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The 10 best deodorants and antiperspirants for men in 2024, according to testers and dermatologists
Whether you're looking for a deodorant to stop the stink or an antiperspirant to block the sweat, this list has you covered.
We’ve all stood in front of that daunting wall of deodorants in the drugstore or grocery store and thought, "Is it really necessary for one brand to have 10 variations of deodorant?" Then you start reading the labels and realize that some are deodorants, others are antiperspirants and still others are a combination. Add in the choice of solids, gels, sprays or wipes, plus 24-, 48- or 72-hour protection, and your mind is toast. How are you supposed to find the best deodorant or antiperspirant for men in a sea of products?
To help you break down the madness and choose the best deodorant and/or antiperspirant for you, we turned to a panel of experts, including dermatologists and in-house testers. For starters, we asked about the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant, and why you might want both in one product. "Deodorants mask the odor, while antiperspirants prevent you from sweating," said Dr. Monika Kaniszewska, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago. So, in order to stop stink and sweat, you'll want a combination of both.
With feedback from our experts, we compared dozens of products, from extra-strength sweat-stopping antiperspirants to gentle, all-natural, aluminum-free deodorants, to find the best of the best. We consulted multiple scientific studies that address the differences between solids, gels, wipes, creams and everything in between. Whether you're looking for an all-natural deodorant for men, designed to stop the stink without harsh chemicals, or the best antiperspirant for men to block sweat completely, this list has you covered.
Cost: $5.50 | Application type: Solid | Active Ingredients: Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY (20%), allantoin, jojoba seed oil, ginger root extract | Features: Allantoin to minimize irritation | Scents Available: Stone, Redwood, Fig, Shiso, and Wildlands | Longevity: 48 hours
Harry's Odor & Enhanced Sweat Control Extra-Strength Antiperspirant won our top spot due to working 48 hours to both minimize odors and stop sweat before it starts thanks to a 20% formulation of Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY, or in simplest terms, the salt that blocks sweat. Dr. Amy Forman Taub, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology tells us, "Antiperspirants are formulated with aluminum salts, which work by forming a temporary plug in the sweat ducts — specifically the eccrine glands — thus preventing you from sweating."
This combo deodorant and antiperspirant will minimize sweat production while its deodorizing properties will keep you smelling fresh thanks to a variety of earthy and woodsy scents. It's formulated with allantoin to help minimize skin irritation and is free from potentially harmful parabens. To top it all off, it sells for less than $6 per stick.
While you will find other products on this list are specially designed for specific needs or have a more elaborate list of features than Harry's, but at the end of the day, Harry's Odor & Enhanced Sweat Control Extra-Strength Antiperspirant is easily our top choice for any man simply looking to stay dry and smell his best, without breaking the bank.
- Multiple scents available
- 48-hour sweat protection
- Paraben-free
- No unscented variety available
Cost: $2.24 per stick | Application type: Solid | Active Ingredients | Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (19%) | Features: Goes on clear, won't stain colored clothes | Scents Available: Active sport, fresh, powder fresh, cool blast, unscented | Longevity: 48-hours
Arm & Hammer might be best known as a baking soda company, but when it comes to creating a budget-friendly antiperspirant deodorant that works overtime to keep you dry and smelling fresh for under $3, the company is second to none. Its Ultra Max antiperspirant + deodorant works to both minimize odors and minimize the production of sweat itself for 48 hours. It's a standard aluminum antiperspirant combined with baking soda, which helps to reduce body odor. While testers said it can leave a small trace of yellow on white clothing, it goes on clear, so it won't stain darker clothing white like so many other brands do.
Admittedly, Arm & Hammer Ultra Max lacks many of the specialized features of other products on this list, but its incredibly low price point makes it a solid stand-out.
- Budget-friendly
- Long-lasting
- Trusted brand
- Limited scent options
Cost: $4.98 ($7.98 for a 2 pack) | Application type: Invisible solid | Active ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY (11.4%) | Features: Invisible, lasts up to three days, free from parabens, and baking soda | Scents available: Fresh | Longevity: 72 hours
If you're an active guy who needs a deodorant that can keep going for as long as you do, Degree Ultra Clear 72H+ antiperspirant deodorant is worth your consideration. Not only does it last a full three days, but it does so even if you are participating in athletic activities thanks to Degree's MotionSense? odor-control technology that activates the deodorant every time you move. That means that it is up to the task of getting through a weekend sports tournament or a long series of nerve-wracking business meetings at a conference.
