The 10 best deodorants and antiperspirants for men in 2024 — according to testers and dermatologists

13.03.2024 20:46

AOL.com

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.

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.

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.