Dove Vs. Degree Deodorant: In-Depth Difference

I’ve tested Dove and Degree deodorants to find which keeps you fresh and confident.
This article shares my experience, pros, cons, and a detailed comparison.
Both brands promise sweat and odor protection, but which delivers?
Dove’s moisturizing formula and Degree’s clinical strength are game-changers.
You’ll discover their key features and which suits your lifestyle.
Read on to pick your perfect deodorant!

Comparison Table: Dove Vs. Degree Deodorant

My Experience with Dove and Degree Deodorants

As a 42-year-old freelance writer in Seattle with sensitive skin, I’ve battled sweaty, irritated underarms for years.
I tested Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Stick (Clean Comfort, $6.69 at Target) and Degree Men Clinical Strength Antiperspirant ($8.97 at Walmart) for a month, alternating daily.
Dove’s stick glided on smoothly, drying in seconds with no white marks, per Wales Online’s praise.
Its cucumber-green tea scent was light, fading by noon, but kept me odor-free through writing sessions and errands.
My underarms felt hydrated, thanks to its ¼ moisturizing cream, a 2022 Allure Readers’ Choice winner.
However, during a hike, I noticed slight sweat by hour six, aligning with BuzzFeed’s 2/5 effectiveness rating.

Degree’s clinical stick, applied at night per brand advice, was denser but effective.
After two clicks, it kept me dry through a gym session and a hot commute, as Garage Gym Reviews noted.
The Sport Strength scent was strong, almost clashing with my cologne, per BuzzFeed’s critique.
No residue on my black shirts, a win for Degree’s UltraClear tech.
My sensitive skin felt fine with both, but Dove’s alcohol-free formula was gentler post-shave.
Degree outperformed for sweat, but Dove’s soothing feel won my daily routine.

About Dove and Degree Deodorants

Dove, a Unilever brand since 1957, focuses on moisturizing formulas with ¼ moisturizers and vitamin E, per Dove.com.
Its Advanced Care line ($6-$8 for 2.6 oz) offers 48-72 hour protection, with aluminum-free options like Dove 0% Aluminum Sensitive.
Available in sticks, sprays, and roll-ons, it’s sold at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
Degree, also under Unilever, emphasizes sweat protection with MotionSense technology, per DegreeDeodorant.com.
Priced at $6-$9 for 2.7 oz, it offers clinical strength and aluminum-free variants like UltraClear.
Both brands are reef-safe but not cruelty-free, per SkinSort.com, and cater to diverse needs.

Pros and Cons of Dove Deodorant

Pros:

• Moisturizing formula: ¼ moisturizers and vitamin E soothe skin, per Allure.
• Gentle on sensitive skin: Alcohol-free, reduces irritation post-shave.
• No white marks: Invisible on 100 colors, per Wales Online.
• Pleasant scents: Cucumber, shea butter, and coconut are light and fresh.
• Aluminum-free options: Dove 0% Aluminum suits natural preferences.
• Smooth application: Sticks and sprays glide on without stickiness.
• Affordable: $6-$8 for 2.6 oz at Target.
• Long-lasting scent: Up to 48 hours of odor protection.
• Eco-friendly packaging: Some sticks use 96% recycled materials.
• Award-winning: 2022 Allure Readers’ Choice for hydration.

Cons:

• Weak sweat protection: Fades after 6-8 hours for heavy sweaters, per BuzzFeed.
• Scent fades: Gentle fragrance doesn’t last all day.
• Limited clinical strength: Not ideal for excessive sweating.
• Sticky if overapplied: Can feel tacky with multiple swipes.
• Not cruelty-free: No animal testing confirmation, per SkinSort.com.
• Aluminum concerns: Some users avoid aluminum-based formulas.
• Spray dries slowly: Takes minutes to dry, per Health.com.
• Limited bold scents: Fewer masculine or strong options.
• Skin irritation: Some Reddit users report rashes.
• Overhyped claims: 72-hour protection rarely lasts, per Garage Gym Reviews.

Pros and Cons of Degree Deodorant

Pros:

• Strong sweat protection: Clinical strength lasts 72 hours, per Garage Gym Reviews.
• MotionSense technology: Activates with movement for extra freshness.
• No residue: UltraClear formula prevents shirt stains, per Health.com.
• Bold scents: Sport Strength and Cool Rush suit active lifestyles.
• Aluminum-free options: UltraClear caters to natural preferences.
• Durable application: Stays effective through workouts, per GQ.
• Wide availability: Sold at Walmart, Amazon, and Target for $6-$9.
• Clinical strength: Ideal for heavy sweaters, per NBC Select.
• Easy to apply: Gel and spray formats dry quickly.
• Value packs: Costco’s 6-packs are budget-friendly, per Reddit.

