The present invention relates to a deodorant composition including (a) a polyhydroxyamine compound having a specific structure and/or a salt thereof, and (b) a penetrant including at least one substance selected from the group consisting of (b1) a nonionic surfactant having a specific structure, (b2) a surfactant having a residue of a monosaccharide, etc., (b3) a nonionic organic solvent having a log P value of from 0 to 4; and (b4) an amine oxide type or carbobetaine type amphoteric surfactant; as well as a deodorizing method using the deodorant composition. The deodorant composition of the present invention is capable of reducing or eliminating a composite odor derived from sweat smell and aldehydes, readily producing a water-based deodorant, and is safe even upon contacting with a human body.