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The 6 best deodorants for men for effective, long-lasting freshness

Finding a deodorant that works for you shouldn’t be anything to sweat over. Explore our deodorant selections for all-day freshness and confidence.

Published Jul 25, 2023
6 min. reading time
deodorants from axe, dove and native

We all want to smell great and feel comfortable throughout the day. But uncontrollable factors, such as heat, stress and hormones, can often lead to unwanted odors, discomfort and hindered self-confidence.

The good news? A dependable antiperspirant and deodorant can play a vital role in your ability to stay dry and smell fresh. While this may sound like a somewhat obvious solution, the issue is that many people often aren’t using the right deodorant to get the best results.

To help you find your next deodorant, our editors curated a list of the six best options for men, along with guidance to find your perfect match. 

Whether you prefer a stick, roll-on or body spray, this list includes a range of standout deodorants to meet your every need and preference.

Read more: Find the best water flossers for teeth cleaning

Check out the best deodorant for men

black axe body spray in africa scent
Best smelling deodorant for men
Axe Deodorant Body Spray Africa
$21.57 at Amazon
white native deodorant
Best natural deodorant for men
Native Natural Deodorant Coconut & Vanilla
$12.97 at Walmart
tom's mountain spring deodorant in a navy tube
Best deodorant for an active lifestyle
Tom's of Maine Men's Mountain Spring Deodorant
$5.97 at Walmart
green tube of degree deodorant
Best antiperspirant for men
Degree Men Extreme Antiperspirant & Deodorant
$4.99 at Target

Best smelling deodorant for men

Pros & Cons
  • Scent ideal for special occasions

  • Fights odor-causing bacteria 

  • Convenient spray application

  • Strong fragrance may not suit everyone’s preference

  • May not suit sensitive skin types

A few quick spritzes of this deodorant body spray from Axe is sure to win you your fair share of compliments all day long. Inspired by the rich and vibrant landscapes of Africa, Axe Africa combines a unique blend of exotic spices and earthy flavors to create an unforgettable fragrance.

Designed specifically for men, Axe Deodorant Body Spray Africa offers more than just an enticing aroma. It also provides 24-hour odor protection, keeping you confidently fresh and energized all day.  The convenient body spray ensures an easy and precise application, and its perfect for on-the-go use.

Best natural deodorant for men

Pros & Cons
  • Crafted with clean ingredients

  • Nourishing and moisturizing ingredients for skin health

  • Offers effective odor protection

  • Not a fragrance-free formula

  • Potential skin allergens and sensitivity to ingredients

Looking to add a touch of paradise to your routine? The Native Natural Deodorant add a delightful fusion of tropical vibes and warm vanilla scents that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. The natural deodorant is thoughtfully crafted with a blend of coconut and shea butter, which provide effective odor protection without compromising skin health. Free from aluminum, parabens and sulfates, this deodorant is a healthier choice for your underarms.

This deodorant offers long-lasting freshness as the formula neutralizes odors, while the nourishing ingredients moisturize and soothe your underarm skin. With its twist-up design, application is a breeze – no mess, no fuss.

Best deodorant for an active lifestyle

Pros & Cons
  • Budget-friendly 

  • Formulated to be gentle on skin 

  • Offers long-lasting freshness

  • Limited sweat protection 

  • Mountain Spring scent may not suit all

The Tom's of Maine Men’s Mountain Spring Deodorant is the perfect companion for active guys who want to ensure they smell nice — even when engaging in physical activityt. Designed to keep up with your lifestyle,this deodorant features all-natural ingredients to keep things clean and simple. After all, it’s important to feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.  

This gentle, yet effective, formula provides reliable odor protection, ensuring that you stay fresh even during your most active days. Plus, it's aluminum free, which means you won’t have to worry about any yellow stains on your clothing. It glides on smoothly and dries quickly, leaving no sticky or greasy residue.

Tom’s of Maine Men’s Mountain Spring Deodorant is the natural choice for men seeking an effective and eco-friendly solution to combat odor.

Best antiperspirant for men

Pros & Cons
  • Offers powerful sweat and odor protection 

  • Dermatologist-tested

  • MotionSense technology to keep you fresh for longer

  • Bold scent may be overpowering for some 

  • Some reviewers say it does not work for 48 hours

This is the best deodorant for men who are looking for maximum protection against sweat and odor. What sets it apart is its advanced MotionSense technology. This innovative formula is activated by movement and releases bursts of odor-protection agents when you need it the most. The more you move, the more it works.

To top it all off, it offers a 48-hour protection. So, if you have a long day planned head, with little-to-no access to a shower, this antiperspirant is formulated to keep you dry and fresh. 

