Anyone suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa, or HS, knows how much of a hassle it is. It’s a skin condition that causes bumps and lumps to form under the skin near sweat glands, like between the thighs or behind your ears. But what I would say the most troublesome part of the body to see HS symptoms is in the underarms.
Finding the best deodorant for hidradenitis suppurativa is truly no easy feat. You need to find one that is gentle and doesn’t irritate your bumps or lesions, but also smells great to turn heads whenever you walk into a room. Added to that, lesion drainage can produce a rancid smell that you’ll need to take care of, even if you have no body odor problems.
But not to worry! To help out anyone who has HS or has a loved one who does, I’ve rounded up a list of HS deodorant options that can help with the discomfort and the smell, on top of giving you the vote of confidence needed to beat hidradenitis suppurativa.
6 Deodorants to Use If You Have Hidradenitis Suppurativa
1. Lume Lavender Sage Deodorant Stick
A crowd favorite when it comes to natural deodorants is the doctor-developed brand Lume. They provide very effective and long-lasting natural deodorants that are gentle on the skin but pack a punch for preventing body odor. Their flagship, and most popular variant, is the Lavender Sage version.
This Lume deodorant is great for those with hidradenitis suppurativa because of how it was formulated. A certified doctor developed this safe and mild formula that only uses naturally derived and skin-safe synthetic ingredients to make sure no irritation occurs, especially for those with skin conditions, like HS.
What’s great about this deodorant is that it provides up to 72 hours of odor control. It kills many kinds of odor-causing bacteria, so you don’t have to keep sniffing yourself worrying about body odor all day. Because this was developed by a doctor, they made sure it was trustworthy and clinically proven to work and even found that it was up to six times more effective than other deodorant brands!
It comes in a gorgeous lavender scent that clears the mind and calms the senses, with a bit of sage for an herbal touch to give you even more clarity. It’s a great scent if you love florals and herbs, or are a fan of springtime.
Those with HS have very sensitive underarms, which is why it’s great that this formula contains no aluminum, parabens, or baking soda. These ingredients can irritate sensitive skin and strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
However, if you know yourself to be quite sensitive when it comes to strong smells, especially of the herbal type, then this might not be for you. The essential oils that hold the lavender and sage scents can be quite strong, and while some find this to be a bonus, others may not be as keen.
Pros
- Gives you up to 72 hours of odor control
- Naturally derived deodorant that kills odor-causing bacteria
- Has a beautiful lavender and sage scent that calms the senses
- Contains no aluminum, parabens, or baking soda that may irritate the skin
- Doctor-developed and clinically proven effective
Cons
- The scent may be a bit strong if you’re not used to lavender
This Lume product[CK4] would be a great hidradenitis suppurativa deodorant, not only because it is a natural and possesses a skin-friendly formula, but also for its scent. which is an enchanting aroma that can give you 72 hours of confidence, so you don’t have to be so self-conscious about that hidradenitis suppurativa smell.
2. Lume Collection 5-Scents Sampler Pack
If you’d like to try out Lume deodorants but are having trouble settling on a scent, then they’ve got just the sampler package for you! Lume offers a set [CK5] of five different fragrances of their gentle yet effective deodorants, and in a unique tube packaging.
Like the stick version of this deodorant, the travel-friendly tube version is clinically proven to control and prevent body odor for 72 hours. Hidradenitis suppurativa odor sufferers know all too well that this is a big plus for them. It deodorizes for a long time and comes in five scents to help spruce up your personal care regimen.
The package comes with an oh-so-popular lavender sage, an unscented variant (perfect for those with HS and other sensitive skin types), jasmine rose, juniper berry, and silver spruce. There’s at least one variant fit for everyone’s taste. Whether you like fruity or floral scents, or prefer none at all, there’s something in this bundle for you.
Like Lume’s stick format, these deodorants are only made with naturally derived and skin-safe synthetic ingredients. They are naturally fragranced with essential oils, never artificial ones that can cause irritation. They are also formulated without all the harsh stuff, from parabens to baking soda.
If you’ve been accustomed to roll-on deodorants for years, note that this deodorant in a tube can take some getting used to. It may feel weird at first, rubbing it into your skin with your bare hands. But give it a shot—I’m sure you’ll end up liking it!
