Deodorants are one of the basic things we buy at the supermarket. They have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, and many have learned to rely on them to get that clean, fresh feeling and that good smell even after a hard days’ work. However, have you ever wondered why there is such a thing as body odor?
When you talk about human sweat, what you will find out is that it does not smell at all. However, bacteria that live in your body feasts on the compounds found in sweat, and that is where things get nasty. You will develop body odor when the eccrine and apocrine glands in the body, which are most commonly found in the genital areas and the armpit, secrete compounds that bacteria like to feast on. This process releases smelly molecules – which is what we know as body odor.
Years ago, when there were no deodorants yet, humans relied on different items to help them deal with body odor. There were oil-based salves that were made from a variety of ingredients including cinnamon, rose, and lemongrass. The scented wax was also popular for both men and women. In other parts of the world, body odor was treated with aromatic spices and scented oils that were applied all over the body.
Nowadays, proper hygiene is given importance when it comes to overcoming body odor. Washing off or removing excess skin bacteria is an excellent way to manage unpleasant smell. It is also essential to keep the skin as dry as possible. However, there are several cases, particularly among men – as they sweat a lot more than women – that need the use of strong deodorants.
Luckily, we have different deodorant varieties that promise to help alleviate problems that come from having an overpowering odor. It is essential, however, to first learn all that you can about deodorants, so you can choose the best one.
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Who Needs Deodorants?
Anyone who is way past the puberty stage and has thus developed apocrine glands can have body odor. Aside from excessive sweating, there are other factors responsible for elevating body odor problems: when you are overweight, when you eat so much spicy food, and if you have diabetes (and other medical conditions).
As mentioned a while ago, men sweat a lot more than women, so they have higher chances of developing body odor. As such, a lot of them are always on the lookout for the best men’s deodorant. Men who work out, exert much physical effort in their jobs, and those who are regularly exposed to dust and dirt especially need to use deodorants.
If you cannot determine whether your need deodorant or not, one source says the best thing to do is check your ear wax. If your ear wax is dry, you do not need a deodorant. However, if it is sticky, you need to buy and use the best one right away.
What is a Deodorant?
Simply put, a deodorant is a personal hygiene product that is used to prevent body odor caused by sweating in the armpits (and in other areas of the body). Deodorants come in different forms, although the first commercial product that came out in the 1950s (trademarked in 1888) was a roll-on (Mum). Today, aside from roll-ons, we have sprays and powders.
Deodorants are intended to fight unpleasant odor, not to stop the sweating. The product that is ideal for preventing sweat is called an antiperspirant, which is considered a subgroup of deodorants.
The US Food and Drug Administration (USDA) classifies deodorants are cosmetics. These products are usually alcohol-based and contain, among others, natural essential oils, and fragrances. Likewise, deodorants also have antimicrobials, which are vital as they kill the bacteria that cause the overpowering odor. The scent in deodorants is what masks the bad smell.
Some of the newest varieties of deodorants are described as “longer lasting” because the fragrance stays for a longer time. Other types, meanwhile, are formulated with ingredients that can help reduce stains on the clothing and white marks (white powder residue on the skin), as well as those that can whiten the armpit skin.
Specifically, deodorants contain the following:
-stearyl alcohol
-sodium stearate
-sodium chloride
-triclosan (antimicrobials) or chelate compounds
-natural essential oils (for some varieties)
There are also deodorants that contain potassium alum, a chemical that has aluminum. These products are what you call natural deodorant crystals.
For men (and women) with sensitive skin, the best men’s deodorant is one that’s alcohol and fragrance-free. Additionally, nowadays, many deodorants are formulated with natural ingredients and are perfect for men with highly sensitive skin.
What are the Benefits of Men’s Deodorants?
Aside from the apparent reason that it helps fight body odor, there are other benefits men can enjoy when they choose to use the best men’s deodorant. Here are six benefits that will make you want to run to the supermarket and buy one for yourself.
Using men’s deodorant will help kill odor-causing bacteria. The bacteria that causes your sweat to smell is what needs to be eliminated because this is what leads to body odor. Regularly using a men’s deodorant will help fight and kill these bacteria. The antimicrobials or antibacterial agents contained in the best men’s deodorant will make you feel, look, and smell clean.
