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The 10 best deodorants and antiperspirants for men in 2024 — according to testers and dermatologists
There is no shortage of options for deodorants and antiperspirants for men. There's your standard antiperspirant designed to block sweat. There's deodorant, which doesn't prevent sweat but will keep you smelling fresh all day. And there's a combination of the two that work in tandem to stop sweat and odors. Each can have pros and cons depending on your specific body and needs. To help you better understand how to choose the best antiperspirant and deodorant for men, we spoke with our expert panel of dermatologists and medical professionals for their input on which active ingredients work the best and which ones are just for show.
Harry's Odor and Enhanced Sweat Control
Best antiperspirant and deodorant for men overall
Arm & Hammer Ultra Max Active Sport
Best budget-friendly deodorant for men
Degree Men UltraClear 72H+ Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best invisible solid
Oars + Alps Aluminum and Allergen-Free Deodorant
Best deodorant for sensitive skin
Dove Men + Care Invisible Dry Roll-On
Best roll-on antiperspirant for men
Degree Unlimited Long Lasting Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray
Best aerosol spray deodorant
Salt & Stone Natural Deodorant
Best all-natural deodorant for men
Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant
Best prescription-strength deodorant and antiperspirant for men
Helmm Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Best splurge-worthy deodorant for men
Kopari Aluminum Free Deodorant with Organic Coconut Oil
Best aluminum-free organic deodorant for men
Dr. Amy Forman Taub, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology shares, "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." It's also important to note that as you age, studies have found you sweat less due to a decline in aerobic fitness and heat acclimation. This could be due to a decreased sensitivity of sweat glands, so you may not need an antiperspirant and can skip aluminum-based products altogether. That said, as you age, your body odor increases, so a deodorant may still be a necessity to help you stay smelling fresh all day.
Taking the feedback from our expert panel, we compared the best deodorants and antiperspirants on the market, from just antiperspirants to just deodorants to those formulated for sensitive or dry skin. We also inquired about those that are extra strength to help people affected by Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. We rated each according to active ingredients proven to stop sweat and odors, how long the products last with each use, product pricing, brand reputation, fragrances available, and any extra skin-helpers included in the formulation, like moisturizers or prebiotics. Whether you're looking for an all-natural deodorant for men designed to stop the stink without the harsh chemicals, or the best antiperspirant for men to block the sweat from emerging at all, 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 | Available scents: Stone, Redwood, Fig, Shiso, Wildlands | Longevity: 48 hours
Harry's Odor and Enhanced Sweat Control topped our list due to being a truly well-rounded, quality deodorant and antiperspirant. Designed to prevent sweat and odors for a full 48 hours, it contains a combination of aluminum salts that keep you dry with earthy, woodsy scents that keep you smelling shower-fresh. It's also formulated with allantoin to help minimize skin irritation. To top it all off, it sells for less than $6 per stick. Harry's also carries regular strength antiperspirants and simple deodorants.
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 the best choice for any man simply looking to smell his best and not bot break the bank in the process.
- Multiple scents available
- 48-hour sweat protection
- Paraben-free
- No unscented variety available
Cost: $2.24 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredients: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY (19%) | Features: Goes on clear, won't stain colored clothes | Available scents: Active Sport, Fresh, Powder Fresh, Cool Blast, Unscented | Longevity: 48 hours
For more than 170 years, Arm & Hammer has been keeping our homes dry and odor-free, so it's no surprise it's topped our list of budget-friendly deodorants with antiperspirants to help keep us dry and odor-free. Its Ultra Max antiperspirant and deodorant minimize odors and sweat production for up to 48 hours. The addition of baking soda helps reduce body odor, while its four fresh scents block out odors. And at under $3, it's a true winner in our book.
We do want to point out, though, that testers said it can leave a small trace of yellow on white clothing despite going on clear when applied. This staining didn't occur with darker clothing, however.
