11 Best Deodorants for Men: Smell Fresh & Clean

In A Hurry? Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall: MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant
2. Best Smelling: Oars & Alps Eucalyptus Spearmint Natural Deodorant
3. All Natural: Ursa Major Natural Deodorant
4. Best for Sensitive Skin: Prospector Co. Deodorant Spray

A quality deodorant should be designed to provide a light complimentary fragrance for your style while also working to mask foul odors.  

In this guide, we not only review the best deodorants for men in 2020 – such as the MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant.  We will also go over important considerations to think about when making your purchase, along with answering a few common questions men.

Let’s get started:

Comparing The Best Deodorants for Men

For men that want a quick overview, here is a table outlining each deodorant we looked at based on the following:

• Award: What we feel makes this deodorant special.
• Antiperspirant: Whether or not it has sweat-blocking ingredients.
• Price: Indicated by a $ sign, we provide an estimate of the price (relative to others reviewed).

Name	Award	Aluminum Free?	Price
MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant	Overall	Yes	$$$
Oars & Alps Eucalyptus Spearmint Natural Deodorant	Smelling	Yes	$$$
Ursa Major Natural Deodorant	All Natural	Yes	$$$
Tom’s of Maine 24-Hour Men’s Natural Deodorant	Aluminum Free	Yes	$$
Prospector Co. Deodorant Spray	Sensitive Skin	Yes	$$$$
CERTAIN DRI Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant	–	No	$
Art of Sport Men’s Antiperspirant Deodorant	–	No	$$
Method Men Deodorant	–	Yes	$$
Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant	–	No	$$
Old Spice Deodorant for Men	–	Yes	$
AXE Antiperspirant Stick	–	No	$

The Best Deodorant of 2023 Reviewed

1. MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant

Top Award: Best Overall Deodorant for Men

The best overall deodorant for men is the one that keeps you dry, clean smelling and isn’t obtrusive. That’s what you get with MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant. Solidly at the top end of our price spectrum, the smaller packaging may turn some off, but it is hands down the best deodorant for people with sensitive skin and sweat or odor problems.

This product is fragrance-free and aluminum-free. Microzeolites help keep odor away while witch hazel and aloe soothe making it a great choice for most skin types.

Pros

• Short ingredient list keeps things simple
• Great for those with sensitive skin
• Small package is easy to carry

Cons

• Expensive
• Isn’t the best for heavy wetness

What You Need To Know

One of the best aluminum-free deodorants is also one of the best overall, hands down. The higher price point is something to keep in mind but if you’ve got sensitive skin, this is perfect for you. 

2. Oars & Alps Eucalyptus Spearmint Natural Deodorant

Top Award: Best Smelling Deodorant

There aren’t too many things that smell better together than eucalyptus and spearmint. Oars & Alps Eucalyptus Spearmint Natural Deodorant is the all-natural leader in best smelling deodorant category. Cornstarch absorbs odors and natural botanicals nourish skin with eucalyptus and citrus, which add a great, natural scent.

We definitely think this is a great smelling deodorant. It is available in a variety of different scents including two specific smells for sensitive skin in the upper middle end of our price range.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Essential oils help keep you smelling great
• Subscription options for easy use

Cons

• No antiperspirant
• A bit pricey

What You Need To Know

Absolutely one of the best smelling deodorant sticks out there for men, the Oars & Alps Eucalyptus Spearmint Natural Deodorant is one of the best options for men who want an all-natural, great smelling option. 

3. Ursa Major Natural Deodorant

Top Award: Best Natural Deodorant

This product is named after one of the most natural substances out there. Ursa Major Base Layer Natural Deodorant is made from clay and aloe that absorbs moisture and eradicates odor.  It’s available in two scents and an unscented variety and is perfect for the environmentally conscious and those with sensitive skin.  It sits right at the top end of our range for prices.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients, the best natural deodorant for men
• Great scents and unscented option
• Nice, clean design

Cons

• Do need to give it a solid trial period for your body to get used to the all natural substances

What You Need To Know

If you’re willing to deal with the bit of trial period and the higher price, the Ursa Major deodorant is the best option out there.

4. Tom’s of Maine 24-Hour Men’s Natural Deodorant

Top Award: Best Aluminum Free Deodorant

Tom’s of Maine has been making outstanding natural products for many years, and the 24-Hour Men’s Natural Deodorant is a stand out aluminum-free product. It is available in three manly scents and comes in at the middle portion of our pricey range. As an added benefit, Tom’s donates 10% of their profits to a variety of charities.