Using men’s deodorant will make you smell good. Men’s deodorants have a distinct smell. Whereas women’s deodorants often smell like a freshly washed bed sheet, men’s deodorants are musky or fresh, crisp, and fruity. They smell better than deodorants for women. This is one of the main reasons why increasingly women now prefer to use men’s deodorants over the floral scented female ones. The scent also lasts longer than most women’s deodorants. Moreover, since you smell right all the time, you will feel good all the way, too!
Using men’s deodorant will help you save. Most deodorants made for men come in big sizes, especially when compared to women’s deodorants. As such, aside from feeling and looking good, you will also be able to save and make the most of your small personal hygiene investment.
Using the best men’s deodorant will give you more protection from unpleasant odor. Regular use of men’s deodorant is essential especially if you want to block off bad odor longer, more efficiently, and more efficiently. Deodorants for men are formulated to control body odor for a person who is active and sweats more than women, so they are sure to provide the protection needed to drive bad odor away.
Using a men’s deodorant will make you feel more masculine. Most of the best men’s deodorant products are formulated with the end user in mind. As such, deodorants for men are made to make men feel better about themselves. They are formulated in such a way that makes men feel more confident and masculine (i.e., “I smell good! I know you like the way I smell!”). There are quite a lot of men who use deodorants to enhance their masculinity and therefore increase their confidence.
Using the best deodorant for you will thus help increase your self-worth.
Using men’s deodorant will encourage you to practice proper hygiene. Proper hygiene is essential if you want to achieve good general health. So, the moment you start to use the best men’s deodorant regularly, you are pushing yourself to embrace proper hygiene and to lead a cleaner, healthier life eventually.
What are the Precautions of Men’s Deodorants?
While deodorants are effective and efficient in fighting off body odor, there are certain precautions that you need to consider when using even the best men’s deodorant.
First off, most deodorants (whether for men or women) contain parabens. These parabens are not good because they mimic the estrogen found in the body. As such, there is a possibility of hormonal imbalance, which can lead to early puberty onset and in some cases, even hormonal cancers.
Another important thing you need to do before buying any men’s deodorant is to talk to and consult with your doctor, especially if you have skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Likewise, it is essential to determine whether the deodorant you plan to buy has ingredients you are allergic to. Therefore, do not forget to read the product label before paying the best men’s deodorant.
Additionally, the triclosan in your men’s deodorant, which is essential in fighting bacteria and other microbes, is considered a pesticide by the FDA. It can also be a carcinogen, which means it can harm your endocrine system and make you develop certain allergies. Some sources even say that it can increase your risk to certain cancers, but there are no studies that have come up with definitive information about this.
The best thing to do to avoid these dangers is to go for the best men’s deodorant that is made of more natural ingredients than chemicals. Some manufacturers substitute parabens with potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.
What is the Best Men’s Deodorant to Prevent Body Odor?
Now that you have a better understanding about men’s deodorants, including their benefits and disadvantages, you can start looking for the best men’s deodorant to buy and use. However, as there are tons of choices in the market, it is best first to explore your options. Here are five of the best men’s deodorants you can choose from.
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Mountaineer Brand All-Natural Deodorant
Overview:
This may be the best men’s deodorant because it is handmade and formulated with natural ingredients. Additionally, it is ideal for both men and women. A unisex deodorant, yes!
Mountaineer Brand’s deodorant has handpicked essential oils and ingredients that are blended to help achieve the result you need. It also contains baking soda and arrowroot powder (which work well in absorbing wetness and moisture), while tea tree oil and neem oil contribute their antibacterial/antimicrobial qualities in fighting off bacteria that causes bad odor.
This deodorant also has shea butter and coconut oil, as well as vitamin E for optimal skin protection and care.
Pros
- A unisex deodorant, so it is not only the best men’s deodorant, it can be the best for women, too!
- Have all the ingredients needed to fight off bacteria and bad odor – but all are natural and come from natural sources.
- No parabens, no dyes, no artificial fragrances.
- Smells good – a combination of cedar, fir needle, and eucalyptus.
- Does not stain your clothes.
