JUMP TO:
- What to Look for in Deodorants
- Is Aluminum Bad For You?
- Why Trust Us?
- How We Selected
- Shop More of Our Favorite Grooming Products
IT DOESN’T MATTER who you are or what you do, wearing deodorant is an everyday requirement for living in a modern society. If you’re spending any amount of time around other people, it’s a common courtesy to manage your body odor. Sweating is, of course, completely normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stinky, too.
A good deodorant is your most important tool in the fight against B.O. Body odor is caused by two things: naturally occurring bacteria on the surface of your skin (especially in places like your underarms) and sweat, which the bacteria feed on. Deodorants help reduce the amount of stank-causing bacteria on your skin and they also help control odor by covering it up with a much more pleasant scent. The most important thing to note is that deodorants won’t actually stop sweat; that’s an antiperspirant’s job thanks to the addition of aluminum which physically blocks sweat glands. You’ll notice this list doesn’t include any antiperspirants for that reason.
BEST OVERALL DEODORANTOars & Alps Aluminum-Free Deodorant$14 AT OARSANDALPS.COMREAD MORE
BEST DESIGNER DEODORANTChanel Bleu De Chanel Deodorant$40 AT SEPHORAREAD MORE
BEST DEODORANT/COLOGNE COMBOGUESS Effect Deodorizing Body Spray$15 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY DEODORANTHelmm The Starter Kit$18 AT HELMM.COMREAD MORE
BEST FOR THE GYMOffcourt Performance Body Spray$12 AT OFFCOURT.COMREAD MORE
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However, sweating is natural and just because you sweat doesn’t mean you’ll automatically stink. Many people avoid the aluminums in antiperspirants in favor of deodorants that still get the job done without reducing sweat. Deodorants can also be ideal for people with sensitive skin thanks to the addition of gentle, often natural ingredients. Choosing between a deodorant and antiperspirant is a personal choice (and, for the record, you can switch back and forth), so find one that fits your lifestyle and give it a shot. Might we suggest starting with this list of the best.
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BEST OVERALL DEODORANT
Oars & Alps Aluminum-Free Deodorant
PROS
- Made with natural ingredients
- Wide array of fresh, unique scents
CONS
- Some reviewers say it requires multiple applications
| Key Ingredients | Aloe, corn starch |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple, but we like the citrusy California Coast scent |
Oars + Alps is a powerful natural deodorant that absorbs odor, while botanical ingredients nourish the skin. It’s vegan and cruelty-free with no alcohol, aluminum, parabens, sulfates, gluten or phthalates. Their proprietary alpine caribous moss ingredient sourced from the Arctic Circle in Northern Finland is antioxidant-rich and boosts elasticity while guarding against environmental hazards like pollution and inflammation.
Testing Notes: One of our biggest gripes with natural deodorants – apart from when they just don’t work – is residue. Whether chalky or oily, nothing is worse than when you put on a fresh shirt only for it to be ruined by deodorant shmutz. We are happy to report that in our testing process, we found that these deodorants went on clear and did not leave any residue at all on our clothes.
We also took into account that some online reviewers mentioned needing multiple applications – we found that this largely has to do with the scent you’re using and how it reacts to your own body chemistry. Some of the longer lasting scents, we found, were enough to last all day. It may just take some trial and error until you find the right scent for you.
BEST DESIGNER DEODORANT
Chanel Bleu De Chanel Deodorant
PROS
- Invigorating citrus smell
- Layer under matching fragrance for all-day freshness
CONS
- Expensive
| Key Ingredients | Fragrance |
|---|---|
| Scent | Citrus, cedar and sandalwood |
If scent is important to you, this deodorant from Chanel will most certainly win your favor. It’s a luxury deodorant, so the price tag is going to reflect that, but the quality is apparent in the complexity of the formula. Some guys may even find that they can skip cologne when they wear this deodorant, saving them time and money.
