So How Long Does Deodorant Really Last?

“How long does deodorant last?” is actually a more complicated question than it might seem. Depending on the answer you’re looking for, you could be curious about how much use you’ll get out of a stick of deodorant, how long its odor protection lasts, or whether it's still good after months sitting on a shelf. 

Whatever the case may be, this article has you covered with all the answers you need, plus tips for getting the most out of your deodorant.

How long does deodorant protection last?

Generally, deodorant protects you from odor for up to eight hours, though it’ll typically start to fade around the six-hour mark. If you’re worried that your deodorant won’t last the day, keep mini deos and spray deodorants on hand for when you need a refresh.

Or, reach for your favorite Dr. Squatch scent — our sticks and sprays last for a whopping 72 hours. You could watch the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy six times and still smell good by the time Frodo makes it back to the Shire. 

How long should a stick of deodorant last?

The lifespan of your deodorant depends on how much you use it. Once-daily users should get two to three months from a single stick. If you need to reapply once or twice a day, cut that time in half.

Does deodorant expire?

The only things in this world that don’t expire are Twinkies, cockroaches, and Dad jokes. Everything else submits to Father Time, deodorant included.

Unopened deodorant is effective for one to three years. Once you open one, it should be good for three to six months. You’ll find this expiration date on the packaging and on the bottom or back of the stick. 

How you store your deodorant also matters since heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can all stop the ingredients from working properly. It probably goes without saying that a melted puddle won’t be much good at fighting underarm odor.

Tips to make your deodorant last longer

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your stick.

Apply to clean, dry skin

Bacteria in your armpit can stick to your deodorant, so take the time to clean and dry yourself before applying.

You’ll also notice that applying deodorant to clean, dry skin results in a better scent since it isn’t mixing with sweat and body odor right away.

Store it in a cool, dry place

Keep your stick deodorant away from direct sunlight and heat, like in your bedroom dresser or a drawer at work. A special note about natural products is that they often use beeswax as a base, which can melt at higher temperatures.

If you’re a gym-goer, zip up your deodorant in a separate compartment of your bag. That way, you isolate it from any humidity (like sweat from your workout gear). 

Use one at a time

Consider using up one deodorant before switching to another. This will keep it from expiring before you have a chance to polish it off. If you still want to enjoy a variety of scents for different days or activities, try natural colognes instead.

Upgrade to a natural deodorant that holds its ground

If you store deodorants in a cool and dry place, they’re pretty resilient. Now that you know how to keep them at their best, you can concentrate on finding the right stick to match your lifestyle. 

When you’re ready to upgrade your odor-management routine, Dr. Squatch has a huge collection of aluminum-free deodorants for every occasion. We offer stick deodorants for everyday use, spray deodorants for a quick spritz, and mini deos to re-up your odor protection throughout the day.

If you need help finding a deodorant you’ll stick with, take our Deodorant Quiz to discover the products that match your style.

FAQ

Can I use expired deodorant?

You can use natural deodorants after their expiration date, but they won’t do much to fight odor. For the best results, open a fresh deodorant and use that.

Does the kind of deodorant affect how long it lasts?

Stick deodorants generally last the longest, both on your skin and on the shelf. Roll-on deodorants use gel or liquid, which absorb well into the skin but wear off faster than sticks. Spray deodorants are best for the gym or on the go. They don’t provide as much coverage, but they still get your chosen scent where it needs to go.

How many swipes of deodorant should I use?

Apply two or three swipes of your deodorant to each armpit to ensure a thin, even coat. Make sure to get into your underarms completely — the deodorant should make full contact with your skin through each swipe. Especially hairy armpits might need a bit more pressure. Do this twice daily (once in the morning and once in the afternoon) to keep up your odor protection throughout the day.