TL;DR
Our overall favorite is the bestselling Malin + Goetz Deodorant, a soothing, clear gel that keeps sweat in check for hours, smells heavenly, and won’t stain clothes. Duradry AM Deodorant & Antiperspirant is our top pick for an antiperspirant, offering prescription-strength aluminum that effortlessly combats sweating, even the excessive kind (aka hyperhidrosis).
Ah, the humble deodorant—it’s such a common component of the everyday hygiene routine, yet most of us have been swiping on the same old stick for years. With new brands and trends refreshing the category, it’s time to consider an upgrade, but first, a quick lesson: Although the word deodorant is a catchall for any formula you swipe under your arms, it’s actually distinct from antiperspirant.
“Antiperspirants reduce sweating by blocking sweat gland ducts with aluminum salts. Deodorants, on the other hand, do not stop sweating,” explains Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at DermOnDemand. “They work by masking odor with fragrance or using antimicrobial agents to reduce the bacteria that break down sweat and cause smell. Sometimes products combine both functions, but technically they are different categories.”
To help you make a decision, we researched the top-rated deodorants for men and consulted board-certified dermatologists for their advice. Then we asked a member of the Byrdie Collective to test some IRL, evaluating each formula on texture, ingredients, scent, odor reduction, and sweat control. After careful consideration, we landed on this list of the best deodorants and antiperspirants for men.
What We Like
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Crisp, fresh scent
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Works all day
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Doesn’t stain clothes
Type: Stick | Key Ingredients: Glycol, eucalyptus, citronellal | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Malin + Goetz’s natural gel deodorant has been a bestseller since 2009 and for good reason. Made with gentle, soothing ingredients, it glides on clear and absorbs quickly without leaving a pesky residue on skin or clothing. Devotees love the scent, a refreshing blend of eucalyptus and citronellal that neutralizes odors without the need for aluminum (it also comes in bergamot and otto, a gender-neutral floral scent). Above all else, they appreciate how reliably long-lasting the formula is. One application and you’ll be set for the next 12 hours.
Type: Solid | Active Ingredients: Baking Soda, charcoal, rosemary leaf oil | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Baking Soda: Yes
Baking soda, which crops up frequently in natural formulas, is the key ingredient of Arm & Hammer’s Essentials Solid Deodorant. While it might not be popular with sensitive skin types (some find it irritating), there’s no denying that it’s great at absorbing excess moisture, keeping you drier for longer. Our tester reports that the deodorant applied smoothly, leaving no gritty or greasy residue. He appreciated that the formula prevented sweat patches on his T-shirts and did a good job of neutralizing odors, even during a particularly intense gym session.
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Saleam, tester: “Despite not being a traditional aluminum-based antiperspirant, it did help maintain some dryness. I didn’t sweat through my shirt for most of the day, and it kept odor at bay for about five hours before I felt the need to reapply.”
What We Like
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Moisturizers underarms with natural coconut oil and shea butter
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Won’t leave white marks
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Kept us odor-free for more than eight hours
Type: Solid | Active Ingredients: Baking Soda, coconut oil, shea butter | Size: 2.65 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Baking Soda: Yes
The natural deodorant category has exploded recently, as more of us have become curious about aluminum-free options. Our tester tried dozens of best-selling natural formulas, and this was his standout favorite. The solid stick formula combines baking soda and tapioca starch to keep sweat at bay, while moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter keep your underarms soft and hydrated. Our tester was effusive about the Native deodorant, praising how effectively it kept odor in check, even during strenuous activities. The scent (of which there are more than 20 options) did wear off somewhat throughout the day, but that didn’t faze him at all, given how well the formula worked in general.
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Saleam, tester: “I stayed odor-free for more than eight hours, even during outdoor activities—I never had to reapply.”
Type: Stick | Key Ingredients: Dipropylene glycol, sodium stearate | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
While natural deodorants are often considered a more gentle option than antiperspirants, some can irritate skin over time thanks to the inclusion of ingredients like baking soda. You don’t have to worry about rashes or reactions with this aluminum-free option from Dove. It keeps you smelling fresh for days thanks to deodorizing dipropylene glycol and its long-lasting soapy-fresh scent. Plus, the formula contains skin-soothing glycerin to ensure your underarms remain moisturized.
Type: Stick | Key Ingredients: Propylene glycol, saccharomyces ferment | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Who says deodorants can’t be fancy? Using this natural formula from Corpus is an elevated experience from start to finish. The water-based gel stick glides on beautifully, and doesn’t contain baking soda, making it sensitive skin-friendly (although it does contain essential oils). It utilizes enzymes derived from fermented vegetables and mineral actives to fight odor-causing bacteria, keeping you BO-free all day. Finally, the gender-neutral scent—a blend of rose, citrus, and wood—smells incredible enough to rival your go-to fragrance.
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Best Prescription Strength
Type: Cream stick | Key Ingredients: 20% Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly | Size: 2.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
When only a clinical-strength formula will do, we recommend Duradry’s AM Deodorant & Antiperspirant. The formula contains 20% aluminum, a potent concentration that targets the sweat glands and prevents excessive sweating. If you’re dealing with hyperhidrosis (a condition caused by the overstimulation of sweat glands), you might consider the brand’s 3-step system, including a deodorizing body wash, sweat-minimizing gel, and this signature deodorant, for round-the-clock sweat relief.