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Testing Notes: In terms of fighting odor, this designer version works well because it’s all about the scent. It goes on pretty slick, but make sure to give it a little bit to dry on your body before putting on clothes, otherwise you run the risk of some wet marks. There isn’t a lot of other stuff in the formula besides fragrance, which means it’s not going to attempt to control wetness, so it may not be the best option for a strenuous workout or super hot day, but sometimes you don’t need that. We found the scent was enough to get us through most of the day without needing to reapply.
BEST DEODORANT/COLOGNE COMBO
GUESS Effect Deodorizing Body Spray
PROS
- Woody, sophisticated scent
- Easy spray-on application
CONS
- Can be easy to use too much
- Scent can fade quickly
| Key ingredients | Fragrance |
|---|---|
| Scent | Grapefruit, mandarin, clary sage, musk, vanilla |
Named in our Grooming Awards, this body spray is effective as a deodorizer and a cologne. The spray is versatile enough to wear to and from the gym and for everyday use. And because it’s only $10, you can buy two and throw one in your gym bag for on-the-go use.
Testing Notes: The scent starts out strong like a cologne but can fade quickly. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since it can be easy to apply too much when it comes to body sprays. The scent itself is the same as the Guess Effect cologne so it’s a good compliment if it’s one you already wear—or a cheaper version if you’ve been curious about trying the scent out. Think of this as the same cologne just a different vehicle for delivery.
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY DEODORANT
Helmm The Starter Kit
PROS
- Refillable packaging helps reduce plastic waste
- Multiple formulas to choose from
CONS
- Expensive
| Key Ingredients | Fragrance, Propylene Glycol, botanical extracts (natural deodorant only) |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple, but we like the fresh Hudson scent |
HELMM‘s proprietary formula is made without the use of parabens, phthalates or sulfates. Its design is super sleek—and the best part? You have the option to subscribe to a delivery box service for new cartridges. You get to choose from four premium, quality scents that were developed and crafted by an award-winning French perfumer.
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Testing Notes: We appreciate any time a brand takes into account that people sweat differently, which is why we’re impressed that HELMM has two different strength options. The natural deodorant is a good option for mild sweaters or people who really don’t have much odor (lucky them). We, however, sweat a bit more than that formula could handle, so we turned to the sport deodorant, which is a bit stronger. We found that it got the job done even with only one application in the morning (though, to be on the safe side, we often applied it before working out just to be safe). The scents are high end-smelling and lasted for hours – exactly what you want in a deodorant.
BEST FOR THE GYM
Offcourt Performance Body Spray
PROS
- Available in a wide array of scents
- Has prebiotic ingredients that proactively eliminate odor
- Available in a multi-pack
CONS
- Some users might want a stronger scent
| Key Ingredients | Fragrance |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple, but we like the Coconut Water and Sandalwood scent the best |
Another spray deodorant that’s effective for gym use. OffCourt has a wide array of amazing scents and comes in at a wallet-friendly price. What’s unique is the brand uses prebiotics in the spray’s formula to help promote good bacteria growth, thus eliminating odor-producing bacteria.
The scents of this body spray are subtle, but that’s kind of the point. You don’t want to completely overwhelm your body with a heavy fragrance and, even though these are on the lighter side, they last a long time thanks to the ability to also help control odor causing bacteria. We haven’t found a body spray that strikes this balance of freshness but subtly before this one and it’s what makes it our favorite.
Testing Notes: While we can’t say for sure whether it’s the prebiotics themselves that do this, but we did find out our testing process that even though the scents of this body spray are subtle, they lasted for hours and effectively covered up body odor for longer than we expected them to. Because of that, we’re inclined to believe that the prebiotics and other odor-controlling ingredients in the formula, besides the scent itself, are actually doing what they say they are.
BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Bravo Sierra Deodorant
PROS
- Contains probiotics to help control bacteria
- Applies completely clear
CONS
- Some reviewers reported irritation
| Key Ingredients | Tapioca starch, diatomaceous earth, aloe juice |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple, but we like the White Vetiver and Cedarwood |
Sure, tons of brands offer long-lasting deodorants, but when a deodorant has been put to the test by over 1,000 U.S. Special Forces soldiers, you know it’s the real deal to combat odor. BRAVO SIERRA is a new grooming line created with the military to provide eco-friendly essentials for men at a low price that can’t be beat. The whole line is genius and worthy of your hard-earned dollars, but if you’re going to try one item, we’d have to say this aluminum-free deodorant is just the must-have men have been looking for.
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Testing Notes: Not only is the scent of this deodorant amazing (fresh but also woody), but we especially love that the stick goes on completely clear, unlike many other deodorants that can leave a chalky or white residue. There are some oils in here that may still stain some clothing, but allow it to dry for a few minutes and you’ll be fine. The scent will last you most of the day, but not forever, so you’ll want to reapply it if you’re going out at night.
BEST DEODORANT WITH PROBIOTICS
Native Cucumber Mint Deodorant
PROS
- Available in a variety of scents
- Contains probiotics to help control bacteria
CONS
- Contains baking soda
| Key Ingredients | Coconut oil, shea butter, magnesium, baking soda, tapioca starch |
|---|---|
| Scent | Many but we like the fresh Eucalyptus and Mint |
When you switch from aluminum-based products, expect a short purging period, says Dr. Zeichner. That’s just your body clearing out aluminum. (It’ll only feel like you’re sweating more.) This minty deodorant contains natural moisturizers like shea butter to keep your underarms smooth.
Testing Notes: The draw of Native, apart from the fact that the deodorant just plain works, is the wide variety of scents. There are a lot to choose from so we advise trying a few to find out which mixes with your own body chemistry best to provide the longest odor protection. While we don’t usually love a solid bar, we were pleasantly surprised that this one didn’t leave any residue. Just make sure to give your pits a bit of drying time before putting on clothes to minimize the risk.
Dove Men + Care Deodorant Spray
Beat the summer heat with 48-hour protection, thanks to Dove Men+Care. The powerful-yet-mild formula does wonders for keeping even the sweatiest men dry, without leaving any residue that’ll ruin your summer shirts. Affordable, easy-to-apply, and next-level protection make this option a no-brainer choice for any guy.
Testing Notes: We will always be fans of spray deodorants for the simple fact that they’re just easy. If you worry about residue on your clothes, one of the simplest solves is to switch from a stick to a spray. Most sprays dry quicker than a stick – this one certainly does – and we hardly ever have white or greasy stains on our shirts when we use them. What we said above the 48 hour claim is true, but we found that when you shake the can very well and spray on a little bit more than you think you need, you’ll get more long lasting coverage.
BEST FRAGRANCE-FREE DEODORANT
Hume Supernaturals Fragrance Free Deodorant
PROS
- Sensitive skin friendly
- Contains pre- and probiotics to balance bacteria
- Gentle formula
CONS
- May not be strong enough for heavy sweaters
| Key Ingredients | Diatomaceous earth, silica, lactobacillus ferment, tapioca starch |
|---|---|
| Scent | None |
Most deodorants rely heavily on fragrance to mask body odor (to various degrees of success), but this one is different because there is no fragrance at all. That’s good news for people with sensitive skin who could possibly react to added fragrance or people who just don’t want to smell like, well, anything. Somehow the ingredients in this formula control odor without masking it; ingredients like pre- and probiotics to help balance the skin’s microbiome and control odor-causing bacteria.
Testing Notes: It’s hard to adjust to a fragrance free deodorant, but we found in our testing process that it’s a nice option if you start to get tired of other deodorants that rely on scent to mask odor. Keep in mind that you might need to apply more of this one than you would some others to get the same odor protection since there isn’t an added scent to help. That’s not a bad thing, just might take some trial and error.
