As men, we are always on the go and involved in many rigorous activities, and we sweat a lot. Now, if we don’t take care of ourselves, we might smell. Of course, we are aware of proper hygiene and grooming. Thus, we make it a point to shower every day, we use cologne, and we never skip using soap.
Aside from these daily rituals, we always put on antiperspirant and deodorant and tell ourselves it’s good enough.
But, wait! Is it really good enough? Is using the same old deodorant that we grab off that store shelf, believing it has what it takes to protect us from natural sweat and body odor, enough?
As we can actually learn about male cologne and the huge difference between dabbing some in the morning before we leave for work, against making vigilant choices, we will begin to make knowledgeable, sound judgment when choosing.
By now, you might have observed that nearly all stores are filled with all kinds of formula and scent that you can think of. Most of the time it can get confusing and amidst that confusion, we just grab anything randomly or with just shaky reasoning. For instance, we choose one because we like the product’s label or design. It’s like choosing a horse to bet on in the Derby for its color and just wasting your money.
Never choose a deodorant without knowing the consequences.
Before we dig deeper into the top deodorant choices for men, let’s first have a look at some of the things straight from Deodorant and Antiperspirant lesson 101. More organic cologne for men here.
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Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant?
While deodorants and antiperspirants appear to be the same for some people, the two serves different purposes. However, before you make your choice on which one to choose, it would be helpful if you first understand why pits tend to become smelly most of the time.
The reason is mainly bacteria and not the body sweat. Sweat is actually odorless when excreted by the body. However, the bacteria residing in your skill will produce the bad odor as a result.
Deodorants and Antiperspirants each handle this smelly problem in some diverse ways.
- Antiperspirants help prevent wetness
The primary purpose of antiperspirant is to prevent sweating, ensuring that your armpits remain dry which will starve the bacteria. Through aluminum, antiperspirants accomplish this task. Aluminum creates a jelly-like plug when mixed with the acids in your sweat and skin that blocks your sweat glands.
- A deodorant help fight body odor
Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants don’t prevent sweat. Its purpose is to counteract the odor produced by the bacteria when they feast on sweat. These could usually be achieved by using scents, antimicrobials, and other elements that control bacterial activity.
Deodorants don’t contain aluminum. At some point, this could be considered as a marketing point. There are people who avoid aluminum over concerns of it being related to the neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer’s and even cancer. That is despite the fact that the NCI, FDA, and the American Cancer Society said that there is not enough indication to back up the claim.
When to Use Deodorant and When to Use Antiperspirant?
Here’s a tip.
According to experts, we have been using antiperspirant the wrong way. Most of us apply it the morning as per the usual. However, applying antiperspirant in the morning right after you take a shower will make it difficult for the antiperspirant’s active elements to do their job on your sweat glands.
For that reason alone, it is best to apply an antiperspirant before you go to bed at night when it is said that the sweat glands are less active, and the armpits are drier. Doing this will make the ingredients of the antiperspirant to last for 24 hours that even morning shower won’t wash them away.
On the other hand, if you’re using deodorant, it is best to apply it in the morning. Put it right after you shower so you can enjoy smelling fresh all day.
Antiperspirant Must-Have Ingredients
The best aluminum. This is the aluminum zirconium. We interviewed at least five dermatologists and analyzed a 2015 research study. All of them said that ZA is effective when compared to the older formulations when it comes to blocking sweat. Aside from that, it’s less irritating to the skin as per Dr. Whitney High.
No irritating ingredients. According to experts, the skin around the pits is highly sensitive. Because of this, mixed formulas like hydrogen peroxide and alcohols are mixed to cause dryness. By keeping in mind, the users with sensitive skin, we also searched for other products that don’t have a fragrance that can cause skin irritation.
Fights bacteria. We also look specifically for formulas that contain C12-15 alkyl benzoate. As per Dr. Audrey Kunin, the said chemical is considered generally safe and offers some antimicrobial benefits.
Using this criterion, we were able to trim the starting list down to 10 finalists. We wanted to better understand different brands and all the different formulas found in the said brands. Thus, we selected representatives for each brand for hands-on testing.
Deodorant Must-Have Ingredients
Natural deodorants are not regulated by FDA, unlike antiperspirants. That’s why we had our standards according to the expert interviews and current research studies about plant and other mineral-based ingredients. Then, we eliminate the ingredients that could potentially irritate the skin,
Zero aluminum. A lot of natural deodorants were made due to consumer needs concerning the safety of aluminum. Thus, we start or formula by mixing all kinds of it. The ingredient includes potassium aluminum which is usually found in products that are advertised as natural deodorants.
Zero skin irritants. Just like our research for the most viable antiperspirant, we remove anything that contains fragrance and alcohols. We also eliminate propylene glycol and propanediol. These two chemicals could reportedly cause red, itchy, and tender symptoms of contact dermatitis.
