Yahoo Sports The 17 Best Deodorants to Keep You Sweat-Free All Summer
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There isn’t one single best deodorant for men. That’s because body odor issues are unique from one guy to the next. Some guys are lucky enough to generate very little body odor. Meanwhile, some of us are fighting extreme perspiration, and not just from the pits.
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Luckily, there are many terrific odor-stopping ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants these days, both natural and synthetic. And there are varying degrees of antiperspirant control for those who don’t mind the aluminum (hey, studies aren’t conclusive on its problems, so we can’t blame you for wanting to prevent wet armpits).
Common Deodorant Ingredients Explained
For insight into the most common ingredient options, we spoke with board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, M.D., Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. Here is his take on those ingredients, which should help you narrow down the type of deodorant (or antiperspirant) that suits you best.
The Controversial Ingredients
The following ingredients are off-putting to some, but embraced by others. Here is Hartman’s two cents on each.
Aluminum: Moisture and odor often go hand in hand, and aluminum is a key sweat-duct-blocking agent used in antiperspirants. “Consumers have been raising concerns about aluminum in underarm products due to research that came out decades ago that tied an excess amount of aluminum to Alzheimer’s Disease and an increased risk of breast cancer,” notes Hartman. “However, that research was deemed to be unreliable. There is no direct link between aluminum in antiperspirants and [either condition]. So if you use a product with aluminum that works and you use it as directed, I wouldn’t be concerned. I consider aluminum safe and not toxic.”
Baking Soda: Baking soda is beloved by many people who demand an aluminum-free deodorant—and one that fights moisture accumulation at that since only aluminum options are truly antiperspirant. And yet, baking soda itself is often targeted by brands, wherein they tout “baking-soda-free” on their labels. Why is that? “Baking soda creates a more alkaline environment on skin,” says Hartman. Skin is naturally acidic, the opposite of alkaline. “On the one hand, this can help neutralize body oil from excess sweat mixed with bacteria naturally found on the skin’s surface. However, baking soda can be harsh for anyone with overly sensitive skin.” If you do want to rely on baking soda as an odor- and moisture-stopping alternative to aluminum, then he says to use only FDA-cleared options that you find at the store, and never use any DIY remedies at home.
Fragrance: Many brands will market fragrance as dangerous for your skin, but in actuality, only a small percentage of people will experience irritation from added fragrance in a product. “Fragrance gets a bad rap, but honestly a majority of my patients prefer to use products that are fragranced,” says Hartman. “The fragrance helps mask body oil and it also helps mask the more clinical-smalling ingredients in skincare products. Some people may be sensitive to fragrance, and if that’s the case, there are plenty of fragrance-free options available today.”
Alcohol: While it’s nice to know that a product doesn’t contain any skin-drying alcohol, it’s a little misleading when brands tout “alcohol-free” as a benefit of their products. That’s because most deodorant products containing alcohol only have trace amounts of it. “The small amount helps kill bacteria on the skin to reduce the risk of odor and it helps deodorants dry quickly so you can apply and within a minute, put clothes on without risk of getting deodorant all over your shirt,” Hartman says. So, alcohol-free options are well and good, but so are most alcohol-tinged picks.
Dr. Hartman’s Favorite Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients to seek out in a deodorant, Hartman has a clear roster of favorites. Among his favorite bacteria-bouncing picks are charcoal and magnesium. “Charcoal can help reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin, which would reduce overall smell,” he explains. “Magnesium hydrochloride can help reduce odorous bacteria on the skin as it helps kill the bacteria on the skin’s surface when applied.” These will both mitigate the bacteria that produces that foul body odor.
As for opponents of moisture buildup (non-aluminum ones, that is), Hartman cites glycerin and peptides as his favorite. “Glycerin may help absorb sweat on the skin when used in products applied under the arm,” he says. “Peptides may help inhibit the moisture, but not nearly as effective as aluminum. There isn’t a lot of research on peptides being used in this manner, but they may reduce the production of sweat by decreasing stimulation of the muscle responsible for triggering the release of sweat from the sweat glands.” Look also for prebiotics or probiotics, both of which reinforce the good bacteria in skin, and sets them up for a victory against the bad, odor-causing microbes.
When Waning Off Aluminum or Switching to Natural
If you decide that you want to stop using aluminum-packed antiperspirants—despite Hartman’s vote of confidence that they remain safe for daily use—then be prepared to experience an initial uptick in sweat at the start (and odor, too). Similar side effects can happen for anyone switching from synthetic deodorant to natural options. “If the odor gets too bad, bring a makeup or body wipe with you and wipe under the arms midday and reapply your new product,” he says.
He says that the switch from antiperspirant to regular deodorant should take about a week for the body to readjust to a lessened sweat cycle—but again, to expect excess odor. “The increase in smell is going to stem from the fact that aluminum is no longer blocking the sweat glands under the arms, so you will sweat more, which will lead to an increase in odor. Sweat mixed with the bacteria naturally found on the skin will increase odor overall.” He suggests “training” the skin to wane off of aluminum, too, by using an antiperspirant every third day at the start of the transition period, and deodorant on the other two days, then steadily adding another day in there without antiperspirant, until you reach one week without aluminum and are in the clear.
