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The wrong deodorant can transform you from playboy to pariah in a matter of moments.

Because no one wants to be around the guy with sweaty, stinky pits. Not that girl you were flirting with, not your boss, not even your best friend.

And yet most guys put so little thought into what deodorant they use. They simply buy whatever brand has the better commercial or, the cooler looking bottle. Not knowing how many chemicals and toxins they’re exposing themselves to.

So, don’t be like those guys.

There’s a big difference between what they’re using and a quality deodorant, like our #1 pick, L’Occitane Eau des Baux. It smells better, it performs better, and it’s made with better quality ingredients.

And for those of you with sensitive skin, you owe it to yourself to try a deodorant like our #2 pick, MenScience Androceuticals Advanced. No more dealing with underarm irritation and inflammation when you use this stuff.

In this article, we’ll go into more depth on these and 9 other best deodorants.

Plus, we’ll talk about:

The difference between deodorants and antiperspirants

How to find the best deodorant for your needs

Tips for making your deodorant work better and last longer

Quick Summary

Before You Buy: 5 Things You Have to Consider When Buying Deodorant

We’ve compiled a list of 11 pretty dang good deodorants for you to choose from. But while you’re comparing them – or even just shopping on your own – there are some key factors and features to keep an eye on to ensure that you’re buying the right deodorant for your needs and budget.

Type

One of the first things you should do when researching deodorants, whether it’s online or at a store shelf, is to identify what type it is.

Is it a deodorant or an antiperspirant? Is it a solid, gel, or spray?

If you don’t know the difference, we’ll go into more detail on the different types of deodorants, as well as compare deodorant vs. antiperspirants, below. In the meantime, just be aware that different deodorant types do exist, and each type is suited to slightly different needs.

Ingredients

While a lot of guys simply choose a deodorant based on brand name, bottle design, or price, perhaps the most important thing to consider is the ingredients.

Your average deodorant, the stuff that most guys use, is loaded with all sorts of chemicals and other additives. And hey, if you’re cool with that, more power to you.

But in reality, you can get a deodorant with much better quality ingredients that still performs just as well – and often even for a similar price. The only way to do so, however, is by paying attention to the ingredients in the first place.

Performance

Deodorants serve a pretty clear purpose. They’re supposed to keep you smelling good – or at least, keep you from smelling bad – throughout the day.

But though all deodorants have the same goal, not all of them pull it off. Some will last you from morning ‘til night, even at the gym or on the job site, while other deodorants will have you stinking a few hours after you put them on.

So, always look for a deodorant with a reputation for good, if not great, performance.

Scent

There’s also a wide spectrum of different scents in the deodorant world. At one extreme, you have completely unscented products, like our #2 pick. And at the other end are deodorants like our #3 pick, which can compete head-to-head with some colognes.

And there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Scented deodorant, for instance, helps cover up body odor, but it can also clash with your normal cologne.

So, always make sure to give the deodorants a smell test yourself, if you’re shopping in persona, or find out what reviews say about the scent if you’re shopping online.

Price

Of course, a lot of guys will jump straight to this point: price.

And while we can’t blame them, we’d like to advise a little caution. Because the truth is, there are some $4 deodorants that have good ingredients and performance, and there are some $20 deodorants that, well, stink, if you’ll pardon the pun.

So, hat we’re saying is, keep your budget in mind, but don’t make a decision based solely on price. We made sure to include the best deodorants at different price points on our list, so whether you’re looking to scrimp or to splurge, there’s something here for you.

The 11 best deodorants for men in 2020

1. Best Overall Deodorant: L’Occitane Eau des Baux

Best Features:

Excellent scent

Dries quickly

Eliminates odor-causing bacteria

Aluminum-free

The best deodorant for:

Men looking for an excellent all-around deodorant that smells and performs great

Overview

Some guys are cool with grabbing the cheapest deodorant they can find on the grocery store shelf. And hey, nothing wrong with that. But if that’s your approach, you may want to skip to one of our more budget-friendly picks.

However, if you’re the type of man who’s willing to shell out a little more to stay fresh, you can’t beat L’Occitane Eau des Baux.

Why? Because this particular deodorant manages to knock it out of the park in three different categories: performance, ingredients, and scent.

It goes on smooth and dries quickly, but it’s also long-lasting, even in hot and sweaty conditions. Performance: check.

This L’Occitane deodorant is alcohol-free, aluminum-free, and paraben-free, providing a more natural, healthier, and less irritating experience for your skin. That’s another check, this time in the ingredient box.

Finally, there’s the scent. Inspired by the medieval knights who once protected the French village of Des Baux, its middle notes are cypress and incense, giving it a masculine, woody vibe, without being musky or too strong.

L’Occitane describes it as “mysterious,” and we’d have to agree. We feel positively knightly with this stuff on.

Fragrance: check.

As we hinted at earlier, this stuff is on the pricier side of the deodorant spectrum, quite a leap from the $3 grocery-store stick. And the container’s round shape makes application a little different, though it’s still easy.

But overall, this is one kick-ass B.O. blocker, enough so that it’s our pick for best overall deodorant for men. If you want to smell like a chivalrous French knight – or just like a well-groomed guy from the 21st century – this is your go-to.

Pros With a scent inspired by the cologne of the same name, this stuff smells great; masculine but not too strong

With a scent inspired by the cologne of the same name, this stuff smells great; masculine but not too strong Free from potentially harmful chemicals, like aluminum and parabens, and it’s alcohol-free too

Free from potentially harmful chemicals, like aluminum and parabens, and it’s alcohol-free too Still manages to fight and eliminate odor-causing bacteria, for long-lasting performance

Still manages to fight and eliminate odor-causing bacteria, for long-lasting performance Dries quickly after application and doesn’t leave a bunch of residue on your clothes or underarms

Cons Circular stick design takes a little getting used to at first

Bottom Line

L’Occitane’s Eau des Baux deodorant smells great, lasts all day, and is made with premium, chemical-free ingredients. If you’ve got the budget for it, this is definitely the stuff you want in your bag or on your bathroom sink.

2. Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant

Best Features:

Aluminum-free

Won’t stain clothes

Provides maximum odor prevention

Scientifically formulated with high concentrations of dermatological-grade ingredients (best for sensitive skin)

The best deodorant for:

Guys with sensitive skin who want to stay fresh and odor-free

Overview

It’s tough being a guy with sensitive skin. Especially if you sweat a lot.

Because the deodorants that keep you from stanking have the tendency to irritate your underarms, and the stuff that’s softer on your skin often leaves you smelling like an old gym bag.

So, you find yourself choosing between pits that burn and pits that reek. At times, you might even end up stuck with both, in some cruel twist of underarm irony.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Because there are deodorants, like MenScience Androceuticals, that are specially formulated to battle body odor, while at the same time being less harsh than typical deodorants.

MenScience’s softer, less irritating profile is partially achieved by leaving out abrasive chemicals, like alcohol and aluminum, as well as fragrances and dyes.

But they also add things to the mix, like aloe and allantoin, which actively soothe and protect sensitive skin.

And even many of actual deodorizing properties come from natural ingredients, like tea tree oil and witch hazel.

All of these factors combine to create a deodorant that can be lathered on even the most sensitive skin without issue. And you won’t have to worry about staining your clothes either.

It goes on smooth and dry, but still manages to work and last for the entire day.

So, what’s the catch?

Well, the first thing that will jump out at you is the price. It’s definitely not the cheapest deodorant. But we think it’s worth the cost, especially for guys with sensitive skin.

However, the stick itself is a little bulky, making it less convenient to carry around. It’s not that big of a deal, but it’s worth mentioning if you’re looking for a deodorant that will easily slide into your gym bag or carry-on.