Pros

• Great smelling, effective deodorant
• Not too bad price-wise
• Donates some profits to charities

Cons

• Could cause some stinging when applying

What You Need To Know

Tom’s of Maine 24-Hour Men’s Natural Deodorant is good for your body and great for your conscience.

5. Prospector Co. Deodorant Spray

Top Award: Best Deodorant for Sensitive Skin

Prospector Co. Deodorant Spray takes effective odor control out of the stick, perfect for sensitive skin. This spray deodorant is a bit pricey at the top end of our range, but it’s all-natural, no colors, fragrance, or aluminum, and the essential oils make you smell mainly while protecting your skin.

Pros

• All-natural
• Essential oil-based manly scents
• Perfect for men with sensitive skin

Cons

• No antiperspirant qualities
• Pricey

What You Need To Know

Guys with sensitive skin can struggle to find a deodorant that works well and keeps them comfortable – the Prospector Co. Deodorant Spray is the ticket. 

6. CERTAIN DRI Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant 

If you’re a sweaty guy and deal with odor issues and just want to get rid of it completely, the CERTAIN DRI Prescription Strength Antiperspirant is the end-all-be-all solution. Colorless and fragrance free, CERTAIN DRI offers 72-hour protection and stops sweating for the most intense sweating and odor. Dermatologist approved and recommended by the International Hyperhidrosis Society, it is a little pricey but worth it if you need extra sweat protection.

Pros

• Applied sparingly at bedtime, won’t rinse off, will keep you fresh
• Absolute protection with 12 percent aluminum chloride
• Recommended by dermatologists

Cons

• May be tough on skin
• Expensive

What You Need To Know

 If you want to get rid of odor and wetness for good and have the budget, CERTAIN DRI is the product you want.

7. Art of Sport Men’s Antiperspirant Deodorant

Art of Sport Men’s Antiperspirant Deodorant is smack in the middle of our price range and offers some clean, manly scents. It’s made to prevent sweat and odor in active athletes, so it’s a great addition to your gym bag to keep your pits extra fresh.  Plus, it’s dermatologist-tested and non-irritating. 

Pros

• Smells great
• Motion-activated is great for athletes
• Long lasting

Cons

• Some men say the company was unclear on ingredients.
• Kind of pricey for the size

What You Need To Know

The Art of Sport Men’s Antiperspirant Deodorant is perfect for the active man who wants great odor protection.

8. Method Men Deodorant

Not named after the hip hop star, Method Men Deodorant brings aluminum-free, Cedar+Cypress scents for a pretty reasonable price. It uses plant and essential oil ingredients to control odor. These ingredients won’t cause staining like some other deodorants and antiperspirants.

Pros

• Mineral and essential oils
• Aluminum-free deodorant stick
• Easy application

Cons

• More expensive than standard brands
• Not an antiperspirant

What You Need To Know

 A no-nonsense choice, Method Man is an aluminum-free deodorant stick that won’t keep you completely dry but will help you smell fresh.  

9. Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant

Dove has produced some of the most popular products for both men and women for years, and the Dove Men +Care Antiperspirant Deodorant is perfect for nearly all men. It includes moisturizing technology, which means it’s rough on odor but not on your skin. This product uses aluminum-based formula to keep you dry, no matter what you’re doing. 

Pros

• Highly effective deodorant stick
• Very good for excessive sweating
• Well priced at the low end of the range

Cons

• Contains aluminum
• May irritate the skin if you’re sensitive

What You Need To Know

Dove Men+Care is one of the best deodorants and antiperspirants on the market if you do not have sensitive skin.  

10. Old Spice Deodorant for Men

You’ve probably seen the commercials – Old Spice Deodorant for Men isn’t just a schtick – it works very well and smells great. The brand has been around a while and you’ll probably recognize its signature scent.  It’s an aluminum-free deodorant and won’t control wetness, but it will help a great deal. Old Spice comes in a slightly larger size which means more for your money.

Pros

• Well priced at the low end of our range
• Great, iconic smells  
• Aluminum-free deodorant

Cons

• Not an antiperspirant
• Could be rough on sensitive skin

What You Need To Know

Most men want to smell great – according to Old Spice, the best men smell like their product – that’s what you’re getting here.

11. AXE Antiperspirant Stick

An antiperspirant-deodorant combination, the AXE Antiperspirant stick is an inexpensive way to ensure you stay fresh and dry for 24 hours. It has a classic fruit fragrance that includes lavender, geranium, and cedar wood — AXE keeps you fresh in all instances. This product contains aluminum to keep you dry.

Pros

• Great, powerful scents
• Inexpensive
• Ingredients to keep you dry and fresh

Cons

• Powerful scent may be too much for some
• Not for sensitive skin users

What You Need To Know

AXE Antiperspirant Deodorant is one of the classic contenders for men’s deodorants, and a great entry at that.

7 Tips on Finding the Best Deodorant for Men

1. Intended Use/Concerns

The intended use of deodorant seems fairly explanatory. You wear it so you stay dry and don’t smell, right? Well, yes, but some deodorants are specially formulated for specific situations, like reducing odor or stopping sweat entirely.

Everyday Personal Hygiene

Deodorant is an important part of any man’s daily personal hygiene. Just about any decent deodorant will get the job done, especially if you’re not an overwhelmingly sweaty guy. Be mindful of ingredients as you shop around; all natural deodorants are available and not as expensive as you think. Scent is a matter of personal preference so choose what you like.

Sweat & Wetness Protection

If you struggle with sweat, whether it’s because you live in a hot climate, play sports, or suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), you may need an antiperspirant deodorant. Antiperspirant controls sweat, which can be unsightly and can lead to odor. Deodorant itself just masks that odor and/or fights bacteria, but it won’t keep you dry. The best products for sweat protection are generally aluminum-based antiperspirants. Some aluminum free options do exist, but they may not work as well. 

Odor Control

No one likes body odor, but don’t worry — there are plenty of products that can help if you struggle with body odor. You’ll want antiperspirant/deodorant products like those you would use for sweat. Antiperspirants, as we said above, control sweat and as such, are very good at controlling odor. Wetness protection = smell protection. Alternatively, you can choose a deodorant with bacteria killing ingredients like zinc, witch hazel, baking soda or essential oils like tea tree oil. These provide a lovely scent without the chemicals.

2. Ingredients

Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts. Aluminum is the only substance approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to block sweat glands and therefore control sweating. These drugs react with the glands to prevent sweating. Some are available without aluminum but may not provide the same efficacy.

Deodorant itself protects against odors with fragrance and bacteria killing ingredients but antiperspirant deodorant is very common as it prevents sweat and fights odors. Other common deodorants include bactericidal substances such as triclosan (TCS) and other similar parabens, alcohols, methenamine (another powerful antiperspirant), acidifiers and pH neutral products that prevent bacterial growth by preserving the skin’s acidity. Many also include activated charcoal which absorbs sweat and the resulting smell.

Some of these substances are powders and require gelling agents to allow formation and application. These are often waxy or fatty materials like stearyl or cetyl alcohol, hydrogenated castor oil, glyceryl stearate; propylene glycol, a colorless and odorless liquid is often used for this purpose as well. There are concerns about whether these are healthy substances and if they are actually necessary over natural ingredients. The FDA does consider them safe and some more health conscious brands simply elect to use forms that are derived from vegetables over other sources.

3. Scent

Scents are often added to deodorant, either to mask body odor or to add a cologne-like fragrance. These are often plant extracts or synthetic aromas and some may be formulated to release throughout the day. Most men’s deodorant comes in “masculine” scents like fresh, cool, wood or other common cologne scents.

4. Format

Deodorants come in a variety of different formats.

• Stick deodorant is probably the most common.  It’s generally a powdery stick that goes on dry.  Invisible solid options are available as a standard solid deodorant stick can leave residue on clothing.
• Gel or cream products go on wet but usually stay put once dry, so opt to put these on a few minutes before you need to get dressed.
• Roll-on deodorant comes in liquid form that is applied via a roller ball.  It’s often cold going on but otherwise effective.
• Aerosol deodorant sprays on wet and typically dries to a powdery finish.  It’s good for sharing since it doesn’t touch your skin.  However, spray deodorant may be a bit cold when applied. They are much more environmentally friendly thanks to the Montreal Protocol of 1987 in which CFCs were banned.

5. Brand

Popular deodorant brands include:

• Old Spice
• Dove
• Degree
• Mitchum
• Right Guard
• Jack Black

There are also lots of organic, health-conscious, and natural brands popping up. Many brands known for cologne and other grooming products also have corresponding deodorant. There are also lots of off-brand products available, but going with a known name will ensure a more reliable product that is guaranteed.

6. Price

Price can vary from a couple of dollars to $25, however, a reliable deodorant can easily be purchased for under $10. The higher end of the range is mostly designer brands or specialty products, such as organic or free of certain ingredients.