The Best Deodorants (and Antiperspirants) for Men
This roundup of the 17 best deodorant for men surely has something for you, regardless of how much you sweat, how funky your body odor is, or how sensitive you may be to certain ingredients like baking soda and fragrance. It’s also got options for all budgets.
Best Overall Deodorant
Malin + Goetz Deodorant
With all of the deodorants out there, it’s worth honoring one that falls squarely in the middle—a product elevated above the mass-market formulas, but accessible to all. Something that doesn’t lean on any particular hero ingredient or claims to be the best at fighting sweat or stands on a mythical moral high ground by using purely natural ingredients. We all have a different approach to underarm upkeep (hence all of the categories on this list) but the one that should please most guys is Malin+Goetz. It spares those primary red-flag ingredients (alcohol, synthetic fragrance) as well as those that some find worrisome or irritating (aluminum, baking soda). Our favorite scent of the trio, Eucalyptus, counters body odor with citronellyl and leaves a tingling, cooling freshness behind.
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Best Luxury Deodorant
Patricks ND1 Natural Deodorant
A run-through of Patricks’ key deodorant ingredients proves why this product is well worth the price: For starters, there’s the mineral-based active Niodor, a rare but supremely effective defense against odorous bacteria. Then it’s got Amazonian clay, zinc, and tapioca starch to absorb moisture and further mitigate bacterial proliferation. The recipe finishes with coconut oil for a comforting, nourishing wear. All in, this stick spoils you well beyond anything you can pick up on a pharmacy run.
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Best Antiperspirant and Deodorant Combo
Jack Black Pit Boss
We’ve been trained to abhor aluminum in deodorant. But if you’re a sweaty person, then aluminum is a lifesaver. (On top of that, studies testing aluminum’s link to breast cancer remain inconclusive; so, if the FDA is clearing its use, then proceed with that knowledge stored away.) Jack Black’s antiperspirant is residue-free (including on clothing, a relief considering the core issue with aluminum-packed antiperspirants is their ability to ruin shirts), and it’s one of the superior moisture-blocking formulas for people with sensitive skin.
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Best Natural Deodorant
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh
Ursa Major is one of the “natural” brands whose claims you can trust. It sets the bar for transparency, and won’t fib about its products being 100 percent natural if they aren’t. (And yet, the company is a plastic negative Certified B Corp, a recognition given for its ethics around social and environmental impact.) You’ll recognize the ingredients in this one, too, from aloe to kaolin clay and baking soda, shea butter, tapioca starch and hops (as in, the kind used to make beer). All of them work to soothe and nurture skin while absorbing moisture and countering odor. They’ve got a stellar baking-soda-free option, too, if you prefer it.
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Best Probiotic Deodorant
Hume Supernatural Probiotic Deodorant
Hume is a lot of good things: free of baking soda and aluminum, and loaded with ingredients that absorb moisture and odor (kaolin clay, tapioca starch, and diatomaceous earth) as well as soothing aloe. But Hume’s calling card is that it’s also packed with probiotics to fuel the good bacteria under your pits—which can in turn hold their ground against the odorous bad ones that are trying to move in. This one’s got a grounding fragrance, with wood and ambrous notes that cast a refreshing radius.
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Best Baking Soda Deodorant
Bevel Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Bevel’s deodorant is a close second in “best overall”; if you’re sensitive to baking soda (and/or magnesium), then it’s not the pick for you, but it effectively pairs both of those moisture- and odor-blocking ingredients with tapioca starch for a thorough freshness. Your skin will thank you, too, because this stick has a nourishing base of glycerin, wax, shea butter and oils.
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Best Clinical Antiperspirant
Carpe Clinical Strength
If you experience hyperhidrosis or extreme body odor, then you might need something a cut above the rest. Here is where you call in the clinical-grade options, and Carpe leads that pack. It’s formulated for people with sensitive skin, making it effective on all skin types, despite the high dose of aluminum zirconium to counter the excessive moisture. And it’s just one of many products in the brand’s arsenal that target both sweat and discomfort. (Their hand and foot antiperspirant lotions are especially useful.)
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Best Drugstore Deodorant
Dove Men+Care Clean Comfort
The industry’s focus on natural and organic ingredients is a net positive, but that doesn’t mean that all synthetic options are bad, either. Some brands move the needle by reinventing the wheel in the opposite direction: By making large-batch formulas with lab-tested, dermatologist-approved ingredients. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a skin doc who doesn’t love Dove across the board, and that includes their deodorants, too. If you don’t want to break the bank, then put your money here. (Best of all, both the deodorant and antiperspirant promise 72-hour protection.)
