Best Deodorants for Men (2024): Sweated and Tested By Fitness Experts

Finding the right deodorant for you isn’t always at the forefront of your mind. I myself typically just go to the store when I’m out and pick the one that looks good enough. There can be much more to think about though, like choosing between a stick or roll-on, or if you’re looking to reduce sweat, body odor, or a bit of both.

For heavy sweaters, fighting the battle against sweat and body odor can be tough. Fortunately, the team at GGR has tested top deodorant and antiperspirant brands to bring you our picks for the best deodorants for men. We’ve had the men on our team—certified personal trainers, coaches, and athletes—try out these brands and use them before runs, lifting workouts, or leisurely strolls.

RELATED: Best Gym Shoes for Men

Whether it’s a nice scent you’re looking for, or some sweat protection, we have you covered. Read on for our top deodorants for men.

We intend the term “men” to include all men, including trans men. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis men (i.e., men who are not trans). For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis men.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

The 10 Best Deodorants for Men

• Best Deodorant for Men Overall: Dove Men+ Care Antiperspirant
• Best Deodorant for Men for Odor Protection: Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Antiperspirant
• Best Clinical Strength Deodorant for Men: Degree Men Clinical Strength Protection
• Best Roll-On Deodorant for Men: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Antiperspirant Roll-On Deodorant
• Best Deodorant Spray for Men: Ursa Major Natural Spray Deodorant
• Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Men: Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant for Men
• Best Natural Deodorant for Men: Native Whole Body Deodorant
• Best Budget Deodorant for Men: Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant
• Best Men’s Deodorant for Workouts: Old Spice Original
• Best-Smelling Deodorant for Men: Jack Black Pit Boss

Best Deodorant for Men Overall: Dove Men+ Care

Good for: Those looking for solid protection and a pleasant scent from their deodorant stick

Best Overall

Dove Men Plus Care Antiperspirant Clean Comfort 72-Hour

GGR Score: 4.21

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Product Highlights

• Dove’s deodorant and antiperspirant combination
• New aluminum-free formula
• 72-hour protection
• Also includes vitamin E and moisturizer

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 6 different scents
• Also available in travel size
• Dermatologist tested
• PETA cruelty-free—not tested on animals

Cons

• Longtime customers frustrated by new formula
• Customers find it does not last 72 hours as claimed
• Some customers experienced skin irritation
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness

Bottom Line

Dove Men Care features a new aluminum-free formula available in 6 different scents. Customer reviews disagree about the effectiveness of this deodorant, with multiple customers stating they had to reapply throughout the day. However, most agree that the deodorant does not provide 72 hours of protection as advertised. Some customers also experienced skin irritation.

Dove Men+ Care gets our overall pick for its well-roundedness. Available as an antiperspirant or deodorant, it can provide sweat protection and a nice scent that lasts throughout the day. Having used the Clean Comfort and Extra Fresh scents of their deodorants myself, the odor protection has lasted through pretty laborious Olympic lifting workouts and days at the gym.

Staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, tried out the Paradiso Sunrise deodorant and liked the scent it provided. “It’s not too overbearing,” he says. “It has a nice, mild scent.” He rates the scent a 4 out of 5.

While the odor protection lasted throughout the day for Matt, it didn’t last quite as long as the 72 hours the deodorant stick claims on its label. “At the end of the day, the scent started to fade a bit,” Matt explains, rating the protection a 4 out of 5.

The stick applies easily, leading Matt to rate the ease of application a 5 out of 5. “It can leave some residue, but overall it’s very comfortable and easy to wear. It’s not chalky like other sticks can be,” he adds.

The antiperspirant does contain aluminum and the deodorant contains alcohol, which can be an irritant. While Matt didn’t notice any issues, if you are avoiding metals or alcohols in your odor protection, you may need to opt for a more natural solution—especially if you have sensitive skin. But for about $6 a stick, this is a solid option for most guys.

