If you’re coming to Japan, you will probably hear someone lamenting about the inability to find any “real” deodorant here. When I heard this before coming, I promptly bought a 4-pack of my favorite kind (which I still haven’t used up, two years later). Yet, for those trying to save luggage space, unless you are REALLY attached to your deodorant, let me reassure you, it IS possible to get deodorant in Japan. And no, I’m not even talking about typical Japanese stuff – I haven’t tried any of it (as everyone often says it doesn’t work as well).

So, before I lay out your options, you’ll need to know the Japanese word for deodorant when searching: デオドラント. This may also be shortened to: デオ. You may even see something with アンダーアーム (underarm).

A few other words to know:

stick:  スティック
mist:  ミスト
cream:  クリーム
spray:  スプレー
bar:  バー
gel:  ジェル

1. The Flying Pig (Costco) – I’ve mentioned it before (I feel like I should get some kind of commission for all the plugs they get…), but Costco has a few options, including familiar brands like Speed Stick and Secret. Not the greatest option, but better than nothing.

2. Amazon.jp – Mentioned these guys a lot too, but they carry some American brands like Speed Stick, Secret, Old Spice, Biore, etc. They also carry crystal body stones, similar to what I mention below in iHerb (though a bit more expensive). Huge selection.

3. 465.com – I just recently discovered this site. They have a wide selection of foreign products. (All in Japanese).

4. iHerb.com – If you are into natural deodorant products, or want to avoid potentially harmful chemicals like Aluminum (the active ingredient in antiperspirants), this is a great place to shop. (Although, most Japanese deodorants aren’t going to have aluminum in them anyway).

After realizing the possible hazards of aluminum, and other ingredients, I set out to find a more natural, yet effective, product. The product I found, and promptly ordered from iHerb, was the Crystal Body Deodorant. It’s a round crystal stone, made of natural mineral salts. You are probably wondering – HOW does salt make you smell fresh? Apparently it provides a barrier between you and odor-causing bacteria. Click the link to read more – but I can attest that it DOES keep me smelling clean all day long. Even during these incredibly humid summer days. *Note: this is NOT an antiperspirant, as you will still sweat. But for conquering odor in a safe way, this does the job. And, get 5% off your first order at iHerb by using this code: ACI278.

If you forgo the antiperspirant, there’s always other alternatives to hide your sweat.

So, contrary to what many may tell you, finding a decent product (in Japan) to combat your B.O. isn’t terribly difficult. Of course, you could always just ask your mom to send you some…

Fellow Japan residents, do you have any other ideas as to finding deodorant/antiperspirant in Japan? Tips?