Underarm products can generally be grouped into two categories: those that stop moisture and those that stop odor. But most deodorants—generally labeled antipersperants—have ingredients that work together to make them function in both categories. The best deodorants for men do just this using active ingredients to curb excess moisture and odor-causing bacteria. We chose Schmidt’s Charcoal + Magnesium Natural Deodorant as our top pick thanks to its natural, odor-fighting ingredients and long-lasting protection (24 hours to be exact). If you prefer a spray option, we recommend Aesop’s Herbal Deodorant, which is packed with essential oils like eucalyptus leaf oil and lavender oil.

In choosing the right one, you should also consider the ingredients, scent, strength and formula type that you prefer. In addition to stick deodorants—which tend to be the most common—there also are gels, sprays and creams. With a dermatologist’s insight on the most effective ingredients to look out for along with our own time-tested experience, here are the best deodorants for men.

What To Consider In A Deodorant For Men

To understand how deodorants work, we tapped chief of dermatology at Naples Community Hospital Dr. Brandon Kirsch who explains that it’s the combination of bacteria on our skin and sweat produced that can result in a scent. “The bacteria on our skin metabolize proteins and lipids from our apocrine sweat glands and produce waste products that have a distinctive smell, leading to what we know as body odor,” he says. With this in mind, here’s what to look for in the right deodorant for you.

Moisture-Neutralizing Ingredients

A primary function of deodorants is to inhibit moisture buildup under the arms, which in turn reduces the proliferation of bacteria. Here are Kirsch’s go-to ingredients for this.

• Cornstarch: “Cornstarch is a natural moisture absorber,” Kirsch says of this ingredient found in many moisture-mitigation products.
• Arrowroot powder: Similar to cornstarch, arrowroot powder helps absorb moisture with less risk of irritation.
• Coconut oil: “Coconut oil has moisture-wicking properties and is also known to have antimicrobial effects,” Kirsch says.
• Aluminum: This is the key ingredient in antiperspirants, which many people try to avoid but that is still deemed perfectly safe by the FDA. It plugs the sweat ducts to prevent moisture from coming out.

Sensitivities

You need to be mindful of any potential sensitivities that you have, too. Sometimes you can’t learn about these unless you test the products themselves. However, if you are experiencing adverse reactions to a deodorant, consider a quick scan of the ingredients label to look for any of the following. Even some natural formulas might be too aggressive on skin, given some of the ingredients below.

• Baking soda: “While it’s effective at neutralizing odors, baking soda can be irritating for some people, leading to rashes or discomfort,” says Kirsch. That’s because it throws your pH levels way out of whack in order to make for an inhospitable environment for bacteria.
• Alcohol: While alcohol can kill bacteria and help other ingredients penetrate the skin, it can also be drying and irritating for some individuals, says Kirsch.
• Essential oils: Essential oils many have beneficial properties, Kirsch says, but they can be irritating to the skin, “particularly in people with sensitivities or allergies,” Never use an unregulated product with essential oils; you could cause severe skin damage otherwise.
• Artificial fragrance: Listed as “fragrance” or “parfum,” artificial scents can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Natural Vs. Synthetic

When it comes to deodorants, you can take a natural or synthetic approach. Scientists and doctors will tell you that synthetic formulas are perfectly fine and safe for you; after all, if it’s cleared by the FDA, then it’s A-OK. And there’s plenty of merit to that. That’s not saying that those same experts don’t also appreciate or endorse natural alternatives. It becomes a matter of preference and performance: If you feel strongly about one category of deodorants, then shop within those bounds. If not, then play the field and use whichever one works best with your skin and situation.

If you do switch to a natural deodorant, be patient, says Kirsch. “Your body may take time to adjust, often referred to as an ‘armpit detox,’ during which you might experience increased odor or sweat,” he says. “This period can last a few days to a few weeks. You can expect a natural deodorant to help with odor but not necessarily with sweat, as most are not antiperspirants.”

Strength

Kirsch notes that some cases call for prescription-grade products that only a dermatologist can prescribe. “If you have persistent body odor despite regular washing and using deodorant, or if you experience sudden changes in body odor it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist,” he says. “These could be signs of a medical condition that needs to be addressed.”

Formula

It also helps to consider the way the product is delivered to your skin. While most of us think of deodorants as being a roll-on liquid or solid stick, there are also spray-on options, and an increasingly popular balm or cream option, which you apply directly with your fingers. Cream deodorants might be better for shaved or short-trimmed armpits, though.

Does Natural Deodorant Work?

Natural deodorant works extremely well, although many people are impatient with it. It can take the body a couple of weeks to adjust to the non-synthetic formula (since most of us rely on synthetics), so give your body a chance to acclimate before switching to another formula. Look for ingredients that absorb or reduce moisture (like arrowroot powder, corn starch or coconut oil) and neutralize odorous bacteria (like tea tree oil, witch hazel or baking soda).

When Is The Best Time To Apply Deodorant?

In general, it’s a good idea to apply deodorant at night before bed, rather than in the morning. This gives the ingredients time to fully absorb and for the active ingredients to get to work, which is rarely an immediate effect. This is especially true of aluminum-packed antiperspirants. However, it is perfectly fine to apply deodorant and antiperspirant in the daytime; it’s just that they may not kick into gear for an hour or few, and will more easily transfer to clothing.

Is Antiperspirant Also Deodorant?

Yes, all antiperspirants are inherently deodorants, says Dr. Kirsch. All antiperspirants use some form of moisture-halting aluminum. And while many may pack additional deodorizing ingredients, the aluminum itself helps with odor prevention. “Antiperspirants attack the problem at the source by reducing the amount of sweat that’s available for bacteria to feed on,” Kirsch says. “However, not all deodorants are antiperspirants as they may only work to mask or neutralize odor rather than reduce sweat.”

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