- Handcrafted in small batches, so high quality is a guarantee.
Cons
- May not last long for some (depending on use).
- The smell may be a bit strong for some.
- Might irritate the skin.
- Can be sticky.
Primal Pit Paste Deodorant
Overview:
This men’s deodorant is 100% natural and does not contain paraben, aluminum, added fragrances, and other toxic chemicals. What it does have are antimicrobial organic oils (coconut, pumpkin seed, sunflower), organic butter, lavender, and baking soda (which is essential for neutralizing bacteria).
Even a small, pea-sized amount of this men’s deodorant will already give you the results you need. As such, one jar of Primal Pit Paste Deodorant can last for more than a month.
Pros
- Safe for kids.
- Not tested on animals.
- Formulated with organic ingredients.
- Has antimicrobials and baking soda.
- It smells good. Moreover, the scent stays longer than the usual.
- Formulated by a mom – for her daughter.
Cons
- Might leave oil stains on your clothing.
- May cause allergies for some people.
Herban Cowboy Forest Deodorant Maximum Protection
Overview:
This is another all-natural deodorant product. It has 100% vegan food-based ingredients. It has a forest-like smell that is a hit for everyone. The scent lasts for a long time, too.
Herban Cowboy Deodorant does not contain aluminum, triclosan, and propylene glycol. It also dries fast and does not stain your clothing.
Pros
- It is a clear solid stick, which is preferred by many people nowadays.
- Good packaging.
- No chemicals in the ingredient list.
- Smells good. The scent lasts long.
- It has an earthly forest-like smell.
Cons
- You might need to apply it several times in a day as it has no active drying ingredient and might not dry your armpits thoroughly. (Although it is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant.)
- Can cause adverse skin reactions on some people.
Dove Men + Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick
Overview:
This is an antiperspirant deodorant, which means it does not only fight off a bad odor, it can also control your sweat. Its effect is expected to last 48 hours, for both odor protection and wetness protection.
Additionally, this can be the best men’s deodorant because it is formulated with moisturizer technology, which can help protect the skin from irritation. As such, it relaxes the skin while also conditioning it.
This product has a refreshing scent, one that many men will find soothing and relaxing.
Pros
- This men’s deodorant is made by one of the most respected skin care and hygiene experts in the world, Dove.
- The scent and its sweat protection last long, at least 48 hours.
- Perfect for skin that gets irritated easily, as well as for dry skin, as has ¼ moisturizer in its ingredients.
- The best thing about this product is that it is both a deodorant and antiperspirant. It is a two-in-one product. It does not only eliminate bad odor, but it also prevents, and controls sweat.
Cons
- The scent can be a bit strong for some.
- This deodorant might leave marks on your clothes, especially when the weather is hot and humid.
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick for Men
Overview:
This is an unscented deodorant that does not contain harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum zirconium. Since this is a crystal deodorant, it effectively creates a barrier protecting the skin from odor-causing bacteria.
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick for Men is dermatologist recommended and is hypoallergenic. Therefore, event men with sensitive skin can use this best men’s deodorant option.
This is considered as one of the world’s best and most recommended natural mineral salt deodorant.
Pros
- No harsh chemicals, only natural mineral salt, and other natural ingredients.
- Creates a barrier that hinders odor-causing bacteria.
- Comes in two varieties – slightly scented and unscented.
- Comes in an easy-to-use twist-up stick.
- The shelf life of this product can last up to one year (depending on use).
- Size is good as it can be carried around easily.
Cons
- It may take some time before the bad odor disappears.
- Might break into pieces if not handled and used properly.
- It is not aluminum-free.
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Our Choice for the Best Men’s Deodorant to Prevent Body Odor
All the products in the list are in the running for the best men’s deodorant as they all have significant effects on their users. However, the one that stands out is Mountaineer Brand All-Natural Deodorant. Although some people may find its combination scent a bit strong (fir needle, cedar, and eucalyptus), the majority of what the product does for them. Best of all, it is made of all-natural, handpicked ingredients.
Likewise, it is made by hand, and in small batches, so you know that it is a high-quality product.
So, if you want only the best men’s deodorant, go for the one that is not only effective and efficient but also one that is safe and of excellent quality.