Pros
- Clinically proven to control body odor for 72 hours
- Safe for the skin, since it’s made with gentle ingredients only
- In tube packaging, so it’s travel-friendly and more hygienic than a roll-on
- A chance to try out five different scents to see which you love most
- Value for money because you get five variants in one pack
Cons
- Tube deodorants may need some getting used to if you’re more familiar with roll-ons
This set by Lume is a great option if you’re looking for a more portable, travel-friendly deodorant that is also very gentle on the underarm. It’s also a lot of fun to have in the house because you can choose a scent depending on your mood for the day.
3. Vanicream Clinical Strength Deodorant
Vanicream is a renowned brand when it comes to treating sensitive skin. It is recommended by dermatologists around the world, especially to those with skin that needs a bit more tender love and care. Obviously, that includes those suffering from HS.
The brand’s Clinical Strength deodorant is great for sensitive skin because it isn’t formulated with any of the irritating ingredients you normally see on other antiperspirants. These include artificial dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde.
It is also unscented because the brand doesn’t believe in “masked” fragrances, or those hidden through essential oils that can cause irritation to skin that is already breaking out. All these features of the deodorant make it an awesome option for hidradenitis suppurativa sufferers who favor gentle and top-quality products.
The deodorant protects you from body odor and kills odor-causing bacteria for as long as 24 hours. That’s a whole day of not having to worry about how you smell! It also gives a smooth, easy application that leaves the skin feeling soft and supple, even on days when your HS breakouts feel a bit distracting.
One thing is that this formula contains aluminum. While this is an ingredient you can find in many deodorant brands, it’s something that can be a bit irritating to some. If you knew your skin to be insusceptible to aluminum, this should be fine to use for you.
Pros
- 4-hour protection from odor-causing bacteria
- Doesn’t contain irritating ingredients like dyes, fragrances, and parabens
- Unscented and contains no botanical extracts for masked scent
- Smooth application that leaves the skin feeling soft
- Dermatologist-tested so you know it’s safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Contains aluminum, which may be irritating to some
I would recommend this to those with hidradenitis suppurativa and do not want to risk aggravating their underarm skin condition with unnecessary botanical oils and extracts. It’s a good option for those who want a fuss-free, mild, and gentle formulation to eliminate hidradenitis suppurativa body odor. The fact that it’s from a trusted brand is a nice bonus.
4. Native Deodorant in Citrus & Herbal Musk
Suppose you need to make sure your underarms stay dry for as long as possible without the irritating breakouts caused by hidradenitis suppurativa. In that case, this deodorant by US brand Native is something you should look at.
Their citrus and herbal musk deodorant smells amazing and works hard to protect your underarms from smelly odors and wetness. It contains tapioca starch and baking soda to make sure you feel dry all day long. It’s great even for athletes who work out for hours on end during the day.
If you’re worried that this might displease your skin and flare up more breakouts, don’t worry. It’s formulated with coconut oil and shea butter, nourishing ingredients that help soothe existing breakouts through moisturization, without making you feel wet.
Like any gentle and safe to use deodorant, this one does not have any ingredients the brand deems too high a risk for people with sensitive skin. Therefore, the formula does not contain aluminum, phthalates, or talc.
However, do note that this deodorant tends to stain white and light-colored clothing. If you over apply the product on your pits and sweat a lot immediately after, you could draw attention to yourself because of the stains. If you’re particularly self-conscious about this or love to wear white, then make sure you apply the right amount only—no more and no less.
Pros
- Contains coconut oil and shea butter to hydrate and soothe the skin
- Formulated with tapioca starch and baking soda to keep you feeling dry
- Effectively protects the underarms from wetness and bad odor
- Formulated without aluminum, phthalates, or talc
- A refreshing scent that stays aromatic for a long time
Cons
- Can stain white and light-colored clothes
If you sweat a lot and need to stay dry, then a little bit of this Native deodorant can go a long way. Just make sure you don’t overapply, and you’ll be good to go with a pleasant, invigorating smell. Its moisturizing ingredients can work wonders for irritated skin suffering from HS, which is another plus.
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5. The Soap Works Carbolic Bar Soap
Every hidradenitis suppurativa victim tries to look for a miracle worker to help their flare-ups. If you’re looking for a deodorizing soap that can be used to neutralize odors and ease your HS breakouts, then this is the soap you need.
This Carbolic soap by Soap Works is actually meant for treating oily, acne-prone skin with lots of blemishes and breakouts, but it has been somewhat of a holy grail for hidradenitis suppurativa sufferers everywhere as well.
This soap is known to flatten inflammation and bumps caused by HS, and alleviate any existing lesions or cuts brought about by poor management of the flare-ups. It also deodorizes any stench and kills odor-causing germs so that you can smell fresh and clean for longer after your shower.
