Can women use men's deodorant?

Of course! If the fragrance is appealing to you and the formula does what you need, there's no reason why women can't use men's deodorant.

Is men's deodorant stronger than women's deodorant?

No, the chemicals and ingredients that work in deodorants are the same regardless of gender. The only difference is the fragrance and way it's marketed.

Is deodorant the same as antiperspirant?

Deodorant and antiperspirant are not the same. Deodorant uses antibacterials to rid the skin of the bacteria that cause body odor. Antiperspirants use chemicals to plug the endocrine glands and reduce sweat.

What are the risks of antiperspirant containing aluminum?

Some people worry that aluminum-containing deodorants could cause breast cancer. To date, there is limited evidence demonstrating that aluminum is associated with any type of cancer, including breast cancer, or other health conditions. If you have a chronic health condition, talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid aluminum-based deodorants.

The 8 Best Deodorants for Men of 2023

Nowadays there's more to deodorant than keeping your pits dry and masking B.O. You can find all-natural, made-for-athletes, clear, spray-on, gels, creams, and solids.

When buying deodorant, look for products that meet your needs. Consider active ingredients like aluminum chloride, which help combat sweat. We researched dozens of deodorants and evaluated them for their price, active ingredients, and effectiveness.

Here are the best deodorants for men on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Degree Men Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon

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Best Smelling:

Native Deodorant at Amazon

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Best for Sweat:

Gillette Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Natural:

Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant at Amazon

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

Every Man Jack Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Athletes:

Old Spice High Endurance Antiperspirant & Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Aluminum-Free:

Art of Sport Deodorant at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs

4.9

Amazon

We selected Dove's Antiperspirant Stick as our top pick because it is consistent, long-lasting, pleasant, effective, and reasonably priced. This deodorant and antiperspirant from Dove provides “48-hour odor and wetness protection,” giving you peace of mind all day. This stick deodorant is dermatologist-recommended, made with non-irritant and moisturizing ingredients, and ideal for nearly anyone’s skin needs.

Available in an affordable two-pack, with multiple scents such as Extra Fresh, Dove Men+Care 2.7-ounce deodorant is a great deal. It's versatile and works well as invisible protection under a suit jacket or subtle smell defense at a high-intensity job.

Price at time of publish: $11

Amazon

Don’t overspend for a great deodorant option by going to your local drug store and paying top dollar. Instead, why not buy a quality deodorant option in bulk? You can score the great Men Degree Original Antiperspirant Deodorant for a bargain price by buying a six-pack.

This 2.7-ounce Men's Degree deodorant is inexpensive, but it isn’t cheap from a quality standpoint. The invisible stick antiperspirant is reliable and will keep you dry and smelling fresh all day, with 48-hour protection. It guards against sweat and odor and is activated by body heat, so it's ideal for outdoor activities. Put it on before starting your run.

Price at time of publish: $14

4.9

Amazon

Native Deodorant matches its minimalist exterior design with a no-frills formula on the inside. This deodorant is made with simple ingredients such as coconut, tapioca starch, and eucalyptus oil.

Free of aluminum, paraben, sulfates, dye and artificial color, Native prioritizes ingredients like shea butter (common in skincare products) for its smooth, odor-preventing design. People like this vegan, cruelty-free product for its day-long effective and clean smell. Men will love scents such as citrus, coconut or eucalyptus and mint. And if those aren't your flavor, there are also cucumber, jasmine, and charcoal options.

Price at time of publish: $14

Amazon

When it comes to dealing with excessive sweat, whether from playing basketball or doing a core workouts on balance board, not all deodorants are created equal. Luckily, there are over-the-counter options that have clinical strength to truly deal with more intense hygiene needs. The Gillette Clinical Antiperspirant Deodorant is one of the best options for sweat and a good choice for anyone dissatisfied with their current deodorant.

The 2.6-ounce deodorant from Gillette is designed to be the same as a prescription deodorant with a 6.25% aluminum chloride active ingredient. It's made with aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly to guarantee wetness and body odor protection all day long. Good for athletics and stress, this “soft solid” stick deodorant goes on clear and dry.

Price at time of publish: $17

Amazon

There are a lot of natural deodorants that avoid the chemicals and metals found in many other mainstream products. However, these dressed down deodorants aren’t always as effective. The key to the best natural deodorants for men are the ones that are simple without sacrificing quality. Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant achieves this balance well, providing great protection with only natural ingredients.

Formerly called “No BS” deodorant, the Ursa Major deodorant is unscented and free of baking soda, aluminum, and animal testing. Made from ingredients such as kaolin clay, Saccharomyces ferment, and aloe vera, this deodorant protects against odor, soaks up sweat and treats the skin gently. Although not an antiperspirant, this deodorant combats sweat and its issues through fewer chemical means.

Price at time of publish: $18

Amazon

Rashes and skin discomfort are common issues with mainstream deodorants, which can be even worse for those who experience itchiness while exercising. Avoid these issues with a very simple deodorant that avoids the chemical ingredients that often cause these skins issues such as Every Man Jack Deodorant.

