How to Apply Stick Deodorant

Co-authored by Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Fact Checked

While applying stick deodorant is not a complicated procedure, there is a correct way to accomplish it without causing too much of a mess. Stick deodorant is popular in the United States, but other countries favor sprays, gels, or no deodorant at all. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies deodorant as a cosmetic designed to eliminate or mask odor with fragrance.^{[1]
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US Food and Drug Administration
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Getting Ready

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Before applying the stick deodorant, either take a shower or wash your armpits thoroughly to freshen up.^{[2]
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DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

Go to source} Dry with a towel so that the deodorant will roll onto your skin smoothly without smearing.
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Wait to get dressed. Deodorant is known to streak on clothes, therefore, it is better to roll the deodorant under your armpit and then wait as long as possible to get dressed. If you put it on right before putting your shirt on, you’re much more likely to get white marks on your clothing.^{[3]
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- As an alternative, you can put on your deodorant after you’ve already gotten dressed.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying Stick Deodorant

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As with most cosmetic products, deodorant containers come with a tight cap that requires you to unwind it or pull it off.
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Remove the plastic casing. There is often a special seal located under the cap and firmly on top of the deodorant stick that needs to be removed before use.
- The actual deodorant stick is made from alcohol, which needs to remain moist. A tight plastic casing keeps the stick moist and avoids evaporation.
Once the lid is off, turn the wheel on the bottom of the deodorant stick 2 or 3 times to ensure that you have enough deodorant exposed at the top. This will help ensure full coverage.^{[4]
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Apply deodorant in an even coat to the underarm region. Apply the deodorant slowly and thoroughly. Start at the center of your armpit and work your way outward in all directions until your underarm is completely covered. Reapply throughout the day as needed.^{[5]
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Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health

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- Make it easy on yourself by using the opposite hand to apply the deodorant to each of your armpits.
Otherwise, the stick will dry up without the cap on and you will no longer be able to use it. Keep your deodorant somewhere that’s easy to access each day, such as inside the cabinet that’s under your bathroom sink.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Old Spice deodorant makes me itch but doesn't give me a rash. Why does this happen and what should I do about it?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Old spice has a strong perfume component, which could be causing the itchiness for you. Just don't use it anymore and try other deodorants until you find one that you like and feels comfortable to use.

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Can I eat deodorant? If so, does it taste good?

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.

Jurdy Dugdale, RN

Medical Review Board

Expert Answer

Deodorant most likely does not taste good. You shouldn't eat it, because it isn't designed to be eaten. Many deodorants have ingredients that can cause you to get sick if you consume them.

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My feet and underarms sweat a lot and they really smell bad. I use foot deodorant and regular deodorant but it doesn't seem to work. It definitely damages my social life, but does that mean I have hypohidrosis?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

It is possible. You need to be evaluated by a doctor in a clinical setting. They may have prescription-strength deodorant for you to use to help you with your sweating and odor.

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Decide which brand of stick deodorant and which fragrance is best for you. There are many different types to choose from, including scented, unscented, men’s, women’s, gel-based, powder-based, natural, and more.^{[6]
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Try not to overuse deodorant, many people do not like a heavy fragrance radiating from other people. If possible, buy antiperspirant if you plan on working out.

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Similar to other personal care products, your body can build resistance to deodorant making it less effective. Therefore, make sure you switch brands frequently.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

There’s a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant prevents odor but does not stop sweating, while antiperspirant generally does both. You can use either or both depending on your personal preferences. (There are also antiperspirant/deodorant combos.)
Deodorant works much better when applied at night. Because you don’t sweat as much at night, the product has time to set in. And don’t worry if you like to take a shower in the morning—it won’t wash off!

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