10 Best Whitening Deodorants in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

Given the long list of ingredients, it might be difficult to go through each one just to select the perfect whitening deodorant. But worry not as we’ve made this daunting task easier by enumerating only the important details.

A whitening deodorant that contains natural ingredients like kojic acid, licorice root extract, niacinamide, and mulberry extract will help you achieve those snowy white underarms. Glutathione, vitamin C, alpha arbutin, bearberry extract, papaya, green tea, daisy flower, and citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, and calamansi are also effective. 

However, whitening your pits can also leave them dry. For this reason, we recommend getting a deodorant that has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, especially for people who have sensitive skin or shave regularly. These include shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, vitamin F, sunflower seed oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, sclerocarya birrea seed oil, and vegetable protein. 

Antiperspirants found in deodorants temporarily block your pores from producing sweat, thereby keeping your pits dry. Most antiperspirants are made from aluminum-based compounds such as Aluminum zirconium, Aluminum chloride, and Aluminum chlorohydrate, more commonly known as tawas, in concentrations of 10-30%.

However, if you’re looking for a more natural option, choose one with just the right amount of talc or organic ingredients such as tea tree oil, kaolin clay, vitamin E, or baking soda. These ingredients keep your armpits moisture-free sans the skin-irritating chemicals.

Now that we’ve discussed the ingredients that are beneficial to you, let’s talk about ones that we should be wary of. Generally, it’s best to steer clear from whitening deodorants with harsh chemicals and/or metals. 

These include phthalates and parabens, which can mess up your hormones. These substances can also cause allergic reactions for some people. On top of that, it’s best to avoid products with hydroquinone, which is a substance used to whiten your skin. The said compound was found to be toxic according to recent studies. 

There are different types of deodorants: aerosol, roll-on, stick, gel, cream, and crystal. Each one of these has varying pros and cons so it all depends on the texture and manner of application that you prefer. To know more about their key differences and vital information, you can read up on them in this section.

If you’re rushing out the door in the morning and have no time to let your deodorant dry, an aerosol or roll-on whitening deodorant is for you. These variants usually glide clear and feel light on the skin, so you wouldn’t have to worry about embarrassing deo stains. However, they also have some key differences, as discussed below.

• Aerosol or spray whitening deodorant - most convenient due to ease of application. A popular choice among fitness enthusiasts because it offers a quick way of freshening up.
• Roll-on whitening deodorant - provides longer coverage and gives you more control of product application.

With a stick whitening deodorant, you get every last bit of the product. This is due to its creamy consistency that goes on dry, making it a fan-favorite despite the emergence of other variants. You can also bring this item wherever you go since it is both compact and travel-friendly.

Another variation of the stick whitening deodorant is the gel variant, which goes on clear and wet on the skin. For this reason, it keeps your clothes stain-free and doesn’t leave any residue on the skin. It’s also best for humid days since it gives off a cooling effect when applied to the skin.  

If you have delicate skin that easily get irritated, a whitening deodorant in cream form is your best bet. This product comes in jars, tubes, or pump bottles and is applied with the fingertips. Although it’s thicker and takes longer to dry, it provides similar coverage like your regular deo, minus the irritants. 

You've probably heard off or even used tawas at least once in your life. This Filipino classic has been embedded in our culture since it’s all-natural and does not contain any chemicals. Hence, it can be used by everyone.

Also known as crystal stick whitening deodorant, it’s usually white in color and has a smooth surface. To use it, you just have to wet the top of the product and swipe it on your underarms after you shower. However, you might want to steer clear from this variant if you're allergic to aluminum.

From light and floral to dark and musky, there’s a scented whitening deodorant for everyone! The rule of thumb when choosing a scented variant is to select one that’s not overpowering and easy on the nose. Some of the most common ones include citrus, floral, and spicy scents.

However, if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to stick to an unscented variant. That’s because fragrance can irritate your skin, making it dry and itchy. A fragrance-free whitening deodorant is also recommended if you’re using perfume so that the two scents wouldn’t clash.

Purchasing a whitening deodorant from a reliable brand or shop will save you a trip to the derma since buying one from a sketchy establishment might cause your skin to break out. These companies usually skimp on the ingredients and sell their products for a ridiculously low price. Hence, buying from a trusted seller with a proven track record will keep your skin smooth and blemish-free.  

If you have underlying skin conditions or currently taking medications which might clash with your whitening deodorant, it’s best to consult your dermatologist first before purchasing. Not only will you get an expert viewpoint, but it’ll also save you some money should you choose one that’s not compatible with your skin.   

To give you a rundown, here are our top 5 picks for the best whitening deodorants you can buy online:

1. Best overall: Belo Essentials Whitening Beauty Deo Spray
2. Best moisturizing formula: Dove Ultimate Repair Dark Marks Corrector Fresh Lily
3. Best quick-drying formula: Organic Skin Japan Intensive Whitening Dry Roll On Deodorant
   
4. Best potent formula: LTS Jeju Berry White Underarm Whitening Deodorant Spray
5. Best long-lasting fragrance: Nivea Deodorant Extra Whitening Roll On

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.

Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Francesca Sy-Alvarado, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

Moisturizing and non-irritating ingredients are preferred for personal skincare on the underarms. Prevention of irritation and friction entails re-evaluation of hair removal practices, shifting to ways that are more targeted and give lasting results, such as laser hair reduction done by trained professionals. 

Before treating underarm pigmentation, it's best to determine the underlying causes and to treat these causes, if possible. Lastly, it's important to set realistic expectations regarding lightening! Going back to normal skin does not mean instant results or "white" underarms.

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Francesca!

In darker skin tones, which have more melanin, irritation and friction from rubbing may cause inflammation and redness that could later on darken. Aggressive hair removal practices such as plucking and shaving, along with the use of harsh ingredients on the armpit skin, trigger melanin production after inflammation.

Scrubbing the underarms adds to friction and irritation, especially if done on a daily basis. Furthermore, anything DIY on delicate and thin skin is discouraged. Hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid in low, non-irritating concentrations may be a gentler option to exfoliate, which may be done once or twice a week.

Given the warm and humid climate in the Philippines, showering is an important part of every Filipino's daily routine before and after going out. Now, you can shower your body with some love and freshen up with bath essentials like shampoos, hair conditioners, bar soaps, and body scrubs.

Author: Aprille Jarcia

Re-editor: Patricia Catimpo

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.