Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
If you have seemingly tried everything but just can’t help but continue to have sweaty pits, we hear you, and we know that it’s definitely frustrating. But trust us, you’re not alone! Whether you’re a year round chronic sweater, or it just acts up in the hotter summer months, it’s a problem that plagues many men.
The good news is that there are numerous antiperspirants and deodorants that can help you to alleviate your sweaty pits. Certain ingredients like aluminum work excellently to help keep your arms from becoming a sweaty mess, because the aluminum salts actually dissolve into your pores, creating a plugging effect so the sweat doesn’t come out.
If you’re not an aluminum kind of person, worry not, because our comprehensive list includes a variety of products to target sweat and odor. Read on to see our picks for the best deodorants for men who sweat a lot.
Hello Lavender Vanilla Deodorant with Shea Butter
- Description
Looking for an aluminum free pick that relies on a natural scent? This option from Hello Lavender uses absorbent arrowroot powder, so it definitely still has some amazing antiperspirant benefits.
It's also gentle thanks to shea butter and great for those with sensitive skin.
Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
- Description
A much less intense option, this pick from Drunk Elephant may not be as effective at dealing with bad smells as others. However, it’s perfect for people that really need something gentle.
It goes on as a cream that feels more like a moisturizer than a deodorant, relying on a mixture of plant oils as well as marula and shea butters to assist with replenishing dry skin. It also features mandelic acid to kill odor-causing bacteria and arrowroot powder for its absorbency.
Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant
- Description
Ursa Major Base Layer Deodorant is a powerful all-natural deodorant designed specifically for men who sweat a lot and have sensitive skin. The unique formula contains hops to neutralize unpleasant odors and aloe to soothe and hydrate skin.
Saccharomyces ferment keeps you extra protected and Matricaria (German chamomile) helps soothe sensitive skin. Lastly, shea butter locks in all-day moisture to keep you feeling and smelling fresh without drying your skin.
Dr. Squatch Men’s Natural Deodorant
- Description
Dr. Squatch Deodorant is perfect for active men who spend time outdoors. The Odor-Squatching® system keeps you smelling fresh by utilizing natural deodorizing agents like charcoal powder to block odors, postbiotics for protection, and arrowroot powder to absorb excess moisture.
The smooth-glide application ensures this product is easy to use while providing nourishing skin care with jojoba and shea butter.
Speed Stick Men’s Deodorant Regular
- Description
It’s hard to beat a classic. The Speed Stick is exactly that.
And for a super reasonable price you get a four pack (which we love). With a classically masculine scent that isn’t overwhelming, this pick keeps you feeling and smelling fresh for 24 hours and it’s also aluminum free.
Simple and effective, this pick is an affordable option that really gets the job done.
Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant and Deodorant
- Description
If your smelly pits also have a big sweating issue, this pick is right for you. It features aluminum to help control the sweat and vitamin E for some antioxidant benefits to fight free radicals.
There's also aloe leaf juice to hydrate and soften the skin. And to top it all off, it has a delicious scent profile with bergamot, rosemary, mint leaf, and lime leaf.
Blu Atlas Deodorant
- Description
If you’re looking for a pleasant scent for your underarms, you can’t beat Blut Atlas’ Deodorant. While it’s available in classic and fragrance free options, we highly suggest opting for the coconut apricot scent, which is unmatched.
While it won’t work to eliminate sweat like antiperspirants, it does feature natural bamboo extract and sage leaf to help with neutralizing odors for 48 hours. It also offers a non-greasy and stain-free formula, and 96% of the ingredients are from natural origins.
Degree Men Advanced Antiperspirant Deodorant
- Description
For long lasting odor and sweat coverage, this pick from Degree goes above and beyond by offering 72 hours of protection. Like other antiperspirants, it relies on aluminum, and it features “motionsense” technology to release the scent as you move.
We like it because it can stand up to daily life.
Bravo Sierra Deodorant – Grapefruit & Musk
- Description
If you want to replace smelly pits with a more fruit forward option that smells of grapefruit and mandarin, give this pick a go. It’s an aluminum and baking soda free option, but it still has antiperspirant properties courtesy of a cassava plant that has been made into an absorbent powder.
Sounds good to us!
Degree Men Clean Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant
- Description
Degree Men’s provides up to 72 hours of protection (that's twice as long as the leading deo). Plus, it has a masculine scent you'll love and a price tag you'll love even more.
Old Spice Sport
- Description
No deodorant list would be complete without a choice from Old Spice. We love this pick because it helps to provide 24 hours of protection against stinky pits, and it goes on clear.
If you want to avoid aluminum, this is a good pick.
Carpe Clinical Grade Underarm Antiperspirant Stick
- Description
If constant sweating is getting you down, Carpe Antiperspirant Underarm Stick is what you need to pick you up and return your confidence. This dermatologist-recommended, quick-drying formula is non-greasy and residue-free.
It’s also non-irritating and highly effective at controlling both sweat and odor, even for those with heavy perspiration problems.
Mitchum Men Unscented Deodorant
- Description
Mitchum Men Unscented Deodorant is the perfect solution for powerful odor and sweat protection. The Triple Odor Defense technology works to provide a shield against odor from heat, motion, and stress—giving you up to 48 hours of long-lasting protection!
Plus, it goes on invisible, with no white residue left on the skin or your clothes, and is dermatologist tested for your peace of mind.