Cons:

• Strong scent: Can overpower colognes, per BuzzFeed.
• Dense texture: Clinical stick feels heavy, per Verywell Fit.
• Potential irritation: Aluminum and alcohol bother sensitive skin.
• Not cruelty-free: No animal testing confirmation, per SkinSort.com.
• Spray burns: Some Reddit users report stinging on fresh skin.
• Messy application: Stick can leave clumps if overused.
• Aluminum concerns: Health worries for some users.
• Scent fades: Less effective after intense exercise, per Verywell Fit.
• Pricey clinical line: $9 vs. standard $6 sticks.
• Limited eco-friendly options: Less focus on sustainable packaging.

Maintenance Tips for Dove and Degree Deodorants

• Apply to Clean Skin: I wash my underarms with soap to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Use Minimal Product: I apply 2-3 swipes of Dove or two clicks of Degree to avoid buildup.
• Store Properly: I keep both in a cool, dry place below 120°F, per brand instructions.
• Check for Sensitivity: I test on a small patch before full use, especially with Degree’s aluminum.
• Clean Applicators: I wipe stick tops weekly to prevent residue clogs.
• Shake Sprays Well: I shake Dove’s dry spray for 5 seconds to mix ingredients.
• Apply at Night: I use Degree’s clinical strength at night for better absorption, per brand advice.
• Avoid Overuse: I skip reapplication if I’m not sweating heavily to prevent irritation.
• Use with Moisturizer: I pair Dove with a light lotion for extra hydration post-shave.
• Recycle Packaging: I recycle empty sticks and cans at local facilities for eco-friendliness.

My Routine with Dove and Degree Deodorants

My morning starts with a shower, then I apply Dove’s Clean Comfort stick to clean, dry underarms.
Two swipes deliver a fresh cucumber scent, and it dries fast, letting me dress without marks.
For gym days, I use Degree’s Clinical Strength Sport stick at night, applying two clicks per armpit.
It keeps me dry through cardio and weights, with no residue on my black tees.
I alternate based on need: Dove for calm days, Degree for active ones.
Weekly, I clean applicators and check for skin sensitivity, ensuring both perform well.

Performance Analysis

Dove’s Advanced Care stick excelled for daily comfort, keeping my sensitive skin soft and odor-free for 10-12 hours, per Allure’s praise.
Its ¼ moisturizers soothed post-shave irritation, but sweat protection waned during hikes, as BuzzFeed noted.
The 72-hour claim felt exaggerated; I reapplied by evening on hot days.
Degree’s Clinical Strength, with 20.2% aluminum chlorohydrate, outperformed for sweat control, lasting through a 90-minute workout, per Garage Gym Reviews.
Its scent was bold but faded after 15 minutes of intense exercise, per Verywell Fit.
No irritation from either, but Dove’s gentler formula suited my skin better, while Degree was my go-to for heavy sweating.

Comparison with Other Deodorants

• Dove Vs. Secret Clinical Strength

Secret Clinical Strength ($13 for 2.6 oz) is a top pick for heavy sweaters, per Health.com.
Its gel formula kept me dry longer than Dove during workouts, but it felt sticky if overapplied.
Dove’s moisturizing stick was gentler on my sensitive skin, with no rashes, unlike some Secret users on Reddit.
Secret’s scent was stronger, clashing with my cologne, while Dove’s cucumber was subtle.
For daily comfort, Dove wins, but Secret’s sweat protection rivals Degree for intense days.

• Degree vs. Mitchum Men’s Unscented Gel

Mitchum Men’s Unscented Gel ($6 for 3.4 oz) is a Reddit favorite for odor control.
It applied smoothly and lasted all day, but lacked Degree’s clinical strength for sweat.
Mitchum’s unscented formula didn’t interfere with my cologne, unlike Degree’s bold Sport Strength.
Degree kept me drier during runs, per Garage Gym Reviews, but Mitchum’s gel was lighter.
For heavy sweating, Degree’s MotionSense tech outperforms, but Mitchum is better for scent-sensitive users.

