When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreKeep oder and sweat at bay with the best deodorants and antiperspirants for men.Amir Ismael/Business InsiderAlongside the best body washes for men, a quality deodorant or antiperspirant is essential to feeling fresh and smelling great all day. While finding a deodorant you'll love is largely dependent upon personal preference, factors like long-lasting sweat and odor protection and ingredients should be at the top of everyone's checklist.The key difference between the best deodorants and antiperspirants for men is that deodorants don't control the amount you sweat — they only prevent the smell of body odor. Antiperspirants instead block sweat glands using aluminum to prevent hyperhidrosis (aka excessive sweating), and some formulas have a deodorizing agent that masks B.O. as well.Our top pick is Duke Cannon because of its attractive cologne-like scents and top-notch sweat protection from its antiperspirants and aluminum-free deodorants. Another favorite natural, aluminum-free deodorant that's as powerful as it is gentle is from Bravo Sierra.Whether you're looking for a tough antiperspirant that will eliminate sweat, all-natural deodorant, a skin-soothing formula, or a convenient spray-on for your gym bag, you'll find your new favorite deodorant here.Our top 5 picks for the best deodorants and antiperspirants for menBest overallDuke Cannon is a military-inspired grooming brand that delivers high-quality grooming products for men. The brand is best known for its Big Ass Bricks of Soap and THICK Body Wash, but the deodorants are equally impressive.If you've come to like any of Duke Cannon's products because of their scent, you're in luck. Duke Cannon's deodorants come in familiar scents found on other products. Rather than using many different products with different scent profiles, you can get soap, body wash, cologne, and deodorant with the same scent.Aside from the variety of scents, I consider Duke Cannon the best antiperspirant for men because it effectively blocks sweat. It's formulated with the highest allowable level of aluminum (20%) for maximum odor and wetness protection, so if you can't compromise on sweaty pits, this is a wonderful choice. The formula also uses natural ingredients like aloe and vitamin E to protect and moisturize the skin and activated charcoal to block moisture and odor.I got hours of protection from the antiperspirant and could still smell the scent when I was ready to shower at the end of the day. Applying a small amount of antiperspirant goes a long way. I found that applying too much didn't improve its effectiveness and sometimes transferred to the inside of my clothing. Duke Cannon gives back to veterans by donating 5% of its net profits to various reputable foundations.Best aluminum-freeDrawing inspiration from military culture, Bravo Sierra is a utilitarian-based unisex grooming company. The brand's popular four-in-one face cleanser, body wash, shampoo, and shave gel effectively eliminates the need for several different products, but if there's one more essential you need from them, it's the deodorant.Rather than using aluminum or baking soda to prevent sweat, Bravo Sierra's natural formula uses a sweat-absorptive power extracted from cassava root, a plant native to Brazil. Bravo Sierra adequately lived up to my daily needs compared to other natural deodorants I've tested. It didn't wear off easily or need to be reapplied midday. Bravo Sierra deodorant comes in five scents — grapefruit and musk, white vetiver and cedarwood, citrus and cedarwood, sandalwood and fig, and tonka bean and lemon. This is the brand to shop for if you're looking to support a good cause while choosing the best deodorant for men. Bravo Sierra donates 5% of its sales to support military families and veterans.Best budgetHarry's was originally founded in 2013 as an alternative to expensive store-bought disposable razors. Over the years, the brand has expanded to become a total men's grooming brand, selling everything from shaving products to skincare — and its latest addition is deodorant, antiperspirant, and extra-strength antiperspirant. Each type is designed to provide 48-hour odor protection. The deodorant is aluminum-free, while the antiperspirants use aluminum to prevent sweating. Regardless of which type you choose, Harry's deodorants and antiperspirants are affordably priced at $5.50.Harry's deodorants and antiperspirants come in a variety of scents, many of which have an outdoorsy, natural smell. If you're looking for a fresh scent that's closer to body wash or cologne, this might not be the one for you. However, each name clearly describes the scent profile, so it's easy to choose one you'll like.Best moisturizingDeodorant is used to keep body odor under control, but harsh ingredients can often have a negative effect on your underarm skin. If you're dealing with dry, peeling, or itchy skin on your underarms, there's a good chance that your skin doesn't agree with your current deodorant. Dove Men+Care was developed to meet the needs of men while nourishing the skin. Of the many deodorant choices from Dove Men+Care, I most recommend the Extra Fresh Deodorant Stick. This formula is aluminum-free and is made with ¼ moisturizing cream, so it won't irritate your skin. It's said to have 72-hour odor protection, and while I've never gone that long without showering and re-applying deodorant, it does an excellent job at lasting all day. The "extra fresh" scent is a blend of bergamot, lavender, and sandalwood — all of which suppress odor and keep you smelling good.Best high-endFounded in 2000, when the grooming and beauty industry was primarily saturated with products for women, Jack Black was one of the earliest brands to create high-quality grooming essentials using natural ingredients for men. While the market