The 11 Very Best Men’s Deodorants and Anti-perspirants
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As a born-and-raised desert dweller who’s regularly on his bike, in a kickboxing gym, or otherwise trying to stay active, I sweat a lot. I’ve tried countless deodorants and anti-perspirants over the years with plenty of disappointing results and eventually found one that has earned a yearslong spot in my medicine cabinet.
Despite finding something reliable and surprisingly pleasing in my default deodorant, since testing more options for this guide, I’ve discovered a few I like just as much. To find out what deodorants and anti-perspirants are most effective at managing sweat and odor, I tried seven popular products by wearing them while running errands and working out and sourced recommendations from fivedermatologists, twopersonal trainers, and three men’sgroomingexperts.
Because everyone’s body chemistry is different and the effectiveness of a particular deodorant will vary from person to person, we don’t have a “best overall.” Instead, I’ve broken our picks up into categories based on their delivery mechanism (roll-on, stick, wipe) and what experts have said they’re best for (masking odor, stopping sweat altogether, or both).
Updated July 16, 2025
I’ve updated this guide with testing notes on Certain Dri Prescription Strength, Mitchum Clean Control, Vanicream, Nécessaire, Ban Roll-on, and Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh. I also checked the stock and prices for all products; they’re all still available.
Whatwe’relookingfor
Anti-perspirant or deodorant
While you might see the terms “deodorant” and “anti-perspirant” used interchangeably on product labels, there’s a difference between the two: Deodorants make you smell good, and anti-perspirants stop you from sweating. “Deodorants technically only mask or neutralize the body odor caused by bacteria, whereas an anti-perspirant temporarily suppresses the flow of sweat,” says Dr.Jennifer Chwalekof Union Square Laser Dermatology. As she explains, the metallic salts in anti-perspirants — typically aluminum compounds — “create a plug in the sweat duct reducing the flow of sweat.” For those reasons, Dr.Jeremy Fentonof the Schweiger Dermatology Group and Dr.Samer Jaberof Washington Square Dermatology agree that the gold standard for sweat and odor protection is a combination anti-perspirant deodorant.
Another quick point of clarification: You’ve probably heard a lot about “aluminum-free” deodorant or “natural” deodorant. The two terms essentially mean the same thing, says Jaber. “Natural deodorants are aluminum-free products,” he explains. “Aluminum salts are the only FDA-approved chemical anti-perspirant.” Aluminum can be irritating to sensitive skin, so if you’re prone to rashes or itchiness, you might want to opt for a deodorant-only product that kills odor-causing bacteria. Fenton says to look for ingredients like “zinc, witch hazel, or essential oils that have anti-bacterial properties, such as lemongrass, sage, and tea tree, or baking soda, which neutralizes odor.” And Dr.Corey Hartmanof Skin Wellness Dermatology adds that people with melanated skin especially should consider an aluminum-free product, because when melanin is irritated by aluminum, it can result in visible skin marks that can take days or weeks to go away.
Application format
Deodorants come in wipes, roll-ons, powders, sprays, and creams. We’ve noted which types are which below.
Bestanti-perspirantsformen
Best roll-on anti-perspirant for heavy sweaters
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant |Application type:Roll-on
When I know I have a kickboxing class — which leaves me especially sweaty and gross-feeling — the following day, Certain Dri’s Prescription Strength roll-on is the anti-perspirant I put on before bed. I’m not a fan of roll-on deodorants, and this one leaves my armpits with a damp feeling that’s unpleasant, even if it only lasts a few minutes. That said, it’s the best thing I’ve found to keep me feeling fresh even after an hour of nonstop physical exertion. It leaves a faint chemical smell immediately after application, but it doesn’t last too long. Still, it’s not as pleasant to apply as the Nécessaire or Native.
The company’s instructions say to put this on at bedtime, rather than in the morning, and because it’s so strong, Fenton says using it every 48 to 72 hours could be sufficient.
Best anti-perspirant wipes for heavy sweaters
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant |Application type:Wipes
If you want something equally powerful that requires even less frequent usage, try these anti-perspirant wipes. Endorsed by the International Hyperhidrosis Society, one SweatBlock wipe can be effective for up to seven days. Like Certain Dri, SweatBlock is supposed to be applied at night. Strategist writer Dominique Pariso has used these consistently since 2017, and she says they’re theholy grailin her battle against heavy sweating. But if leaving the house in the morning without applying anything feels strange to you, Fenton says you can use a non-anti-perspirant deodorant in the morning for added odor protection. Strategist contributorCarlo Dellaverson, a self-proclaimed “card-carrying member of theexcessive-sweating community,” says SweatBlock wipes “have taken on a sort of cult status among excessive sweaters, for when nothing else works.”
Best anti-perspirant face wipes for heavy sweaters
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant| Application type:Wipes
If you’re a face sweater, get SweatBlock’s face wipes. They’re formulated with a gentler aluminum chlorohydrate, along with soothing witch hazel and vitamin E. Like the SweatBlock wipes above, you can apply them at night or 30 minutes before applying morning skin care, though you can also do it at night to wake up nice and dry. “If you’re worried about a breakout, I’m pleased to report that after months of weekly application, my skin has never looked better,” Pariso says.
Bestanti-perspirantdeodorantsformen
Best anti-perspirant stick deodorant for heavy sweaters
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant deodorant |Application type:Stick
Dove’s Men+Care line is popular for its effectiveness. Personal trainer Andrew Flores — who “likes to sweat” while working out — is a fan of Dove’s anti-perspirant deodorants. He says they’re stronger than the Right Guard anti-perspirants he used to use, which would never last him a full gym session. This particular stick smells great (“like laundry”) even after a heavy workout, according to Flores, who adds that it leaves no marks and causes him no irritation. He also appreciates its value, noting that a four-pack breaks down to just $3.50 per stick.
Best anti-perspirant deodorant for heavy sweaters with sensitive skin
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant deodorant |Application type:Stick
If you need a strong anti-perspirant that won’t risk irritating sensitive skin, get the Vanicream deodorant. It has a high concentration of aluminum without any fragrances, dyes, lanolin, parabens, or anything else that may bug your skin. “If someone has eczema or contact dermatitis, I recommend this,” says Hartman.
The Vanicream is a semi-liquidy cream that the company suggests using sparingly. Like the Certain Dri, this one left my armpits feeling damp for a few minutes. If you’re willing to deal with that temporary feeling to avoid a rash, the Vanicream is an effective deodorant, even after a long bike ride.
Best anti-perspirant deodorant for moderate sweaters
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant deodorant |Application type:Stick
Mitchum’s Clean Control anti-perspirant is just as good at blocking sweat as the Ban, but it actually has a scent. The company doesn’t identify the particular scent (they just say it’s a “masculine fragrance”), but it’s slightly woodsy and wouldn’t be out of place on a Bath and Body Works shelf. The smell isn’t overpowering, and Fenton says that Mitchum is “one step down” in intensity from the strongest anti-perspirants while still being effective at minimizing sweat and odor.
I wore this one for two days — once while running errands, once on a weight-lifting day — and plan on keeping it around as an alternative to the Native and Nécessaire. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t leave a residue-y feeling, and lasts up to two days depending on your level of sweatiness.
Best anti-perspirant deodorant for moderate sweaters with sensitive skin
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant deodorant |Application type:Stick
Unscented products are generally the best for sensitive skin, since chemical fragrances and even essential oils can be irritating for some people.For those folks, a fragrance-free Dove stick is a good bet, because it is also alcohol-free and contains moisturizing ingredients. This stick is also one of our top-recommendeddeodorants for women. (Four experts told us the active ingredient in Dove, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex, is less irritating on the skin than some of the harsher chemicals in other deodorants.)Dove’s line for men currently lacks an unscented anti-perspirant deodorant, but those who would prefer something from that line can find a lightly scented one above on this list.
Best roll-on anti-perspirant deodorant for moderate sweaters with sensitive skin
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Protection type:Anti-perspirant deodorant |Application type:Roll-on
Ban’s roll-on anti-perspirant is the only one I’ve tested that is truly scent free. It comes recommended by celebrity groomerRonnie Peterson, who’s been using it for several years. I wore it to two different kickboxing classes — one cardio-focused, the other more weight training — and left both stench free and with minimal sweat underneath my arms.
The roll-on mechanism is effective in evenly distributing the clear liquid, and though it does leave a wet feeling, it dries quicker than the Vanicream. And because the liquid is clear, it doesn’t leave behind any white residue. I’m also a fan of the bottle design, which is taller and narrower than that of other deodorants. That makes it easier to hold and roll on than the wider applicators of the Mitchum and Vanicream.
Bestnaturaldeodorantsformen
Best natural deodorant overall
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Protection type:Natural deodorant |Application type:Stick
There’s a reason this deodorant earned its spot as our bestnatural-deodorantoverall: It smells fresh and its smooth consistency is easy to apply and doesn’t leave any uncomfortable residue. Compared to the Nécessaire’s eucalyptus scent, the Hoppin Fresh’s combination of mint and eucalyptus is more potent and reminiscent of a cologne than a deodorant.
Chad Beightol, former owner of men’s grooming boutique Consigliere, told us that after trying out a bunch of natural deodorants, this eucalyptus-scented stick is the one that works best for him. “I swear by it,” he says. The deodorant contains hops, which, “while great for making beer, is also effective at fighting bacteria and microbes,” he adds.
Best natural deodorant for sensitive skin
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Protection type:Natural deodorant |Application type:Stick
I’ve been using this as my daily deodorant since 2022. In all that time, I’ve never had to worry about smelling bad after putting this on. Although I rotate through its various scents depending on my mood, its unscented option is just as effective and is less likely to bother you if you have sensitive skin. It does have a very subtle scent, similar to that of a hotel-room soap, but it’s not noticeable once the deodorant’s on your skin.
Best-smelling natural deodorant
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Protection type: Natural deodorant | Application type: Stick
This is my new favorite deodorant. Admittedly, the fancy packaging made me most excited to try this one out. Once I tested it by wearing it for a couple sunny days while walking around and running errands, I was just as impressed with its ability to mask odor.
Of all the deodorants I’ve tested, its eucalyptus scent is by far my favorite. Unlike Ursa Major’s Hoppin’ Fresh mint-and-eucalyptus scent, which is refreshing but strong, the Nécessaire’s smell is subtle. Even still, this deodorant is just as good for covering odor as the Hoppin’ Fresh. It also comes in olibanum and santal scents, as well as an unscented option.
Despite how much I love this deodorant, I plan to use it sparingly, as it’s quite expensive.
Some more men’s deodorants we’ve written about before
Ourexperts
•Chad Beightol, former owner of men’s grooming boutique Consigliere
• Dr.Jennifer Chwalek, dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology
•Carlo Dellaverson, Strategist contributor
•Andrew Flores, certified personal trainer
• Dr.Corey Hartman, founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology
• Dr.Samer Jaber, dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology
•Ronnie Peterson, celebrity groomer
•Jeremy Rellosa, Strategist writer
Additional reporting byDominique Pariso,Jeremy Rellosa,Karen Iorio Adelson,David Notis, andTembe Denton-Hurst.
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