Odor blockers. Again, the experts have led us to the three main ingredients that could prevent body odor baking soda, coconut oil, and zinc oxide.
- Coconut oil allegedly has lauric acid, which, according to studies is more effective than other fatty acids in terms of fighting bacteria.
- Baking soda could affect the pH of the armpit, which makes it uninviting to those sweat-eating bacteria.
- Lastly, zinc oxide could neutralize odor by transforming the smells produced by bacteria into zinc salts without odor.
Best Deodorants for Men
There are several things to consider when choosing the best deodorant for men. To begin with, you need to consider the scent because as a man, you wouldn’t want to smell like a woman. Aside from that, you also have to choose the kind of application that is best for you.
You may need to stir clear off spray if you have a hairy underarm. You may also want to consider using a deodorant that has a time-release formula like antiperspirant if you have an active lifestyle or if the weather is humid.
Primal Pit Paste Natural Deodorant
At this point, you need to thank Amy Cazin, a mom, and athlete based in Tampa Bay. In her efforts to find a safe but effective deodorant, she was able to produce the Primal Pit Paste Natural Deodorant. The product has been loved by the masses since then. Cazin has allegedly take into consideration her child’s body odor together with the other products with toxic chemicals marketed at race events.
According to her, “primal” quest has led her to create an all-natural deodorant that contains ingredients not grown with chemicals, has no aluminum, parabens, and other health hazard stuff. She instead utilized a formula that is filled with organic oils like sunflower, coconut, and pumpkin seed.
The product has a lavender scent and contains baking soda that could neutralize the body odor causing bacteria.
Pros
- Leaves no residue
- Easy to apply
- All-natural
- Aluminum-free
Cons
- The scent is not strong enough
Herban Cowboy Forest Deodorant
One of the best stories that require telling is the Herban Cowboy story. The company was founded by a couple that was reportedly living in a cabin on a dirt road. The Herban Cowboy line of personal hygiene products was able to break through the modern world of conveniences.
The most important thing here is that the deodorant worked. It is said to be all-natural and made from food-based ingredients that are reportedly 100 percent vegan. The product also has no active drying ingredients like propylene glycol. Because of that, you need to use it more than once in a day.
Still, the product won’t disappoint you. In fact, reviewers love its alleged manly smell and that the all-natural product could last for longer periods of time.
Pros
- All-natural
- Great scent
Cons
- Don’t last long
- Not an antiperspirant
- Expensive
Speed Stick Power Antiperspirant & Deodorant
If you want a product that would take care of your pit’s comfort, control, and dryness, look no further than Mennen’s Speed Stick Powder Antiperspirant Deodorant, aside from that, this product could also take care of residue problems or that white streaks that could tarnish your shirt once you put it on after applying deodorant or antiperspirant.
Those streaks are of course embarrassing unless you want to just stay in your house which is definitely not the case.
Speed Stick promises dryness that could last for the whole day. Also, it boasts of odor and sweat protection. Thanks to the product’s patented “comfort guard applicator,” it is easier to apply and control. Meaning, you no longer have to worry about putting on too much of it.
Like its name, this version of the Speed Stick combines the power of deodorant and antiperspirant. Aside from this variant, there is also an unscented version which is perfect for sensitive armpits and comes with C12-15 alkyl benzoate, an antimicrobial that could stop stink.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Cheap price
- Aluminum-free
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Leaves residue
Old Spice High Endurance Deodorant
By now, you might have probably heard of Old Spice. Who wouldn’t? Just remember the jingle that’s always been a part of the product’s brand recognition.
You may also remember it as the stuff that your dad may have applied every day in the morning or the brand’s aftershave and the cologne that comes with it after shaving. New products may have come but nothing stood the test of time better than Old Spice.
Some old folks still value its so-called “scent of victory,” and all of its other scents that were made in the company’s Old Spice scent kitchen. You can only imagine the dozens of pots full of bubbling, boiling liquid while the air is filled with the brand’s signature scent and apparent victory.
This product also reminds us of the scents that create so-called desire to climb and conquer mountains just because of the fact that they exist. The bottom line here is, Old Spice is a familiar product and men love it!
Pros
- Aluminum-free
- Easy to use and apply
Cons
- Not an antiperspirant
- Expensive
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick is another natural product that is included in our list. It is considered the world’s leading natural mineral salt deodorant.
Its founder, Jerry Rosenblatt, has reportedly come about the product after discovering that it not just has mineral salts but purified water as well, making it a powerful hypoallergenic deodorant. Rosenblatt and his friends then carried a bunch of the salt rocks to the United States and produced the deodorant. Their deodorants were first sold in an upscale New York department store and now, Crystal’s products can be bought in over 35,000 stores worldwide.