Pros Removes abrasive, irritating chemicals and replaces them with soothing natural ingredients, making this deodorant great for guys with sensitive skin

Removes abrasive, irritating chemicals and replaces them with soothing natural ingredients, making this deodorant great for guys with sensitive skin Scientifically formulated to provide max odor protection from morning to night

Scientifically formulated to provide max odor protection from morning to night No fragrances, dyes, or harmful chemicals, so it won’t stain your shirts

Cons Bulky, heavy container is not very travel-friendly

Bottom Line

MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant is our top choice for guys with sensitive skin. But any guy who wants a long-lasting, irritation-free deodorant should give it a look, especially if you prefer unscented products.

3. Best Smelling Deodorant: Helmm Premium Natural Deodorant

Best Features:

Four great scents to choose from

Refillable container made from steel

All-natural ingredients and fragrances

Aluminum-free

The best deodorant for:

Those looking for a premium deodorant experience with great scent packages

Overview

If the first two picks weren’t quite premium enough for you, well, it’s a good thing you kept reading. Because this next one is probably what you’re looking for.

Let’s start with one of Helmm’s most distinguishing features: the applicator.

Now, there’s certainly some variety among typical stick deodorant containers, whether in shape, color, or size. You’ve got the sleek contoured design – and the simple, straightforward one.

You’ve got green containers, yellow containers, blue, silver, and white. There’s the travel size, the normal size, and the “[insert percentage] more in each bottle!” size.

But ultimately, most deodorant containers are more similar than they are different. They’re almost all made out of some form of plastic, and they’re pretty much exclusively single-use.

Until now.

Not only does Helmm deodorant come in a premium applicator, made of nickel-plated, laser-engraved zinc, covered with 5 ounces of hand-stiched, American-made Horween leather – but it’s also refillable and reusable.

So, rather than buy an entirely new bottle of deodorant each time, you simply buy some more of the deodorant itself – and then slip it into the classy metal container.

But this isn’t just an excuse to splurge on a leather-covered pit protector. It’s a lot more eco-friendly since you’re not wasting all that extra plastic that’s used to make each deodorant bottle.

Plus, it makes it easier to limit your exposure to the potentially harmful chemicals present in most plastics.

Of course, the deodorant itself is about as chemical-free as you can get. It’s aluminum-free, paraben-free, talc-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, and triclosan-free. It’s probably free of a few other things we forget too.

And it’s definitely stink-free. Helmm comes in four different and distinct fragrances, each developed by award-winning French perfumer, Cecile Hua. Helmm’s site describes them as:

Trailblazer – crisp, cool, adventurous

Coastline – casual, comfortable, free

Hudson – fresh, clean, confident

Night Market – sensual, warm, sophisticated

Though we definitely have our personal favorites, each scent is very well done, and there’s definitely something here for everyone, whether you’re searching for a signature scent, matching it to the season, or simply mixing it up with each refill.

Okay, so we’ve gushed over this stuff for long enough. Let’s wrap it up by looking at the cons.

First, there’s the price. The starter pack requires an initial upfront investment, and even the refills are on nearly on par with other premium deodorants.

You get a nice discount on the refill if you sign up for a subscription-based service, but that leads us to our next con.

In some ways, the refills – which can be delivered automatically every six to eight weeks (your choice) – are convenient, but at the same time, this might all seem like a little too much fuss for a lot of guys.

If you’re the type of dude who already invests a lot of planning and money into your grooming and hygiene, you’ll probably appreciate the whole package.

But men who’ve simply been buying a bottle of Degree or Old Spice at the drug store for the past decade or two may balk at all the extra steps here.

Pros Four excellent scents to choose from, created by an award-winning French perfumer

Four excellent scents to choose from, created by an award-winning French perfumer Refillable leather and metal container is both luxurious and eco-friendly

Refillable leather and metal container is both luxurious and eco-friendly All-natural, chemical-free ingredients, and the deodorant is aluminum-free

Cons Refills and subscriptions may be a little more fuss than most guys are willing to deal with for something they rub on their armpits

Bottom Line

There are three groups of guys that Helmm will really appeal to: those that want the best smelling deodorant, those who are conscious of the environment, and those who appreciate a premium grooming experience. If you’re in any (or all) of those camps, this pick is very tough to beat.

Best Features:

Aluminum-free

Skin-friendly ingredients

Won’t stain clothes

The best deodorant for:

Guys with sensitive skin who want a good smelling deodorant

Overview

Want a great smelling deodorant, like pick #3, without all the fancy packaging and refills? Or maybe you want a chemical-free, sensitive skin-friendly deodorant like #2 – but this time, with a scent?

Well, Baxter of California may just have the product you’re looking for. Because, in a lot of ways, we see it as a middle ground between the MenScience and Helmm deodorants above.

On the one hand, the citrus and herbal-musk smell great. Pound for pound, it compares well with any of the four scent packages offered by Helmm. But that’s just the thing: there’s just one scent to choose from.

So, it eliminates an extra decision, but if it’s not your thing… well, tough.

But on the other hand, this Baxter of California deodorant is aluminum- and paraben-free, while also containing some of the same skin-friendly, odor-eliminating ingredients found in MenScience’s stick, like tea tree oil, witch hazel, and chamomile.



Pros Aluminum-free and paraben-free; no potentially harmful chemicals to worry about

Aluminum-free and paraben-free; no potentially harmful chemicals to worry about Tea tree oil and witch hazel fight odor; chamomile and comfrey soothe skin

Tea tree oil and witch hazel fight odor; chamomile and comfrey soothe skin Citrus and herbal-musk scent makes this one of the better smelling deodorants

Cons Not everyone loves the scent

Bottom Line

This pick is a great smelling, chemical-free deodorant, with some skin-soothing additions, like witch hazel and chamomile. A good pick for guys with sensitive skin who also want to smell good.

Best Features:

Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly

Rich in antioxidants

TSA-approved

Aluminum-free

The best deodorant for:

Men who want a natural, ethical deodorant at a more reasonable price

Overview

We’ve been using deodorant for a long time. Since way back, when we were just starting puberty and only had one curly little hair in each armpit.

And through all those years and all the different deodorants we tried, in the back of our mind, we were thinking: “Someone needs to put out a deodorant made with Alpine Caribou moss.”

Okay, we didn’t actually think that.

But in retrospect, we kind of wonder how someone didn’t come up with it sooner. You see, the moss in Oars + Alps, which grows in the frigid reaches of Northern Finland, is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to improve skin elasticity.

So, in essence, this deodorant is treating and reinvigorating your skin at the same time that it’s deodorizing it.

With no aluminum, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or talc, you can rest assured that it’s not damaging your skin either. It’s vegan-friendly and cruelty-free too.

Finally, Oars + Alps is one of our most convenient and accessible picks so far. Because it’s a little more budget-friendly, it comes in a variety of scents, and has TSA-approved packaging, making it a good option for fellas who travel a lot.

On the downside, while it performed pretty well for us, some reviewers have complained about Oars + Alps deodorant’s longevity.

Pros Aluminum, alcohol, and chemical-free, with Alpine Caribou moss to protect and improve skin

Aluminum, alcohol, and chemical-free, with Alpine Caribou moss to protect and improve skin Comes in several great scents, so there’s something for every style and season

Comes in several great scents, so there’s something for every style and season TSA-approved packaging makes it easy to travel within your carry-on

Cons Doesn’t last quite as long as some of our other picks

Bottom Line

If you want an all-natural, great smelling deodorant at a reasonable price, Oars + Alps is a top choice. It’s also our most travel-friendly pick so far.

Best Features:

Scented with essential oils

Several varieties to choose from

Affordable

The best deodorant for:

Those who want a completely natural deodorant at a very good price

Overview

Okay, so we promised you some more budget-friendly picks, and this one is getting there. In fact, it’s the second cheapest deodorant on our list.

And yet, in some ways, Schmidt’s has one of the most premium ingredient lists. The base is made up of natural oils and butters, like coconut and jojoba oil and shea butter. The deodorizing and detoxification come courtesy of natural powders, like baking soda and activated charcoal.

