Did you know that your armpits can become immune to the ingredients in your deodorant over time and make them less effective? If you want to avoid having stinky and/or sweaty armpits, you, ideally, want to change your deodorant brand every 6 months. So if you’ve been using the same deodorant for the last couple of years, then it’s definitely time to switch it up and use one of the best men’s deodorants out there.
Before we get into the best deodorants, I want to over a few things, starting with women’s opinions about men and sweat, body odor and their deodorant:
- Sweat, unless it’s excessive, is not a deal breaker.
Just like men, we also get sweaty and since it’s a perfectly natural thing for your pits to be a little wet if you’re nervous or it’s hot, it’s perfectly fine. - What IS a deal breaker, though, is body odor. There’s no excuse for it.
- When a man has chunks of deodorant in his armpit hair. It’s like dandruff on your scalp and just gross.
Deodorant vs Antiperspirant
There are very strong opinions out there about deodorants vs antiperspirants.
De-odor-ants help prevent body odor, which occurs from the bacterial breakdown of sweat. They don’t stop you from sweating, though. So basically they only help prevent you from stinking.
Antiperspirants, on the other hand, prevent your armpits from producing sweat, which is why people who sweat a lot prefer this over a deodorant. Aluminum is the active ingredient which blocks your pores so sweat doesn’t pass through. The controversy surrounding antiperspirants is that there have been claims that aluminum is linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease. On top of that, they also cause the yellow pit stains on your shirts.
So, unless you’re a heavy sweater, I’d recommend sticking with a deodorant over an antiperspirant.
Gel vs Stick vs Roll Ons/Sprays
It’s honestly all about your preference. Each have their pros and cons.
Gels are great because they go on invisibly, but the downside is that they can feel wet and sticky until they dry.
Sticks go on dry and some say hold off body odor longer, but the con is that they can leave little crumbles and flakes in your armpit hair and will leave white marks on your darker shirts if you apply them before dressing.
As for sprays and roll-ons, they dry in seconds, but may not provide the best coverage compared to sticks or gels.
When it comes to deodorants, there’s a couple of them that the Groomers I spoke with love and that also came out on top during our testing.
The Best Men’s Deodorants
$4 – Dove men+care Extra Clean Deodorant Stick
This is their clinical strength deodorant so it’ll provide 48 hours of odor protection and is budget-friendly.
It’s a mineral salt deodorant that will last you for years and is fragrance and paraben free. Dorian uses this currently and said it’s been great.
$5 – Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Natural Deodorant
I like the unscented version, especially if you’re sensitive to fragrances, but they have other scents that you can choose from, as well.
$19 – Jack Black Cool CTRL Natural Deodorant
It’s a luxury deodorant, so the price tag is going to reflect that, but the quality of ingredients justifies the price. It’s aluminum and alcohol free and has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal ingredients to keep you odor free for 24 hours. Also, it has a really pleasant, light smell.
The Best Men’s Antiperspirants
$5 – Mitchum Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant (Gel)
$6 – Dove Dove Men+Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant
$16 – Jack Black Pit Boss® Antiperspirant & Deodorant
$16 – Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream