You could be forgiven for approaching the subject of deodorant with brutal practicality. It's a straightforward daily solution to a universal problem. But are you getting the most out of your deodorant?
Let's be honest… nobody's going to tell you if it's letting you down.
These 10 options go above and beyond the call of odor-fighting duty and deliver exceptional value for your money.
#1. VITAMAN Natural Body Deodorant
Coming in an Earthy scent and a pleasant Ocean Spearmint, this natural deodorant fights bad odor and kills odor-causing bacteria with unique ingredients such as Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Chitosan, and Lactic Acid – all sourced from the Australian outback.
It's tough on odor, won't give you underarm rashes, and because it's free from artificial ingredients like aluminum and it won't leave your shirts stained and crispy at the end of the day.
#2. Jack Black Pit Boss Deodorant & Antiperspirant
If you're willing to go a little more high-end, Pit Boss from Jack Black covers the bases of a strong antiperspirant formula while remaining gentle on skin. It's alcohol- and paraben-free, and dermatologist tested to ensure it's suitable for all skin types.
Pit Boss is a solid stick that goes on completely residue-free. Vitamin E and aloe-leaf juice soothe inflammation while a powerful sweat blocking formula keeps things fresh all day.
#3. Gillette Endurance Antiperspirant / Deodorant
Men's grooming leader Gillette took a head-on approach to eliminating nasty white deodorant streaks: the Endurance formulation is a clear gel that's not only residue-free on skin, it won't show up on clothing (or anywhere else) either.
Although the formula contains aluminum and doesn't boast the hypoallergenic quality of the first two products on our list, it's an extremely effective sweat-blocker for a rock-bottom price. Use sparingly (the gel formula can get a little goopy if you over-apply) and check the label if you have a history of skin sensitivity, and you should get a great value for your dollar.
#4. Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick
Schmidt's leads the pack when it comes to all-natural deodorant. It may be the best possible option for those with very sensitive skin.
It comes in five simple two-note fragrances (plus an unscented variety) which like the recipe for the deodorant itself are made from natural ingredients. The cedarwood and juniper variety is a standout – unique without screaming for attention, and great for layering with other scented products.
#5. Baxter of California Citrus and Herbal-Musk Deodorant
This is a gentleman's deodorant – the fragrance has been curated with the care of a cologne. It's alcohol and aluminum free and offers excellent sweat protection.
But the real reason to drop a little extra cash on this one is that it may be simply the best-smelling men's deodorant available. Notes of tea tree oil, witch hazel and chamomile round out the citrus base for a fresh and yet complex aroma.
#6. Certain Dri Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant Roll-On
For some guys, it all comes down to sweat and odor protection. If you're active, suffer from hyperhidrosis, or just feel like you need a little more than most deodorants offer in this department, Certain Dri might be the perfect brand for you.
Unlike most of the products on this list, this roll-on liquid formulation needs to be applied at night so that the active ingredients can settle in. Once they have, the antiperspirant lasts for multiple days with prescription-strength effects.
#7. SweatBlock Antiperspirant — Clinical Strength
They aren't kidding when they say clinical strength. SweatBlock is endorsed by the International Hyperhidrosis Society, and a single wipe can stop sweat in its tracks for up to a week.
There's a reason the individually-wrapped wipes have a “cult status” in the excessive sweating community. If these won't keep your t-shirt sleeves dry, nothing short of a prescription will.
#8. Mitchum Advanced Control, Clean Control
If you've only ever dully registered the name Mitchum on the shelves of your local drugstore, here's what you need to know: this is the company that invented the concept of antiperspirant deodorant in 1959. They really know their stuff, and it shows in the quality of their products.
Advanced Control is Mitchum's max-strength product, billed as being “one step down” from the prescription strength products above. If you need that level of protection but find the strongest stuff irritating, this could be your Goldilocks deodorant – not too gentle, not too intense, just right.
#9. Speed Stick Power Unscented Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Unlike some grooming supplies billed as “unscented”, this solid-stick deodorant has absolutely no detectable smell. It won't fight with your other fragrances, and it's notably easy to apply, with a balanced formula that goes on super-smooth. It's definitely a standout among the budget options.
The reason it's not higher on the list is that it does leave a minimal amount of residue – minimal enough that you'll barely notice it, but it still has the potential to get on clothes unless you're careful. The good news is that with a stick this silky, that's easy to do.
#10. Arm & Hammer Ultramax
Just the basics here: this baking-soda-based product provides unscented, skin-friendly protection for up to 48 hours at a time.
Here again, Ultramax is their extra-strength line, and it combines a very powerful antiperspirant formula with the general dependability of this longstanding brand.
Want more? Click here for a full guide on how to deal with excessive sweating.