Crystal reminds us about the significance of eliminating odor from its roots. It stops odor-causing bacteria instead of covering it with a heavy scent. The product is sold in two variants, scented and unscented.
Pros
- Aluminum free
- Affordable
- Not sticky
Cons
- Not good odor protection
- Not easy to apply
Degree Men’s Dry Protection Deodorant
When claiming the number one spot as the world’s top antiperspirant, Degree is definitely not one to mince words. In fact, whether its claim is true or not, the Degree Men’s Dry Protection is a top seller that comes with many good reviews.
Degree’s line of personal products includes the popular antiperspirants Clinical Strength Clean, Clinical Protection Shower Clean, Motionsense Antiperspirant Overtime, and Motionsense Shower Clean.
When it comes to scent, Degree leans towards the citrusy side which is totally fine. The products come in transparent solid. It’s body heat-activated and is said to be great for men who love outdoor sports and other activities.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good antiperspirant
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Undesirable scent
- Not all-natural
Gillette Clear Gel Cool Wave Deodorant
One of the biggest product names on our list is Gillette which is now owned by Procter & Gamble.
Gillette is widely known for its personal care products especially when it comes to its blades and razors. It has a huge following across the globe for the longest time.
To date, its Cool Wave Antiperspirant is one of the top gel antiperspirant available on the market.
People love and buy the product for many reasons which include its 24-hour protection against wetness and odor, plus its transparent dry shield. It can also be bought in a two-pack which makes it a great value for money.
Pros
- Stops sweat
- Good odor neutralizer
- Pleasant Smell
Cons
- Feels wet underarms
Certain Dri Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant
Again, another product which is consistent in claiming the number one spot when it comes to over-the-counter antiperspirants is Certain Dri. The product is highly recommended by doctors for those who have excessive sweating problems. While the claim is hard to prove, Certain Dri gets some props for creating a product that is effective.
Certain Dri Antiperspirant is also one of the strongest that a doctor can prescribe. It contains around 12 percent of aluminum chloride, a chemical considered to be the strongest when it comes to slowing down sweating. Furthermore, Certain Dri claims that its antiperspirant can stop excess sweating for up to 72 hours which is really impressive.
The chemical aluminum chloride is allegedly effective because its tiny molecules penetrate deep into the sweat glands to clog the sweat ducts.
In fact, just a little application of Certain Dri Antiperspirant goes a long way. Therefore, you do not have to apply it in the same amount as you do when you’re using other deodorants and antiperspirants. Meaning, just a few strokes of the product is enough to last you a few days.
Pros
- Effective antiperspirant
- Do not leave residue
- Reduce Sweating
Cons
- Can cause minor irritation
Jack Black Pit Boss Deodorant
Just to clarify, the brand Jack Black has nothing to do with the actor Jack Black. Although it appears that the people behind it may have like his movies.
Jack Black was founded in 2000 as a response by the owners to the demand for more men’s skincare products. Since then, they were able to build a reputation for producing world-renowned products.
Majority of reviewers have given it high scores for the things that are essentials in a men’s antiperspirant. This includes great scent for men, long-lasting effectivity, and non-irritating. Best of all who wouldn’t love the name of the product which was derived from a casino pit boss, who always has to be calm and confident while the world swirls around him.
Pros
- No parabens, alcohol, colorants
- Mild Scent
- Good sweat protection
Cons
- Not all-natural
- Expensive
- Leaves residue
Sweatblock Clinical Strength Deodorant
Last but not the least in our list is the SweatBlock which is also a perfect choice if you’re having troubles with excessive sweating.
The people behind the product claims that it is the top-selling antiperspirant on the market today. It is also said that it is the top deodorant recommended by doctors which are approved by the FDA. An application of SweatBlock could allegedly last for about seven days or one week.
They also don’t fool around and offers a 30-day money back guarantee for every item that they sell. Each pack of the antiperspirant comes with eight antiperspirant towelettes,
People working behind SweatBlock highly recommend that the antiperspirant is applied before bedtime while the sweat glands are less active.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Week-long protection
- Can handle different sweat issues
Cons
- Expensive
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Men and Women Sweat the Same
Since this is a review of the top deodorants and antiperspirants for men, one question that probably runs at the back of your head is: do men and women sweat differently from each other?
A study conducted in 2010 revealed that the answer to that question is YES. Men sweat sooner and release more sweat than women. However, that’s just one study conducted by postdoctoral researcher Sean Notley from the University of Ottawa. More recent studies have been published on similar topics like the one back in 2017.
You’re reading a review of men’s deodorants, which begs the question: Do men sweat differently than women? One study from 2010 found that yes, they do. Men start sweating sooner (e.g., at a lower body temperature) and release more sweat.
Studies show that sex has got something to do with sweating and explain that a maximum of 5 percent of different variations in sweating. The most significant question now is how much do you sweat?