Crafted with your skin’s wellbeing in mind, Degree Men Extreme Antiperspirant & Deodorant is designed to be gentle yet reliable. The formula is alcohol-free and dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

To apply, simply twist up the stick and apply a thin, even layer to your underarms. It dries quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind, so you can get dressed directly after applying and go on about your day.

Best men’s deodorant for sensitive skin

Pros & Cons
  • Hypoallergenic formula ideal for sensitive skin 

  • Dry application is non-staining

  • Targets and eliminates odors

  • Not for those who prefer a scented deodorant

  • Pricier than other options

With Menscience Advanced Deodorant, you’ll experience top-notch freshness that lasts all day long. This advanced-formula deodorant is aluminum free, making it a great option for people who prefer deodorants without harsh chemicals and fragrance. It’s also packed with powerful ingredients such as witch hazel and tea tree oil to combat sweat and odor. 

The best part? This fragrance-free antiperspirant won’t overpower colognes that you’d like to sport. No more worries about unpleasant body odor or deodorant smells. You can rely on this top-performing product for its effectiveness and long-lasting odor protection.

Pros & Cons
  • Triple defense technology offers 72 odor and wetness protection

  • PETA-certified cruelty-free product

  • Designed in an recyclable aluminum spray can

  • Aluminum-based deodorant

  • May have to replace more frequently than other deodorant types

Designed with the needs of men in mind, this product is enriched with moisturizing cream to soothe and protect your underarm skin. No more worrying about stains, the Dove Men Dry Sprays goes onto skin instantly dry. Another notable feature is its clean and subtle fragrance. Unlike overpowering scents found in some other products, this deodorant offers a pleasant and understated aroma that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. 

Beyond its effective performance, many users have found it suitable for sensitive skin, as it doesn’t cause irritation or discomfort even after extended use. This is particularly important for individuals who struggled with other deodorants causing redness and itching.

Best men’s deoderants — FAQs

Tired of being let down by your deodorant choices? To ensure you know which ones will suit you best, our editors answer a few commonly asked questions.

What’s the difference between an antiperspirant and deodorant?

Deodorants are designed to combat body odor by neutralizing or masking unpleasant smells. On the other hand, antiperspirants aim to reduce, or block sweat production, helping to keep you dry. Some products combine both deodorant and antiperspirant properties for comprehensive odor and sweat control.

Are natural deodorants effective for men?

Yes, natural deodorants can be effective for men. Many natural deodorants are formulated with ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils to provide odor protection. However, individual experiences may vary, and it may be necessary to try different natural deodorant brands to find the one that works best for you.

How long do deodorants last?

The longevity of deodorants can vary depending on factors such as formulation, application and individual body chemistry. Typically, most deodorants offer protection for 24 to 48 hours, but it's recommended to follow the instructions on the product packaging for specific usage guidelines. For best results, apply deodorant to clean, dry underarms. Ensure that your underarm area is free from any residue or moisture before application.

How do I choose the right deodorant for me?

When choosing a deodorant, consider factors such as your personal scent preferences, sensitivity to certain ingredients, level of sweat production and desired protection. It can be helpful to read reviews, consider your specific needs and choose one of our top picks until you find the deodorant that suits you best.

How much should I pay for an effective deodorant?

When it comes to pricing, there’s a noticeable range depending on the brand and the product. No surprises there – the standard deodorants tend to be the most affordable options.

But hey, if you’re after something more advanced, clinic-researched or natural, be prepared to shell out a bit more. Remember, you usually get what you pay for. If you just need basic freshness, a budget-friendly deodorant will do the trick. But if you’re in need of some serious seat protection, it might be worth investing a little extra.

What are the best underarm deodorants for men?

Choosing the right deodorant for you is very much a personal choice — and all of the options that made our list are good options. That said, if we had to choose our top two favorites, they would be the following.

  • Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Clean Comfort Deodorant: Not only is this pick the most affordable option, but its also one of the most effective. It has an undeniable advantage on the market as it offers both odor and perspiration protection. Paired with an easy spray-on application, it's truly a well-rounded fit for any man to use and enjoy.

  • Tom’s of Maine Men’s Mountain Spring Deodorant: This deodorant is crafted using only the best ingredients nature has to offer. With its aluminum free formula, you can trust that you’re giving your skin the care it deserves and remain fresh.

Ultimately, the best deodorant for you will depend on your personal preferences, skin sensitivity and desired level of odor protection. Remember to consider factors, such as fragrance, ingredients, strength and application method, to make an informed choice. 

With a variety of options available, you can confidently select one that aligns with your needs, enabling you to stay fresh, comfortable and self-assured throughout the day.


Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

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Written by
Jada Bowman

Jada Bowman is an Atlanta-based freelance writer. Through her work, Jada aims to make the lives of her readers better by guiding them toward the most exceptional products and lifestyle choices.

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