BEST CLASSIC DEODORANT
Old Spice Swagger Deodorant
PROS
- Clear stick formula
- Scent is strong and lasts a long time
- Easy to find in stores
CONS
- May irritate sensitive skin
| Key Ingredients | Fragrance |
|---|---|
| Scent | Woody and fresh with a base of sandalwood |
It’s not just the long lasting scent that makes this deodorant stand out. Unlike chalkier solid deodorant bars, this one is completely clear which means it leaves no residue at all on your pits (perfect for tank top season). The scent is strong enough to last all day even for heavy sweaters and, while it won’t reduce actual sweating, it absolutely prevents it from smelling.
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Testing Notes: No one would call this deodorant subtle, that’s for sure. The scent is strong and has your classic drugstore deodorant vibe (ultra fresh and clean). The strength of the scent isnt’ a bad thing – in fact, if you feel like your smell can be strong at times, this kind of deodorant is perfect for masking it for hours. Since there’s no fuss to the formula, it’s all about the scent with this guy, though we did also appreciate that it goes on completely clear without any chalky or greasy residue.
BEST DEODORANT GEL
Nécessaire The Deodorant Gel
PROS
- Completely clear formula
- Fragrance-free option
- Skin beneficial ingredients
CONS
- Expensive
- Needs ample time to dry to avoid staining clothes
| Key Ingredients | Lactic acid, niacinamide, mandelic acid, potassium hydroxide |
|---|---|
| Scent | Multiple, but we like the subtle eucalyptus scent. |
This easy-to-apply deodorant gel is completely clear, and a little more watery than your typical stick, which makes it way easy to apply and get full coverage with less product needed. It comes in a few different scents, including fragrance-free, but even the scented versions are subtle and not overwhelming. But the best thing about it is the skincare-like ingredients: niacinamide to help reduce dark spots and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids to keep your pits smooth (it’s especially ideal if you shave or trim your armpit hair).
Testing Notes: We’ve said it already, but we’ll say it again: give this one ample dry time before putting on clothes. Because of the liquidy-serum formula, it takes quite a while to dry compared to your typical stick and definitely compared to a spray. The formula is soothing and pleasant to use, once you get the hang of the extended drying time needed.
What to Look for in Deodorants
Sweat reduction: Deodorants are an extremely personal product. The first thing is that if you’re looking for sweat reduction, head for an antiperspirant which will help with that. Remember that deodorants only control odor, not sweat.
Scent: Once you’ve decided on a deodorant, look for one with a scent you like. A stronger scent usually means more long lasting protection.
Non-irritating ingredients: If you’re prone to skin irritation, you may want to consider a baking soda-free version as baking soda has been shown to cause irritation in some people. Look instead for ingredients like magnesium, tapioca starch and arrowroot powder.
Consistency type: Finally, you’ll want to consider the delivery mechanism. Most deodorants come in solid stick form: chalkier ones may carry more risk of leaving stains on clothes. Sprays, gels and lotions are also available if you’re not into the stick thing. Mostly, when it comes to deodorants and your own unique brand of odor, you may want to consider trying a variety of formulas to see what works best with your body chemistry.
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Is Aluminum Bad For You?
The biggest difference between deodorants and antiperspirants (which actually block sweat) is that they contain aluminum. To date, aluminum is the only FDA-approved ingredient to effectively block sweat and it does this by physically plugging up the sweat glands in your armpits. However, in recent years aluminum has come under fire as some people claim it is linked to certain diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Because of this, there’s been a rise in the popularity of aluminum-free deodorants like the ones you see on this list.
Does that mean they’re healthier for you? “We don’t have any studies that support the claim that there are health risks to using aluminum [in antiperspirants],” says dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD. “We eat more aluminum than we actually get in our antiperspirants. The aluminum we get in our antiperspirants doesn’t affect us in any negative way.” Whether or not you use deodorant or antiperspirant is a personal choice.
Why Trust Us?
For the past five years, Men’s Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research. Men’s Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.
Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men’s Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving. Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, has been testing deodorants for more than 10 years, so he absolutely knows what he’s talking about.
How We Selected
For the past three years, we consulted with Men’s Health’s Grooming editors and writers on the best-performing deodorants for men. Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of men’s deodorants to the test and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and price point. We also considered top-reviewed men’s deodorants that had over 100 five-star ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.
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