What We Like
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Free of baking soda, essential oils, or fragrances
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Marula oil and shea butter soothe and moisturize
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Keeps us odor-free for six hours
Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Mandelic Acid, marula oil, shea butter | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The skin under your arms is thinner and more prone to irritation than elsewhere on the body, and it’s not uncommon to experience reactions after using some deodorant formulas. This option from Drunk Elephant is more gentle than most. It utilizes soothing marula oil and shea butter while omitting common irritants like baking soda, essential oils, or fragrances. Our tester found it a little messy to apply at first, but once he got the hang of it, he was impressed with the formula’s ability to keep him fresh for hours (shoutout to sweat-absorbing, antibacterial arrowroot powder).
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Saleam, tester: “It kept me fresh and odor-free for up to six hours during humid weather. I’d say this is a good natural deodorant for days when you’re running errands or going to the gym.”
Type: Spray | Key Ingredients: Methylheptylglycerin, triethyl citrate, saccharomyces ferment filtrate | Size: 4.16 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This natural spray deodorant can be used from head to toe, tackling BO and moisture with its blend of antimicrobial and odor-diffusing ingredients. Like many natural options, the formula requires an adjustment period, but within four weeks, Oars + Alps says your body should begin to produce less sweat. The deodorant doesn’t feel sticky to the touch and won’t leave any residue or yellow stains (common among aluminum formulas) on clothes, but it does have a strong scent that some may find off-putting.
What We Like
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Dries completely clear
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Long-lasting protection
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Nice fresh scent
Type: Gel | Key Ingredients: Aluminum | Size: 3.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you’ve never considered a gel antiperspirant, this one might turn you into a convert. Powerful and long-lasting, it keeps sweat at bay for up to 72 hours, and its fresh scent is subtle, never overpowering. The gentle formula keeps your underarms moisturized thanks to dimethicone, and it dries completely clear, meaning no white streaks on your favorite tees. One thing to note: It’s easy to overapply thanks to the twist-up applicator, so start with a less-is-more approach and give it a few moments to dry before getting dressed.
Type: Roll-on | Key Ingredients: aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly 20% | Size: 2.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
The deodorant aisle is notorious for heavy-handed scents, but if you’d rather go fragrance-free, Mitchum’s unscented option has you covered. Featuring a 20% aluminum concentration, it blocks sweat so effectively that you don’t need to mask odors with intense fragrance. The only downside? Because it’s a roll-on, the formula goes on liquidly and a little sticky, so you might need to factor in more drying time than usual.
What to Look for in a Deodorant
- Scented vs. Unscented: Scent doesn’t impact the overall performance of a deodorant or antiperspirant, so it’s really down to preference. Those with an aversion to strong smells might prefer an unscented version, while others might seek out a scent profile that pairs well with their body spray or cologne. “If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, look for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options,” notes Dr. Kopelman, “because fragrance is one of the most common causes of underarm irritation.”
- Stain-free Ingredients: Certain ingredients may stain your clothes—aluminum and coconut oil have been criticized for giving once-pristine white shirts a yellow tint. Although household remedies may help remove stains, avoid these ingredients if scrubbing your T-shirts with an old toothbrush and baking soda doesn’t sound appealing.
- Formula Type: Dr. Kopelman notes that sticks and creams allow for more control, while sprays are extra convenient and can potentially be used for the whole body if needed.
FAQ
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While some are quick to link the use of aluminum-based antiperspirants to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, among other issues, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alicia Zalka, M.D., notes that “to date, there have been no clear-cut medical studies that have proved a cause-and-effect link.”
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According to Seattle-based dermatologist Dr. Carly Roman, M.D., it may take a few weeks for your skin to adjust fully, but you can take the edge off by using an antibacterial soap in the shower as you transition between products. “This will help reduce the major contributor (bacteria) to body odor, allowing the natural deodorant to seem more effective,” she says.
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From a dermatology standpoint, there is no meaningful difference, according to Dr. Kopelman. The active ingredients, be it aluminum salts, antibacterial agents, or moisturizers, are the same regardless of the intended customer, and it’s increasingly common to see gender-neutral options. “What usually differs is the fragrance profile and marketing,” she adds. “If a man prefers a woman’s deodorant or vice versa, there is no dermatologic reason not to use it.”
Meet Our Experts
Byrdie consulted experts to inform this story:
- Dr. Carly Roman, M.D., is a Seattle-based dermatologist whose interests include acne, rosacea, hair loss, psoriasis, general skin health, Botox, and cosmetics.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka, M.D., has over 25 years of experience as a multi-practice dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine. Today, she is a leading skincare expert—especially in the world of deodorant.
- Dr. Hannah Kopelman is an NYC-based dermatologist at DermOnDemand who specializes in skincare and hair loss.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Esme Benjamin checked and updated this article in 2025 to ensure every detail was correct and each product deserves its place on Byrdie’s list. As a member of Byrdie’s trusted testing team, Esme has experience decoding marketing jargon and spotting the ingredients that really work, including antiperspirants and deodorants.