Best Deodorant for Men for Odor Protection: Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Antiperspirant

Good for: Men who want a long-lasting deodorant to prevent odors and sweat

Best for Odor Protection

Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Triple Odor Defense

GGR Score: 4.17

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Product Highlights

• Combination antiperspirant and deodorant
• Triple odor defense: Heat, stress, and motion
• 5 different scents

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dermatologist tested
• Affordable
• Can purchase in a variety of stores
• Available in 5 different scents, including unscented

Cons

• Mixed reviews on scents
• Customer reviews stated it isn’t strong enough to last all day or on extremely hot days

Bottom Line

Mitchum Triple Odor Defense is both an antiperspirant and a deodorant. There are 5 different scents, including unscented. Customer reviews were very mixed on the scents and generally found this to not be a powerful antiperspirant. Customers in hot climates said it didn’t work all day and often resorted to other products.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from competing in Olympic weightlifting for the last 25 years, it’s that I can sweat a lot. OK, so I probably learned other things, but I’ve always been a heavy sweater in the gym, and with that comes a bit of body odor after a long session. 

Our pick to fight body odor is Mitchum Men’s Deodorant Antiperspirant, which claims 48 hours of protection. I got to try this antiperspirant and found it to be pretty accurate—although the Intense Energy scent didn’t last quite as long. Still, for a couple of days, it protected my armpits and kept odors at bay. I rate the protection a 5 out of 5.

The Intense Energy scent is nice, a little floral and clean. It’s not overpowering or wildly strong, but my wife complimented me on the scent (a couple of times) so I’ve got to give it high marks for its scent: a 4 out of 5. Being an antiperspirant, it has a thicker consistency, but it’s still easy enough to put on, leading me to rate the application another 4 out of 5.

Since aluminum is currently under fire for potentially being a toxic substance (although research is limited¹), I’d understand if you wanted to avoid this stick and other antiperspirants. Choose an aluminum-free deodorant instead. Nevertheless, at $5 for a stick, this is a pretty good value for an antiperspirant with long-lasting odor protection.

Best Clinical Strength Deodorant for Men: Degree Men Clinical Strength Protection

Good for: Heavy sweaters who need lengthy protection in their deodorant and antiperspirant

Best Clinical Strength

Degree Men Antiperspirant Sport Strength

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Prescription-strength antiperspirant
• Features Degree MotionSense Technology
• Available in 2 scents: Sport Strength and Clean

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Motion sense technology that releases scent as you move
• Prescription-strength
• Customers found the product effective

Cons

• Applicator is uncomfortable
• Multiple customers on Amazon ordered a 2-pack and only got 1
• More expensive than other clinical strength deodorants

Bottom Line

Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant and Antiperspirant provides 72 hours of protection. Degree recommends applying two clicks at night. Customers found the deodorant and antiperspirant to be effective. However, they found the applicator difficult to use and uncomfortable.

If you constantly deal with excessive sweating, you may need a powerful deodorant or antiperspirant to provide maximum protection throughout your day. Degree Men Clinical Strength Protection does just that, claiming up to 72 hours of protection from sweating and odor. 

GGR head of content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, had her husband Rob try out this deodorant, and he mentions, “It easily lasted longer than a day.” He rates the level of protection a perfect 5 out of 5.

Rob and Nicole were both big fans of the scent as well, giving the scent top marks as well. Rob used the Clean scent, and says, “It definitely smells clean, like the name suggests.” Rob was a big fan of this deodorant, and would buy this again.

This antiperspirant is more of a powder; as you wind up the stick, the deodorant is pushed through holes. Rob still rates the application a 4 out of 5, although he prefers normal deodorant sticks. Rob also preferred the antiperspirant to deodorants that contain alcohol, which commonly irritate his skin. It still has aluminum, though, leading him to rate the formulation a 4 out of 5.

The main drawback is the price—nearly $7 for a stick. With that said, it’s clinical strength, long-lasting, and lives up to the claim, making it worth the cost for some users.