There’s also no evidence to support that the content of sweat could differ by sex. Also, doctors had us thinking about the little evidence that shows men (or women) could have more sweat glands, or probably different ones. That said, do men and women truly need different deodorants? The answer could probably be NO.
Dr. David Pariser, a physician at the Pariser Dermatology said that when it comes to ingredients, there’s really no difference between the products for men and women. The only notable difference could be the scent. Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist, also added that it all boils down to personal scent preference and the application style.
That said, you might want to consider our top choices for the best men’s antiperspirants and deodorants as a start for you. You can always shop around to find the one that suits your taste in case you don’t particularly like the scent or application experience of the products included in our list. Again, do note that the product of your choice could be marketed for women.
Choosing the Right Deodorant
- Lifestyle
Choosing the perfect product for your armpits all boils down to your lifestyle and just how much you want it to work. The task is way beyond just grabbing whatever container that catches your attention.
According to Sure Men and Sove Men+Care brand manage Josh Plimmer, one size doesn’t really fit all in terms of deodorants. For instance, your gym bag may require something that would react to any intense movement while minimizing the odor. On the other hand, for a desk drawer, you may choose a deodorant with light-smelling formulations.
This only means that if you are the kind of person that spends up to five hours of sumo wrestling together with a quick stint in the sauna, you might need a douse of oxters that comes with something stronger. The same could be said when you’re an avid traveler since you would not probably be bringing something the size of a baguette in your luggage.
- Roll-On/ Stick vs. Spray-On
While there’s a slight difference between a roll-on and spray on, it will all comes down to your personal preference. To help you decide, Plimmer provides a helpful tip.
According to him, when you need something that could deliver generous amounts of ingredients into your armpit area, the best choice would be is a roll-on. For that reason alone, deodorants mean to treat excessive sweating often come in roll-ons or sticks.
Now, if your concept of personal odor is not only confined to just one area of your body, you may opt for an antiperspirant spray because it could provide broader and all-around protection. However, you may have a hard time making friends if your preference would fill the changing room or train carriage with that menthol mist. Thus, always make sure to choose wisely.
- Ingredients
It is highly advisable that you change your stick at least every six months to prevent your body from becoming immune to the ingredients of the product. Still, it would benefit you if you do a bit of research on the ingredients of the product you’re using.
It should be noted that even if some banned chemical propellants are still being used as ingredients in creating formulas by some companies. Therefore, it will pay off if you remain vigilant for these chemicals could leave your skin irritated,
Tips on How to Use Deodorant
Most people do not pay much thought to their deodorants and antiperspirants. While applying deodorant may appear like a no-brainer, it is still important that you use it the right way to maximize its effectivity.
Here are five best tips to ensure that you get the best results with your deodorants and antiperspirants:
- Use both antiperspirant and deodorant
Antiperspirants are developed to prevent sweating. On the other hand, deodorants are created to deal with body odor. The latter kills the bacteria which is the primary source of body odor. Typically, both come in fragrances that could cover up any unwanted scent.
- Apply at night
Most dermatologists recommend that antiperspirants be applied before bedtime. These nightly applications could help the product penetrate deeper into your sweat glands and block the pores. Deodorant, on the other hand, is more effective when applied in the morning after every shower.
- Slow down
Shaving may be a good idea if you have hairy armpit because hair could act as a sponge and absorb or store body odor. However, you need to remember that applying antiperspirants or deodorants after shaving could cause irritation and rashes. It is important that you give your skin some time to dry to prevent any underarm irritation. It would also help if you massage the antiperspirant or deodorant into your skin when applying it for better absorption.
- Read the label
If ever you get irritated skin after applying deodorants or antiperspirants, make sure that you immediately discontinue the usage of the product. The Federal Drug Administration recommends reading the label of any product before applying it to your skin. For sensitive skin, make sure that you only use natural and hypoallergenic deodorants and antiperspirants.
As much as possible, avoid products that have alcohol, essentials oils, fragrance, parabens, and lanolin, may be a good idea at times. The National Institute of Health has identified these ingredients are skin irritants.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right antiperspirant or deodorant is simple if you understand the needs of your body. Before you grab that canister off the shelf, consider asking yourself if you would be needing it to prevent excessive sweating to eliminate body odor. At times, you might be needing a combination of both. Again, you need to remember that depending on your preference, there’s really no major difference between male and female-advertised deodorants and antiperspirants.
Meaning, you might also find the perfect choice for your needs in the women’s corner of the store.
However, if we are to recommend something from the list that we provided, we highly suggest that you try the Primal Pit Paste Natural Deodorant. The product is made from all-natural ingredients, making it a top choice by the masses. Among its excellent ingredients are organic oils like sunflower, coconut, and pumpkin seed that won’t harm or irritate your skin.