has plenty of natural or clean brands for men, Jack Black is still one of the best.Jack Black's Pit Boss antiperspirant is free of parabens and sulfates and uses natural ingredients like vitamin E, aloe leaf juice, castor oil, and sunflower seed oil to protect and moisturize the skin. As an antiperspirant, it uses aluminum to reduce underarm wetness and control sweat. You won't get to choose between a variety of scents with Jack Black Pit Boss, but I didn't mind because it has one of the freshest scents I've tried and lasts all daylong. It's one of the priciest products on this list, but with its effectiveness and attractive scent, it's still worth trying.Best whole body deodorantLet's face it — underarms aren't the only parts of our bodies that can create unpleasant odors. That's why Dove Men+Care created Whole Body Deo. The new deodorant collection comes in stick, spray, and cream variants and can each be used all over your body, from underarms to private parts and feet. Each version is aluminum-free and uses ingredients like aloe, bamboo, and vitamin E to help keep your skin soft, moisturized, and free of irritation.I tested the spray and cream versions and preferred the cream. It was easier to apply, seemed to be more effective throughout the day (most likely because I was able to get better coverage), and it didn't have that cold sensation you get with most spray deodorants. It's also worth noting that the spray version has alcohol in it, which can be an irritant for people with sensitive skin — especially if you plan on using it on your privates.Whether you're looking for a good deodorant to keep in your gym bag before your workouts or you simply want to stay smelling fresh throughout the day in areas beyond your armpits, I recommend the Dove Men+Care Whole Body Deo.Best for sensitive skinBevel is a Black-owned grooming brand that makes affordable essentials for people of color. With everything from safety razors that prevent ingrown hairs to exfoliating body washes, one of Bevel's top priorities is to promote healthy skin while grooming. The Aluminium-Free Deodorant is specifically designed to penetrate coarse and curly hair, so it actually gets to the surface of the skin to do its job. The formula also includes ingredients like coconut oil, and shea butter to keep skin hydrated and moisturized. It goes on smooth and clear, doesn't clump up, and provides 48-hour odor protection.You won't get to choose between a variety of scents for the deodorant, but it has a fresh scent most people will enjoy wearing.Best natural with baking sodaFounded by Kyle LaFond, a former middle school science teacher, American Provenance is a natural care essentials brand. All of the deodorants are hand-mixed, hand-poured, and made in small batches here in the USA.The brand uses what it calls "better-for-you ingredients" in its products. The deodorant uses coconut oil for its antibacterial properties, baking soda to deodorize, arrowroot to absorb sweat and bodily oils, and beeswax and shea butter to hydrate and soothe the skin.Of the few scents I've used, none of them smell particularly masculine or feminine, so it's one of the best deodorant choices if you're looking for a unisex deodorant.Best natural without baking sodaDr. Squatch describes itself as a natural, high-performance personal care brand specifically for men. Free of any harmful ingredients, all of its products are 98-100% natural and use naturally derived fragrances that men will love. And with an ingredients glossary that fully describes the origins and purpose of each ingredient, it's one of the most transparent grooming brands I've come across.The main deodorizing and sweat-absorbing ingredients in Dr. Squatch's deodorants are charcoal powder, arrowroot powder, and magnesium. Other natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils, provide moisture and scent.If you are worried about an all-natural deodorant that doesn't deliver in the scent department, Dr. Squatch won't let you down. Some of my favorite scents are Wood Barrel Bourbon, Rainforest Rapids, and Fresh Fall — all of which last for hours on end.Aside from its distinctly masculine scents, Dr. Squatch's products are formulated specifically for men and include additional ingredients that can be potentially beneficial to men's health, such as saw palmetto, ginseng, and valerian.FAQsWhat's the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?The key difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is that deodorants don't control the amount you sweat — they only prevent the smell of body odor. Antiperspirants instead block sweat glands using aluminum to prevent hyperhidrosis (AKA: excessive sweating), and some formulas have a deodorizing agent that masks B.O. as well.
Why is aluminum found in antiperspirants?Aluminum Zirconium Tetracholorohyrdrex GLY is the main active ingredient in antiperspirants, which block pores and prevent sweat from leaving the body.
Is it safe to use aluminum on your body?Yes, the highest amount of aluminum allowed in antiperspirants is 20%. While many deodorants specifically claim to be aluminum-free, ones that do contain aluminum aren't unsafe; they simply work differently.
What is the purpose of baking soda in deodorant?Baking soda is typically found in natural deodorants and is used as an odor neutralizer. It changes the acidity of pits, disabling the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
What are the downsides of using a deodorant with baking soda?While baking soda is undeniably effective as an odor neutralizer (among its many other purposes, such as baking and cleaning), it can be harsh and irritate the skin. If you've previously had a poor reaction to baking soda or you have sensitive skin, you'll likely want to find a baking soda-free natural deodorant.
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