And the scent is provided by essential oils, like lavender and bergamot. These deodorants are even enriched with magnesium, which is one of the most important minerals for healthy skin.

Of course, it goes without saying that Schmidt’s deodorants are aluminum and paraben-free. They even do away with propylene glycol.

In short, this is a great, natural deodorant at an affordable price point.

Pros Several scents to choose from, from floral lavender to woodsy cedarwood

Several scents to choose from, from floral lavender to woodsy cedarwood No aluminum, paraben, or other harmful toxins and chemicals

No aluminum, paraben, or other harmful toxins and chemicals One of the more affordable natural deodorants with this kind of quality

Cons Users with easily irritated skin may want to opt for Schmidt’s sensitive skin line

Bottom Line

Schmidt’s deodorants provide a great product, with quality ingredients, at an affordable price point. And there are several great scents to choose from.

7. Best Budget Pick: Arm & Hammer Essentials with Natural Deodorizer

Best Features:

Cheap

Aluminum-free

Long-lasting

The best deodorant for:

Men on a budget who still want a good, chemical-free deodorant

Overview

If you’ve been waiting for our budget pick, here it is.

Arm & Hammer is best known for its baking soda. In fact, they’re pretty much the baking soda brand, and their logo is rather iconic. Hint: It’s an arm and a hammer.

However, they also make some pretty good deodorant too, including a chemical-free, “natural deodorizer” line that provides quality ingredients and performance at a very low price.

It’s aluminum, paraben, and phthalate-free. And can you guess the key ingredient? Baking soda, of course, that old staple of cheap and natural cleaning and odor-fighting.

This stuff lasts for a long time, without staining your clothes. And it comes in both unscented and a lightly-scented “fresh” variety.

So, why is it so cheap? Well, it doesn’t provide some of the more premium ingredients included in our other picks, like essential oils, herbs, and the like.

But that stuff just drives up the price.

This is still a great go-to if you’re on a budget, or as a backup deodorant for travel, camping trips, and other situations where you don’t want to carry a $20 deodorant.

Pros By far the cheapest pick on our list, making it the best option for those on a strict budget

By far the cheapest pick on our list, making it the best option for those on a strict budget Aluminum and chemical-free, it doesn’t have the same harmful or irritating ingredients found in other cheap deodorants

Aluminum and chemical-free, it doesn’t have the same harmful or irritating ingredients found in other cheap deodorants Great performance, this stuff will last you all day, even in hot and sweaty conditions

Cons Baking soda can sometimes irritate sensitive skin

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a deodorant with fewer chemicals, but you can’t quite afford our more pricey picks, this is the deodorant for you. It’s very affordable, but it doesn’t skimp on quality – and has great performance.

Best Features:

Excellent scent

Blends well with cologne

Fast-drying

The best deodorant for:

Men who want a deodorant that smells like high-end cologne

Overview

For the Tom Ford fans, this one needs no introduction. It’s a deodorant that smells like one of your favorite Private Label colognes.

And for the guys who don’t know what the heck we’re talking about: this deodorant smells like a high-end $300 cologne. Enough said.

However…

This stuff is really expensive It doesn’t perform quite as well as some of the other deodorants on our list.

In short, this is the type of deodorant you wear on date night – either as the main scent or to compliment your cologne – or maybe to the office. It’s not something you throw on before a pickup basketball game.

Unless you’re really ballin’ like that if you know what we mean.

Pros Smells just like the cologne of the same name, which retails for $200 to $300

Smells just like the cologne of the same name, which retails for $200 to $300 A high-end, head-turner deodorant, both worn by itself or with cologne

A high-end, head-turner deodorant, both worn by itself or with cologne Goes on smooth and dries fast

Cons Very expensive; you could buy a year’s supply of Old Spice for half the price

Bottom Line

Want a deodorant that smells like Tom Ford Private Label Oud Wood cologne?

