
15 Best Deodorants For Men (Review) 2021

While it’s blatantly obvious that men don’t allocate as much time and interest to beauty and personal care products as women do, there are still some lines that men won’t cross when it comes to personal hygiene. For instance, we all have a favorite deodorant that we use on a daily basis. Whether it’s a choice made by preference or habit, how do you know if it’s the right one for you? Throughout this review/buying guide, we’re going to cover some of the best deodorant brands and some of the things that you can do to add a bit more freshness when it comes to sweat and bad odors. Whether you’re looking for the best spray, the best stick or the best roll on, we hope we’ll cover everything.
In the following section, we’re going to take a look at the 10 best men’s deodorants in an unbiased way, talking about their scents, best use, price and resistance. Let’s get to it!
The Best Men’s Deodorant
1Degree Men MotionSense UltraClear Black+White Deodorant Stick

This solid 2.7 oz stick deodorant from the brand Degree is available in a modern, masculine scent that is woody yet fresh with notes of amber. It provides day-long protection against unwanted odor and fights wetness caused by sweat. This invisible solid goes a long way and offers advanced Motion Sense technology working with, not against your body. The more you move, the harder it works to provide protection. Unique microcapsules that sit on top of the skin are broken down with friction, releasing a fresh burst of scent. It’s super easy to apply. Simply remove the lid and roll under the armpits for superior sweat fighting protection. Degree Ultra Clear Black + White Deodorant goes on clear, delivering advanced protection not just for your underarms but also for your clothing too. The unique formulation won’t leave white marks on dark clothing or discolor your white clothes with a nasty yellow tinge. If you’re looking for a deodorant that won’t let you down under pressure and is proven to protect against excess sweating, then try out this UltraClear, innovative formula from Degree.
Actively protects clothes against stains and marks
Delivers powerful and long-lasting sweat and odor protection
Innovative Motion Sense heat and motion activated technology
Day-long protection with up to 48-hours effectiveness
Masculine scent with woody notes and amber base
- BrandDegree Men
- ModelSG_B072J2ZBPY_US
- Weight1.4 pounds
2Dove Men + Care Clean Comfort Spray

Not just one, but six Comfort deodorants spray cans are included in this offer from the Dove Men grooming and care collection. With a fresh and invigorating, non-overpowering scent, this Dove Men+Care formulation protects and defends even the most sensitive of armpits with it’s non-irritating but highly effective sweat busting formulation. It’s easy to apply and comes in a classic 150 ml spray can which can be protected under the arms or over the chest wherever it might be needed the most. It offers advanced 48-hour protection and active defense against wetness and unwanted odors. The scent is refreshing, revitalizing and uplifting and is perfect for throwing into your gym bag for a post-workout freshen up.
Provides advanced 48-hour sweat and odour protection
Contains active moisturising and caring technology
Delivers a refreshing and revitalizing scent
Dermatologist approved and suitable for sensitive armpits
Doesn’t contain any alcohol
- BrandDove
- ModelDove-MenCleanComfortSprayDeodorant-6Pack
- Weight1.08 pounds
3Tom’s of Maine 24-Hour Men’s Long Lasting Natural Deodorant

If you are searching for a highly effective but also naturally derived deodorant, then take a look at this three-pack offer from Tom’s of Maine. Their natural deodorant stick glides on effortlessly without leaving any marks or sticky residue and contains a fresh and invigorating, woody scent of natural North Woods. Each of the 2.25-ounce deodorant sticks contains only naturally derived ingredients and is a bespoke blend created to provide 24-hour odor-fighting protection. There’s nothing artificial contained within the formulation and it’s been produced to the highest levels of social and environmental practices. Aloe Vera helps to moisture the delicate underarms, keeping you feeling fresh all day long. If you’re passionate about the planet and care about what ingredients you and your family use on your skin, then Tom’s range of deodorants bath, body as well as oral hygiene products are well worth considering. Only natural ingredients are used to create a variety of hard-working and productive personal care products.
Aluminum-free formulation for natural deodorizing protection
Freshly scented with the refreshing smell of Mountain Spring
A bespoke blend of natural odor-fighting ingredients
Delivers safe, long-lasting 24-hour protection
Never tested on animals
- BrandTom’s of Maine
- ModelSG_B016K8KDBQ_US
- Weight8.8 ounces
4Old Spice Deodorant for Men

This solid deodorant 3 oz stick from Old Spice is like a rite of passage! Reassuringly old-school yet very much designed for today’s modern man, little has changed in the design since your Grandfather’s time. It’s instantly recognizable in that iconic red and white packaging. That fact that Old Spice has been around for such a long time and still remains so popular is a testimony as to its effectiveness when it comes to fighting sweat. The brand has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence recently thanks to the popularity of the traditional wet shave and they’ve brought their men’s grooming range bang up to date with this masculine deodorant stick. The Pure Sport scent is powerful and manly, providing lasting underarm protection against unwanted odor and wetness. It also goes on clear, so your clothes are also protected. This three pack offer includes a long lasting supply of their popular Pure Sport Men’s High Endurance scent.
Goes on clear to protect clothes against stains
Provides powerful 24-hour protection against odors
Pure Sport scent is crisp, clean and masculine
Defends against even the most stubborn sweat
Easy to apply roll-on stick design
- BrandOld Spice
- Model1204403891
- Weight14.4 ounces
5Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick




Another natural deodorant, this time manufactured by the world-renowned people from Schmidt. The reason we chose this as our 3rd pick is the quality of the formula, how well it delivers when comparing the results to the claims made by the manufacturer and the overall customer satisfaction. With subtle yet effective results, the Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick offers proper care to the user while avoiding issues such as stains or extra sensitive skin. The natural formula is safe and the natural fragrance has a refreshing and comforting effect. This deodorant comes in six different fragrances (although odorless is included, so I guess five), so you’re bound to find one that you like. Some of the fragrances are lime and bergamot, cedarwood and juniper (our favorite), lavender and sage and so on.
The subtlety of the fragrance and the quality formula make the Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick make it one of the best picks on the best deodorants for men list. Be sure to try one for yourself to see what we mean, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The first three choices for the review have been more or less in the same price range. Let’s start looking at more expensive products and see how different are they from what we’ve seen so far. Our guide to the best lip balms features more great grooming products like this.
6Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick




Our first pick on the list is the Dove Men Care Extra Fresh deodorant stick. This product is a testament to the saying “Less is more”. What we’ve always appreciated in Dove products is their simplicity. Once I’ve realized that I wasn’t 16 anymore, I’ve started to find the very energetic names that most companies used for their products a bit silly. Dove doesn’t hype up their products with names like “Mountain lightning” or stuff like that (you get the picture) while the scent of Extra Fresh is very pleasant, but subtle. The fact that’s it’s an antiperspirant means that it will prevent sweat production. It’s smooth to the skin and it doesn’t leave any unaesthetic marks on your clothes. Dove uses a moisturizing formula in most of their products, and the Dove Men Care Antiperspirant, Extra Fresh, does offer a bit of moisturizing to your armpits, preventing irritation and dryness.
The sweat and odor protection lasts for at least 24 hours, this being an empirical observation from personal daily use. As for the 48 protection, advertised on the label, can’t really have an opinion on it, but it does seem likely that it lasts a bit more than 24h. The package is nice and the price is very fair. This is, undeoubtedly, a very good deodorant.
7Mountaineer Brand All Natural Deodorant




The reason we’ve chosen the Mountaineer Brand All Natural Deodorant is, as the name implies, the all natural part. Seeing as political correctness is a rising trend and a lot of people are raising morality questions in the hygiene and beauty product industry, it’s important when a brand manufactures an all-natural product, especially when no animal testing is involved. That being said, this comes in three different variants: Lime and Sage, Timber and Unscented. The lime and sage skew offers a pleasant, powerful and fresh scent, the Timber (Cedarwood & Fir Needle) will give off a nice, pleasant, subtle smell while the unscented version is, well, unscented. Even better, this product is made in the USA, so quality is guaranteed and it’s approved by all of the relevant authorities.
One of the best men’s antiperspirant choices the Mountaineer All Natural Deodorant will keep your skin safe, as it’s made using a very safe formula, so you won’t have any problems with rashes or dryness.
8Nasanta Magnesium Deodorant




The Nasanta Magnesium Deodorant is an odorless, natural, aluminum-free deodorant that’s going to offer users plenty of protection from odor. This product has made it on our natural deodorant for men list because of the quality formula, the fact that it’s odorless and it doesn’t offer any alternatives, so you know for a fact that these people are set on delivering a quality product for just one niche, and the fact that it’s approved by the Triathlon multisport magazine, and these guys know a thing or two about sweat. No animals have been harm in the production process, as this doesn’t contain any animal-based ingredients and the company doesn’t test on critters. It doesn’t use any colorants, no GMOs, allows natural perspiration, free of palm oil, talc, triclosan and propylene. It doesn’t stain and it allows your body to undergo its natural perspiration process, so maybe don’t use it if you’re a heavy sweater.
If you have troubles with allergies than this is the best choice that you could make (or one of the best) as it’s hypoallergenic and non-irritant. The very safe formula won’t harm your body or clothes.
That being said, it is about double the price of a normal deodorant, so keep that in mind when searching the market for products, as this might not be such a great deal if you’re not looking for something THIS specific. There are plenty of cheaper options, even odorless and natural.
9Gillette Endurance Antiperspirant




Taking a break from all of the natural alternatives, it’s time to take a look at a more mainstream product. Gillette is an industry leader when it comes to men grooming and personal care products, but I’m sure their reputation precedes them. The Endurance is a great product, especially if you’re looking for a men’s deodorant for excessive sweating, as it’s gel-based and will inhibit the sweat production of your body where applied. The gel formula is clear and won’t stain your clothes. It’s very easy to use and apply, so you can just use it immediately after a shower of before leaving, just don’t use too much – it can make you feel a bit uncomfortable as it’s gel. It offers protection for up to two days and it has a very nice, fresh scent to it.
That being said, price-wise, this is around half of the price of regular deodorants and four times cheaper than the more expensive, natural alternatives. It does use aluminum and other chemicals in its formula, it’s not hypoallergenic and odorless, so keep these things in mind before purchasing. Make sure you read the label if you’ve suffered from sensitivities in the past. Other than that, this is a good deodorant.
10AXE White Label Antiperspirant Deodorant




AXE is another industry giant. From its clicker and eccentric TV commercials to its signature spray-on deodorants and masculine scents, every man has owned an AXE product. The AXE White Label Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick for Men is one of the strongest antiperspirant products on the market. The formula makes for a firm, slippery deodorant bar, white in color, that will leave a thin layer of protection when applied, so you won’t feel any sticky sensation associated with gel or roll on deodorants. You won’t have to worry about yellow stains or other factors that might have a harmful impact on your clothes, as AXE has designed this formula to be as harmless as possible to you or your garments.
It has a very nice, confidence-inducing fragrance, associated to all AXE products, and it’s very cheap. That being said, it’s not to be used on irritated skin and it might cause rashes in certain users, so make sure that you will discontinue its use if you witness any side-effects, but this is the case with many grooming products. It doesn’t use a natural formula, so if you’re on the market for something organic, then make sure you buy something we’ve already established as being a natural product.
11Baxter Of California Citrus and Herbal-Musk Deodorant



Mostly, men forget that when it comes to grooming and care products, especially deodorants, there are luxurious options. This is where Baxter of California come in with their Citrus and Herbal-Musk Deodorant. This is a premium product, so it delivers beautiful odor and sweat protection while offering you a fresh and nice scent, to give you fellows that extra boost of confidence that we all like. One of the reasons that we’ve featured this product on our list is the smell. This is one of if not the best smelling deodorant for men. Baxter of California has used tea tree oil, witch hazel and chamomile as their key ingredients for the formula, which gives this entry a very nice, herbal and fresh fragrance. The formula is also very smooth and won’t cause any issues, such as rashes or dryness of the skin. It’s also alcohol and aluminum free, so as far as natural ingredients go, this fares pretty well.
The deodorant itself is pretty expensive (as far as deodorants go), but if you’re uncomfortable with buying expensive personal care products, what a lot of people do is just buying one and reserve it for special occasions, when you can actually benefit from an extra boost of confidence so that everything just lines up right for you.
12MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant




If you worry about sweat but still want to use a safer, more natural product, this might be the best deodorant for sweat you can find under these circumstances. The MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant is a premium product that offers plenty of odor and sweat protection, but for a steep price. Odorless and transparent, it’s a great choice if you’re having issues with an aluminum formula but still need the potency that it offers. It will even handle people with an active lifestyle, providing all-day protection.
Now, there are more cheaper options that you could opt for, but this is a really good alternative to conventional personal care products, as it offers the best care on the market.
13Super Natural Goods Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant Stick

Designed with love by an American family and intended for use by all of your family, this Super Natural Goods Natural Aluminum-Free Deodorant Stick really does work. It may well be all-natural and wholly non-toxic but that doesn’t mean that it’s not still highly effective. While it’s crafted without the use of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, or any other nasty chemicals, it does include premium organic ingredients that offer natural odor protection. Blending wonderful luxurious ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E as well as avocado butter, it naturally detoxes and at the same time, nourishes the delicate underarm skin. No synthetic fragrances are used; instead, Underarmed combines the subtle therapeutic scent of lavender and eucalyptus. It’s a safe and effective formulation that can keep you feeling and smelling fresh all day long.
Each deodorant stick is hand made in Nashville
Formulated using premium natural, organic ingredients
Goes on clean and invisible and won’t stain clothes
Luxurious skin-loving and detoxifying ingredients
PH balanced to work on sensitive skin
- BrandSuper Natural Goods
- Model709951412022
- Weight2.56 ounces
14Native Deodorant

These days, everything we put in and on our bodies seems to be full of chemicals. Not Native Deodorant. Made without aluminum, parabens, or phthalates, it’s a natural solution to prevent body odor and keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. It has a slight citrus and herbal musk that you can only smell if you get up close and personal. It’s not going to make everyone’s eyes sting when you walk into a room. Designed to provide all-day protection (up to 16 hours), it’s made from ingredients like baking soda and tapioca starch, which neutralize bacteria instead of just masking the smell. Plus, it’s 100% cruelty-free, so you can wear it without any guilt.
2.65 ounces
Made without aluminum, parabens, or phthalates
Citrus and herbal musk
16-hour protection
100% cruelty-free
- BrandNative
- Model812154030082
- Weight3.88 ounces
15Degree Men Original Antiperspirant Deodorant

Degree Men Original Antiperspirant Deodorant is one of the best-reviewed products on this list. If you’re the kind of consumer that likes to follow the pack, this is definitely one of the best men’s deodorants on the market. The reason it’s so popular? Well, there are a few. First off, it’s competitively priced. You can get a pack of six 2.7-ounce sticks for less than $15 (at the time of writing). That kind of value is guaranteed to get people on board. The other main reason is that it keeps you smelling great for 48 hours. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing – extreme sports, working out, or just sitting at the desk – no one’s going to have a problem with the way you smell.
Six-pack
2.7 ounces
Invisible solid formula
Stain-free
- BrandDegree
- Model10079400265408
- Weight1.01 pounds
Things To Consider With Men’s Deodorant
Now that we’ve provided you with a lot of different options, let’s focus on how to choose the right one for you. Throughout this section of the review, we’ll be focusing on the pros and cons of each type of product.
First of all, think about comfort.
If you’re unlucky and have more irritable skin, don’t cheap out on the extra bucks and focus on a more natural option, as they’re made using less chemical ingredients (or none at all) that will provide plenty of protection while not causing harm and discomfort. Seeing as this is a product that you’ll be using on a daily basis (hopefully), give extra importance to the label and eliminate any chemicals that would have a negative impact on your health.
Secondly, think about scent
If you’re the type of guy that uses perfume or men's cologne, or just don’t like foreign fragrances in your environment, maybe go with an odorless option. If not, then give a little thought to the fragrance that you’re looking for – you don’t want to spend money on something that you’re going to throw away.
Gel Deodorant vs. Stick Deodorant
We tend to take things like deodorant for granted. But there’s a good chance your grandparents remember a time when no one (or almost no one) wore them. The modern deo, in fact, can trace its origins to the mid-1940s. That’s when a roll-on deodorant that would become known by the brand name “Ban” first hit the market and began garnering serious attention. Today men's deodorants are a multi-billion dollar global business. For a time aerosols were incredibly popular, accounting for more than 80% of all sales in the mid to late-1970s. However, two regulatory events put an effective end to that. First was the 1977 FDA ruling that banned some of the active ingredients in aerosols and the second was the 1990s EPA ruling that several limited that use of CFCs due to their nasty habit of eating the ozone layer. As a result, aerosols have given way to gels and sticks. But which one of those is actually the better method of applying? Let’s look at the upside and downside of each.
- Advantages of gel - Gels haven’t been around very long but in their short life they have gained significant market share. That’s because gels have a couple of very real advantages over sticks that make them a clear winner for many people. First off gels don’t leave white stains on your clothes like sticks often do. Also, because the gel is clear no one is able to tell you are wearing anything should you be wearing a sleeveless garment. Gels also tend to be virtually undetectable even when you are really hot. Whereas sticks can sometimes feel like you have a heavy, wet sponge in your underarm.
- Disadvantages of gel - There are many who have used both forms of deodorant who swear that gels simply do not provide the same level of protection as sticks. It’s difficult to determine if this is in fact the case or if it’s just a kind of urban hygiene myth (more on deodorant myths below). Still, the belief is widespread enough that it warrants attention, so it’s something you may want to consider when trying to choose between gels and sticks. The other potential con is not really debatable. And that is the tendency of some (not all) gels to become a bit sticky and/or slimy when you sweat a lot. This phenomenon no doubt causes some to conclude that gels don’t protect as well. Although the sliminess is not really related to protection.
- Advantages of stick - Stick deo's have held their own against the gel onslaught for a couple of reasons. First is simply habit. It’s difficult to get people who are sold on something to change their ways. People are creatures of habit and if someone has been staying cool and dry for years using stick deodorants you’re going to have a hard time selling them on gels. The other reason for the continued popularity of sticks is the tendency, described above, for some gels (not all) to become slimy when you really start to sweat buckets. Sticks by contrast may feel heavy when you’re really hot but it won’t ever feel like you’ve got a jellyfish in your underarm.
- Disadvantages of stick - While stick won’t make you feel like you have sea creatures in your armpits they’re far from perfect. One of the biggest complaints against them is their tendency to accumulate on your clothes, eventually turning the armpits of your colored t-shirts and other garments white and stiff as cardboard. Stick deo also has a habit of flaking and/or crumbling when a person sweats and many people complain of irritation in their armpits from stick deodorant that’s turned crusty. If you see someone itching their pits there’s a good chance they use a stick.
As you can see there is no clear cut choice when it comes to gel vs stick. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. And while many first time users these days choose gels over sticks the fact is stick deodorant is still incredibly popular and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Five Useful Tips To Help Control Your Body Odor
First of all – showers. Shower daily and make sure that you use appropriate soaps and shower gels (preferably antibacterial). After you shower, make sure that you are completely dry before getting dressed, as wet armpits can stimulate sweat production (ironically).
Secondly – diet. There are a lot of foods that will have a negative impact on your body odor. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially foods that contain a lot of water (grapefruit, watermelon etc.) and avoid spicy foods, onions, garlic and especially smoking if you emit a strong smell.
The third thing you could do is supplements – bad smell can indicate a problem with your body. Consider visiting a doctor or a local pharmacy to learn more about what supplements will have a positive impact on your body odor and make sure that you follow the instructions to achieve the best and safest results.
The fourth thing that you could do is to take a look at your wardrobe. Plastic fabrics don’t give your skin a lot of room to breathe. Go with lighter, thinner fabrics so that your body gets the proper amount of air circulation. They’re also going to keep you cooler.
Lastly, there are more “radical” steps that you can take. Massage yourself with scented oils and creams so that you add even more potency to the formulas and other measures that you’re already using. If that doesn’t work, witch hazel inhibits the growth of bacteria on your body, so you can rub it in key areas on your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Antiperspirant, Deodorant, Or Both?
A: This is a more confusing issue. Some products are meant to fight odor, some are meant to fight sweat, but some prevent both. Think about what your main problem is and buy something tailored to solve that specific problem. If you’re sweating a lot, buy an antiperspirant. If you don’t sweat that much but smell is your problem, buy a scented deodorant. If you find yourself unlucky enough to be affected by both these issues, then go for the scented antiperspirant – it’ll take care of both.
It’s important to mention that there’s a difference between odorless unscented products. Unscented men's deodorants usually have masked fragrances to fight the bad smells that your body produces.
In addition to this mini buyers guide, let’s take a look at what YOU can do to further minimize the “damage” that sweat has on your confidence and image.
Q: Are Men's Deodorants Bad For You Or Is It Just A Myth?
A: Because most people alive today can’t remember a time before deodorant they don’t have any real perspective on just how much they have improved the quality of life for everyone. In the days prior to deodorants most people smelled bad on hot days and even on cool or cold days if they had been active. It was an unpleasant fact of life. Anyone who doubts how unpleasant it was for most people need only look at how quickly deodorants became a daily hygiene staple once they hit the market. But a funny thing happened. On their way to becoming omnipresent: an assortment of health concerns and outright myths became attached to them; primarily because of their ingredients. Concerns and myths that have only become more persistent with the passage of time. Let’s take a look at some of these ingredient-related concerns and myths and see if we can separate fact from fiction.
- True or False? Aluminum in antiperspirant causes cancer - If true this would be an extremely serious problem. The fact is however that researchers have yet to make a clear connection between the aluminum particles used in some antiperspirants and cancer. Since many breast cancers originate in the area near to the armpit some health advocates have warned that deodorants and their aluminum particles could be the cause. However, the venerable American Cancer Society itself has weighed in on the issue and stated there is no convincing evidence of a like between cancer and best deodorant use. Unless compelling evidence to the contrary emerges that should allay any fears. Verdict: False
- True or False? Aluminum in deodorants causes Alzheimer’s disease - Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness whose exact cause is still not known. Some 2 decades ago, however, scientists studying the brains of Alzheimer’s patients noticed a strange thing. Most appeared to have elevated levels of aluminum in their brains. Scientists and medical professionals were buoyed by the notion that they had perhaps found the cause of Alzheimer’s, while people who used deodorants for men and ate antacids became concerned they might be consigning themselves to a grizzly fate.
A rash of studies then took a closer look at the aluminum/Alzheimer’s hypothesis with the vast majority determining that the aluminum found in Alzheimer’s patients was actually no worse than is found in most people and that it likely got there through normal environmental contact. One 1990 study however, did suggest a possible link. But that study was largely dismissed because surrogates filled out the questionnaires rather than the actual Alzheimer’s patients. As such most scientists today believe there is no convincing evidence of an aluminum/Alzheimer’s link. So, we’re going to wrap this up with the following words from the American Alzheimer’s Association: "Almost all scientists today focus on other areas of [Alzheimer's] research, and few experts believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat." Verdict: False
- True or False? Parabens cause cancer - In 2004 a study was published that found parabens in breast cancer tissue. Many in the health community and beyond took this to mean that there was a causal relationship between the two. In fact no causal relationship has since been shown between parabens and cancer though studies continue. The mere suggestion that there might be a connection however was enough for most cosmetics and toiletry manufacturers to eliminate parabens from their product lines. So it’s easy to find a paraben free deodorant if you are concerned they may represent some form of health hazard. Verdict: False
- True or False? Antiperspirants can cause kidney disease or kidney failure - Because some antiperspirants contain aluminum particles and because aluminum particles have been shown to have a negative effect on some people with greatly diminished kidney function the FDA requires a warning on deodorants that contain aluminum. This warning typically goes something like this “Ask your doctor before using this product if you have kidney disease”. As is the case with such warnings their intention is often misconstrued. The warning isn’t there to alert people that aluminum in deodorants causes kidney disease or kidney failure. It’s there to warn people who already suffer from severe kidney dysfunction that the aluminum in the mixture may aggravate the condition. Then again it may not. The National Kidney Foundation goes so far as to say that in order to represent a risk you’d have to actually eat significant amounts of deodorant on a daily basis. Verdict: False
- True or False? Triclosan is hazardous to your health - Many men's deodorants contain the antibacterial ingredient triclosan. This antibacterial agent has come under fire in recent years mostly because the FDA has stated it is concerned that triclosan may contribute to the development of super germs that resist antibiotics and that is may have some harmful effect on the immune system of animals. However, while the FDA warned against triclosan in things like antiperspirants nothing was done to ban the substance from being used in cookware, clothes and toys. Which suggests they are not too terribly concerned about triclosan. Still, as with parabens, some deodorant manufacturers have begun to remove triclosan from their deodorant out of an abundance of caution. Verdict: The jury is out
- True or False? Talc causes cancer - Talcum powder has been a bathroom staple for decades but in recent years there have been some suggestions that talc could actually cause ovarian cancer. Although actual hard evidence of a link does not exist several lawsuits have been winding their way through the courts emphatically stating that it does. For instance: the family of one woman was recently awarded $72 million in damages because the jury believed the cancer that killed her was the result of using talc for years. Still, a guilty verdict is not the same as scientific evidence. Verdict: The jury is out
- True or False? Propylene glycol causes kidney and liver damage - The origins of this particular belief are hard to track down but there are nonetheless a small number of people who are convinced it is true. As rebuttal, we’re going to go with the FDA categorization of this compound that states it is “generally recognized as safe”. FDA are not known for being reckless and more often than not err on the side of caution. If they say it is safe that should be good enough for most people. Propylene glycol is actually known to be easily processed by the liver into nontoxic metabolites and PG, with its 4 hour half-life, does not accumulate in the system. Verdict: False
- True or False? DEA/TEA causes cancer - Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) are used to adjust pH levels in some deodorants and to form the base of various cleansers. In 1988 a study purported to find that these compounds caused cancer in laboratory animals. No link was established between DEA/TEA and cancer in humans, however. Even though these ingredients are rarely found these days they can still be found in other personal hygiene products. As such FDA has been studying them almost continuously since the 1988 report was published. Their stated belief as of this writing is that these substances pose no immediate threat to human health. Verdict: False
Without in any way minimizing people’s legitimate health concerns you can see most of the tales about alleged health hazards resulting from deodorant use are not grounded in evidence. Most in fact grew out of a single study years ago or a simple misinterpretation of an FDA label warning or a misunderstanding of what this compound or that actually does when it enters the system. In fact many of these compounds are not present in sufficient quantities to even enter the system at all. They simply evaporate over time on the surface of your skin.
All that said the jury is still out on talc and triclosan. That doesn’t mean there is any evidence of a direct health hazard, but instead it reflects the reality that certain concerns swirling around those compounds have not been authoritatively debunked. As such it’s wise to keep your eyes and ears open to any information regarding those ingredients and if you have any trepidation, to just steer clear of them for the time being.
Q: How Often Do You Apply Deodorant?
A: Most people apply deodorant after they shower. As such if they shower every day they wind up applying every day. And if they shower every 2 weeks they apply every 2 weeks (!). But is this tendency or practice of applying after every shower the right way to go about it and is every day too much? The answer to the second question is that applying deo every day likely is not a problem although it is a good idea to wash away yesterday’s deodorant before applying a new layer. So the after shower hypothesis would seem to hold water, so to speak. However, a number of dermatologists have recently chimed in with their considered opinion that applying it in the morning is a bad idea. A better idea, they claim, is to apply deo at night before you go to sleep. This, they say, gives the product a chance to ‘set’ as it were and creates a more formidable block against sweat and/or odor. In fact there are a few antiperspirants on the market today that advise on their label that you apply them before bedtime. With deodorants, however, the labels are still silent on the issue.
Q: Is It Safe To Use Deodorant After Shaving?
A: While there is no evidence to suggest it represents a threat some folks are concerned about applying deodorant to their underarms immediately after shaving there. This goes for both deodorants and antiperspirants as well. Perhaps this concern is spawned from the fact that after shaving the skin can be dry and irritated and applying any sort of cosmetic or hygienic product to rough, perhaps, lightly cut skin is going to result in an uncomfortable stinging sensation. This stinging sensation, while quite normal, may raise red flags with some people who interpret it as a signal from the body that it is somehow dangerous. It’s understandable that someone may think that but in reality the stinging doesn’t mean anything other than your skin is a bit raw. Others suggest that applying to raw skin with perhaps a number of tiny cuts on it only helps any potentially dangerous ingredients infiltrate the blood stream. The fact is however that there is zero conclusive evidence that any of the ingredients in today’s deodorants poses any risk to the body. Therefore, applying deodorant after shaving is a personal choice. If you are unconvinced then wait an hour or two after shaving before applying your deodorant as this will give any microscopic cuts time to heal.
Q: How Do I Avoid Deodorant Stains And Marks?
A: Gels typically don’t create any stains or unpleasant, garment ruining marks on your shirts. They go on wet, dry clear and stay that way all day. Sure they can feel a bit murky if you really go work up a sweat but they still leave your clothes pretty much unaffected. Sticks on the other hand are an entirely different animal. Sticks go on, well, sticky. You can see the deodorant sitting on your skin and if you’re wearing a sleeveless t-shirt and raise your arms everyone gets a shot of your nice white underarm. That white flaky stuff doesn’t just sit there either. It has a disagreeable habit of absorbing into whatever fabric it comes in contact with. The result? Crusty white stains on your garments.
Fear not however because using stick deodorant doesn’t necessarily have to spell the end of your favorite shirts. Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent that from happening.
- Wear a white T-shirt. Yes the white T-shirt will still be on the receiving end of the deodorant buildup but no one will be able to tell and it will create an effective barrier between the deodorant and the shirt you’re trying to protect.
- Hold your arms above your head for a few minutes after applying and give it a chance to dry out and set up.
- Don’t overdo it! Many people lather deodorant on like it was icing on a birthday cake. Take it easy. A swipe or two at most, let it dry, then put on your shirt.
- Try and use a deodorant with a low aluminum content. Or better yet, one that contains no aluminum. This by itself will go a long way toward saving your shirts.
- Find a detergent that’s designed to address the problem of deodorant buildup. There are not a lot of them but there are some. Most are spray on pre-wash treatments that loosen the buildup.
- Avoid ironing the armpit of any shirt that is exhibiting deodorant buildup and stains. This will only aggravate the situation. Also, tumble drying a shirt with a stain is likely to fix that stain in place permanently.
- Switch to gels. The best, most effective way of protecting your clothes from marks is to simply switch to a gel deo. Is it a cop-out? Sure. But it works.
Q: Should You Wear Deodorant To Bed?
A: In the past such a suggestion might have caused the raising of many an eyebrow. After all, deodorant was part of the morning routine. It went on after your shower and that was that. As we mentioned earlier however many dermatologists today are adamant that deodorant and antiperspirant works much more effectively when it is applied right before bed time. And just to drive the point home there are several antiperspirants on the market today that state on their labels that the product should be applied before going to sleep. So, what was a wacky idea is now mainstream and we can all smell better as a result.
Conclusion
Let’s try and sum up what we’ve discussed. From all of the products that we’ve presented, each one acts in a similar way, but there are plenty of nuances to consider before settling on just one. Before mentioning those, please note that they’re all great products, tested to be safe and approved by all health authorities. That being said, some of them still might have a negative effect on your body, so READ THE LABEL and cease use if you notice any side effects.
Determine what your issues are (body odor, sweat or both) and choose a men's deodorant or antiperspirant that will solve those issues. If you have strong moral concerns about animals or genetically-modified organisms, then pick something that is in line with your personal beliefs, there are plenty of natural, non-GMO options.
If you still don’t achieve desired results, make sure that you have a healthy diet and follow proper cleaning techniques. Stay hydrated and consult a physician if you think that the odor is masking a more serious problem.
Stay fresh!
