Is it time to rethink your everyday deodorant?

The Beauty Shelf

Deodorant is one of those products we tend to buy on autopilot. We reach for the familiar can or roll-on, pop it in the trolley and give it very little thought until it runs out. Meanwhile, we’ll happily spend half an hour deciding which moisturiser we’re choosing that month.

There’s something to be said for giving this everyday essential a little more attention, particularly as warmer weather approaches. The deodorant shelf has expanded well beyond the standard spray, with refillable sticks and even creams designed for areas beyond the underarms.

The choice comes down to what you want from it. Some people prioritise keeping perspiration under control, while others are more interested in fragrance or reducing the packaging they throw away. Texture matters too; a solid stick might suit someone who dislikes aerosols, while a familiar spray can be the easiest part of a busy morning.

This week’s Beauty Shelf takes a closer look at the options, with prices starting at $12.

Vichy deodorant range – $18.99

If you put thought into choosing skincare for your face, Vichy brings a similar approach to the underarm aisle. The French brand’s antiperspirant range includes a fragrance-free Soothing 48hr roll-on designed for sensitive or recently shaved skin, alongside options aimed at heavier perspiration. There are also No White Marks formulas for anyone tired of finding deodorant traces on their clothes. The appeal here is being able to choose a formula around your particular concern, rather than assuming every roll-on does the same job.

Lush Aromaco solid deodorant, 100g – $16

Aromaco looks more like a small piece of soap than a conventional deodorant, but the idea is straightforward: a solid format without the usual plastic container. Its earthy patchouli fragrance gives it a distinctive personality, making this one for people who enjoy a more herbal scent. The formula includes sodium bicarbonate to absorb moisture, alongside witch hazel infusion and chamomile vinegar. Store it somewhere cool and dry between uses or give it a tin of its own to keep it separate from the rest of your bathroom shelf.

Dove Advanced Care Original antiperspirant aerosol, 250ml – $12

For those who prefer a familiar spray, Dove’s Advanced Care Original combines sweat protection with an emphasis on underarm skincare. The formula uses moisturising technology designed to support the skin’s moisture barrier and help reduce irritation caused by shaving. Dove claims up to 72 hours of protection against sweat and odour, with the recognisable Original fragrance. At $12 for a 250ml can, it’s the most affordable option in this line-up and an easy choice for anyone who wants to stick with an aerosol. Available at Chemist Warehouse.

Rexona Whole Body Deodorant Cream, 75ml – $14

Body odour isn’t confined to the underarms, which is the thinking behind Rexona’s Whole Body Deodorant Cream. The range includes Wild Rose for women and Active Fresh for men, offering a cream format for targeted application to areas such as the chest and feet, as well as the underarms. Both formulas contain no aluminium salts, are dermatologically tested and promise up to 72 hours of odour control. They’re designed to go on invisibly, too. This is an option for anyone interested in extending their deodorant routine beyond the usual swipe under each arm; follow the pack directions for where and how to apply.

L’Occitane Cédrat Stick Deodorant, 70g – $39

At the more indulgent end of the shelf, L’Occitane’s Cédrat stick makes fragrance a bigger part of the daily routine. Bright citrus is balanced by a woody base, giving it a scent that will appeal to those who prefer something less floral. The formula is free from alcohol and aluminium salts, and is designed to glide onto clean, dry skin and dry quickly while helping to neutralise odour. Fans of the matching Cédrat eau de toilette can use it to extend their fragrance, although it works as a standalone purchase too. The container is refillable, with refills sold separately.

Wild Refillable Natural Deodorant Honey & Cactus Flower, 40g – $27.99

If throwing away another deodorant container has started to bother you, Wild offers a reusable case that you keep and refill. Honey & Cactus Flower has a warm, sweet fragrance with floral notes, making it an appealing alternative to the usual fresh-laundry scents. The solid deodorant is applied with a couple of gentle swipes, and Wild says each 40g refill should last around four to six weeks with daily use. Its plastic-free refill packaging is designed to be compostable, so the lasting purchase is the case itself.