While this product, although being very simple, has a great impact not only on hidradenitis suppurativa sufferers but also on the planet. It is cruelty-free and never been tested on animals. It also doesn’t add any plastic pollution to the already aching planet, because, unlike other deodorants, it doesn’t come in hard plastic packaging.
But if your top priority when it comes to picking out soaps is the scent it gives off and leaves on your skin, know that this soap won’t exactly be a strong contender in that department. I’ve noticed that the soap smells kind of sweet and medicinal, similar to cough syrup. This is a scent not a lot of people like, so consider yourself warned.
Pros
- Flattens inflammation brought about by hidradenitis suppurativa
- Great for remedying acne-prone and oily skin
- Cruelty-free because it’s never tested on animals
- Does not add to plastic pollution, like leave-on deodorants
- Value for money—an affordable price for a highly effective deodorizing soap
Cons
- A strong scent that smells a bit like cough syrup
If you want to treat and soothe your underarms but aren’t comfortable with leave-on deodorants, then this is a superb alternative for you. This is probably the best soap for hidradenitis suppurativa out there if we were to go by product reviews by sufferers on the internet.
6. Lume Flushable Deodorant Wipes
For a more quick and convenient way to gently clean yourself and wash off odor-causing bacteria on the body, wipes are a great option. Not only are they simple and easy to use, but formulas like Lume’s are safe on the skin and even come with a fresh and calming scent.
Like the rest of the gentle deodorants Lume carries in its range, these wipes softly cleanse the skin while paralyzing odor-causing bacteria. By doing that, you can be sure that you won’t face any problems with BO.
The wipes also have a unique Clean Cotton scent. This is an adoring aroma if you’re into crisp and light scents that can calm the mind and remind you of an easygoing day at home.
The towelettes are biodegradable and flushable. They can go down the drain without any issues. The sheets’ cotton material is thick and soft, and one wipe comes at a generous 6×6 size. This makes wiping in the underarms so much easier since you can cover a lot of surface in one go.
This set comes in a pack of three pouches, with 15 towelettes in each one. This means that even if you use one or two every day while you’re out and about, it can last you for over a month.
It is also a great option if you don’t have that much time to wash up after working out. It’s a good way to ensure that you’re clean, smelling fresh, and don’t reek of the rancid odors that hidradenitis suppurativa sometimes causes when the bumps or lesions are drained of fluid.
However, note that it’s always best to be gentle when wiping the underarms with these wipes. The towelettes can tear easily, especially when you’re overly vigorous with wiping and scrubbing. For more, it’s not good for the skin if you tug and rub at it too hard, particularly when you’re supposed to be watching out for HS flare-ups.
Pros
- Gently cleanses the skin while controlling body odor by killing bacteria
- Biodegradable towelettes are big, thick, and soft for maximum wiping power
- Has a fresh and crisp Clean Cotton scent
- Comes in a pack of three with 15 wipes in each pouch
- Easy to carry around anywhere you go
Cons
- The towelettes can tear easily if you wipe vigorously on the armpits
If you’ve been racking your brain trying to figure out how to help HS odor disappear fast, anytime and anywhere you may be, then this is a delightful option for you. You can carry these biodegradable wipes wherever you go, and when you need a little bit of freshening up, all you have to do is wipe!
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What to Look for When Buying Deodorant for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Mild and Gentle Formulation
This is probably the most important thing when it comes to looking for any personal care products you intend to put directly on parts of the body with hidradenitis suppurativa. With all the bumps, cuts, and lesions, your underarms are already so sensitive as they are. You can’t afford to irritate them further with deodorant formulations that are too harsh.
Always look for deodorants with formulas that are mild and gentle. Treat it as if you are washing a baby’s skin – the gentler, the better. Don’t go for products with chemicals that will strip your skin of its natural oils, but don’t go for overly greasy ones either. Look for formulations that will calm your flare-ups and have no potentially harmful ingredients.
Trusted Brand
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a very sensitive condition. When you have HS, you can’t just pick and choose whatever you want to use as deodorant—you have to choose what’s best for your skin. You always have to be mindful of what brands have been trusted for years to come up with products that are effective and safe on delicate skin, especially those who have conditions like HS.
Try looking for brands that have been around for a long time and are considered one of the market leaders in their industry. One of them is Lume, which has slowly built up a reputation as one of the best gentle, yet effective natural deodorant brands today. Another is Vanicream, a skincare brand renowned worldwide for its products that cater to those with skin issues.
Another reliable brand is the antibiotic Mitchum deodorant, but based on what people with HS have experienced, it seems that there are better deodorant options (like the ones on this list).