It's free from parabens but do want to point out that it contains gelatin, so it's not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- 72-hour sweat protection
- Goes on and stays invisible
- MotionSense? odor-control technology
- May be irritating to sensitive skin
- Not vegan or vegetarian friendly
Cost: $14 | Application type: Solid | Key ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, (Corn) Starch | Features: Unscented version, added prebiotics, invisible, free from aluminum, alcohol, and baking soda | Scents available: Deep sea glacier, mandarin woods, unscented with prebiotics | Longevity: Unclear
Oars + Alps aluminum-free, allergen-free and fragrance deodorant offers men with sensitive skin a deodorant with appealing scents without worrying that it will cause irritation and discomfort. While standard deodorants designed for sensitive skin leave out fragrances due to causing irritation, Oars + Alps created two scents — mandarin woods and deep sea glacier — that are free from the typical fragrance chemicals that commonly cause allergic reactions. The deodorant is also free from irritants such as, aluminum, alcohol and baking soda. What really sets this deodorant apart from every other product on this list is the included prebiotics that support a healthy microbiome to help prevent smelly bacteria from forming.
One thing to note is that the Oars + Alps website doesn't state how long the deodorant is supposed to last. Furthermore, in its guide to switching to aluminum-free deodorant, it states, "Don’t be afraid to apply your new aluminum-free deodorant more than once a day."
- Allergen-free
- Unscented available
- Vegan
- Expensive
- May need to reapply often when switching from aluminum-based products
Cost: $13.50 for a 2 pack | Application type: Roll-on | Key Ingredients: Aluminum, 1/4 Moisturizer Technology | | Features: Unscented, invisible, added moisturizers | Scents available: Unscented | Longevity: 48-hours
Dove is one of the few companies offering roll-on deodorant designed specifically for men, and while it offers three varieties of roll-on deodorant, we chose the invisible dry formula for its 48 hours of sweat and stink stoping, stain-preventing ingredients. Dove tested the product on 100 different colors of clothing to guarantee that no matter what you wear, this roll-on won't leave behind residue. Not only is the product easy on your wardrobe, it's also healthy for your skin. Dove boasts that one-quarter of the product is moisturizer. It's also a non-irritant formula, so it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
- 48-hour protection
- Will not stain clothes
- Added moisturizers
- Only unscented available
Cost: $17 | Application type: Aerosol spray | Active ingredient: Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate 18% | Features: Unscented version, Smart adopt technology, lasts up to 4 days | Scents available: Clean, Fresh, Marine, Bold and Neutral | Longevity: up to 96 hours
Aerosol deodorants are some of the easiest to apply and don't leave a thick smear on your skin. Choosing one that provides long-lasting protection and doesn't simply run down the side of your body can be challenging. Unlimited by Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray exceeds expectations.
Unlimited by Degree is a new dry spray antiperspirant-deodorant hybrid that keeps you stink-free for up to 96 hours. That’s four days! It features the brand’s exclusive SmartAdapt technology, which adapts and responds to your body to create a barrier against sweat and odor. Basically, this micro-barrier is activated in response to movement, heat, and stress. So, you’ll get extra protection during moments when you need it the most (like when you’re at the gym.)
And although Degree does have gender-specific deodorants, Unlimited is marketed for unisex use. Five different scents are available that range from clean and airy to bold and warm. And, if you’re not up for a dry spray, it comes in a solid stick.
- Doesn’t leave white residue
- Long-lasting sweat protection
- Five, gender-neutral scent options
- No fragrance-free option
Cost: $20 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredient: Probiotics, Spirulina, Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants, Tapioca Starch, Magnesium Hydroxide, Baking Soda, and Coconut Oil | Features: Aluminum- and alcohol-free, added probiotics, magnesium and coconut oil | Scents available: Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Black Rose & Oud, and Neroli & Basil | Longevity: All day
If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen the viral deodorant from Salt & Stone called the Natural Deodorant. It's crafted with all-natural, good-for-your-body ingredients like probiotics, magnesium and coconut oil. It uses antioxidant-rich seaweed and spirulina to protect and soothe irritated skin, while hyaluronic acid helps gently exfoliate and brighten your underarms. But perhaps more impressively, it contains probiotics, which work to balance the skin’s microbiome and prevent odor.
Salt & Stone's Natural deodorant is gender-neutral and comes in four unique and sophisticated scents, such as Black Rose & Oud, which has notes of lily, mahogany, amber and black rose. There’s no fragrance-free option, but there is a gel formula for sensitive skin.
- Probiotics help rebalance skin microbiome
- Softens underarm skin
- Vegan, cruelty-free formula with no alcohol or parabens
- Contains some baking soda
- Pricey
Cost: $5.57 | Application type: roll-on | Key ingredient: 12% Aluminum Chloride | Features: Unscented, near prescription strength | Scents available: Unscented | Longevity: 72-hours
Certain Dri prioritizes keeping you sweat-free over all else. Its formula uses aluminum chloride, which is the most powerful of the aluminum salts found in many prescription antiperspirants. Unlike other antiperspirants, you apply Certain Dri at night rather than in the morning allowing the aluminum time to block the sweat ducts, leading to a dryer day. Certain Dri also sells stick and aerosol antiperspirants, but its roll-on is one of its strongest products featuring aluminum chloride.