This deodorant has no aluminum, parabens, oxybenzone, polyethylene, or gluten that will irritate your skin. In addition to the natural formula, this deodorant is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Smooth on your skin and pleasant on your nose, EMJ deodorant is a perfect option for yourself or as a gift.

Price at time of publish: $15

Courtesy of Target.

From high-intensity exercise to full-on sporting events, the best deodorants for athletes are the ones that keep up with you in the gym and afterward. The Old Spice High-Endurance Pure Sport Invisible Solid Deodorant is an excellent option that is proven and effective.

This Old Spice deodorant and antiperspirant uses aluminum zirconium as an active ingredient to prevent unwanted sweat and odor. Free of parabens, the Pure Sport deodorant lives up its name to truly protect athletes of any age from sweat and smelly armpits. Ideal for any locker room, this deodorant goes on dry, is invisible, and has a great smell.

Price at time of publish: $24

Courtesy of Amazon

Easy to spot with its distinctive design, Art of Sport’s clear stick deodorant is a great aluminum-free option. Aluminum is a common ingredient in antiperspirant deodorants, but one that many like to avoid for skin and health reasons, even though studies addressing these concerns are inconclusive. The AOS deodorant contains no aluminum or parabens and is a popular option for any guy.

Made with unconventional ingredients, including arrowroot and matcha, this smooth glide deodorant will help prevent odors all day. This deodorant goes on clear, smells like pear and citrus, and will not irritate your skin, with its pH-balanced, dermatologist-approved formula.

Price at time of publish: $13

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a no-fuss all-around deodorant, you can't go wrong with Dove's Antiperspirant Stick (view at Amazon). It combines the benefits of an antiperspirant with a deodorant helping to reduce the amount you sweat while preventing odor. It provides lasting protection for an affordable price. Plus, it's great for sensitive skin.

If you prefer a natural deodorant, Ursa Major Base Layer Natural Deodorant (view on Amazon) is the way to go. This deodorant makes good on its promise of maximum protection and is free of aluminum, baking soda, and animal testing. If you're an athlete, Old Spice High Endurance Pure Sport Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant (view on Amazon) is an excellent choice, given its capacity to reduce sweat and prevent smelly armpits.

What to Look for in Deodorant for Men

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

Both deodorant and antiperspirant can play a role in your hygiene routine. Deodorant ingredients prevent odor by changing the acidity of the skin so that bacteria won't break down your sweat. They also mask odor by applying fragrance, and absorb moisture, Antiperspirants prevent your armpits from producing sweat by blocking sweat glands. Some products are one or the other, and some combine both.

Natural Ingredients

Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, prefer deodorants that use only natural ingredients. Natural ingredients are believed to be gentler on the skin while being just as effective at killing bacteria and absorbing moisture as synthetic ones. Many natural deodorants use powders and starches (like arrowroot powder, baking soda, activated charcoal, cornstarch, clay, and tapioca starch) to absorb moisture. Aloe and coconut oil (known for its health benefits) are often used as antimicrobials and skin moisturizers. Tea tree oil is antibacterial and masks odor.

Applicator Type

You'll find several different options for how to apply your deodorant. Choose the one that works best for you.

Spray: Goes on clear with no residue; ideal for a quick refresh after the gym or before a night out. Be sure the deodorant dries completely before dressing.
Roll-on: Liquid that glides on and provides contoured coverage of your skin. Dries quickly and leaves no white residue. Coverage lasts longer than a spray.
Gel: Thick, clear gel that provides lasting coverage. Apply after showering and allow time to dry before dressing.
Solid: Solid, yet soft enough to be applied to the skin easily, glides on like a gel. Some solid deodorants leave a white residue.
Invisible solid: Same strong formula as a solid, yet goes on clear and does not leave a white residue.

Fragrance

The addition of fragrance to deodorant helps mask underarm odor. Fragrance comes down to personal preference. Some deodorants have strong odors similar to cologne, while others are more understated. For sensitive skin and noses, try fragrance-free deodorant, which is just as powerful at hiding odor as scented options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women use men's deodorant?

Of course! If the fragrance is appealing to you and the formula does what you need, there's no reason why women can't use men's deodorant.
Is men's deodorant stronger than women's deodorant?

No, the chemicals and ingredients that work in deodorants are the same regardless of gender. The only difference is the fragrance and way it's marketed.
Is deodorant the same as antiperspirant?

Deodorant and antiperspirant are not the same. Deodorant uses antibacterials to rid the skin of the bacteria that cause body odor. Antiperspirants use chemicals to plug the endocrine glands and reduce sweat.
What are the risks of antiperspirant containing aluminum?

Some people worry that aluminum-containing deodorants could cause breast cancer. To date, there is limited evidence demonstrating that aluminum is associated with any type of cancer, including breast cancer, or other health conditions. If you have a chronic health condition, talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid aluminum-based deodorants.