Best Roll-On Deodorant for Men: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Roll-On Deodorant

Good for: People who prefer a roll-on for easy application

Best Roll-On

Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant

GGR Score: 4.17

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Product Highlights

• Clinical strength antiperspirant for excessive sweating
• Fragrance-free
• Features 15% aluminum chloride

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clinical strength
• Also available in a spray and stick form
• Affordable compared to other clinical strength antiperspirant
• Certified cruelty-free by PETA

Cons

• Only available without scent
• Some customers experienced burning and itching
• Can’t apply immediately after showering, shaving, or on broken or irritated skin

Bottom Line

Certain Dri is a clinical-strength antiperspirant featuring 15% aluminum chloride. This product is very strong, and Certain Dri recommends not applying right after a shower, shaving, or on broken and irritated skin. They also note you should apply sparingly at night. Customer reviews found that the Certain Dri worked well to stop sweating. However, multiple customers had to discontinue use because it caused a burning sensation or created skin irritation.

Deodorant sticks and bars can be easy to apply, but can also clump up or leave residue. For a clean application, you can try our favorite roll-on deodorant: Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant. This unscented roll-on applies smoothly and evenly, earning it a 5 out of 5 for its ease of application.

GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, tried out Certain Dri and says its clinical and prescription strength is no lie. “I didn’t sweat from my armpits for like two days,” he says. “This stuff is crazy.” He rates the protection a solid 5 out of 5.

The roll-on is unscented, and unlike some deodorants that have a smell although they’re marketed as unscented, this actually had no scent. Matt rated it a 5 out of 5, saying, “It’s nice to have an unscented deodorant, so it doesn’t affect the smell of any cologne I might wear.”

Matt, who prefers deodorants instead of antiperspirants, was a little wary of the ingredients, notably the aluminum, which blocks pores from sweating. “I don’t know if that’s the healthiest thing to do, block your sweat for days at a time,” he says. “For that reason, I probably wouldn’t use it again.”

I agree with Matt that if you’re working out, it’s probably better to sweat some; a deodorant might be better in that case. Still, there are times that you want sweat protection. With its clinical strength, this might be the ticket to dry armpits for heavy sweaters.

Best Deodorant Spray for Men: Ursa Major Natural Spray Deodorant

Good for: Men looking for a deodorant spray with natural ingredients

Best Spray

Ursa Major Sublime Natural Spray Deodorant

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Natural, aluminum-free deodorant
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Uses plants and enzymes to neutralize odor
• Certified Plastic Negative Product: Ursa Major removes two plastic bottles for every bottle sold

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cruelty-free—not tested on animals
• Made in the United States
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Love it guarantee

Cons

• More expensive than competitors at $20
• Only available in 1.7 fl oz size
• Only 1 scent available
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness and scent
• May experience a 2-3 week detox period with excess sweating if used to traditional deodorant

Bottom Line

Ursa Major Sublime Sage Spray Deodorant is a natural, vegan, and aluminum-free deodorant. It is only available in one scent. Ursa Major notes that you should try the deodorant for 3 weeks as you may experience a detox period if you are switching from a traditional deodorant/antiperspirant. The reviews were very mixed for both scent and effectiveness.

Looking for a deodorant spray? Before you resort to tacky body sprays you used in high school, check out Ursa Major Natural Deodorant.

Not only is this deodorant a spray, but Ursa Major makes their products cruelty-free, never testing on animals. The company is also a certified B corporation, meaning you can rest assured that they’re honest and transparent about their products. This impressed Shane Johnson, husband of GGR editor Frieda Johnson, CNC, SET, who tested out Ursa Major’s spray deodorant.

For the ingredients and formula, it gets a near-perfect 4.75 out of 5. Made with essential oils—sage, lemon myrtle, and geranium—and natural ingredients, the spray does contain alcohol, which can be irritating to some people. “I didn’t have any issues, though,” says Shane.

The sage scent earned a 5 out of 5 from Shane, who says, “I liked the scent a lot. Not too floral, but not too much musk either.” He adds, “There’s no alcohol smell to it either.”

