Short answer: pick an antiperspirant with aluminum for reliable sweat control (most teen athletes need that), and choose a formula for the teen’s skin type (sensitive, heavy sweater, or prefers “natural”). Good, widely recommended options are Degree (72‑hour MotionSense), Dove/Dove Men+Care (gentle, moisturizing), Secret (long‑lasting), and — for very heavy sweating — Certain Dri (clinical strength). If the teen has sensitive skin or you prefer to avoid aluminum, choose a fragrance‑free, baking‑soda‑free natural deodorant (e.g., Vanicream, some Kopari/Native formulas) and expect less wetness control. (teenvogue.com)

Why (brief):

• Antiperspirants that contain aluminum salts block sweat glands and give the best wetness control during practices/games — helpful for athletes. (wellandgood.com)
• For odor alone (less wetness control) aluminum‑free deodorants work and are a reasonable choice if skin irritation or ingredient concerns are the priority. (wellandgood.com)
• Major health groups and cancer centers say there’s no convincing evidence that aluminum in antiperspirants causes breast cancer or other major illnesses; still, if parents/teens are worried, aluminum‑free options are available. (health.clevelandclinic.org)

Practical guidance for teen athletes (what matters most):

• Choose antiperspirant for sweat control; switch to a stronger/clinical formula only if needed (Certain Dri) because those can irritate sensitive skin. (teenvogue.com)
• Apply correctly: many antiperspirants work best when applied at night (when sweat glands are less active) and to clean, dry skin; follow the label. (childrensmn.org)
• If the teen has sensitive skin, pick fragrance‑free, paraben‑free, or products labeled for sensitive skin (Vanicream, some Dove formulas). Patch test a small area first. (teenvogue.com)
• For younger kids or ones who can’t safely use aerosols, use sticks, roll‑ons, or creams rather than sprays to avoid inhalation. (childrensmn.org)
• Carry deodorant wipes or a travel stick to re‑freshen after practices if needed (wipes are handy in locker rooms). (wellandgood.com)

Product suggestions (start here):

• Best for heavy sweat: Degree Advanced/72‑hour MotionSense or Degree Men UltraClear. (wellandgood.com)
• Gentle / for sensitive skin: Vanicream Antiperspirant, Dove (sensitive/men+care variants). (teenvogue.com)
• Clinical strength (only if regular antiperspirants fail): Certain Dri. (teenvogue.com)
• Aluminum‑free / “natural” (less wetness control, OK if odor is the main issue): Kopari, Native, Tom’s of Maine, Crystal mineral roll‑ons. (teenvogue.com)

Quick checklist to pick the right one:

• Is preventing sweat the priority? → antiperspirant with aluminum.
• Does the teen have sensitive skin or asthma/respiratory issues? → avoid aerosols; pick fragrance‑free or sensitive formulas. (childrensmn.org)
• Very heavy sweating despite OTC antiperspirants? → try an OTC clinical product (Certain Dri) or see a clinician about prescription options. (teenvogue.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow to specific stick/spray/roll‑on picks from local drugstores (Walmart/CVS/Target) or teen‑friendly scents, or
• Help pick a sensitive‑skin product and show where to buy it.

Would you like options limited to fragrance‑free, natural/aluminum‑free, or budget drugstore picks?