December 8, 2025

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

First things first: Deodorants and antiperspirants aren’t the same thing. If you’re looking to fight body odor — and don’t mind some sweat — use a deodorant. If you want to block odor and sweat, you’ll want an antiperspirant. And yes, you can own both and alternate depending on your needs.

For our brand-new guides, a diverse panel of testers spent months trying dozens of deodorants and antiperspirants in the dead of summer, and got very sweaty to do so. (Think: hot yoga, stuffy flights, and stairway sprints.) After lots of pit-sniffing, we found a few BO-banishing overachievers — including a nostalgic solid, a refreshing gel, and a spendy stick with spa vibes.

The 7 best deodorants→
5 antiperspirants we love→

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Everything our deals writer is snagging from Sephora’s end-of-year sale We found great deals on Wirecutter-approved beauty products, including a go-to winter moisturizer and a long-lasting blush→

The best gifts for every person on your list We’ve got you covered with plenty of useful, surprising, and fun finds, from a big box of Japanese Kit Kat bars to a handsome enamelware jug→

“All I ever wanted was to beat my grandmother at this card game” Think of it as the chess of card games→

This tiny airbag has the power to lift an entire fridge Save the home improvement DIYer in your life from lower back pain→

Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

This inventive controller wraps around an iPhone, turning it into a portable game console that’s as comfortable to hold as any PlayStation or Xbox controller. It’d be a great upgrade for a teenage boy — or anyone who’s always playing games on their phone.

Delight the gamer in your life→

Leesa

This memory-foam mattress is cushiony yet supportive, soft yet cradling. And it has a subtle springiness that makes for an extremely satisfying plop. Writes head of newsletters Sofia Sokolove: “Even the fanciest hotel beds don’t lull me to sleep in quite the same way.”

Why we love this (currently $850!) mattress→

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

Might we suggest washing away the day’s grime with a spa-like gel that keeps you hydrated long after the shower? Or perhaps you’d prefer a dermatologist-approved thick and creamy option? Either way, happy showering.

5 excellent bottles of body wash→

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