Suppose you want to look for brands trusted by other hidradenitis suppurativa sufferers, in that case, you can double-check their thoughts on the products above on online forums specially made for people with HS, or even Reddit.
Natural Deodorants
Make sure that the deodorants you pick out are made naturally derived from skin-safe ingredients. Your skin is likely very sensitive if you have HS, which means you should do your best to give it only what it needs, and never what can irritate it. Look for natural ingredients and oils, and don’t go for anything that has any artificial fragrances and parabens.
If you’re not a fan of deodorants for HS manufactured by big companies and would rather go for something more eco-friendly and handmade, then there are lots of more organic selections out there for you too.
Some people whose priorities are neutralizing smells and going as clean and natural as possible sometimes opt for a crystal deodorant for HS. These are alternative deodorants that are made from crude mineral salt and have no chemicals and fragrances.
Recommended by Doctors
The last thing you should always take into account when shopping for a good deodorant for hidradenitis suppurativa is if it’s recommended by doctors and dermatologists. It’s even better if it was a formula developed by them too. HS is a serious condition, and you always want to make sure it is clinically proven to be safe for those with skin disorders.
Try looking for labels on the product packaging that say the deodorant is dermatologist-tested or doctor-recommended. Better yet, double-check with your own dermatologist if a deodorant you’re eyeing is a fit for you and your case of HS. That way, you can be sure the product is safe enough for your skin and can be vouched for by medical practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of Using Deodorant for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
A good deodorant for hidradenitis suppurativa will do a multitude of things to make you feel fresh and more confident for your day ahead. First of all, it should be able to eliminate odor-causing bacteria so you can always smell pleasant. It should be able to neutralize sweat odors or even the smell of bumps and lesions draining fluid.
Secondly, a good deodorant for those with HS should be able to calm and soothe active pimples and cuts in the underarms. It should have antibacterial properties that can disinfect the wounds. It would also be great if it contained ingredients that help flatten the flare-ups as well. That way, pain is minimized as a result.
And last but not least, it should lend a hand in making you smell amazing. There are many deodorant options out there that use skin-safe, natural essential oils to make the product smell good. These deodorants are great for helping you feel more confident about how you carry yourself, because you know you smell invigorating and fresh.
How to Stop Odor from Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for HS. It is a skin condition that most, if not all, patients have to learn to manage throughout their lifetime. There is no way to stop the odor that comes from the bumps and lesions if the fluid ends up being drained. However, there are methods that you can implement to prevent such an unpleasant situation.
Obviously, one must have an effective soap and deodorant that is formulated safe and gentle enough for those with hidradenitis suppurativa. Carrying around a convenient accessory to wash your underarms, like Lume’s biodegradable deodorant wipes, can be a great way to get rid of the smell right then and there. Antibacterial soaps can also help with this.
There are also lifestyle changes you can undertake to make sure your HS doesn’t flare up, and consequently does not cause any trouble when it comes to body odor. One thing you can do is wear more loose-fitting tops. That way, there is no friction between your underarms that can irritate the skin and cause breakouts.
You can also try your best to maintain a proper, healthy diet. Those who are obese or overweight will have more friction against their skin as they walk or move, which can cause even more discomfort and pain for those who have HS. The healthier your weight is, the fewer chances of uncontrollable friction there are.
How Do You Use Deodorant for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
There are different types of deodorants for HS in the market, but most of them are used the same way you would with a regular store-bought deodorant. Stick deodorants should be applied by gently rolling on the armpits skin. You should never be too vigorous and rough when applying the roll-on stick, as this can facilitate your breakouts.
Wipes are very self-explanatory—all you do is get one from the pack and [CK14] clean in your underarms. And for those deodorant variants that come in tubes, just get a tiny bit of the product (maybe half of a pea-sized amount) and work it into your skin. Make sure your hands are clean when you do this. You wouldn’t want dirt and bacteria on unclean hands to come into contact with your sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Everyone has to face their own battles when it comes to skin conditions and sensitivities. Don’t be discouraged if you have painful breakouts or wounds because of hidradenitis suppurativa in your underarms. Know that while there is no sure cure to HS, there are always solutions to help manage the irritation, pain, and odor.
One of these solutions is looking for the best deodorant for hidradenitis suppurativa that is suitable for your skin sensitivity and scent preference. Hopefully, with this list in hand, you will find the one that fits you best the next time you go shopping for personal care items. I’m always rooting for your HS journey to great-smelling self-confidence!
