With most people concerned about underarm wetness and odor, they seek out many ways to knock out both threats with what they find on the shelves. You can buy just about anything you like, but with the amount of choice available, some people have already started to wonder, what is the difference between this product and that?

Skin care products do not just extend to moisturizers anymore; they can also be what you are putting under your arm. This is because anti-perspirant/deodorants do a lot more than halt wetness and cover up odor (either by eliminating it or masking it with a more pleasing scent). These newer products now seek to help make underarm skin happy; for women who shave their underarms, to help lessen problems such as razor burn or other irritations that average underarm products might bring.

Some have even embraced the idea of moisturizing underarm skin. After all, why not? Skin care does not just mean your face, legs, and arms. Skin care products are meant to help every part of your skin, and that now more than ever includes our underarms.

So what are the current products on the market for your underarms? And what can they do for you?


Spray Essentially, anti-perspirant/deodorant in a can. A quick spritz and you are out the door. Spray underarm products are actually less popular than they may have been in the past, offering the essential anti-perspirant and deodorant properties with little else. Men tend to gravitate more toward sprays than women do. However, some studies have linked not-so-friendly ingredients in spray products. You might want to do your research before making a purchase.

Roll-on A liquid or semi-liquid is dispensed via a rolling ball at the top of the product. Women familiar with roll on lip gloss might have an easier time picturing it. While a roll-on may be effective both in keeping down perspiration and odor, they can remain wet for a longer period of time. Not quite what you are looking for when trying to stay dry. Different roll-ons may look and act differently; some may have quicker drying times than others. A few may have extra skin care properties, but this may cause them to be more expensive.

Gel Gel products had a sudden boom several years ago when gel was somehow the hot product to have under your arms. Gel can also be a little wet and take some time to dry. Men may be irritated with gel because it might become a little goopy under their arms due to underarm hair. Some gels may have added benefits but you will likely need to read the label in order to find out if the product does and what they are.

Solids Solid anti-perspirant/deodorants are the most popular form of underarm skin care products. They have a wide range of available products, including the color of the solid. You can purchase clear solids that dry quickly and leave no color whatsoever, white solids that may leave white residue under your arms and on your clothing, while solids that go on clear and leave no residue, or colored products that leave no color behind, going on clear.

Some people care more than others what goes on under their arms and how it may look; at times price can become a factor when deciding what to purchase. Many solids come with extra skin care goodies, being made for sensitive skin, moisturizing, and fragrance-free, which can be quite useful for those who have adverse reactions to added fragrances. Solids tend to go on much drier and be quicker than other types of deodorant and of course have any number of scents in case you want one.

However, there are so many out there it is impossible to pick just one you absolutely must buy, at least in this article it is. You will have to brave the shelves on your own, but first be aware of what your underarm skin may need. Does it get dry after shaving? Irritated red bumps? Extremely wet even with your current product? Check out the labels to see what the product can offer you before making a purchase. You may even want to visit the vendor site to see if a free sample is available. Nothing ever hurt with the “try before you buy” philosophy.