My Honest Thoughts on French Deodorant (And a Few I’d Actually Recommend)
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When I first moved to France, one of the small (but surprisingly frustrating) adjustments was finding a deodorant that actually worked.
I’d heard all the jokes about French hygiene, but I didn’t know what was true and what was just a stereotype. Turns out, even if most of those clichés are off-base, it is genuinely hard to find a deodorant here that compares in strength to what I used back in the U.S.
I still have a bit of beef with French deodorant, and I want to talk about why. In this post, I’m unpacking a few cultural differences and debunking some myths around French deodorant—plus, sharing a few I actually do recommend if you’re in France. And with the heatwaves going on in Paris right now, it feels like the perfect time to talk deodorant.
In this Article
French Hygiene and Stereotypes
Deodorant in France
My Thoughts on French Deodorant
Where to Buy Deodorant in France
French Deodorants I’d Recommend
French Hygiene and Stereotypes
Do French people wear deodorant? Do French people shower? Yes and yes! The French do wear deodorant, they do shower, and they absolutely bathe. Anyone who says otherwise probably hasn’t spent much time in France or still believes in outdated stereotypes.
That said, there is a noticeable difference when it comes to French hygiene habits, not because the French are “dirty,” but because the products and cultural attitudes toward body odor are simply different.
I’ll be completely honest, I’ve noticed more B.O. in France than I do in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean people here aren’t clean. It’s likely due to a mix of factors. First, people are just closer together, especially in cities like Paris. I also smell body odor more often in the summer when it’s hot, A/C is rare and people just naturally sweat more. On top of that, French deodorants are weaker than what us Americans are used to, so they don’t always perform the same throughout the day.
There is, however, something to admire about the French approach to hygiene. In general, skin health is prioritized over industrial-strength coverage, which means formulas tend to contain fewer harsh chemicals. At the French pharmacy, I generally trust that what I’m buying is good for me. And rather than over-washing or spritzing on heavy fragrances, many French people keep things light and natural (even if that means smelling un petit peu).
Why Do These Stereotypes Exist?
If you’re wondering where these clichés come from, here’s some historical context: a lot of stereotypes about France trace back to post-WWII, when American soldiers were stationed in France.
At the time, France was recovering from Nazi occupation, and resources like water were rationed. Many homes didn’t even have running water until the late 1940s. Hygiene standards were different back then, but so was access to plumbing.
Unfortunately, those old observations stuck around and evolved into lasting myths, especially in the English-speaking world.
Deodorant in France
Deodorant in France is often quite different from what you’ll find in the U.S. Most options out there are sprays or roll-ons, and many are aluminum-free (which actually makes them less effective and shorter lasting). In general, French deodorants tend to be weaker than what most Americans are used to.
It’s also harder to find antiperspirant in France (and in Europe overall). While deodorant covers odor, antiperspirant prevents sweating.
Now, French deodorants might not be as effective, but are they safer? Well, not necessarily. Despite years of debate, aluminum hasn’t been proven to be harmful. The idea that it’s dangerous has been largely debunked by doctors and scientists. So while French formulas may be gentler, they aren’t necessarily safer for that reason.
My Thoughts on French Deodorant
I do not like French deodorant…almost at all. It’s not because it’s “bad”, but it’s just not strong enough for me.
When I first moved to France, I tried several options, but none of them did it for me. I exercise. I walk everywhere. I sweat everyday, so I need something relatively strong, and I haven’t found anything that I truly love in France. I also much prefer the solid powdery deodorant sticks over liquid roll-ons or aerosols. And in France, almost everything is a roll-on or a spray.
Even though I’m crazy about so many of the French beauty and hygiene products, I just can’t get behind the deodorant here.
In order to stay sane (and stink-free), I always bring deodorant back from the U.S. Whenever I fly back to France, it’s basically guaranteed that I have at least 5 sticks of deodorant stashed in my suitcase.
I’m not super picky about the brand, as long as it works. One that I consistently go back to is the classic Dove Cucumber Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick. I normally stock up on it at Costco while I’m home since it’s less expensive in bulk.
I even bring some back for my French boyfriend who has taken a liking to my American deodorant. He still insists that French deodorants are “better” because they’re more natural… yet somehow keeps using mine. Tiens tiens.
If you’re planning a trip to France and already have a deodorant you love, bring it. Especially if you're coming during the summer.
That’s not to say French deodorant can’t work for you, but it depends on your body, how much you sweat, and how much you care about staying super fresh. I know some people who switch to more natural options in winter when sweating is less of an issue.
Where to Buy Deodorant in France
You can find deodorant in most supermarkets and French pharmacies.
Since most people here use liquid roll-ons or aerosol sprays, that’s what you’ll see most often on the shelves. Stick deodorants (especially the dry, powdery ones are harder to come by, but not impossible. One place I’ve had luck is Normal. I’ve found Dove solid deodorant sticks there that seem to be formulated slightly differently, but still have that dry, clean feeling I really like. I’ve also found Dove spray deodorants at Monoprix that aren’t too bad either.
If you shop at the French pharmacy, don’t hesitate to ask a pharmacist for help either. They’re super knowledgeable and can usually point you toward something more effective if you're struggling to find the right formula.
French Deodorants I’d Recommend
If you’re in France and need something ASAP, here are a few I’d recommend as long as you’re not a heavy sweater. I don’t buy these regularly, but if I ever ran out of my favorite Dove deodorant, these are the formulas I’d turn to in a pinch.
1. Vichy Clinical Control 96H Deodorant Antiperspirant
If I were shopping for deodorant at the French pharmacy, Vichy would be the first brand I’d look for. They have a solid range of options that generally perform well. Even though I don’t sweat a ton, I would go for the strongest formula. Vichy has lighter options for mild to moderate sweating, but this one is actually an antiperspirant. Bonus: it’s hypoallergenic and alcohol-free.
Shop Vichy Clinical Control 96H Deodorant Antiperspirant in France.
2. Rexona Maximum Protection Confidence Deodorant Antiperspirant Cream Stick
You might recognize Rexona as “Degree” in the U.S., though it’s actually an Australian brand. It’s available in France too, and it’s probably one of the closest options to the deodorants we’re used to back home. This one costs under 6 euros on Amazon France and has 4.6 stars with nearly 20,000 reviews. I also love the cream stick formula (super easy to apply). And it does contain aluminum, which is a plus if you’re looking for something stronger.
Shop Rexona Maximum Protection Confidence Deodorant Antiperspirant Cream Stick in France.
3. L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Roll-On Deodorant
L’OccitaneI wanted to share an option if you’re looking for something a bit more natural. This one from L’Occitane not only smells divine, but helps to neutralize odors without harsh ingredients. It’s not an antiperspirant, so it won’t stop you from sweating, but it does leave a long-lasting citrusy scent. It won’t stain your clothes either, which is always nice. The glowing reviews on Amazon US are what convinced me to recommend it!
Shop L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Roll-On Deodorant in France.
Final Thoughts on French Deodorant
Not all French deodorants are necessarily bad, but they’re just not as strong as what we are used to in the U.S. If you don’t sweat much or prefer natural products, you might find something you love here. But if you need heavy-duty protection, you may want to bring your favorite from home (like I do).
Have you tried French deodorant? I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you. Let me know in the comments below.