- Budget-friendly
- Long-lasting
- Trusted brand
- May leave yellow tinge on white clothing
Cost: $4.98 ($7.98 for a two-pack) | Application type: Invisible solid | Active ingredient: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY (11.4%) | Features: Invisible, lasts up to three days | Available scents: Fresh, Ocean Air, Driftwood, Unscented | Longevity: 72 hours
If you're an active guy who needs a deodorant that can keep going for as long as you do, Degree Advanced Antiperspirant is a solid choice (pun intended!). Not only does it last a full three days, but it does so even if you are participating in physical activities. The deodorant is activated when you move, so it's up to the task of getting through high-intensity situations that might cause you to break a sweat. Because it uses aluminum, it will not only reduce your body odor, but it will also prevent your shirts from being covered in sweat. It goes on clear, is free from parabens and at less than $5 per stick (if you purchase a two-pack), it is remarkably affordable, especially if you don't need to reapply every day.
That being said, it's probably not the right choice if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about allergens, since there's no unscented variety. It also contains gelatin, so it's not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those avoiding pig products.
- 72-hour sweat protection
- Goes on, stays invisible
- MotionSense odor-control technology
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly
Cost: $14 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cornstarch | Features: Added prebiotics; invisible; no aluminum, alcohol, or baking soda | Available scents: Deep Sea Glacier, Mandarin Woods, Unscented with Prebiotics | Longevity: Unclear
Oars + Alps's aluminum-free, allergen-free deodorant gives men with sensitive skin a deodorant that shouldn't cause irritation or discomfort but with the option of appealing scents. Most standard deodorants that are designed for sensitive skin leave out fragrances. But not Oars + Alps! They created two scents — Mandarin Woods and Deep Sea Glacier — that are free from fragrance chemicals that commonly cause allergic reactions. The deodorant is also free of irritants such as aluminum, alcohol and baking soda. What really sets it apart from every other product on this list is that it includes prebiotics that support a healthy microbiome to help prevent smelly bacteria from forming.
Oars + Alps doesn't give a suggested timeframe for how long the deodorant is supposed to last but tells users, "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: $10 for two-pack | Application type: Roll-on | Active ingredients: Aluminum, 1/4 Moisturizer Technology | Features: Invisible, added moisturizers | Available scents: Unscented | Longevity: 48 hours
Dove is one of the few companies offering roll-on deodorant designed specifically for men. While it offers three varieties of roll-ons, we chose Invisible Dry for its 48 hours of sweat and stink-stopping and stain-preventing ingredients. Dove tested the product on 100 different colors of clothing to ensure it won't leave behind residue, and one-quarter of the product is made up of moisturizers. It's also designed not to irritate sensitive skin, so it has a lot of the key factors for some of our other favorite picks, but is available in a roll-on option.
- 48-hour protection
- Will not stain clothes
- Added moisturizers
- Only unscented available
Cost: $10 | Application type: Aerosol spray | Active ingredient: Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate 18% | Features: Smart adopt technology | Available scents: Clean, Fresh, Marine, Bold, Neutral | Longevity: 96 hours
Aerosol deodorants are some of the easiest to apply, however, finding one that provides long-lasting protection and doesn't run down the side of your body is where the true challenge lies. Enter: Unlimited by Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray, designed to keep you stink-free for up to 96 hours
It features the brand’s exclusive SmartAdapt combination, which creates a barrier against sweat and odor that's activated in response to movement, heat and stress. That means 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. It comes in a solid stick if you’re not up for a dry spray.
- Doesn’t leave white residue
- 96-hour protection
- Five gender-neutral scents
- No fragrance-free option
Cost: $20 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredients: Probiotics, spirulina, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, tapioca starch, magnesium hydroxide, baking soda, coconut oil | Features: Aluminum- and alcohol-free, added probiotics | Available scents: Santal & Vetiver, Bergamot & Hinoki, Black Rose & Oud, Neroli & Basil | Longevity: 24 hours
Salt & Stone deodorant is one of those viral products that nearly broke the internet. It's crafted with all-natural ingredients including 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 underarms and probiotics work to balance the skin’s microbiome and prevent odor. My friends, this is not only a deodorant, it's also a skincare treatment rolled into one.