Never smelled Oud Wood but really want a fancy-smelling deodorant to impress the ladies? Get this. Don’t care about any of that, or simply don’t want to spend $50+ on deodorant? Don’t get this.

Best Features:

All-natural ingredients

Coconut oil and shea butter soothe skin

Unique scent

The best deodorant for:

Guys looking for a fresh smelling, skin-nourishing deodorant that’s easy on sensitive skin

Overview

Brickell specializes in men’s grooming and hygiene products, from shampoo to aftershave. So, obviously, they have a deodorant too.

And we’ve gotta say, this product is pretty fresh. Minty fresh, that is. Yes, it actually smells like mint. Chewing gum. Toothpaste. You know the stuff.

We admit, it sounds kind of weird, but we actually dig it.

The ingredients are what really make this deodorant, though. Coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E nourish and soothe your skin while blocking odor at the same time. Coconut oil is a potent antibacterial, after all.

And for an extra dose of B.O. blasting magic, there’s arrowroot.

But what you won’t find on the ingredient label is just as important: no aluminum, no parabens, no synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, glycols, or silicones—just natural ingredients of the highest quality.

Really, the only drawback to this Brickell deodorant is the scent: it smells good, but it’s a polarizing fragrance for armpits, for sure. A lot of people prefer to keep the minty smell to their mouthwash.

Pros Aluminum, toxin, and chemical-free; just all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients

Aluminum, toxin, and chemical-free; just all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients Contains skin-nourishing ingredients, like coconut oil, vitamin E, and shea butter

Contains skin-nourishing ingredients, like coconut oil, vitamin E, and shea butter Good performer will keep your pits fresh throughout the day

Cons Mint-scented deodorant is not for everyone

Bottom Line

This is a great deodorant with great ingredients. If you like the minty scent, it could easily be further up the list, simply based on its quality and performance.

Best Features:

Natural, toxin-free ingredients

Unisex scents

Thousands of 5-star reviews online

The best deodorant for:

Guys (and girls) looking for a well-reviewed natural deodorant at a reasonable price

Overview

If you’ve ever gone searching for a natural deodorant, chances are you’ve come across Native. After all, this is one crazy popular product.

And honestly, we were a little tempted to write it off as simple hype. But, being the diligent, selfless, and stunningly handsome reviewers we are, we had to test it for ourselves. And test it we did.

And the result…

Well, we were pleasantly surprised. Native deodorant actually is one of the better deodorants on the market, in our opinion.

For ingredients, it has plenty of good stuff, like coconut oil; none of the bad stuff, like aluminum and parabens; and even some, uh, weird stuff, like tapioca starch. We’re not big on the taste of tapioca, but apparently, it makes for some good deodorant.

And from a cost perspective, Native is around the middle of the pack as far as natural deodorants go. Not too pricey, but not too cheap either.

It didn’t really blow us away, which is why it’s not higher on our list, but we didn’t have much to complain about either. And it comes in a variety of scents that are neutral enough for both men and women.

Pros A variety of scent packages to choose from, including unscented, which can be worn by men and women

A variety of scent packages to choose from, including unscented, which can be worn by men and women No harsh chemicals in the mix; aluminum, paraben, sulfate, talc, and phthalate-free

No harsh chemicals in the mix; aluminum, paraben, sulfate, talc, and phthalate-free One of the most popular natural deodorants, with a dedicated fanbase

Cons The unisex scents are a little too neutral for big, manly men like ourselves

Bottom Line

Native’s natural deodorants do everything you need them to do, in a non-irritating, inoffensive way. If nothing on our list has caught your eye thus far, this may be your pick.

Best Features:

Natural odor-fighting eucalyptus

Great performance

Aluminum-free

The best deodorant for:

Men who want a classy, understated deodorant with good performance

Overview

Malin + Goetz was originally founded with a focus on natural ingredients. And so it’s no surprise that their most popular product, this eucalyptus-based deodorant, tells the same story.

