Men’s Deodorants We Also Tested

We tested 59 deodorants and antiperspirants, but only 14 impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. While we liked some of these deodorants’ features, they didn’t meet our rigorous testing requirements to be selected as top picks.

• Gillette’s Clinical Advanced Soft Solid features a fresh fragrance that lasts and helps keep body odor at bay. But we found that it has a messy transfer, and it’s not as effective at reducing sweat as the other products we tested.
• Dove’s Men+Care Clinical Deodorant Stick didn’t live up to its clinical strength claim in our testing. While the product’s fragrance smells clean and fresh, our armpits had a noticeable odor after just 15 minutes on the treadmill.
• Old Spice Aluminum Free Krakengard Deodorant impressed us with its bold scent and smooth application during intense workouts, like hockey and cycling. However, the overpowering fragrance and persistently damp gel texture kept it off our top list.
• Dove Men+Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant goes on clean with no residue and a refreshing scent. However, its scent faded quickly and required multiple sprays to remain effective during daily activities.

What We’ve Updated

• Since publishing our original fully tested roundup of the best deodorants for men, we tested 24 additional deodorants and antiperspirants in both our Lab and real-world conditions, bringing our total to 59 products tested in total. We evaluated each one for efficacy, scent, texture, transfer resistance, value, and ease of application.
• We’ve reworked four of our top picks based on updated performance results and added four new superlatives to better highlight standout options, including Best Natural, Best Aluminum-Free, and more.
• We also expanded our methodology to include a new testing category—Application—to better reflect user experience with packaging, glide, and formula consistency.

What to Look for When Shopping for Men’s Deodorants

• Ingredients: The most common active ingredient in deodorants and antiperspirants is aluminum, says Garshick. While antiperspirants containing aluminum are considered the most effective at reducing sweat, there are many other options available. Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, baking soda, and activated charcoal are believed to be gentler on the skin, have antibacterial properties, and effectively absorb moisture. 
• Application Type: You’ll find several options for applying deodorant, which comes down to personal preference. Options include sprays, roll-ons, gels, solids, invisible solids, and wipes. Select one that suits your needs and lifestyle. 
• Strength and Longevity: If you have hyperhidrosis, look for clinical-strength antiperspirants with a high percentage of aluminum, says Penzi. On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin or prefer more natural antibacterial ingredients, look for aluminum-free products. However, natural deodorants and antiperspirants typically don’t provide the same strength and longevity as clinical strength products.

How We Tested the Deodorants for Men

To find the best deodorants for men, we tested 59 options in our Lab and at home, wearing them while working out, commuting, and going about our daily routines. When testing men’s deodorants, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Efficacy: To ensure each product effectively curbs sweat and odor, we apply the deodorant to our underarms and engage in heart-rate-elevating activities, including running on a treadmill, fitness walking, and jumping jacks. After our workout, we sniff and feel our armpits, noting any lingering odor or sweat. Then, we continue to wear the product for 24 hours during our daily routine, including additional workouts, and record any noticeable sweat or odor at the end of the day. We prioritize long-lasting deodorants that keep us smelling fresh and reduce or eliminate excess sweat.
• Application: We evaluate the ease and comfort of applying each deodorant, considering its texture, consistency, and packaging design. We look for products that glide on smoothly without tugging or clumping, and we consider whether the formula dispenses evenly, whether it’s a stick, gel, or spray. Packaging matters too: in testing, we note how intuitive and user-friendly the container is, especially for on-the-go use or post-gym reapplication. Deodorants that are quick to apply, mess-free, and well-designed score highest in this category.
• Texture: We look for deodorants that apply smoothly and have a comfortable, non-sticky texture. We prefer formulas that dry quickly, with a matte, non-chalky feel that doesn’t irritate our skin.
• Scent: We evaluate the scent of each deodorant, prioritizing products with a fresh and long-lasting fragrance. We consider whether the scent may be too strong for individuals sensitive to fragrances and note if the scent lasts for a full 24 hours or more.
• Transfer Resistance: Certain deodorants and antiperspirants can combine with sweat and transfer to clothing, potentially creating stubborn stains or leaving white marks on darker clothing. We note whether each product transfers to our clothing after the initial application and a full day of wear. We prioritize men’s deodorants that leave no residue behind. 
• Value: To determine the value of each option, we don’t consider its price until after we have evaluated all other key criteria. We prioritize men’s deodorants worth the same or less than what we’d consider paying for them based on their performance.  

Our Experts

We spoke with experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us better understand what key features, including ingredients, to look for in a high-quality men’s deodorant and how they impact sweat, odor, and health. While we choose products independently, expert guidance influences our final choices. 

• Yolanda C. Holmes, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and surgeon in Washington, DC
• Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in New York
• Lauren Penzi, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York City

Frequently Asked Questions

Is deodorant the same as antiperspirant?

Deodorant and antiperspirant aren’t the same. Deodorant uses antibacterials to rid the skin of the bacteria that cause body odor, much like antibacterial body washes, while antiperspirants use chemicals to plug the endocrine glands and temporarily reduce sweat.

Should I apply deodorants or antiperspirants before bed?

It’s most effective to use an antiperspirant on completely dry skin at night because the sweat glands aren’t active at this time, allowing them to absorb more of the aluminum, says Garshick. Deodorants can be applied in the morning and throughout the day to keep you fresh. 

Are products with aluminum safe to use?

There has been some concern about aluminum relating to cancer or other harmful health effects, but there is not enough evidence to suggest an increased risk associated with this ingredient in antiperspirants, says Garshick. While aluminum can irritate sensitive skin, it remains FDA-approved for use in antiperspirants as the primary ingredient for reducing sweat. If you have a chronic health condition, consult your doctor to determine if you should avoid aluminum-based deodorants.

Is spray or stick deodorant better?

Both spray and stick deodorants are effective, but the better option depends on your personal preferences and skin needs. Spray formulations may reduce friction and irritation for individuals with sensitive skin, while sticks offer more targeted application and longer skin contact, which can make them more effective for those who sweat more.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, is a certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit writer dedicated to recommending trustworthy products and evidence-based practices to help readers achieve sustainable wellness. A lifelong athlete, runner, and certified personal trainer, she knows, first-hand, the importance of an effective antiperspirant for workouts and everyday life.

Additional reporting contributed by Megan Foley

Megan Foley is a Verywell Fit writer and professional ballet dancer, who is passionate about translating meticulous research into compelling content. Megan has tried countless deodorants and antiperspirants over the years to stay fresh during long rehearsal days, understanding the importance of all-day sweat protection. She counts on clear, long-lasting formulas that don’t transfer onto costumes for performances. For this article, Megan looked over the test results from our Lab to help compile our top picks.