The spray applies easily, although it takes a minute to dry. Shane mentions that the spray has a fine dispersal which covers a broad area. “Just one or two sprays is all you need; more than that makes it leave a sticky residue,” says Shane.

Our main gripe is the price. At $20, this is expensive deodorant—only earning a 1 out of 5 for its cost. Still, for natural ingredients and cruelty-free production, this spray is a great choice.

Best Aluminum-Free Deodorant for Men: Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant for Men

Good for: Those who want odor protection without the sweat-blocking properties of aluminum

Best Aluminum Free

Tom’s of Maine Complete Protection Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant for Men

GGR Score: 4.26

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Product Highlights

• Vegan, natural, and aluminum-free deodorant
• Contains aloe vera
• 11 different scents available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 11 different scents, including unscented
• Not tested on animals
• Container made with 100% recycled plastic
• Dermatologist tested
• No parabens, artificial colors, fragrances, or preservatives

Cons

• Only a deodorant—no antiperspirant ingredients
• More expensive than other deodorants
• Longtime customers dislike the new formula found in the new packaging

Bottom Line

Tom’s of Maine is a natural, aluminum-free deodorant designed to provide 48 hours of protection. Customers generally liked the scents. However, there were very mixed reviews on the effectiveness of the deodorant. Reviewers also mentioned that the deodorant left stains on their shirts.

Although research is limited, there are major concerns for aluminum being a toxic ingredient—although the chance of its toxicity depends on the metal entering the body—which would be very rare for a topical application. Still, this leads to many people opting for aluminum-free deodorant. Our pick for the best aluminum-free deodorant is Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant for Men.

While trying out this deodorant for myself, the first thing I noticed was the abundance of unique scents. Along with common scents like Mountain Spring or Deep Forest, there was also the scent I used: Eucalyptus and Sandalwood. I’m a fan of woodsy smells, so the sandalwood was a great touch, and the eucalyptus scent was very present. It’s not a common smell in deodorants, but I quickly became a fan of the minty scent, rating it a 5 out of 5.

It was easy to apply, and very smooth in its application, earning another 5 out of 5. Being a deodorant with naturally derived ingredients, it didn’t last as long as clinical strength sticks, maybe losing its scent after a few hours. Still, this was long enough to last through my most intense workouts, so it still earned a 3 out of 5 for its protection.

At about $7 for a stick, it’s one of the pricier deodorant brands we’ve tested out. However, Tom’s of Maine is a B-certified company, and the deodorant has decent ingredients (aside from alcohol, which still didn’t irritate my skin). All things considered, this is a solid deodorant with a nice smell.

Best Natural Deodorant for Men: Native Whole Body Deodorant

Good for: Those with sensitive skin who need to avoid skin irritants

Best Natural

Native Whole Body Deodorant Stick

GGR Score: 3.73

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Product Highlights

• Natural whole-body deodorant
• No aluminum, parabens, baking soda, or talc
• Vegan and cruelty-free—not tested on animals
• 4 scents, including unscented

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Available in 4 scents, including unscented
• Subscribe and save 15%
• Available as both a stick and a spray

Cons

• More expensive than other deodorants
• Only deodorant—no antiperspirant ingredients
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness

Bottom Line

Native Whole Body Deodorant is available as both a stick and a spray. It is a natural formula made without aluminum or other antiperspirant ingredients. Customer reviews were mixed on the effectiveness. Customers who have used Native’s traditional underarm deodorant found the whole-body deodorant to be less effective.

Men with sensitive skin, or those who are conscious of what they put on their body, may want a deodorant that’s all-natural. Native has you covered with their Whole Body Deodorant. Their unscented deodorant, which GGR staff writer and nutrition coach Matt Dustin tried, has a simple list of ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter, tapioca, and essential oils.

Matt liked the unscented deodorant, giving the deodorant a 5 out of 5 for its (lack of) scent. It also applies pretty easily, “although it’s a little thick,” says Matt. Native earns a 4 out of 5 for its application.

