Gel Deodorant vs Solid Deodorant: Which One is Right for You?

December 24, 2024 5 min read

Gel Deodorant vs Solid Deodorant

Body odor is a byproduct of sweat interacting with the bacteria that is already on your skin. To combat body odor coming from your armpits, many people use a deodorant. But what kind?

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences and compare gel deodorant vs solid deodorant so you can choose the best kind for you.

Originally published in December 2019; updated in December 2024.

Gel Deodorant: What It Is and How It Works

Gel deodorants, as the name suggests, come in a gel form. They are usually packaged in plastic containers with a twistable knob at the bottom that releases the product. This design makes it easy to apply by swiping the container across your armpits. It offers a convenient, mess-free way to use deodorant without touching the product. This ensures a clean and hygienic application every time.

To properly use a gel deodorant, here is what you need to do:

  1. After getting out of the shower, pat dry your armpits. Get your gel deodorant and remove the cap.
  2. Twist the knob from left to right to get the perfect amount of product. Take note: Twist, don’t turn! Turning the knob a complete 360° will leave you with more product than you need. You’ll know that you have too much product if the gel is noodling on the tip of the container. Putting on too much may harm your skin.
  3. Lift your arm above your head and then rub the gel on your skin for about ten seconds so that its antibacterial ingredients (if the product you’re using has any) can be activated. Repeat this step on your other armpit.
  4. Replace the cap and wait about two minutes for the gel to dry on your skin before putting on a shirt. While waiting, you can brush your teeth, wash your face, shave, or take care of other tasks. These extra few minutes help prevent deodorant stains and reduce product waste by avoiding transfer onto your shirt. 

Is Gel Deodorant Better?

When it comes to effectiveness, gel deodorants are great. But is gel deodorant better than solid? Some argue that the formulation of gel deodorants is actually more potent than that of solid deodorants. The best thing about gel deodorants is that they feel invisible once they dry on the skin. (This editor thinks the worst thing about gel deodorants is waiting for it to dry!)

Solid Deodorant: What It Is and How It Works

As the name suggests, this type of deodorant comes in solid form. Like gel deodorant, it comes in a small plastic container with a twist knob on the bottom. When you twist the knob, you push out the stick of deodorant that’s inside the container.

To properly use a solid deodorant, here is what you need to do:

  1. After getting out of the shower, pat dry your armpits. Get your solid deodorant and remove the cap.
  2. Twist the bottom until a little bit of the product is pushed out of the plastic container. If you twist the knob too much and have more product coming out than you need, you can always turn it towards the opposite direction to put some back in the plastic container.
  3. Swipe the deodorant stick on your skin two or three times. Make sure that your whole armpit is covered in deodorant. Repeat this step on your other armpit.
  4. Replace the cap. No need to wait before you put on your clothes, though we advise you take care while getting dressed to avoid white marks on your shirt.

Is Solid Deodorant Better?

Okay, then – is solid deodorant better than gel? The formulation for solid deodorants may not be as potent as their gel counterparts, but they still do the job. Solid deodorants adequately prevent body odor. If you don’t mind a slightly sticky feeling, a solid deodorant will work just fine for you.

underarm odor

Gel Deodorant vs Solid Deodorant

Earlier, you found out the answer to the question “Is gel deodorant good?” Now, you’re going to find out if gel deodorant is better than solid deodorant. Take a closer look at gel vs solid deodorant in terms of formulation and application and see which kind will work best for you.

Formulation

On the Scoville scale, a Red Savina habanero is hotter than an orange habanero. However, while the former is spicier, that doesn’t mean the latter isn’t hot in its own right. The orange habanero is still a very hot pepper, though there are other peppers that are much hotter.

The same can be said with deodorants. Just because gel deodorants have a stronger formulation doesn’t mean that solid deodorants are ineffective. If you have a prominent odor that you want to eliminate, then a stronger formulation may be necessary. Otherwise, either kind will work.

Gel deodorants are designed to not leave a stain on your clothes.

Application

Solid deodorants are easier to apply than gel deodorants. With the latter, you’ll have to wait for it to dry before getting dressed so it doesn’t transfer.

However, gel deodorants are designed to not leave a stain on your clothes. As long as you let it dry, you’re good to go. Solid deodorants, on the other hand, may leave a stain, especially if you wear dark-colored clothes.

In addition, gel deodorants have that invisible feeling when applied properly. You’ll smell fresh all day without feeling uncomfortable.

For those of you who are concerned about the chemicals in deodorants, look into all-natural deodorant alternatives or unscented deodorants. Most of these deodorant substitutes can be found in your pantry.

What about Antiperspirant?

We’ve highlighted the pros and cons in the gel vs stick deodorant debate. But what about antiperspirants? An antiperspirant is a product similar to deodorant that prevents or reduces perspiration. If you sweat under your arms, then an antiperspirant is probably your best bet.

Antiperspirants are available with or without odor protection, and comes in various forms like gel, solid or spray.

Whichever route you go: gel, solid, deodorant, antiperspirant, sweat proof undershirt… we are confident you’ll find the right formula to prevent underarm odor. If you find that some of your shirts still smell from body odor, we know six ways to remove smells from shirts.

Take Control of Excessive Sweat and Odor

If you find that your deodorant or antiperspirant does not provide all-day protection, try out an Ejis sweat proof undershirt (available in our shop or on Amazon). Our sweat proof undershirts are designed to protect your shirts from sweat stains and marks. They are also infused with real silver to help fight odor-causing bacteria.

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