For starters, it’s alcohol, aluminum, and paraben-free.

But where does the eucalyptus come in, you ask? Along with citronellyl, it provides a natural odor-fighting tag team, that body slams B.O. – and then finishes it off with an elbow drop from the top rope.

The duo also provides a bit of natural fragrance. None of that synthetic stuff here.

It’s no wonder this deodorant has such a dedicated fanbase. It’s all-natural, yet it performs with the best of them.

Pros Natural fragrance and odor-blocking ingredients, in the form of eucalyptus and citronellyl

Natural fragrance and odor-blocking ingredients, in the form of eucalyptus and citronellyl Aluminum, alcohol, and paraben-free, with no synthetic fragrances

Aluminum, alcohol, and paraben-free, with no synthetic fragrances Long-lasting, goes on smooth and stays on for the whole day

Cons Watch out for hungry koala bears; just kidding, but the eucalyptus scent isn’t as sexy as some of the other deodorants on the list

Bottom Line

A great deodorant with natural fragrance and understated packaging. What’s not to like?

How We Chose These Deodorants

We only have so many arms – and thus armpits – so it’d be pretty much impossible for us to try every. single. deodorant. currently on the market. And to be honest, we wouldn’t want to try some of the stuff that’s out there.

But we’ve certainly coated our underarms with a ton of different ones, from the most popular brands lining the shelves at your local box store, to some of the more trendy deodorants that people talk about online.

And through it all, we always kept a few things in mind: ingredients, performance, and price. That allowed us to compile a list of what we think are the best deodorants on the market across a variety of price points.

We hope you were able to find something that fits your needs – and your stinky underarms. But if we missed your favorite, let us know!

6 Quick Tips for Using Deodorant Properly

Putting on deodorant may seem foolproof, but there are actually a few things you can do to make your deodorant work better – and make less of a mess.

Apply when your armpits are clean and dry

The best time to apply deodorant is after a shower or bath when your skin is already dry. Clean, dry skin will provide the best canvas for your deodorant painting.

On the flip side, the least effective time to apply deodorant is when your skin is dirty and wet, like right after an intense workout.

Spread the deodorant evenly

Again, we usually don’t put much thought into how we apply deodorant, and simply settle for a few haphazard swipes through our pits.

However, if you take a little more time, using measured, even strokes, and making sure to cover your entire armpit, you’ll get much better and longer-lasting results.

Use pressure to get past hair

To be most effective, the deodorant has to be applied to your skin, not your armpit hair. So, if you’ve got a formidable number of follicles down there, make sure to apply a bit of pressure with the deodorant stick, so it can actually reach the skin.

Wait for deodorant to dry before getting dressed

How many of you apply deodorant when your shirt is already on? We’re all guilty of it – but we’re still wrong.

Putting on deodorant before you get dressed, then letting it dry, will not only stop deodorant from getting all over your clothes, it’ll also help you spread it more evenly as we talked about above.

Switch brands every once in a while

Through some sort of underarm voodoo, our body has the tendency to adjust to our regular deodorant after six months or so. And once it adjusts, the deodorant becomes less effective.

So, it’s a good idea to switch brands once or twice a year, to keep your body guessing. Fortunately, with the list above, you have plenty to choose from.

Expect a “detox” period if switching to natural deodorant for the first time

If you’re a long-time antiperspirant user, there will probably be an adjustment period when you start using an aluminum-free deodorant, like the ones recommended above. For anywhere from a week to a month, you’ll likely notice more B.O. then you’re used to, and maybe even some skin irritation.

Don’t freak out and trash your new deodorant, though. Just give your body some time to adjust.

5 Types of Deodorants

We’ll get to deodorant vs. antiperspirant in just a minute, but first, let’s cover the different types of deodorant applications.

Solid

This is by far the most common type of deodorant. It comes in a solid-colored or clear stick, which you run along your underarm. The application is dry, but it can leave some residue behind.

Roll-On

Roll-on deodorants have a spinning ball tip that rolls against your skin – hence “roll-on” – applying liquid deodorizing goodness to your pits as it glides along.