Being a natural deodorant, it doesn’t have the long-lasting protection of stronger antiperspirants, but Matt rates the protection a 3 out of 5. “You’ll still sweat with this deodorant,” he says, adding, “I let my girlfriend try it out, and she felt that it lasted for about half of the day.” For a natural deodorant, that’s not too shabby.

RELATED: Best Detergent for Sweaty Clothes

At nearly $13 per stick, this is an expensive deodorant stick, although it may be worth it to you to be able to read a list of simple ingredients without polysyllabic scientific words.

Best Budget Deodorant for Men: Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant Deodorant

Good for: Those looking for a budget-friendly price on a quality deodorant

Best Budget

Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant 72-Hour Protection

GGR Score: 3.96

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Product Highlights

• Ultra-clear antiperspirant and deodorant
• Features Degree MotionSense Technology and anti-white mark and yellow stain technology
• 4 scents available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Motion sense technology that releases scent as you move
• Available in 4 scents
• Also available as a spray

Cons

• Customer reviews noted that the stick left stains
• Mixed reviews on scent and effectiveness
• New packaging features a new formula that longtime users disliked

Bottom Line

Degree Ultraclear Black White is both a deodorant and an antiperspirant with a new formula. Longtime users disliked the new formula, which switched from aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex to aluminum sesquichlorohydrate. Customers also found that the deodorant stained their clothes and left white marks.

With deodorants being comparable to cosmetics like toothpaste, body wash, or shampoo, some men are concerned more about getting the best deal. Our budget pick does just that. Degree Men UltraClear Antiperspirant Deodorant provides good protection while averaging about $4 per stick. (There are many value pack options available on Amazon, so make sure you compare them to find your best price.)

Degree UltraClear is made to prevent marks and discoloration on shirts, a common side effect of some deodorants. It appears to have done well on that front, although GGR staff writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, doesn’t like its ease of application, rating it a 3 out of 5. “This is pretty chalky if you use a lot, and it clumps a bit.”

RELATED: How to Get Sweat Smell out of Clothes

The antiperspirant deodorant provides good protection despite being a budget option, leading Matt to rate it a 4 out of 5. “I didn’t sweat for the whole day, so it was solid protection.” He does add, however, “I’m not sure about the odor protection; I didn’t smell bad, but I also rarely do.”

Since this is both an antiperspirant and deodorant, it contains two potentially harmful ingredients: aluminum and alcohol. People with sensitive skin may want to avoid this deodorant and opt for a natural deodorant instead.

Best Men’s Deodorant for Workouts: Old Spice Deo Stick

Good for: Lifters or runners needing odor protection for intense workouts

Best for Workouts

Old Spice Deo Stick

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Available in 12 different scents
• Features 24-hour protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Scents positively reviewed by customers
• More affordable than competitors at less than $4
• Available in 12 different scents

Cons

• Some customers had issues getting incorrect scent and/or amount when ordering from Amazon
• Just a deodorant, not an antiperspirant
• Some customers experienced underarm rash

Bottom Line

Old Spice Deodorant is available in 12 different scents that generally have positive reviews from customers. It is not an antiperspirant, so it does not limit sweating. However, it doesn’t contain aluminum. The customer reviews are mostly positive, but some did experience an underarm rash.

I prefer to use deodorants during my workouts, since I know I’m going to sweat from the intensity and exertion of snatches and clean and jerks. If you’re looking for a decent deodorant for your next strength or cardio session, we recommend Old Spice Deo Stick. Available in a variety of scents, Old Spice deodorant has made a name for itself with a variety of zany commercials. How does their deodorant hold up, though?

Pretty well, from our testing. Its strength is the ease of application. GGR head of content Nicole Davis’ husband Rob Davis tried out the Old Spice Deo Stick, and rated the application a 5 out of 5. “The stick is easy to wind up and the deodorant glides on smoothly,” he says.