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Best Deodorant With Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Nécessaire Deodorant Gel With 5% AHA
One underappreciated way to counter odorous bacteria is the use of alpha-hydroxy acids, like mandelic acid and lactic acid. These ingredients gently dissolve dead skin cells, grime and dirt, but also dismantle a good amount of those “bad” bacteria, too. Nécessaire’s gel formula uses five percent AHA blend (both mandelic and lactic acids), which also helps smooth bumps on freshly shaven pits. It fortifies skin with niacinamide and tones and soothes skin with witch hazel (which keeps pH levels in check).
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Best Men’s Deodorant Spray
OffCourt Prebiotic Deodorant Body Spray
OffCourt’s body spray feeds the good bacteria in your pits, to help fortify them against the odor-causing versions. It’s the perfect gym-bag tote, and won’t leave a cast or residue on skin or clothes. It harnesses zinc, xylitol and lactic acid to counter odors, and delivers a light, noninvasive refreshing aroma (there are three fragrance options: citrus and driftwood; coconut and sandalwood; and fig leaves and musk). All that said, if you’re sensitive to fragrance or alcohol, you’ll want to test this on a patch of skin before you commit.
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Best Antiperspirant and Deodorant Spray
Degree Men Ultraclear Black+White Antiperspirant & Deodorant 72-Hour Spray
No matter what color your shirt, this spray won’t compromise the underarm fabric despite a long-lasting antiperspirant and deodorant defense (3 full days’ worth, to be clear). It applies clean and dry, and smells fresh on contact—but also maintains that clean scent throughout the first day as you move about, thanks to some reactivation taking place at a microscopic level.
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Best Underarm Deodorant Spray
Bravo Sierra Deodorant & Body Spray
This mist from Bravo Sierra is free of all the bad stuff you might find in budget brands (think parabens, silicones and flammable propellants), meaning it leaves no harmful impact on you nor the environment. Its smart-lock cap prevents unwanted expulsion while you’re traveling, plus the deodorant’s vetiver and cedarwood scent is soothing to the senses. It even wears well as an all-over body spray, casting a barely there but uplifting olfactive radius.
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Best Natural Deodorant Spray
Ursa Major Hello Hinoki Natural Spray Deodorant
Ursa Major is the first brand to fill two spots on this highly competitive roster, thanks to its superb Hello Hinoki natural deodorant spray that launched last year. This stuff is so gentle on the most sensitive of skin, thanks to an artificial fragrance-free formula that packs on 19 naturally derived ingredients. Its name comes from the soothing hinoki cypress extract, which combines with lemon tea tree and jasmine for a natural “forest bathing” essence. Its odor-blocking abilities combine from a combination of yeast ferment and the aforementioned lemon tea tree extract. Give it a couple weeks to train your skin into a true no-odor zone; from there, it’s no turning back.
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Best Deodorant Balm
AKT Deodorant Balm
Don’t underestimate deodorant balm as another great option for stink mitigation, since it’s easy to rub in your pits with the same end game. UK-based ATK’s natural balms are the leader of this pack, providing a natural and nourishing option for all skin types (and the only aluminum here is in their packaging, since they also have a plastic-free promise). It hydrates skin with Vitamin E and shea butter, soothes with calendula, combats odor with zinc oxide and sodium bicarbonate, and fights moisture buildup with diatomaceous earth, and arrowroot powder. Roll each one up like a tube of toothpaste as you go through, and apply it anywhere you need to fight some funk—be it your hands, feet, nether regions, chest, and beyond.
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Best Body Deodorant Rub
HIKI Whole Body Deodorant Cream
Not only is HIKI’s body deodorant great for armpits, under butt, and collar sweat, but it’s great for any part of the body that rests underneath skin folds. It uses mandelic acid to fight odor accumulation in these areas, and is a must-have for anyone who dreads summer heat or the poor ventilation of a buttoned-up work wardrobe. (We love HIKI’s anti-chafe balm rub, too; they’ll spare your thighs some serious agony.)
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Best Deodorant Cream
Nuud Deodorant Cream
Similar to deodorant balm, there is deodorant cream that is also massaged in directly with the fingers. We love nuud’s creams best of all, since they are 100% natural and vegan, won’t stain clothes or clog pores, and are free of fragrance, aluminum, and alcohol. One pea-sized amount works under each pit and should neutralize odor for as little as 72 hours and as long as one full week. (We recommend using their attachable cap head that turns the tube into a roll-on stick, too.) With ingredients like coconut and almond oils, zinc oxide, mineral clay, and carnauba wax, this cream nourishes skin and neutralizes odorous bacteria.
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Best Smelling Deodorant
Hermès Terre D’ Hermès Deodorant Stick
If your fragrance of choice is from a luxury label like Dior, Chanel, Tom Ford, or Hermès, then there’s a good chance the brand makes a deodorant in that same scent. Take one of our all-time favorite scents (and a timeless classic at that), Hermès’ own Terre d’Hermès, a woodsy scent with crisp citrus and spicy pepper notes that give it some universally beloved nuance. You can wear this deodorant in tandem with the cologne if you want all the elements to be working together, or you can wear it on its own if you want to cast the subtlest radius (but an undeniably fresh and chic one, at that). And for what it’s worth, this scent is also packed into aftershave lotion, body lotion, bar soap and a deodorant spray.
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