Its biggest downside is that it can cause skin irritation, especially if used on damaged or otherwise irritated skin. It's also important to speak to your doctor if you are concerned that your sweat is overly-excessive or a sign of a medical problem.
- Very powerful protection
- Available as a roll-on, stick or spray
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Only unscented available
Cost: $18 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredient: Coconut oil and Sage oil | Features: Unscented, free of aluminum, parabens, sulfates and baking soda | Scents available: Original, Driftwood, and Beach | Longevity: All day
Kopari Aluminum-Free Coconut Deodorant is an organic, non-toxic, plant-based and all-around skin-friendly deodorant. The all-natural formula is free from aluminum, parabens, sulfates and baking soda, making it safe, clean and gentle enough for children's skin. Kopari uses coconut water, coconut oil and sage oil to keep you smelling and feeling good. Additionally, the coconut and sage oils are antimicrobial and antibacterial, which eliminate and neutralize body odor while simultaneously moisturizing and soothing the skin.
- Aluminum, baking soda and alcohol-free
- Moisturizing formula
- Goes on smooth
- Not as long-lasting
Cost: $18 with subscription; $30 one-time purchase | Application type: Solid | Active ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly 18%, sodium hydroxide | Features: Aluminum-free options, blend of sunflower seed oil and aloe vera leaf extract | Scents available: 4; Trailblazer, Coastline, Hudson, and Night Market | Longevity: 24 hours
Helmm antiperspirant and deodorant, "designed for the modern man," offers three formulas in four fresh scents. Along with the antiperspirant, there are two aluminum-free options: the Sport deodorant stick — made with sodium stearate to stop sweat — and the Natural deodorant stick, which contains sodium hydroxide and a blend of plant-based ingredients like sunflower seed oil and aloe vera leaf extract. In addition to the high-quality ingredients, we really liked the company's commitment to sustainability, eco-friendly packaging and its subscription-based service that works on your schedule.
You’ll first need to purchase a starter kit, which comes with a container and a refill pod, or you can opt for a disposable antiperspirant stick. You can then subscribe to get automatic refills every six, seven, or eight weeks. Subscriptions also come with a discounted price on both the starter kit and future pod refills.
We do want to point out that the initial cost can be rather expensive, depending on your chosen starter kit.
There are two different starter kits available:
Compass Vessel ($30): A rubber-coated container that comes in four colors: black, dark blue, light blue and white. It’s priced at $30 for a one-time purchase or $18 for a subscription.
Heritage Vessel ($80 - $100): Made of metal and hand-stitched leather and comes in black or brown. If you subscribe to the service, the price is discounted to $65-$85.
Refill pods cost $18, but if you opt for a subscription, the cost per refill is $14.
- Eco-friendly, refillable design
- Subscription options for convenience
- Three formulas to choose from, including aluminum-free
- No fragrance-free version available
- Black leather vessels are significantly more expensive
What to consider when buying the best deodorant for men
Antiperspirants vs. deodorants
While some people use the terms "antiperspirant" and "deodorant" interchangeably, these are two different things. According to Dr. Camila Antia, a Houston-based dermatologist, "Antiperspirants control sweat by blocking sweat glands, usually with aluminum compounds. Deodorants, on the other hand, primarily mask odor and may contain antimicrobial agents. Some products are combination antiperspirant deodorants, providing both functions." The difference means that if excessive sweating is your main concern, antiperspirants are better suited for you than a standard deodorant.
You can tell whether a product is an antiperspirant by looking for the term "antiperspirant" on the label. Furthermore, in the United States, antiperspirants are regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter drug and have drug information panels on their labels.
All-natural deodorants vs. regular deodorants
Many deodorants claim to be all-natural, but if you're shopping in the United States, this term means little in terms of cosmetics.
However, many deodorants advertised as "natural" are free from parabens, which are preservatives often found in many cosmetics. Some research has suggested that parabens can disrupt human hormone production, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "health effects from environmental exposure to low levels of parabens are unknown."
Ingredients
Aluminum-based antiperspirants: Various aluminum compounds are used in antiperspirants because they work to reduce the release of sweat by physically blocking it from exiting the sweat glands, chemically inhibiting sweat release, or a combination of the two.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Baking soda acts as a deodorizer, partially by killing the bacteria that cause body odor. While baking soda is nontoxic, it can cause skin irritation. Avoid it if you have sensitive skin.
Fragrances: In the United States, companies are not required to list ingredients added to products to create scents, but fragrances can cause allergic reactions. Since there's no way to identify which chemical caused the reaction, those who've had allergic reactions to fragrances should choose unscented deodorants.
Application type
Solid: Solid deodorants are just that — solid rather than liquid or gel-like. Solids are often bright white, which can lead to stains on darker clothing.
