As a new mom, you probably prepared yourself for the roller coaster of emotions that come along with having a newborn. But, chances are, you didn’t prepare for (or sign up for) postpartum body odor, which, as you guessed it, is incredibly intense and often lingers far beyond the six-week mark.
Postpartum body odor is more common than you may think. According to Kathleen Bell, board certified women’s health nurse practitioner and international board certified lactation consultant, the culprit is likely the same you can blame for so many unpleasant postpartum symptoms: hormones. The good news, she explains, is that postpartum body odor is perfectly normal and rarely a sign of a larger problem. It’s also easily managed at home.
These hormonal shifts enhance the bond between you and your baby, helping facilitate breastfeeding and even helping your newborn know where you are—by your scent—notes, Rebekah Mustaleski, certified professional midwife and Motif compression director.
Due to the strong stench of postpartum body odor, which is often more intense than your pre-baby body odor, you may be in need of a new deodorant—not only one that’s more equipped to handle your smell, but also one that’s free from harsh chemicals or strong fragrances. “After you give birth, your skin might be more sensitive and your baby’s definitely is, so your previous deodorant can cause irritation,” says Mustaleski. “If you notice increased irritation from your deodorant, you should switch to a more mild or sensitive skin formula.”
Finding the best deodorant to combat your postpartum body odor is personal, and a product that works for you may not work for your friend. The good news? Innovation has come a long way in this area, and there are plenty of highly recommended deodorants to try out. What works for you may not work for a friend.
What to look for in postpartum deodorant:
You may need to try out a few deodorants before finding one that works for you. Some moms may find it best to tackle postpartum body odor with a natural option without harsh chemicals because it works best on their sensitive skin. Others may be more comfortable with a more traditional deodorant focused on combating the stench. Choose a deodorant that makes you feel comfortable and confident you don’t stink–so you can get back to focusing on yourself and your new addition.
Consider the following:
- Odor-blocking formula.
- Comfort and wearability.
- Ease of application.
- Ingredients that don’t irritate your skin.
If you don’t want to overthink it, start here:
Top Picks at a Glance
Best Overall: Secret Outlast
Best Natural: Native Original Deodorant
Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
Best for Strong Postpartum Odor: Lume Whole Body Deodorant
Best Elevated Clean Option: Saltair Skincare Deodorant
Best Budget Natural Deodorant: Humble Original Formula Deodorant
Best Deodorant to Tackle Wetness: Tom’s of Maine
Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant: evolvetogether
Best Overall: Secret Outlast
Secret is one of those brands that’s been around for what seems like forever. You trust it’s going to deliver on odor protection–and Secret Outlast is popular because it’s a long-lasting anti-perspirant. Reviewers praise the deodorant for saving the day by keeping them dry, even in situations that would typically end up both sweaty and smelly.
What we love:
- Long-lasting odor protection.
- Goes on dry.
- Affordable price.
What we would change:
- More unique scent options.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY 19% (Anhydrous), Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kaolin, Cyclodextrin, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Fragrance, C20-40 Pareth-10, Behenyl Alcohol
- Size: 2.6 oz
- Scents: Almond oil, argan oil, completely clean, protecting powder, tea tree oil
Buy now on Amazon; $9.33
Best Natural Deodorant: Native Original Deodorant
Native became a well-known deodorant brand over the past few years, known for its simple formula and packaging, and all-day odor prevention. The stick deodorant is made from naturally derived ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda and magnesium hydroxide. Native doesn’t add ingredients like aluminum salts, phthalates or talc.
What we love:
- Simple, effective ingredients.
- Lots of scents, including seasonal.
- Also comes in a plastic-free option.