Gel

Gels are somewhere in between solids and roll-ons in consistency. It’s a thicker liquid, which is good at fighting odor but can be messy to apply.

Spray

Can you guess what spray deodorant is? That’s right; it’s deodorant in aerosol form. Not to be confused with body spray, aerosol-based deodorant isn’t as popular as the above varieties.

Wipes

These are sort of like wet wipes. Except, instead of baby’s butts, you wipe these on your pits. These aren’t as popular as they should be, but they’re great to carry with you for emergency touch-ups.

Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants: Which One is Best?

If you don’t know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

But what sets them apart is pretty simple:

Deodorant is designed to prevent or deal with odor. On the other hand, antiperspirant is “anti” perspiration, meaning it actually stops – or limits – your body’s ability to sweat. In other words, deodorant targets the effects of sweat, while antiperspirants actually target the sweat itself.

So, with this basic idea in mind, most general advice on deodorant vs. antiperspirant will tell you that:

Deodorant is better for guys who sweat less or are less active

Antiperspirant is better for guys who sweat more or are more active

There’s also an environmental and personal preference factor to consider.

For example, an athlete might sweat more but be less concerned about the sweat than a suited executive who’s worried about walking around the office with wet armpits.

Some people aren’t bothered by their natural levels of sweat, while others find it a constant source of discomfort and embarrassment.

However, there’s a big “but” to consider here. And that’s the health-related controversy associated with antiperspirants, which generally falls into two main categories:

Aluminum and other chemicals used to clog sweat ducts have been linked to health conditions, up to and including increased risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s. Sweat is a natural function of the body used to expel harmful things from the body, and therefore stopping sweat can cause other health issues.

In fact, many people even go through a “detox” when they switch from antiperspirant to normal deodorant.

Of course, there’s also plenty of material out there, including by medical professionals, that says that these fears are overblown, that the aluminum in antiperspirant is in amounts too small and too poorly absorbed to cause long-term damage, and that antiperspirant is perfectly safe.

But it’s still something to consider, and it’s one of the reasons we only included deodorants on this list.

Deodorant FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Got deodorant questions? We’ve got deodorant answers. Here are some of the questions we get asked the most about deodorant.

How does deodorant work?

Deodorants kill odor-causing bacteria lurking in your armpits and try to prevent more bacteria from forming. Some deodorants do this with chemicals, while other deodorants accomplish it with more natural ingredients.

The best deodorants also soothe and nourish the skin.

How can I remove deodorant stains?

A few of the most popular ways are:

White vinegar

Baking soda and water

Lemon juice and water

Laundry detergent

Fortunately, none of our above picks should cause staining.

What is the best deodorant for men who sweat a lot?

We’d recommend our #2 pick, MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant. But Arm & Hammer Essentials is another good one if you want something cheaper.

How much deodorant is too much?

There are four easy to identify signs that you’re wearing too much deodorant:

It’s all over your clothes It’s taking too long to dry, or it’s leaving excess residue in your pits. It’s irritating your skin. Friends or strangers tell you, “wtf bro, you’re wearing too much deodorant.”

How long does deodorant last?

Most deodorant doesn’t have a specific expiration date. As a rule of thumb, we usually say about a year, but it should last longer if you keep it in a cool place.

Why do my armpits sweat so much even with deodorant on?

As we covered in the deodorant vs. antiperspirant section, deodorant isn’t designed to block sweat, only odors. So, you’ll still sweat just as much as you normally would.

What size deodorant can I take on a plane?

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules don’t place any limitations on the size of solid deodorants. But for gels, liquids, and sprays, they have to be 3.4 ounces or less. Check pick #5 for a deodorant that’s specifically TSA approved.

Conclusion

So, we’ve covered the best 11 deodorants on the market, along with some tips for buying and using them. Now, the only thing left to do is to make your selection, and you’ll no longer have to deal with funky underarms.

Which of picks is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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