Rob got the Original scent, which he wasn’t a fan of. “It’s too much of an old-school scent,” he says. “It’s just not for me.” He rates it a 2 out of 5. I myself have used other scents from Old Spice, and they can be hit or miss. Generally speaking, these are mostly musky scents, so if you’re looking for more floral or mild scents, Old Spice may not fit your preferences.

Being a deodorant, it doesn’t have the long-lasting protection of an antiperspirant, earning it a 3 out of 5. Old Spice was the one deodorant we tested that also had an adverse effect while Rob used it. Old Spice sticks contain alcohol, which can cause irritation or even a burning sensation. I myself have had this happen, although I’ll add that it’s only happened with certain scents. Still, people with sensitive skin may want to avoid this deodorant stick.

Best-Smelling Deodorant for Men: Jack Black Pit Boss

Good for: Guys who prefer a nice scent with decent protection

Best-Smelling

Jack Black Pit Boss Men’s Deodorant

GGR Score: 3.64

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Product Highlights

• Antiperspirant and deodorant designed for sensitive skin
• Features Jack Black’s popular “All-Over” scent
• Also contains Vitamin E and aloe leaf juice

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Both a deodorant and antiperspirant
• Formulated for sensitive skin
• Multiple scents available

Cons

• Customers complained it clumps
• Mixed reviews on scent
• More than $20 dollars, much more expensive than competitors
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness

Bottom Line

Jack Black is a premium skincare company that provides quality products for men. Pit Boss is both a deodorant and antiperspirant but got mixed reviews on its ability to stop sweat. The scent had very mixed reviews. In general, customers found Pit Boss to be too expensive even if they liked the smell and effectiveness.

If you’re wanting a nice, musky scent that’s not overpowering, Jack Black Pit Boss might be your best choice. I tried the Original scent, and it provided a scent almost like cologne, but much more mild. If you’re looking for a scent that won’t overpower the room, this is it. I rate the scent a 4.5 out of 5. It also comes in other more floral scents, if that’s your preference.

Although it’s pricey, I’d say Jack Black (not that Jack Black) Pit Boss is an experience. Unlike many typical stick deodorants, Pit Boss is a round metal stick, which gives it a unique and sleek look compared to most deodorant brands. 

Still, I found the application was a little tough. Using the small circle to apply the antiperspirant didn’t feel like it got my armpit entirely, so I’d have to do several pass-throughs, trying to hit a different spot each time. Because I’m a broader person, I really had to reach to get my pits fully covered. I rate the application a 3.5 out of 5.

It works well as an antiperspirant, lasting all day for me, although the scent may fade a bit beforehand, earning it a 4 out of 5.

The ultimate issue I had with Pit Boss wasn’t the aluminum—the active ingredient in antiperspirants. It was the price; $22 is just a lot for a deodorant, even one with a premium aesthetic like Pit Boss. Still, for the look and smell alone, this might be worth a splurge purchase.

Other Deodorants for Men We Researched

Not every deodorant we’ve researched or tested has made our list of top deodorants for men, although there were certainly some we liked. Here’s another stick or two that we like, but still didn’t quite make the list.

• Harry’s Extra Strength Antiperspirant: This antiperspirant comes in four different scents and contains allantoin to help soothe your skin. However, reviews are a little mixed as to its level of protection, as quite a few people mention it doesn’t last the full 48 hours that it claims.

How We Picked and Tested Deodorants for Men

I’ve used deodorants for years now, and I’m pretty certain I can say that our staff and product testers at GGR have, too. Deodorants are pretty common in people’s toiletries and are a staple in personal care. All that to say that for this roundup of the best deodorants for men, we brought more than our fitness expertise as personal trainers and athletes—we’ve used these products for most of our lives, so we know what’s effective and what to look out for.

To create this list of the best deodorants for men, we researched dozens of different deodorant sticks, roll-ons, and sprays—some we had used previously and some we hadn’t. After selecting top brands, the men on our team tried out about a dozen different deodorants or antiperspirants.