7. Features & Extras

Here are a few extra features that some brands showcase in their deodorants:

• Alcohol Free: Alcohol is often in deodorant to achieve the right texture, help products to dry faster, and kill bacteria. The downside is it can also be drying to the skin and cause irritation, so if you have dry skin, alcohol-free options are best for you.
• Aluminum Free: While aluminum is arguably the best ingredient for keeping armpits dry — and again, the only approved by the FDA to do so — there are certain health concerns. Some studies suggest a correlation between aluminum and Alzheimer’s and cancer. None of these studies are definitive and it’s likely there’s little if any cause for concern, but some feel it’s better safe than sorry.
• Paraben Free: Parabens prevent bacteria from growing on deodorant. They can be absorbed through the skin and are believed to disrupt hormone function by acting as estrogen, which has been linked to cancer. Few deodorants still contain parabens, but it is worth checking your brand.
• Moisturizer: Some deodorant includes moisturizing agents to keep your armpits hydrated and soft. It’s a great benefit as this skin is often ignored when you’re moisturizing. Some popular moisturizing ingredients include shea butter, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and coconut oil.

Consider Also Picking These 3 Products Up

1. Body Wash

Whether you’re thinking of a deodorant or an antiperspirant, it won’t do any good if you’re applying the product to dirty armpits. Wash up first with a decent body wash, with either a wash cloth or other abrasive implement, and start the day fresh. If either your deodorant or body wash contain strong scents, try to go for something complimentary or simply select one or the other.

2. Moisturizer

Good hygiene is more than just cleansing and using deodorant. If you want to take good care of your skin you need moisturizer as well to keep it hydrated and soft. A good moisturizer should be applied at least once a day on your body, face, and even in your armpits. Like body wash, ensure you choose complimentary scents.

3. Cologne

The term cologne has become a catch all for men’s fragrance. This isn’t totally true – cologne is actually a substance that only comes from it’s namesake city in Germany. Still, we use it interchangeable and gives off a pleasant scent when sprayed on your body. Cologne should be applied sparingly to your pulse points which are warmest and will project the most scent.

Deodorant FAQs

What is the best deodorant for men?

The best deodorant for men is the one that works for you and your body type. If you’re concerned with the ingredients in a deodorant, make sure you check the label and stay away from chemicals. If you have a serious sweating or odor issue, an antiperspirant is definitely the way to go.

How much deodorant should a man use?

Be sure to read the instructions as this can vary based on the type of deodorant used. However, a general rule is to apply one layer or swipe of product to cover your entire armpit area.

Which deodorant is best for odor?

Again, this depends. If the odor is coming from excessive wetness or sweat, you may want an antiperspirant. If you’re just a bit of a smellier man but don’t sweat too much, a deodorant that prioritizes scent would be best.

Is Degree a good deodorant?

Sure – Degree is a perfectly goods deodorant if it has the features you’re looking for.

Why do guys put deodorant on their balls?

If you happen to be a sweaty or smelly guy, that wetness and scent doesn’t come from just one location – it comes from all of your erogenous zones. There’s nothing wrong with putting a little bit of deodorant on the scrotum – just be careful if you’re applying antiperspirant or other medicinal products to the area.

Is women’s deodorant stronger than men’s?

Actually the opposite – men’s deodorant tends to feature more aluminum content than women’s. The scents tend to be stronger as well.

Is Dove men’s deodorant aluminum free?

No. The one we feature on this list contains aluminum.

Why do I still smell after using deodorant?

It could be that you sweat more or have stronger smelling scent than your deodorant is able to cope with.

How do you stop armpit odor?

An antiperspirant/deodorant combination is the best way to control armpit odor.

What kind of deodorant should I use to stop sweating?

An antiperspirant deodorant will help you stop sweating. A deodorant will not necessarily.

Deodorant vs. 4 the Alternatives

1. Deodorant

A deodorant may or may not contain chemicals that help your armpits stop smelling. Many are all natural and contain only essential oils, minerals, and other items from nature. The main goal of deodorant is to keep you from smelling.

2. Antiperspirant

Antiperspirant uses chemicals, usually aluminum, to keep your pores closed and prevent sweating all together. Some sweat may still get through, but it will likely not smell.

3. Cologne

Cologne is a colloquial term for any substance you put on that smells fresh and nice. Originally, cologne was only produced in its namesake city in Germany. Now, its a catch-all term for anything you add to smell great after showering, shaving, and applying deodorant.

4. Body Spray

Body spray can be either a deodorant/antiperspirant or just for smell. Body spray is often used as an add on substance after using other products.

Our Criteria for Choosing the Best Deodorant for Men

We considered a variety of features to come up with a list of the best men’s deodorants, including price, substance and use. Intended use and specific concerns are most important as this determines what type you need.

We hope that this list provides you with some options for your next deodorant.