Degree Men Advanced Antiperspirant Deodorant
- Description
For long lasting odor and sweat coverage, this pick from Degree goes above and beyond by offering 72 hours of protection. Like other antiperspirants, it relies on aluminum, and it features “motionsense” technology to release the scent as you move.
We like it because it can stand up to daily life.
Old Spice Swagger Antiperspirant
- Description
Another antiperspirant pick, this option from Old Spice provides 48 hours of protection with a scent that combines lime and cedarwood. It lasts all day without being overwhelming.
It dries well and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue, either.
Anthony Alcohol Free Deodorant
- Description
This alcohol and aluminum free pick from Anthony is gentle enough for usage on everything ranging from your armpits to your groin and feet. That’s because it relies on pleasant botanical extracts like basil, grapefruit, orange, and others, to help deal with bacteria to eliminate odors.
At the same time, wild mint works to cool the area. That’s a whole lot of tech from a whole lot of natural ingredients. Sign us up!
Certain Dri Clinical Strength Antiperspirant
- Description
This antiperspirant from Certain Dri is one of the most powerful antiperspirants out there. It'll protect you from body odor for up to 72 hours thanks to 15% aluminum chloride, a powerful active ingredient found in prescription formulas.
It helps fight even the most stubborn body odor. To ensure optimal results, it’s important to apply sparingly at nighttime only to completely dry underarms.
Avoid using immediately after showering or shaving.
Dove Men+ Care Clean Comfort Dry Spray Antiperspirant
- Description
If you prefer spray deodorant, you'll love this option. It offers up to 72 hours of protection thanks to ingredients like aluminum, vitamin E, and moisturizing cream.
We love the scent – a clean orange flower, lavender, and oakmoss mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I sweat a more-than-normal amount?
Sweating is a natural process. It helps keep body temperature under control. But some people sweat more than others.
Indicators you might be sweating more than normal include excessive stains on your clothing or sweating through clothes, socks, and shoes. For some, excessive sweating is the result of a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, where the body produces more sweat than necessary. If you suspect that you are sweating more than is normal, speak with a healthcare provider or dermatologist who can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.
What is the main difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
Antiperspirants specifically work to prevent over sweating. Typically they will do this through aluminum, which works by essentially plugging the pores to keep the sweat from coming out. Other options include powders such as arrowroot powder to absorb the sweat.
Deodorants don’t necessarily work to stop sweat. Instead, they commonly operate by targeting odor causing bacteria to prevent you from smelling bad. There is overlap with some antiperspirants that operate as deodorants, blocking the sweat while offering a great smell.
I keep seeing aluminum as an ingredient. What does it do?
Aluminum is the active ingredient found in most antiperspirants and used to reduce or eliminate sweat by temporarily blocking the sweat glands. It forms into a gel-like substance that clogs the sweat ducts, which then prevents sweat from reaching the surface of the skin. Aluminum salts work effectively in achieving this function because they have astringent properties that constrict the sweat gland ducts and reduce the flow of sweat.
Some believe that there can be adverse health effects through the absorption of aluminum, though the evidence and advice of some doctors counters this.
I see a lot of deodorants are aluminum-free. Is aluminum bad for me?
There has been a lot of academic and cultural debate regarding aluminum-free antiperspirants versus antiperspirants that contain aluminum. One of the biggest benefits to aluminum-free antiperspirants is that they’re a natural alternative that don’t rely on metal salts to reduce sweating. Instead, these products usually contain natural ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils, which absorb moisture and neutralize bacteria.
Additionally, aluminum-free antiperspirants may cause less skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin, because they don’t contain harsh chemicals.
On the other hand, one of the advantages of using antiperspirants that contain aluminum is that they are often considered more effective in reducing sweat. They create a barrier in the sweat ducts, which stops the sweat from reaching the skin’s surface. Aluminum antiperspirants also tend to last longer than their aluminum-free counterparts.
However, there are some negatives to using aluminum-containing antiperspirants. The major concern is that the aluminum may be absorbed into the body, potentially leading to health risks such as breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. However, some experts note that there is nothing to worry about. The American Cancer Society also notes that there is no strong evidence to suggest that link breast cancer with antiperspirants. It also notes that it isn’t really even particularly clear whether much aluminum is absorbed into the skin at all, So as of now, there’s no clear link between breast cancer and the inclusion aluminum in antiperspirants. That doesn’t mean it’s ideal for everyone; do be mindful that aluminum can cause skin irritation or allergies in some people, so they are less advisable for those with sensitive skin.
Ultimately, choosing between aluminum-free antiperspirants and antiperspirants that contain aluminum is a personal choice. You should weigh the pros and cons based on your own preferences and needs. Our list of the best deodorants for men includes both aluminum-based antiperspirants and aluminum-free options.
When is the best time to apply my deodorant/antiperspirant?
The optimal time to apply deodorant or antiperspirant is generally when the skin is clean and dry. It of course will also come down to some personal factors, such as geographic location, and the person’s own personal sweat amount.
As a general rule, though, we advocate for applying an antiperspirant at night to give the active ingredients time to work. If you face issues with sweating throughout the day, consider reapplying it, unless of course there is irritation.Deodorants, conversely, can be applied before heading out for the day.
Just be sure to apply your deodorant or antiperspirant to dry skin. From there, give them some time to dry in before putting on a shirt, to avoid creating streaks and stains.