In using the deodorant sticks, we looked at the following aspects, rating them between 1 and 5:

• Cost: Deodorants can vary by price, probably a lot more than you’d expect. The cheapest deodorants usually are under $4, but high-end deodorants can cost $20 or more.
• Scent: Like testing out taste for the best supplements for men, the scent of these deodorants is a subjective rating from our team. Still, we also looked at customer reviews to help determine our score and help make it a bit more objective.
• Ease of application: How easily does the deodorant apply to the underarm? Factors will mostly be from the texture, but the shape of the stick deodorant might help or hinder application. We also noted any clumping that occurred.
• Protection: Deodorants stop body odor, while antiperspirants prevent sweating. How long did the protection last? Some antiperspirant deodorants claim 24, 48, or even 72 hours of protection…we tested how accurate that claim was.
• Ingredients: We looked at active and key ingredients, looking for irritants or harmful chemicals, and noted when deodorants had aluminum, alcohols, or other irritating ingredients. (That said, antiperspirants will always have a form of aluminum as the active ingredient; it’s the only FDA-approved ingredient to prevent sweat.)

We also looked at customer reviews and customer service policies to help narrow down our list. Once final scores were given, we narrowed our list down to the best deodorants you see before you.

Benefits of Deodorants and Antiperspirants

There are two main reasons to use deodorants or antiperspirants: preventing excessive sweating and blocking body odor. Deodorants are made to reduce body odor, while antiperspirants reduce sweat. Some sticks are both antiperspirants and deodorants, enabling them to do both.

The Food and Drug Administration² classifies deodorants and antiperspirants differently due to their intended purpose. Deodorants are classified as cosmetics used for cleansing or beautification. On the other hand, antiperspirants are considered a drug since they’re used to alter the body’s function (in this case, preventing the body from sweating). Because of this, companies must get FDA approval before releasing a new antiperspirant.

Reducing Sweat

Sweating is a natural way for our bodies to cool down in warmer climates or to reduce excess heat. Typically a warmer area on the body, your armpits have more sweat glands, which can cause excessive sweating in certain cases. 

Because excess sweat can soak through shirts and clothing, people may wish to reduce their sweating, which is where antiperspirants come in. Antiperspirants use aluminum to block the sweat glands from producing more sweat.

There has been some concern that blocking sweat in one area may hinder the body’s ability to regulate its core temperature properly. Studies have shown³, however, that blocking sweat in the axillary area (armpits) had no effect on the body’s regulation of its temperature when exposed to warmer temperatures.

Reducing Smell

Sweat can add to body odor, although sweat in itself isn’t malodorous. When bacteria on your skin breaks down sweat particles, the process creates odors, which is where body odor comes from. The moist warmth in your armpits is an ideal environment for bacteria to cultivate, leading to them breaking down sweat and causing body odor in those areas.

Sweat from your apocrine glands⁴ in particular—located in the armpits, the groin, and the nipple area—can be abundant with proteins, which are easier for bacteria to break down.

While an antiperspirant can help reduce the amount of sweat that bacteria can break down, deodorants are made to help neutralize odors. Usually alcohol-based, deodorants make the surface of your skin acidic, which bacteria don’t like as much. There are also scents and perfumes to help mask odors.

What To Look For in Deodorants for Men

Although deodorants for men seem to be a commonplace item and a no-brainer, there are a lot of things to consider—notably the type of deodorant or antiperspirant, plus the type of ingredients you may want to avoid.

Antiperspirant vs Deodorant

First off, do you want an antiperspirant or a deodorant? An antiperspirant actually blocks sweat from being produced, while a deodorant neutralizes body odor—although it keeps you sweating.

If you’re commonly doing activities that’ll make you sweat anyway, you may want to consider a deodorant instead. I myself will typically use deodorant prior to a workout, since I know I’m sweating through my shirt completely after a tough Olympic weightlifting workout. 

However, if you’re wanting to prevent any obnoxious sweating during times you’d rather avoid it, an antiperspirant may be better for you. I’ll opt for an antiperspirant during church or another event where I’m not working out.

