Don't Sweat It: Here's What to Do When You Forget Deodorant

You’re racing to work when it hits you. You forgot to put on deodorant this morning.

Panic sets in. There’s no time to go back home or get to a pharmacy. You’re going to have to grin and bear it. You immediately lock your arms to your sides, so no one smells your sweaty pits. That should work, right?

We’ve all been there. (Who has also forgotten to brush their teeth?) Luckily, there are a few tips, ingredients and tricks you can use to get through the day.

What to Do When You Forget Deodorant

Don’t stress next time you leave the house without swiping on your pit protection. Here’s what to do when you forget deodorant. (Plus, we’ll share how to make sure it never happens to you again.)

Step 1: Don’t Panic

Forgetting deodorant is stressful, uncomfortable and annoying — especially if you’re a heavy sweater. But it’s not the end of the world.

Take a deep breath. Stop looking around at your neighbors, suddenly self-conscious that everyone within five feet of you can smell your armpits. Most likely they haven’t even noticed.

There are plenty of hacks to get you through the day. Whether you’re at work, the grocery store, school or a friend’s house, there’s an arsenal of ingredients at your fingertips that can stem armpit stink.

Step 2: Find a Quick Fix

Here are some alternatives to deodorant and antiperspirant you can use in a pinch.

  • Hand sanitizer: The rubbing alcohol in hand sanitizer kills bacteria. Take a drop and wipe it under your arms to quench the stench.
  • Antibacterial wipes : Every office, building, school and car should have a First-Aid kit. Grab a pre-packaged antibacterial wipe and swipe them under your arms. A dab of rubbing alcohol works, too.
  • Paper towel and soap : If you’re concerned about your stink, wet a paper towel with warm water and a drop of hand soap from the bathroom. Wipe down your armpits and dry them. Depending on how sweaty you get, repeat the process every few hours as needed.
  • Makeup wipes: If you keep makeup wipes in your purse or desk, you can use them to keep your armpits smelling fresh.
  • Body spray : Most body sprays and perfumes have alcohol in them. Spritz it on to mask body odor. You can also use essential oils or witch hazel.
  • Kitchen supplies : If you have access to a kitchen, there are a few quick home remedies you can use. Rubbing lemon juice on armpits can help curb the smell. You can also use baking soda and cornstarch to make a quick, natural deodorant. Combine one-part baking soda with six-parts cornstarch and dust a little on your underarms. Be careful when applying alcohol or lemon juice. Don’t use it if you’ve recently shaved or have any cuts or nicks. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you.)

Step 3: Prepare for Next Time

We’re human. It’s inevitable that you’re going to forget deodorant occasionally.

Ever heard the saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail?”

Save yourself the stress sweat by creating a plan for when you forget deodorant. Keep a travel-sized deodorant in your desk drawer, car and toiletry kit so you have one by you at all times.

You can also apply antiperspirant at night. Many people don't realize that antiperspirant works best when you put it on at night. Applying antiperspirant in the morning after your shower makes it harder for the active ingredients to take effect. Since we tend to sweat more in the morning, it washes right off.

Plus, applying it at night means you don’t need to panic if you forget deodorant while you’re rushing out the door in the morning. You’re already covered.

Bonus Tip: Wear an Odor-Blocking Sweat Proof Undershirt 

The best backup when you forget deodorant is a sweat proof undershirt.

Thompson Tees are the only patented undershirts guaranteed to stop sweat from seeping through your outer shirt. With multiple style and color options, you can wear one beneath virtually any dress shirt or T-shirt. That means no sweat marks — even when you forget deodorant.

On the days that aren't sweat events try the Premium Undershirt. Made of 50% Supima cotton and 50% MicroModal blend, you'll love the light, luxurious feel which is perfect for layering and keeping body odor at bay!  

Save yourself some stress with a Thompson Tee. Try one risk-free today.