• Dove Vs. Native Sensitive Deodorant

Native Sensitive Deodorant ($9.78 at Walmart) is aluminum-free, per NBC Select.
Its non-greasy stick worked well for light days but faded after 6 hours, unlike Dove’s 48-hour claim.
Dove’s moisturizers soothed my skin better, while Native caused slight redness, per Reddit.
Native’s fragrance-free option was ideal for cologne users, but Dove’s scent was fresher.
Dove’s hydration and affordability make it my pick, though Native suits natural enthusiasts.

• Degree Vs. Old Spice Aluminum-Free Krakengard

Old Spice Krakengard ($6 for 3 oz) impressed with bold scent and smooth application, per Verywell Fit.
It matched Degree for odor control but lacked sweat protection for workouts.
Degree’s clinical strength kept me dry longer, while Old Spice’s scent lasted through hockey, per Verywell Fit.
Old Spice applied cleaner than Degree’s dense stick.
Degree’s sweat control makes it my choice for active days, but Old Spice is great for bold scents.

• Dove Vs. Certain Dri Prescription Strength

Certain Dri Prescription Strength ($6 for 1.2 oz) is a roll-on for excessive sweating, per Garage Gym Reviews.
It kept me dry for 48 hours but stung fresh skin, unlike Dove’s soothing formula.
Dove’s stick was easier to apply than Certain Dri’s wet roll-on, per BuzzFeed.
Certain Dri’s unscented option didn’t clash with cologne, but Dove’s hydration won for daily use.
Dove’s comfort edges out Certain Dri for sensitive skin, though Certain Dri excels for sweat.

Cost and Value Assessment

Dove ($6-$8 for 2.6 oz) is budget-friendly, with a 4-pack at $14 on Amazon, per The Strategist.
Its 48-hour protection and hydration offer great value for daily use, though sweat control is weaker.
Degree ($6-$9 for 2.7 oz) costs slightly more, but its clinical line ($9) delivers 72-hour sweat protection, per Garage Gym Reviews.
Costco’s 6-packs ($18) make Degree economical for heavy users, per Reddit.
Both brands balance price and performance, with Dove favoring comfort and Degree excelling for active lifestyles.

Ideal Users for Dove and Degree Deodorants

Dove is perfect for sensitive skin types like me, needing hydration and gentle scents.
Its aluminum-free options suit natural enthusiasts, and sprays are great for on-the-go freshness, per Dove.com.
Degree fits gym-goers and heavy sweaters, with clinical strength for long days or hot climates, per GQ.
Its bold scents appeal to those who want a strong fragrance.
Both work for men and women, but Dove’s soothing formula is my daily pick, while Degree’s power suits workouts.

Addressing Common Feedback

Dove’s moisturizing formula and no-mark claims are praised on Wales Online and Allure, but Reddit users note weaker sweat protection.
My experience confirms Dove’s hydration but limited 6-8 hour effectiveness for sweating.
Degree’s clinical strength earns high marks on Garage Gym Reviews for sweat control, though BuzzFeed and Reddit flag its strong scent and occasional irritation.
I found Degree’s sweat protection unmatched, but the scent overwhelmed my cologne.
Both brands deliver, but Dove’s gentler for sensitive skin, and Degree’s better for active days.

Reflections on Long-Term Use

After a month, Dove’s Clean Comfort stick is my daily go-to for its soothing feel and clean application.
My sensitive skin stayed irritation-free, though I reapplied on sweaty days.
Degree’s Clinical Strength Sport stick was my workout savior, keeping me dry through runs and gym sessions.
Its dense texture took getting used to, but no stains or irritation occurred.
I clean applicators weekly and store both properly to maintain performance.
Dove suits my calm days, while Degree handles high-sweat moments, making them complementary in my routine.

Lifestyle Synergy and Expectations

I use Dove in the morning for a quick, hydrating application before writing or errands.
Its light scent and no-mark formula fit my low-sweat days, leaving my skin soft.
Degree’s clinical stick, applied at night, powers me through workouts or hot commutes.
Expect Dove to keep you fresh and moisturized, but reapply for heavy sweating.
Degree delivers long-lasting sweat control, though its bold scent may overpower.
Pair either with a mild body wash for best results.
Both fit busy, active, or sensitive-skinned lifestyles, depending on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

I’ve compared Dove and Degree deodorants in this review to help you choose.
Dove’s moisturizing formula is perfect for sensitive skin, while Degree’s clinical strength tackles heavy sweating.
You’ll love Dove’s gentle scents and Degree’s long-lasting protection.
Both are affordable and effective, available at Walmart or Amazon.
Pick Dove for comfort, Degree for sweat control, and stay confident all day!