There are also differences in ingredients between the two. Speaking of which…

Ingredients

Deodorants and antiperspirants have been around for a long time, and there hasn’t been a lot of innovation in the field—until the past few decades. Some more common ingredients have come under scrutiny as to safety concerns for users; others are known to be irritants, especially to anyone with sensitive skin.

Let’s go over some common (and not-so-common) ingredients and why people may want to steer clear of them. Before completely shunning certain ingredients or deodorants entirely, talk to a dermatologist to fully understand the potential risks.

Aluminum

The largest talking point for ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants is aluminum, the active ingredient in antiperspirants. Commonly found in a stick as aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium, aluminum has been widely regarded as toxic and possibly promoting breast cancer.

However, its toxicity to humans is dependent on penetrating the skin. As a topical agent, aluminum has been shown¹ to have an extremely low chance of transmitting into the skin. However, zirconium salts, commonly used with aluminum, have been found to be toxic, and are partly regulated in Europe. Ultimately, more research needs to be done.

Men—or any indviduals—who want to avoid aluminum can simply switch to aluminum-free deodorant.

Parabens

Parabens are antimicrobial agents used to preserve cosmetics, medicine, and food. They’ve been a topic of controversy since they’ve been shown as toxic in animal and in vitro studies, according to a 2021 review⁵. 

The same review, however, also says this doesn’t mean there’s a direct correlation to human toxicity, as studies have shown parabens to be non-teratogenic (causing issues or defects during pregnancy), non-mutagenic (causing genetic mutations), and non-carcinogenic (causing cancer). For now, certain parabens are still deemed safe for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, but consumers may still want to avoid them, especially now that many brands are releasing paraben-free deodorants.

Propylene Glycol and Alcohols

Propylene glycol is a common alcohol used in deodorants as an emulsifier. However, propylene glycol—and other alcohols that may be used in deodorant sticks—are also known irritants and allergens⁶ for users. People with sensitive skin may want to look for alcohol-free alternatives, or deodorants with aloe, vitamin E, or other moisturizers used to soothe skin.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are becoming a popular skincare alternative for a natural deodorant. Natural ingredients often avoid common irritants, and the oils are able to mask odor and fight bacteria, making them a decent alternative to traditional deodorant. Essential oils can still be irritating to those with sensitive skin, however, so you may need to opt for a fragrance-free option.

Form

Although the most common form is a deodorant stick, deodorants come in a variety of ways: sticks, roll-ons, and even body sprays. Sprays can be wet or dry sprays—simply meaning they dry on contact or do not. Roll-ons and sprays may be a bit easier to apply than sticks, and also may avoid clumping in some cases. Ultimately, it’s up to your preference as to which form of deodorant or antiperspirant you prefer.

Cost

Just like any cosmetic, prices for good deodorants can vary quite a bit, ranging from under $4 to over $20. Factors can include the ingredients used and the strength of the antiperspirant deodorant. Natural deodorants that are aluminum- and alcohol-free typically can be pricier than traditional deodorants. Clinical strength and prescription strength antiperspirants offer much more protection, but usually at a higher cost.

Best Deodorants for Men: FAQs

References

1. Martini M. C. (2020). Déodorants et antitranspirants [Deodorants and antiperspirants]. Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie, 147(5), 387–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annder.2020.01.003
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Personal Care Products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-personal-care-products 
3. Burry, J. S., Evans, R. L., Rawlings, A. V., & Shiu, J. (2003). Effect of antiperspirants on whole body sweat rate and thermoregulation. International journal of cosmetic science, 25(4), 189–192. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2494.2003.00184.x
4. Hodge BD, Sanvictores T, Brodell RT. Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482278/ 
5. Petric, Z., Ružić, J., & Žuntar, I. (2021). The controversies of parabens – an overview nowadays. Acta pharmaceutica (Zagreb, Croatia), 71(1), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2021-0001
6. Jacob, S. E., Scheman, A., & McGowan, M. A. (2018). Propylene Glycol. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug, 29(1), 3–5. https://doi.org/10.1097/DER.0000000000000315

Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

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