What we would change:
- Baking soda can irritate sensitive skin; however, their Sensitive Deodorant is free of baking soda.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tapioca Starch, Ozokerite, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclodextrin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Fragrance, Dextrose, Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Size: 2.65 oz
- Scents: Coconut & vanilla, sea salt & cedar, buttercream & french vanilla, powder & cotton, eucalyptus & mint, cucumber & mint, citrus & herbal musk, lilac & white tea, lavender & rose, sweet peach & nectar, charcoal, honey & white oak, black oak & amber, blackberry & green tea, grapefruit & bergamot, vanilla & sandalwood, jasmine & cedar, unscented, and a variety of limited-edition and seasonal options
Buy now on Amazon; $13.29
Best for Sensitive Skin: Necessaire The Deodorant Gel
Fans of Necessaire’s eucalyptus scent will appreciate the scent in deodorant form. This clear deodorant is technically gel, yet it’s not sticky and dries quickly. Made with 5% AHA and Niacinamide, it will keep your odor in check, while also treating hyperpigmentation and minimizing bumps in the underarm area. In addition to being aluminum-free, it also contains no baking soda, parabens, PEGs or synthetic fragrance.
What we love:
- Fast-drying, non-sticky gel.
- Benefits go beyond combating odor.
- Refreshing eucalyptus scent option.
What we would change:
- Hard to tell how much is left with new opaque packaging.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Mandelic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Phytate, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Abies Sibirica (Siberian Fir) Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Limonene
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Scents: Fragrance-free, eucalyptus, sandalwood
Buy now on Amazon; $20.90
Lume is a unique option for postpartum moms because it can be used for all body odor–from underarms and feet, to thigh creases and belly buttons. Founded by an OB/GYN, this deodorant is made with skin-safe ingredients (no baking soda, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, or talc) that block odor, rather than covering it up. For those who prefer it, there’s also a cream version.
What we love:
- Made to combat all body odor, not just underarms.
- PH optimization blocks odor, rather than masking it.
- Developed by a practicing OB/GYN.
What we would change:
- Select reviews note irritation at the start of use.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Ozokerite, Stearyl Alcohol, Isododecane, Isopentyldiol, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder, Lauryl Laurate, Mandelic Acid, Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance, Silica, Panthenol, Caffeine, Ethylhexylglycerin
- Size: 2.6 oz, 2 pack
- Scents: Minted cucumber, soft powder, clean tangerine, toasted coconut, lavender sage, peony rose, fresh alpine, unscented
Buy now on Amazon; $27.24
If you’re looking for pretty, refillable packaging with a natural deodorant inside, check out Saltair. But it’s also the ingredients that make this deodorant stand out from others. Made with BHA, zinc ricinoleate, oils, and algae, it promises to protect against odors and exfoliate, smooth and refresh the skin.
What we love:
- No detox period, unlike many natural deodorants.
- Aesthetically pleasing, refillable packaging.
- Bullet three (short sentence here)
What we would change:
- Under 2 oz, so you get less than other brands (but it’s a 2 pack.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ozokerite, Tapioca Starch, Fragrance (Parfum), Zinc Ricinoleate, Water (Aqua), Salicylic Acid, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Saccharomyces Ferment, Lauroyl Lysine, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Size: 1.76 oz, 2 pack
- Scents: Santal bloom, pink beach, seascape, island orchid, black ride, lagoona, lush greens, exotic pulp, fragrance free
Buy now on Amazon; $23.40
Best Budget Natural Deodorant: Humble Original Formula Deodorant
Humble stands by their tried-and-true 4-ingredient deodorant, made with baking soda, beeswax, non-GMO corn starch, and MCT oil—and without aluminum, alcohol, parabens, dyes, or artificial fragrance. Baking soda helps neutralize bacteria that causes odors, while cornstarch supports the absorption of sweat and odors that inevitably happen. Beeswax is naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and protects and soothes; MCT oil is made from coconut and moisturizes. And the array of scents offered all come from essential oils and botanical extracts.
What we love:
- Four simple ingredients.
- More affordable than others on the list.
- Made from 75% post consumer recycled plastic.