Salt & Stone's natural deodorant is gender-neutral and comes in four sophisticated scents. 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 | Active ingredient: 12% aluminum chloride | Features: Near-prescription strength | Available scents: 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 instead of in the morning, allowing the aluminum more time to block the sweat ducts. Certain Dri also sells stick and aerosol antiperspirants, but its roll-on is one of its strongest products featuring aluminum chloride.
The biggest downside is that it can cause irritation, especially if used on damaged or otherwise irritated skin. It's also important to speak to your doctor if you're concerned that your sweat is excessive or might be 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 with subscription; $30 one-time purchase | Application type: Solid | Active ingredients: Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY 18%, sodium hydroxide | Features: Aluminum-free options, blend of sunflower seed oil and aloe vera leaf extract | Available scents: Trailblazer, Coastline, Hudson, 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 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.
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 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
- Convenient subscription options
- Three formulas to choose from, including aluminum-free
- No unscented versions
- Starter kit can be expensive
Cost: $18 | Application type: Solid | Active ingredients: Coconut oil and sage oil | Features: Organic, plant-based | Available scents: Original, Driftwood, 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 gentle enough for very sensitive skin. Kopari uses coconut water, coconut oil and sage oil to keep you smelling and feeling good. The coconut and sage oils are also antimicrobial and antibacterial, helping to eliminate and neutralize body odor while moisturizing and soothing the skin.
- No aluminum, baking soda or alcohol
- Moisturizing formula
- Goes on smooth
- Not as long-lasting
What's the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant?
While some people use the terms "antiperspirant" and "deodorant" interchangeably, these are two very 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 over-the-counter drugs and have drug information panels on the product labels.
When should I be worried about my sweating?
"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."
How we chose the best antiperspirants and deodorants for men
To better understand the broad market for deodorant and antiperspirants for men, we started by talking with our panel of skincare experts about the differences between products and application styles as well as what active ingredients to look for — and what to avoid. We then evaluated dozens of deodorant and antiperspirant products based on variables such as active ingredients, cost, longevity, scents available and if any skincare ingredients were included in the formulation, along with feedback from our testers and online reviews. We then narrowed the list down to the best of the best according to specific needs, such as sweat and odor prevention, sensitive skin, longevity and cost.
What to consider when buying the best deodorant for men
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 sweat release 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 it's impossible to identify which chemical caused the reaction, those who've had allergic reactions to fragrances should choose unscented deodorants.
Skincare extras: Look for products with extra moisturizers, prebiotics, probiotics and natural ingredients such as coconut oil that will help soothe your underarms.
Application type
Solid: Solid deodorants are often easier to use and mess-free. Just a few swipes under your arms and you are ready to go. There are no messy drips or extended drying times. The one downfall is that solids are often bright white, which can lead to stains on darker clothing.
Invisible solid: Invisible solids are identical to the above-mentioned regular 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 it can leave you feeling a little wet and sticky for a few moments until completely absorbed by your skin.
Spray: Spray or aerosol, deodorants are applied by spraying under your arms, like you would a spray-on sunscreen. The cold mist can be powdery and a little alarming when you spray under your arms, but there is an unshakable cult following that swears aerosol deodorants are the way to go.
Gel: Some deodorants come in gel form but are applied like a solid deodorant with a few swipes to the underarms 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 antiperspirants 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 you can regularly afford is important. . Deodorants advertised as "all-natural" and ones from luxury brands tend to be more expensive, yet they may or may not contain sweat- or smell-blocking ingredients.
More popular brands can sometimes be bought in bulk online, driving 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 the product are in each stick, since each product can vary in size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are antiperspirant deodorants safe to use?
Yes, said Dr. 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."
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. Dr. Antia advised that "it's best to apply antiperspirant to clean, dry skin at night. Sweat gland activity decreases during sleep. The 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. "Whether a deodorant can last for 48 hours depends on factors such as individual sweat rates, activity levels and product composition, explains Dr. Anita"
Does aluminum-free deodorant work as well as regular deodorant?
Dr. Natalie Hone, a board-certified dermatologist, tells us, "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.
Meet our expert panel of dermatologists
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
