effectively eliminates odor while providing hydration.
Invisible, alcohol-free, and paraben-free, it’s ideal for tween girls who enjoy a fragranced formula.
Best Overall:Tom’s of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant
Kids will love the wicked cool branding of this pick while parents will appreciate that this product is natural, safe, and free of parabens, aluminum, artificial preservatives, and artificial fragrances. Parent reviewers praise this product as a great first deodorant and find the fresh scent suitable for all kids.The claim of 24-hour odor protection seems to ring true and the product does not irritate users’ sensitive skin.
Best Roll-On:Fresh Kidz Natural Roll-On Deodorant
Designed for young, sensitive skin, this roll-on has options for boys and girls. The natural, aluminum, paraben, and alcohol-free formulations have fragrances that are natural, fresh, and clean smelling.Since it’s a roll-on, the deodorant has a pleasantly smooth application that won’t bother your child. It is a little wet, so may need a few moments to dry, but it isn’t sticky once it dries. Parents praise the subtle smell of this product and find it really works well, especially for kids from 8 to 14 years old.
Best Fragrance-Free:hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant with Shea Butter
For scent-averse kids, try this fragrance-free formulation that glides on smoothly and is perfect for boys or girls. Made with ingredients like arrowroot, tea tree oil, and shea butter, this choice does not include aluminum or baking soda, so it’s not likely to cause irritation or stain clothing.With 24-hour protection, eco-conscious kids will appreciate that the formula is packaged in 100% previously recycled packaging and is recyclable. Reviewers, especially those with sensitive noses, praise this as a truly fragrance-free option.
Best Organic:FoodGradeOrganic Natural Kids Deodorant
Specifically made for kids, this food-grade (yes, safe enough to eat, though not recommended) deodorant is free of the elements that may cause concern like aluminum or aluminum compounds, alcohol, carcinogens, dyes, preservatives, parabens, beeswax, gluten, corn, soy, or anything artificial.Suitable for boys or girls, the product is lightly scented with essential oils and has a mild fresh scent. Highly praised by reviewers, parents feel good about their kids using this product and assure that it smells good and truly works.
Best Charcoal-Based:Fairy Tales TBH Kids Deodorant
This ash-colored charcoal-based deodorant is designed to beat the funk and nourish your tween’s skin at the same time. Charcoal absorbs underarm wetness and draws toxins out from the skin while coconut oil can neutralize the body’s odor by removing the odor-causing bacteria and hydrating the skin.Fragrance-free, it’s appropriate for both boys or girls. Reviewers note it works well but does take some getting used to since the product can be a bit firmer in texture, but it softens on contact with skin or can be warmed up in the armpit before using.
Best Coconut Oil-Based:Kopari Coconut Deodorant
Made of 100% plant-based materials, this all-natural deodorant includes a unique blend of coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil. Not surprisingly, the product is lightly coconut-scented and glides on smoothly without any sticky residue.While not specifically formulated just for kids, this product is well-loved by many reviewers and a great option for those looking for natural deodorants. A bit more expensive than other choices, try this product if all-natural, plant-based products are important to you.
Best Scent:Native Vegan Deodorant
If the deodorant buy-in is tough for your kiddo, they may be convinced by Native’s wide variety of scents that include blends like tropical coconut and vanilla, rejuvenating cucumber and mint, candied sweet almond and honey, and so much more. These aluminum-free products feel light and fresh and go on smoothly. Strong enough for adults, Native products are safe for kids and a variety of scents are available in multi-packs or sampler packs so your kid can find their signature smell (all while still using deodorant).
Best Antiperspirant:Secret Clinical Strength Soft Solid Deodorant
While not suitable for younger kids, this clinical strength product is an ideal option for teens going through puberty and who are very concerned with their sweating. Gentle on skin, this option provides three times the sweat protection than regular antiperspirants.Available in a few formulations and scents, teens may appreciate the “Sensitive Unscented” formula since it provides skin-soothing conditioners to tender underarm skin and doesn’t have any overwhelming odor. If excessive sweating is a constant issue, it’s best to discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.
Best for Sensitive Skin:Dove Aluminum-Free Deoderant
If your kiddo has especially sensitive skin and you’re looking for an inexpensive drugstore option, this Dove deodorant fits the bill. Made without alcohol and aluminum, this formulation has unique moisturizers that Dove is known for. While not an antiperspirant, reviewers appreciate how effective this option is for eliminating odor—it’s strong enough for adult men and truly is an odor-free product.
Best for Tweens:Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant