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 the 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.

Should I apply deodorants or antiperspirants before bed?

It’s most effective to use an antiperspirant on completely dry skin at night because the formula is designed to plug the sweat glands, says Dr. Garshick. “At night the sweat glands are not active or filled with sweat, so the sweat ducts are able to absorb more of the aluminum and therefore be more effective.” As for deodorants, these can be applied in the morning and throughout the day to freshen up—either before heading out for the day or after a workout.

The 11 Best Deodorants for Men of 2023

Sweating is an essential thermoregulating process that cools you down during intense workouts or when exposed to high temperatures. It also helps to clear out excess toxins from the body. But while sweating is important, it often comes along with uncomfortable wetness and smelly body odor from the underarms. Luckily, a quality deodorant or antiperspirant can work to prevent sweat and stink.

When considering which prevention product to purchase, it’s important to know the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant and choose the one that best fits your needs. Deodorants work to prevent odor, while the main function of an antiperspirant is to minimize sweat, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. Hybrid antiperspirant-deodorant products also exist, if you’re looking for maximum protection.

It’s also important to choose your preferred application type. You can learn more about each below, but common application types include spray, roll-on, gel, solid, invisible solid, and wipe—this comes down to personal preference. Ingredients are another key factor to look at. Active ingredients, like aluminum chloride are most effective at blocking sweat. But if you have sensitive skin or prefer a more natural product, opt for aluminum- and fragrance-free formulations.

With so many men’s deodorants on the market, we’re offering an easy way to find the best one for you. We researched dozens of best-selling products and tested over 35 of the best deodorants and antiperspirants in our lab. We evaluated each product for efficacy, texture, scent, transfer resistance, and overall value, and scored each product that we tested on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) in these key categories. We also had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article to ensure our recommendations are accurate.

Are Deodorants and Antiperspirants with Aluminum Safe to Use?

Aluminum is the most common and effective active ingredient found in antiperspirants that helps to reduce sweat by plugging up sweat glands to directly block and minimize wetness, says Dr. Garshick. Deodorant formulations never contain aluminum as an ingredient because the main function of deodorant is to prevent odor, not sweat.

You may have concerns regarding a potential link between aluminum and serious health conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer. But contrary to popular belief, there are no recent studies suggesting an increased risk associated with aluminum in antiperspirants. And while this powerful ingredient may be irritating to those with sensitive skin, it’s actually the only ingredient approved by the FDA to be included in antiperspirants, says Dr. Garshick. If you do have sensitive skin or prefer a more natural alternative, there are many highly effective aluminum-free products on our list.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Harry's Odor & Enhanced Sweat Control, Extra-Strength Antiperspirant at Amazon

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Best for Workouts:

Degree Men UltraClear at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Arm & Hammer Ultra Max at Amazon

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Best Fragrance-Free:

Vanicream Antiperspirant Deodorant at Amazon

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Best Wipes:

SweatBlock Antiperspirant at Amazon

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Best Roll-On:

Certain Dri Clinical Prescription Strength Antiperspirant at Amazon

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Best Smelling:

Jack Black Pit Boss at Amazon

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Best for Odor Protection:

DuraDry AM Deodorant & Antiperspirant at Amazon

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Best Clinical Strength:

Degree Men Clinical Strength Deodorant Antiperspirant Sport for Profuse Sweating at Amazon

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Best Aluminum-Free:

Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested and Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Efficacy

4.5/5
Scent

5/5
Texture

5/5
Transfer Resistance

5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

Pros

Fresh scent
Strong sweat protection
No transfer or stains

Cons

Slight smell after 24 hours

Harry’s Extra-Strength Antiperspirant protects against odor and sweat for up to 24 hours. At the end of testing, after 20 minutes of intense physical activity, our armpits smelt fresh and felt completely dry. The powerful antiperspirant did a great job at preventing sweat and minimizing odor all day long.

We appreciate the smooth, clear application that doesn’t leave behind any streaks or stains on clothing. And we enjoyed the light and fresh scent that helps to mask body odor. This product comes in a three-pack, making it a budget-friendly pick that is suitable for athletes, gym rats, and those with busy lifestyles.

Price at time of publication: $36 (3-pack)

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 2.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: Not listed | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Extra-strength}

Verywill Fit / Jessica Juliao

4.3

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Efficacy

4/5
Scent

4/5
Texture

2/5
Transfer Resistance

4/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Budget-friendly
Fresh scent
No transfer or stains

Cons

Doesn’t last all day

An antiperspirant and deodorant hybrid, Degree’s Men UltraClear works to keep you sweat- and stink-free. It offers strong protection during intense physical activity—leaving us feeling fresh and dry throughout testing. But for all-day wear, we’d recommend Harry’s Antiperspirant (our best overall pick), as this one didn’t hold up for the full 24 hours.

The solid stick makes for a smooth application and the product is virtually invisible on the skin and doesn’t leave behind any traces. We liked the fresh smell that helped to mask body odor, but it might be a bit strong for sensitive skin or noses.

Price at time of publication: $8 (2-pack)

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 2.7 ounces | Cruelty-free: Not listed | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Not listed}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Efficacy

5/5
Scent

5/5
Texture

4/5
Transfer Resistance

4/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Fresh scent
Strong sweat protection
Masks body odor

Cons

Slight transfer

Another antiperspirant-deodorant hybrid, Arm & Hammer’s Ultra Max Stick is successful at minimizing sweat and blocking body odors. Our underarms remained fresh through testing, as well as during a long and sweaty summer commute. We like the fresh scent that smells like fresh laundry and is noticeable but not overpowering.

As far as texture and transfer resistance, the product applied smoothly but it did leave a slight white streak on our tester's shirt. With a simple wash cycle, any transfer should come right out.

Price at time of publication: $9

Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Cruelty-free: Not listed | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Not listed

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

4.8

Walmart

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Our Ratings

Efficacy

5/5
Scent

5/5
Texture

3.5/5
Transfer Resistance

4/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Masks body odor
Strong sweat protection
Great for sensitive skin

Cons

Slight transfer

Fragrance can be very irritating to the skin—it can worsen eczema and cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis, says Dr. Penzi. For people with sensitive skin, she recommends choosing a fragrance-free product like Vanicream’s Antiperspirant Deodorant. It’s a clinical strength hybrid product that does a great job of keeping sweat and odors at bay for up to 24 hours.

Along with its powerful protection, we also love the super budget-friendly price and easy, smooth application. You may have to worry about potential transfer on your favorite workout shirt, but with a simple wash cycle any stains should come right out.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 2.3 ounces | Cruelty-free: Not listed | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Clinical strength}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

4.7

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Efficacy

4.5/5
Scent

4/5
Texture

4.5/5
Transfer Resistance

5/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

Pros

Great for those with hyperhidrosis
No transfer or stains
Strong sweat protection

Cons

Not for sensitive skin types

Designed to treat hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating, SweatBlock’s Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Wipes are a great option if you’re a serious sweater. Our armpits remained completely dry for the 24-hour wear period which consisted of an intense workout, a hot and sweaty commute, and a long night of sleep. And we love how body wipes offer a convenient way to freshen up on the go.

We did notice a musky scent at the end of wear, so we recommend using the wipes in tandem with a deodorant (like Every Man Jack’s Deodorant) for maximum sweat and stink protection. The product applies wet, but dries within seconds—and we love that it's completely transfer-resistant.

Price at time of publication: $20 (10 count)

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Wipe | Size: 10 wipes | Cruelty-free: Yes | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Clinical strength}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao.

4.5

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Efficacy

5/5
Scent

5/5
Texture

5/5
Transfer Resistance

5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Budget-friendly
Masks body odor
Strong sweat protection

Cons

May irritate sensitive skin

Dr. Garshick recommends Certain Dri’s Prescription Strength Clinical Antiperspirant as an effective and affordable option that offers maximum protection. It’s formulated with aluminum chloride, which helps to plug up sweat glands and block the release of sweat, she says, recommending using it at night time on dry skin for best results.

During testing, we found this product to be extremely effective at blocking odor and sweat for up to 24 hours. And while it applies wet, we appreciate how quickly the clear formulation dries, without leaving behind any streaks or stains on clothing. But for those with sensitive skin, we’d recommend a more gentle product, like Every Man Jack’s Deodorant.

Price at time of publication: $6

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Roll-on | Size: 1.2 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Clinical strength}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
VeryWell Fit /Jessica Juliao

4.4

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Efficacy

4/5
Scent

5/5
Texture

5/5
Transfer Resistance

4/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

Pros

Masks body odor
Strong sweat protection

Cons

Slight transfer

Jack Black’s Pit Boss Antiperspirant Deodorant delivers a fresh and woodsy scent that can work in place of cologne for daily wear. We found that it delivers maximum odor protection and works well to minimize sweat throughout the day. After 24 hours of wear, our underarms smelled clean and fresh, with minimal sweat.

The classic stick applies smoothly and feels lightweight on the skin. But after testing, we did notice some visible transfer on the inside of our shirt.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 2.8 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Maximum strength}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

4.2

Amazon

View On Amazon

Our Ratings

Efficacy

4.5/5
Scent

5/5
Texture

4/5
Transfer Resistance

3/5
Overall Value

4/5

Pros

Strong sweat protection
Great scent
Great for those with hyperhidrosis

Cons

Slight transfer

A clinical strength antiperspirant-deodorant hybrid, DuraDry’s AM Stick is great for those with hyperhidrosis but also gentle enough for sensitive skin types. It has a fresh, natural scent and comes in a three-pack—making it a budget-friendly buy for you and your loved one.

After applying this product, running on the treadmill, and completing a full work day, we didn’t notice any sweat or stink. It’s super effective and will keep you feeling clean and fresh all day. But it’s important to note that the product did leave minor white streaks on our testers’ shirt after wear.

Price at time of publication: $35 (3-pack); $14 (1 count)

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 2.3 ounces | Cruelty-free: Not listed | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Clinical strength}

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Amazon

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Pros

Masks body odor
Fresh scent
Budget-friendly
Strong sweat protection

Cons

May irritate sensitive skin

Clinical strength refers to formulas that contain a higher concentration of aluminum compared to regular formulas, says Dr. Penzi. Aluminum is the most common active ingredient in antiperspirants that is most effective at reducing sweat. And while there are concerns surrounding the ingredient, there are currently no studies that support a link between aluminum and any harmful conditions, says Dr. Penzi.

When we tested this product, we found it to live up to its clinical strength claims, as it left our armpits completely dry and odor free for up to 24 hours. We like the fresh and clean scent that is apparent but not overbearing. The application is smooth, but some white streaks were left on our tester's shirt after use.

Price at time of publication: $17 (2-pack)

Key Specs:

Application type: Solid stick | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-free: Not listed | Aluminum-free: No | Strength: Clinical strength

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Amazon

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Pros

Great for sensitive skin
Aluminum-free
All-natural ingredients

Cons

Not as strong as other options on our list

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 best natural deodorants for men are the ones that are simple without sacrificing quality. Ursa Major’s Base Layer Deodorant achieves this balance well, providing great protection with only natural ingredients.

Formerly called “No BS” deodorant, Ursa Major’s 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 publication: $18

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 2.6 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes | Aluminum-free: Yes | Strength: Not listed}

Amazon

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Pros

Large size
Budget-friendly
Aluminum-free

Cons

Not as strong as other options on our list

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 Every Man Jack’s Deodorant, a very simple deodorant that doesn’t have the chemical ingredients that often cause these skin issues.

This deodorant is free from ingredients like aluminum, parabens, oxybenzone, polyethylene, or gluten that may irritate sensitive skin. In addition to the natural formula, this deodorant is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Smooth on your skin with a pleasant smell, EMJ’s deodorant is a solid option.

Price at time of publication: $15 (2-pack)

^{Key Specs:
Application type: Solid stick | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes | Aluminum-free: Yes | Strength: Not listed}

How We Rated the Men's Deodorants

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best men’s deodorants we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These men’s deodorants are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great men’s deodorants, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These men’s deodorants are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend men’s deodorants with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested:

We tested over 35 deodorants and antiperspirants but only ended up including 11 of them in our final list of recommendations. While these two didn’t make our list, they did have some noteworthy features:

Gillette’s Clinical Advanced Soft Solid has a fresh fragrance that lasts and keeps body odor at bay. But we found that it has a messy transfer, and is not effective at reducing any sweat.
Dove’s Men Care Clinical Deodorant Stick did not live up to its clinical strength claim. While the product's fragrance smells clean and fresh, our armpits did not after just 15 minutes on the treadmill.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

How We Tested and Selected Men’s Deodorants:

To find the best men’s deodorants and antiperspirants on the market, we first researched dozens of best-selling products. We also spoke with three dermatologists for their expert advice on what to look for and what to avoid when purchasing a deodorant or antiperspirant.

The experts we spoke with included:

Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon in Washington, DC
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York
Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York

And with expert oversight and guidance from New York-based dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, we began our test.

Out of the 12 products on our list of top picks, we tested ten in The Verywell Testing Lab. Ursa Major’s Base Layer Deodorant and Every Man Jack’s Deodorant were not included in our test. But after thorough research and expert insight, we can safely say that they still deserve a spot among the top deodorant picks for men for their respective superlatives.

In total, we tested over 35 deodorants and antiperspirants to find the best recommendations for our readers. We applied each product to our underarms and completed at least 15 minutes of heart-rate-elevating activity. After the workout, we sniffed and felt our armpits and took note of any lingering odor or sweat. We then continued to wear the product for a 24-hour period, recording any noticeable sweat and odor at the end of the day.

We tested each product for efficacy, texture, scent, transfer resistance, and overall value—scoring each on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for these key categories. We used these scores and insights to create a list of the best men’s deodorants and antiperspirants available today. As new antiperspirants and deodorant formulas hit the market, we will continue to test the latest versions and update our list of the best men’s deodorants accordingly.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

What to Look for in Men’s Deodorants:

Antiperspirants vs. Deodorants

Antiperspirants usually contain aluminum, an active ingredient that helps to reduce physical sweating, says Dr. Penzi. “Aluminum salts (like aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium) in traditional antiperspirants dissolve into the skin. And when you sweat, the salts create a gel-like substance that temporarily plugs sweat ducts and prevents sweat from reaching the skin surface.”

While the primary function of an antiperspirant is to block excess sweat, deodorants prevent odor by changing the acidity of the skin so that bacteria won't break down your sweat. They also mask odor with fragrance and by absorbing moisture. If you're someone prone to sweat and body odor, opt for a clinical strength antiperspirant-deodorant hybrid product, like Degree’s Men’s Prescription Strength Deodorant Antiperspirant.

Ingredients

The most common active ingredient in deodorants and antiperspirants is aluminum, says Dr. Garshick. There has been some concern about this ingredient relating to cancer or other harmful health effects, but there is not enough evidence to suggest an increased risk associated with aluminum in antiperspirants, Dr. Garshick says. While antiperspirants containing aluminum are thought to be the most effective at reducing sweat, there are many other options.

Some people, especially those with sensitive skin, prefer deodorants that use only natural ingredients—like Ursa Major’s Base Layer Deodorant. 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 their health benefits) are often used as antimicrobials and skin moisturizers. Tea tree oil is antibacterial and masks odor.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Application Type

You'll find several different options for how to apply your deodorant. This comes down to personal preference, so choose one that works for you, says Dr. Garshick.

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.
Wipe: A small handled wipe that apples wet but usually dries in seconds. Great for covering the whole area, and obtaining a clean and fresh feel.

Strength and Longevity

Deodorants and antiperspirants are often characterized as clinical strength when the formula contains higher levels of aluminum compared to traditional strength formulas, says Penzi. If you have hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, look for clinical-strength antiperspirants with a high percentage of aluminum, she says. Certain Dri’s Antiperspirant is a super effective clinical strength option.

On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin or want to opt for more natural antibacterial ingredients, look for aluminum-free products. But do keep in mind that natural deodorants and antiperspirants typically don’t provide the same strength and longevity as clinical strength products.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

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 the 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.
Should I apply deodorants or antiperspirants before bed?

It’s most effective to use an antiperspirant on completely dry skin at night because the formula is designed to plug the sweat glands, says Dr. Garshick. “At night the sweat glands are not active or filled with sweat, so the sweat ducts are able to absorb more of the aluminum and therefore be more effective.”
As for deodorants, these can be applied in the morning and throughout the day to freshen up—either before heading out for the day or after a workout.

Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Michelle Parente is an experienced health and fitness writer who is passionate about making great product recommendations. Michelle frequently attends hot yoga classes and leads a busy lifestyle, so she knows the importance of finding a quality deodorant that gets the job done.