What we would change:
- Contains baking soda; try the sensitive-free option if your skin is easily irritated.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tapioca Starch, Ozokerite, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclodextrin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Fragrance, Dextrose, Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Size: 2.5 oz
- Scents: Bergamot & ginger, moroccan rose, palo santo & frankincense, patchouli & copal, black spruce, lavender & holy basil, lemongrass & sage, mountain lavender, rosemary & mint, Texas cedarwood & grapefruit, simply unscented
Buy now on Amazon; $27 (for three)
Best Deodorant to Tackle Wetness: Tom’s of Maine
Tom’s of Maine has been around for longer than most, if not all, of the brands on this list, known for their affordable natural products. The vegan, aluminum-free deodorant now offers wetness protection in addition to helping with odor control. It lasts 24 hours and is made with no artificial fragrances or parabens.
What we love:
- Lower price point; drugstore availability.
- 24 hours odor and wetness protection.
- No aluminum, artificial fragrance, or parabens.
What we would change:
- Some reviewers note its unexpected wet texture when applied, though it dries quickly.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic), Glyceryl Laurate, Fragrance (Natural), Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate
- Size: 2.25 oz
- Scents: Lemon & bergamot, mandarin & ylang, rose & vanilla
Buy now on Amazon; $14.35
This is one of those deodorants that feels less like something you grabbed at the drugstore and more like something you actually want to use. The texture is closer to a balm than a stick — it glides on smoothly, disappears into skin, and doesn’t leave that chalky buildup that a lot of natural formulas still struggle with.
What makes it especially interesting for postpartum is how it handles odor. Instead of relying on baking soda (which can be irritating, especially when your skin is already sensitive), it uses enzyme-based technology to actually neutralize odor at the source.
The scent profile is also a step up from your typical “clean deodorant.” The patchouli-forward blends are earthy but not overpowering — more fresh, grounded, slightly elevated than overly perfumed. That matters more than you think postpartum, when your sense of smell can feel… heightened in a way that’s hard to explain.
It’s not the one you reach for when you’re dealing with extreme hormonal sweating (that’s where something like Lume or Clinical Strength still wins), but it’s a really strong option if you want something that feels clean, modern, and genuinely pleasant to use every single day.
What we love:
- Truly elevated formula that feels more like skincare than deodorant.
- Uses enzyme-based technology to neutralize odor (instead of masking it).
- Aluminum-free and baking soda–free, making it gentler on sensitive postpartum skin.
- Subtle, earthy scent that feels fresh—not overpowering (huge when your sense of smell is heightened postpartum).
What we would change:
- Not the strongest option for extreme postpartum odor or heavy sweating.
- Higher price point compared to drugstore options.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients:Plant-based odor neutralizers, enzyme technology, moisturizing emollients (baking soda–free)
- Size: 3 oz
- Scents: Patchouli-forward, earthy, clean, slightly elevated
Buy now on Amazon; $26
One Last Thing: FAQ
What are signs my postpartum body odor is something deodorant won’t help?
According to Bell, signs you should check in with your healthcare provider are body odor that smells particularly bad or if the odor also comes with skin changes like rashes or hives. Hot flashes or excessive sweating during the day can also be a reason to get checked out, especially if it’s interfering with everyday life.
What else can I do to reduce excessive sweating during the postpartum period?
While it may feel unpleasant, Bell reassures moms that, more often than not, body odor doesn’t mean there’s a problem. Adding a second daily shower or switching to clinical strength deodorant are two potential solutions she suggests.
Do I need to change my deodorant after giving birth?
Mustaleski says, “You can certainly try changing your deodorant [if you have postpartum odor]! A change in scent or brand can help mask any unpleasant body odors, especially from yourself. You can also consider finding a stronger deodorant than you had previously used, like those that are formulated for athletes.”
I think I have postpartum body odor, but others around me don’t smell a difference. Why is that?
According to Mustaleski, “You might notice your smell more than you typically do, as your olfactory senses are heightened both during pregnancy and after delivery as a protective mechanism for you and baby, but your body odors are probably the same as they have been.”