Invisible solid: Invisible solids are identical to other solids except they go on clear instead of white.
Roll-on deodorant: Roll-on deodorants are liquid and often have a smooth, gel-like consistency. You apply these deodorants by rubbing a roller ball at the end of a tube against your skin. The biggest downside is that they can leave you feeling a little wet and sticky for a few moments until they're completely absorbed by your skin.
Spray: Spray, or aerosol, deodorants are applied by spraying under your armpits, like you would a spray-on sunscreen.
Gel: Some deodorants come in gel form but are applied like a solid deodorant rather than a roll-on. These deodorants don't leave stains, unlike most solids. However, they can take a while to dry.
Wipe: Wipes can be an easy way to reapply deodorant throughout the day if you need to remove some sweat in the process. Most don't contain antiperspirant and tend to be on the expensive side.
Strength
Many deodorants and antiperspirants are labeled "extra-strength." This usually means that they have more of whatever active ingredient (typically aluminum) included to keep you dry and smelling fresh. Figuring out whether you need an extra-strength product is a matter of trial and error.
Longevity
Different deodorants and antiperspirants claim to last different amounts of time. Most last for a minimum of a day, while others claim to last up to three or four days. While these results vary, you might want to choose a longer-lasting product if you forget to reapply or don't shower every day.
Cost
Since deodorants and antiperspirants need to be reapplied at least once every couple of days, choosing one that you can afford to purchase on a regular basis is important. Deodorants advertised as "all-natural" and ones from luxury brands tend to be more expensive, yet may or may not contain sweat- or smell-blocking ingredients.
More popular brands can sometimes be bought in bulk online, which can drive down the cost per stick. When evaluating the price of a product, make sure to check not only how many sticks of deodorant are included, but also how many ounces of product are in each stick, since each product can vary in size.
How we chose the best deodorant for men
We evaluated dozens of deodorant and antiperspirant products and spoke to board-certified dermatologists, in addition to reviewing the scientific literature. We chose products that received positive reviews online that provided a breadth of features, depending on the category. We rated each product based on variables such as ingredients, cost, longevity, scents and what the product stated it was designed to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are antiperspirant deodorants safe to use?
Yes, said Antia, the Houston-based dermatologist. "Generally, antiperspirant deodorants are considered safe for most people. They work by reducing sweat production and often contain aluminum compounds. Some individuals may be sensitive to certain ingredients, so it's advisable to check for any allergic reactions."
Is men’s deodorant stronger than women’s?
Nope. "The strength of deodorants is not necessarily determined by gender," Antia said. "Some products may be marketed with specific scents or packaging for men or women, but the effectiveness is more related to the formulation." So if you like that lilac-scented deodorant you sniffed at the drugstore, go for it.
When is the best time to apply deodorant?
Although the conventional wisdom is that you should apply deodorant after your morning shower, that's not when it's most effective to do so. Antia advised that "it's best to apply antiperspirant to clean, dry skin at night. Sweat gland activity decreases during sleep. Nighttime application allows the active ingredients, such as aluminum-based compounds, more time to penetrate and block sweat ducts. It also allows the product to dry thoroughly and decreases the chance of irritation."
How often should I reapply deodorant?
That depends. Different products claim to last a variety of times: anywhere from one to three or four days. Antia said that while these claims can be true, your results depend far more on your lifestyle and biology. "Whether a deodorant can last for 48 hours depends on factors such as individual sweat rates, activity levels and product composition."
Does aluminum-free deodorant work as well as regular deodorant? Is it safer?
No and no. Dr. Natalie Hone, a dermatologist in Houston, said aluminum is needed for a deodorant to have antiperspirant properties. "Aluminum-free deodorants work by neutralizing odor but do not reduce sweat like antiperspirants." So while you may want to avoid aluminum if you're allergic, don't worry about it giving you cancer. While it's been suggested that aluminum can cause various ailments and disorders, most notably Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer, there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause any health concerns, including no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer.
At what point should you contact a medical professional about sweat or smells?
"If excessive sweating or persistent odor becomes a concern, it's advisable to consult with your dermatologist," Hone said. "They can help determine if there's an underlying medical issue or recommend suitable solutions." If over-the-counter solutions aren't working for you, there is still hope, she said. "There are several treatment options for patients with severe sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. Options include topical towelettes, oral medications and even neurotoxin injections to the area."
Meet our experts
Camila Antia, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Fara Kamangar, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermGPT
Samuel Hetz, MD, medical director of Concept Medical
Natalie Hone, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Zenovia Gabriel, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist; founder, Advanced Dermatology and skinfo.com
Anne Marie Leger, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Monika Kaniszewska, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Tushar Dabade, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
Steven Prus, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
Ann Cameron Schieber, PA-C, physician assistant, Advanced Dermatology
