The 10 Best Deodorants For Men, According To Experts
Underarm products can generally be grouped into two categories: those that stop moisture and those that stop odor. But most deodorants—generally labeled antipersperants—have ingredients that work together to make them function in both categories. The best deodorants for men do just this using active ingredients to curb excess moisture and odor-causing bacteria. We chose Schmidt’s Charcoal + Magnesium Natural Deodorant as our top pick thanks to its natural, odor-fighting ingredients and long-lasting protection (24 hours to be exact). If you prefer a spray option, we recommend Aesop’s Herbal Deodorant, which is packed with essential oils like eucalyptus leaf oil and lavender oil.
The best deodorants for men function as antiperspirants as well, which help control sweat in … [+]
In choosing the right one, you should also consider the ingredients, scent, strength and formula type that you prefer. In addition to stick deodorants—which tend to be the most common—there also are gels, sprays and creams. With a dermatologist’s insight on the most effective ingredients to look out for along with our own time-tested experience, here are the best deodorants for men.
- Best Deodorant For Men Overall: Schmidt’s Charcoal + Magnesium
- Best Value Deodorant For Men: Every Man Jack Deodorant
- Best Luxury Deodorant For Men: Patricks ND1
- Best Antiperspirant For Men: Degree Advanced 72H
- Best Clinical-Grade Antiperspirant For Men: Certain Dri Prescription Strength
- Best Spray Deodorant For Men: Aesop Herbal Deodorant
- Best Natural Spray Deodorant For Men: Ursa Major Hello Hinoki
- Best Deodorant Balm For Men: AKT The Deodorant Balm
- Best Sensitive Deodorant For Men: Oars + Alps Deodorant
- Best Groin Deodorant For Men: Happy Nuts Comfort Cream
What To Consider In A Deodorant For Men
To understand how deodorants work, we tapped chief of dermatology at Naples Community Hospital Dr. Brandon Kirsch who explains that it’s the combination of bacteria on our skin and sweat produced that can result in a scent. “The bacteria on our skin metabolize proteins and lipids from our apocrine sweat glands and produce waste products that have a distinctive smell, leading to what we know as body odor,” he says. With this in mind, here’s what to look for in the right deodorant for you.
Moisture-Neutralizing Ingredients
A primary function of deodorants is to inhibit moisture buildup under the arms, which in turn reduces the proliferation of bacteria. Here are Kirsch’s go-to ingredients for this.
- Cornstarch: “Cornstarch is a natural moisture absorber,” Kirsch says of this ingredient found in many moisture-mitigation products.
- Arrowroot powder: Similar to cornstarch, arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture with less risk of irritation.
- Coconut oil: “Coconut oil has moisture-wicking properties and is also known to have antimicrobial effects,” Kirsch says.
- Aluminum: This is the key ingredient in antiperspirants, which many people try to avoid but that is still deemed perfectly safe by the FDA. It plugs the sweat ducts to prevent moisture from coming out.
Sensitivities
You need to be mindful of any potential sensitivities that you have, too. Sometimes you can’t learn about these unless you test the products themselves. However, if you are experiencing adverse reactions to a deodorant, consider a quick scan of the ingredients label to look for any of the following. Even some natural formulas might be too aggressive on skin, given some of the ingredients below.
- Baking soda: “While it’s effective at neutralizing odors, baking soda can be irritating for some people, leading to rashes or discomfort,” says Kirsch. That’s because it throws your pH levels way out of whack in order to make for an inhospitable environment for bacteria.
- Alcohol: While alcohol can kill bacteria and help other ingredients penetrate the skin, it can also be drying and irritating for some individuals, says Kirsch.
- Essential oils: Essential oils many have beneficial properties, Kirsch says, but they can be irritating to the skin, “particularly in people with sensitivities or allergies,” Never use an unregulated product with essential oils; you could cause severe skin damage otherwise.
- Artificial fragrance: Listed as “frag