The 9 best deodorants and antiperspirants for men in 2025, according to testers and dermatologists

Yahoo

10 hours ago

If you haven't realized by now, men's deodorant isn't one size fits all. You have the option between deodorant and antiperspirant, then the choice of solids, gels, sprays or wipes, plus 24-, 48- or 72-hour protection. It gets kind of overwhelming to think about, but there's a purpose for every deodorant option out there.
To help you break down the madness so you can choose the best deodorant and/or antiperspirant for you, we turned to a panel of experts, including dermatologists and in-house testers. For starters, we asked about the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant, and why you might want both in one product. "Deodorants mask the odor, while antiperspirants prevent you from sweating," said Dr. Monika Kaniszewska, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago. So, in order to stop stink and sweat, you'll want a combination of both.
With feedback from our experts, we compared dozens of products, from extra-strength sweat-stopping antiperspirants to gentle, all-natural, aluminum-free deodorants, to find the best of the best. Whether you're looking for an all-natural deodorant for men, designed to stop the stink without harsh chemicals, or the best antiperspirant for men to block sweat completely, this list has you covered.
Best deodorant for men overall for 2025
Other top deodorants for men we recommend for 2025
What to consider when buying the best deodorant for men
How we chose the best deodorant for men
FAQs
Meet our experts
Update, June 6, 2025: We checked all product prices, availability and specs. Our number one pick for the best men's deodorant remains unchanged.
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While some people use the terms "antiperspirant" and "deodorant" interchangeably, these are two different things. According to Dr. Camila Antia, a Houston-based dermatologist, "Antiperspirants control sweat by blocking sweat glands, usually with aluminum compounds. Deodorants, on the other hand, primarily mask odor and may contain antimicrobial agents. Some products are combination antiperspirant deodorants, providing both functions." The difference means that if excessive sweating is your main concern, antiperspirants are better suited for you than a standard deodorant.
You can tell whether a product is an antiperspirant by looking for the term "antiperspirant" on the label. Furthermore, in the United States, antiperspirants are regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter drug and have drug information panels on their labels.
Many deodorants claim to be all-natural, but if you're shopping in the United States, this term means little in terms of cosmetics.
However, many deodorants advertised as "natural" are free from parabens, which are preservatives often found in many cosmetics. Some research has suggested that parabens can disrupt human hormone production, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "health effects from environmental exposure to low levels of parabens are unknown."
Aluminum-based antiperspirants: Various aluminum compounds are used in antiperspirants because they work to reduce the release of sweat by physically blocking it from exiting the sweat glands, chemically inhibiting sweat release, or a combination of the two.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Baking soda acts as a deodorizer, partially by killing the bacteria that cause body odor. While baking soda is nontoxic, it can cause skin irritation. Avoid it if you have sensitive skin.
Fragrances: In the United States, companies are not required to list ingredients added to products to create scents, but fragrances can cause allergic reactions. Since there's no way to identify which chemical caused the reaction, those who've had allergic reactions to fragrances should choose unscented deodorants.
Solid: Solid deodorants are just that — solid rather than liquid or gel-like. Solids are often bright white, which can lead to stains on darker clothing.
Invisible solid: Invisible solids are identical to other solids except they go on clear instead of white.
Roll-on deodorant: Roll-on deodorants are liquid and often have a smooth, gel-like consistency. You apply these deodorants by rubbing a roller ball at the end of a tube against your skin. The biggest downside is that they can leave you feeling a little wet and sticky for a few moments until they're completely absorbed by your skin.
Spray: Spray, or aerosol, deodorants are applied by spraying under your armpits, like you would a spray-on sunscreen.
Gel: Some deodorants come in gel form but are applied like a solid deodorant rather than a roll-on. These deodorants don't leave stains, unlike most solids. However, they can take a while to dry.
Wipe: Wipes can be an easy way to reapply deodorant throughout the day if you need to remove some sweat in the process. Most don't contain antiperspirant and tend to be on the expensive side.
Many deodorants and antiperspirants are labeled "extra-strength." This usually means that they have more of whatever active ingredient (typically aluminum) included to keep you dry and smelling fresh. Figuring out whether you need an extra-strength product is a matter of trial and error.
Different deodorants and antiperspirants claim to last different amounts of time. Most last for a minimum of a day, while others claim to last up to three or four days. While these results vary, you might want to choose a longer-lasting product if you forget to reapply or don't shower every day.
Since deodorants and antiperspirants need to be reapplied at least once every couple of days, choosing one that you can afford to purchase on a regular basis is important. Deodorants advertised as "all-natural" and ones from luxury brands tend to be more expensive, yet may or may not contain sweat- or smell-blocking ingredients.
More popular brands can sometimes be bought in bulk online, which can drive down the cost per stick. When evaluating the price of a product, make sure to check not only how many sticks of deodorant are included, but also how many ounces of product are in each stick, since each product can vary in size.
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We evaluated dozens of deodorant and antiperspirant products and spoke to board-certified dermatologists, in addition to reviewing the scientific literature. We chose products that received positive reviews online that provided a breadth of features, depending on the category. We rated each product based on variables such as ingredients, cost, longevity, scents and what the product stated it was designed to do.
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Yes, says Antia. "Generally, antiperspirant deodorants are considered safe for most people. They work by reducing sweat production and often contain aluminum compounds. Some individuals may be sensitive to certain ingredients, so it's advisable to check for any allergic reactions."
Nope. "The strength of deodorants is not necessarily determined by gender," Antia says. "Some products may be marketed with specific scents or packaging for men or women, but the effectiveness is more related to the formulation." So if you like that lilac-scented deodorant you sniffed at the drugstore, go for it.
Although the conventional wisdom is that you should apply deodorant after your morning shower, that's not when it's most effective to do so. Antia says that "it's best to apply antiperspirant to clean, dry skin at night. Sweat gland activity decreases during sleep. Nighttime application allows the active ingredients, such as aluminum-based compounds, more time to penetrate and block sweat ducts. It also allows the product to dry thoroughly and decreases the chance of irritation."
That depends. Different products claim to last a variety of times: anywhere from one to three or four days. Antia says that while these claims can be true, your results depend far more on your lifestyle and biology. "Whether a deodorant can last for 48 hours depends on factors such as individual sweat rates, activity levels and product composition."
No and no. Dr. Natalie Hone, a dermatologist in Houston, says aluminum is needed for a deodorant to have antiperspirant properties. "Aluminum-free deodorants work by neutralizing odor but do not reduce sweat like antiperspirants." So while you may want to avoid aluminum if you're allergic, don't worry about it giving you cancer. While it's been suggested that aluminum can cause various ailments and disorders, most notably Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer, there is no evidence that antiperspirants cause any health concerns, including no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer.
"If excessive sweating or persistent odor becomes a concern, it's advisable to consult with your dermatologist," Hone said. "They can help determine if there's an underlying medical issue or recommend suitable solutions." If over-the-counter solutions aren't working for you, there is still hope, she said. "There are several treatment options for patients with severe sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. Options include topical towelettes, oral medications and even neurotoxin injections to the area."
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Camila Antia, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Natalie Hone, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist; founder, Advanced Dermatology and skinfo.com
Monika Kaniszewska, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.