Buying guide for best men’s deodorants
Whether you’re working out or just going about your day, sweat can leave you with body odor that’s hard to ignore. Men tend to sweat more than women, so it’s particularly important to find the right men’s deodorant to keep you smelling fresh all day.
But with so many men’s deodorants on the market, finding the best option can be tough. You have to figure out what formula, scent, lasting power, and other features work best for your lifestyle. Sorting through all the choices can definitely get frustrating.
At BestReviews, we can help take the frustration out of shopping. We research products inside and out, so we’re able to pass all the key facts along to you. That means you’ll have all the information you need to make educated shopping decisions without wasting your valuable time.
Looking for a new men’s deodorant? Our top recommendations are in the product list above. If you’re interested in general information on men’s deodorants, keep reading our shopping guide.
How does men’s deodorant work?
If you start to smell when you sweat, blame the bacteria that live on the skin in your armpits. When you sweat, the bacteria feed on the fats and proteins in your perspiration, and that process creates an odor that’s similar to the scent of onions, or what most of us think of as B.O.
Men’s deodorant contains ingredients that help control the bacteria so they don’t produce a noticeable odor.
Some formulas make your armpit skin an unsuitable environment for the bacteria, while others prevent the sweat glands from producing perspiration, so there’s nothing for the bacteria to feed on.
Types of deodorants for men
There are several different types of men’s deodorants, which can all be effective. Choosing one is mainly a matter of personal preference, although it’s important to select one that is easy to use and applies an even coat of the product.
Roll-on: Roll-on deodorant is a liquid formula that goes onto the skin via a roller-ball applicator.
Gel: Gel deodorant has a thick, gel-like consistency and is pushed up through holes in the applicator tip.
Stick: Stick deodorant is a traditional deodorant option. It has a creamy texture but comes in a solid form.
Spray: Spray deodorant is a liquid formula that comes in an aerosol can.
Powder: If you sweat a lot, deodorant powders are a good choice.
Natural: For men who have concerns about the ingredients in traditional deodorants, natural deodorants block odor with mineral salts, baking soda, and plant-based products to help kill the bacteria that cause B.O.
Did you know?
Women actually have more sweat glands than men. However, in comparison, each of a man’s glands produces a larger amount of sweat.
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Men’s deodorant features to consider
Duration
For many men, the most important feature in a deodorant is the length of time it protects against odor. Some deodorants claim to work for 24 to 48 hours. These claims are usually exaggerated, but you’re probably better off choosing one of these formulas. One application is likely all you’ll need to get through 12 to 14 hours of work or school.
Residue
Heavier men’s deodorant formulas like sticks and powders can sometimes leave behind a residue that may stain your clothing. These formulas are often white, so they’re especially a problem if you’re wearing a dark-colored shirt. To protect your clothing, opt for non-staining clear formulas.
Antiperspirant
Deodorants and antiperspirants aren’t necessarily the same thing, although some products are both. Antiperspirants, a subset of deodorants, usually use an aluminum compound to block the sweat glands under the arms and prevent perspiration. Since men sweat more than women, it’s a good idea to choose a product that provides both odor and wetness protection.
Most antiperspirants contain 10% to 15% aluminum. If you have a severe sweating problem, you might want to choose a clinical strength antiperspirant, which contains up to 25% aluminum, for the strongest odor and wetness protection. It’s important to note that clinical strength formulas should be applied at night, not in the morning as you would a traditional deodorant.
Scent
Most deodorants have some type of scent to boost their odor-fighting power. Men’s deodorants usually feature fresh, clean notes or spicy, musky notes, so you can choose the option that best fits your personal preference. Some brands of men’s cologne make deodorants with matching scents, so you don’t have to worry about the two fragrances competing or clashing.
If you have sensitive skin, you might want to opt for a fragrance-free deodorant because the chemicals used to create the scent can be irritating to the skin.
Expert Tip
When you switch to a natural men’s deodorant, there may be an adjustment period during which you sweat more and notice increased odor. It usually only lasts a couple of days, but some men may experience the issue for up to a few weeks.
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Men’s deodorant prices
Men’s deodorants vary in price based mainly on the type of the ingredients, but you’ll typically pay between $3 and $48.
Men’s deodorants that solely provide odor protection are usually the least expensive option, ranging from $3 to $7. Men’s antiperspirant deodorant products are usually a bit more expensive, and typically cost between $5 and $10.
You’ll usually pay more for men’s deodorants that contain natural ingredients too – all-natural formulas usually range from $6 to $22.
The most expensive men’s deodorant options are those that coordinate with designer colognes. These can be either deodorant only or antiperspirant deodorant formulas, but you’ll usually pay between $22 and $48.
Tips
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Always apply deodorant to dry skin for the most effective odor protection.
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Wear shirts that fit loosely under the arms so air can circulate in your armpits and they will be less likely to sweat. A looser fit also helps prevent the deodorant from leaving residue on your clothing.
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Even if you’re not using a clinical strength antiperspirant, it’s a good idea to apply your deodorant at night. You sweat a little as you sleep, which helps activate the product and allows it to penetrate the skin for more effective protection.
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If you don’t feel like your deodorant is offering enough protection, use clean fingers to rub it into your skin after you apply it.
FAQ
Q. Are men’s antiperspirant deodorants safe to use?
A. Antiperspirant deodorants often contain aluminum chlorohydrate, which some individuals believe is linked to certain types of cancer and other health issues. The aluminum is necessary to block the sweat glands in the armpits to prevent perspiration, but it can be absorbed into the body. If you’re concerned about possible health risks, look for a product that contains aluminum salts rather than aluminum chlorohydrate. The salts can still block the sweat glands, but they aren’t absorbed by the body.
Q. What type of men’s deodorant is best for sensitive skin?
A. Many men assume that natural deodorants are the way to go if they have sensitive skin or allergies, but those formulas often contain essential oils that can irritate the skin, too. Instead, look for a hypoallergenic roll-on that doesn’t contain aluminum chlorohydrate. This type of lightweight formula is usually less irritating. It’s also a good idea to choose a fragrance-free option because synthetic fragrances can also cause skin irritation.
Q. How often should I reapply men’s deodorant?
A. A good deodorant should provide enough protection to get you through an entire day with one application. If you find that you have to reapply your deodorant two or more times a day, it’s time to find a new deodorant.
