Introduction
Everyone sweats. Some people are more than others and sometimes more than other times, but it’s something everyone can relate to. For better or for worse, sweating is a natural part of life, and nothing to be embarrassed about. The problem arises when you sweat a lot, and your sweat brings with it a less than pleasant odor.
That’s right, we see you.
Many men know what it’s like to sweat through their shirts and smell like it too. It makes sense if you’ve just had a killer workout session at the gym, but when sweating and smelling bad afterward becomes a persistent problem, showers and fragrances just can’t cut it.
Luckily, there is a solution. You don’t have to second-guess entering closed spaces or sitting too close to someone if you use a deodorant or antiperspirant. Just what are these and how do they work? And better yet, what’s the best one out there? We’re glad you asked. Read on a list of the best of these anti-sweat, anti-smell products available on the market so you can find the best deodorant for men who sweat a lot.
Deodorants vs Antiperspirants
Despite having different names, deodorants and antiperspirants are thought to be synonymous. People use the terms interchangeably and believe they are referring to the same product. This is untrue, not to mention confusing. Deodorants are as different from antiperspirants as they are from perfumes. Both act through different mechanisms and give different results. Deodorants tackle the odor produced during perspiration (or sweating), while antiperspirants block the perspiration process itself. Let us explain.
We get body odor when certain bacteria on our skin break down our sweat into foul-smelling products. The sweat or bacteria alone do not do anything. It is only when both are present that we start smelling unpleasant. Deodorants and antiperspirants both stop this from happening.
Deodorants contain active ingredients that make the surface of your skin more acidic. This serves to make the area inhospitable to odorous bacteria that create the bad smell associated with sweating. Deodorants do not stop you from sweating, they only stop you from smelling while you sweat.
Antiperspirants attempt to subtract the perspiration factor from the equation. They contain ingredients that stop you from sweating by blocking your sweat glands. A famous ingredient used in antiperspirants, aluminum, plugs our skin’s pores to stop the sweat from coming out. It sounds a bit uncomfortable, but antiperspirants are safe for most people to use. And despite it being a common concern, they do not directly cause breast cancer.
However, that doesn’t make these products completely safe. The best deodorants for men who sweat a lot may not make you reconsider, but many consumer deodorants can have harmful ingredients. Phthalates are common deodorant ingredients that are associated with the disruption of sex hormones and can even cause infertility in men. Big yikes. If your deodorant contains phthalates, now is the time to swap it out for one of the best deodorants for men who sweat a lot.
How to Select a Deodorant
Looking for the best deodorants for men who sweat a lot is a very individual process based on your particular needs and wants. That means that you shouldn’t just run to the store and pick up the first deodorant or antiperspirant you see. You need to put as much thought into selecting your deodorant as you do into buying a fragrance. After all, if you smell good, you’ll feel good.
When choosing a product, you have to consider things like:
- Do you sweat a lot?
- Does your sweat smell bad?
- What kind of smell does the product have?
- Do you have sensitive skin and require a product that will be gentle on your skin?
- Do you have any health issues (e.g. weak kidney function) that prevent you from using products that contain aluminum?
- Do you want an antiperspirant or a deodorant or both?
- Do you want a completely natural product?
- Do you want a roll-on stick, spray, gel, or cream deodorant?
- How long do you want the product to last?
- Do you want a more luxury or cost-effective product?
How to Wear The Best Deodorants For Men Who Sweat a Lot
Once you’ve found the best deodorant for men who sweat a lot, it’s important to get the putting-it-on part right. You’re probably thinking, how can someone get wearing deodorant wrong? Well, it may be simple, but some men make rookie mistakes during deodorant application that compromises the effectiveness of the product. If you’re afraid you might be one of them, stick with us as we cover the basics of wearing deodorant.
Step 1: Make sure your armpits are clean and dry. Wash with water and some gentle soap, to begin with a clean canvas. You can put on deodorant after you’ve started sweating, but it might not be as effective. Your best bet is to apply the product straight out of the shower.
Step 2: Apply the deodorant by swiping it a couple (no more than a handful) of times under your arms. Don’t overdo it, less is more in this case.
Step 3: Let the product rest on your skin for a few minutes. Do not immediately put on clothes as that might lead to white deodorant streaks or stains on the fabric.
And that’s it! You’re ready to smell fresh all day. Be sure to store your best deodorant for men who sweat a lot in a cool and dry place to preserve its effectiveness for a long time.
Best spray deodorant for men who sweat a lot: Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray
Combining the power of antiperspirant and deodorant, the Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray offers a unique odorless experience. If you’re dealing with self-consciousness over body odor, this spray offers long-lasting, 72-hour no-sweat results. Unlike other sprays, after application, this product dries and locks in, preventing sweat and bacteria from ruining your flow. It does not feel sticky or heavy on the skin and gets to work shortly after being applied.
With its unique motion-sensing technology, it actually monitors motion and has a greater output with movement. While it may seem bizarre, this product works with your activity and makes sure you don’t have to worry about excessive odor and sweat. This product also offers the golden antibacterial element of deodorant and antiperspirant, that fights odor-creating bacteria. Instead of the regular smell that comes after a workout or long day, you’ll instead give off the refreshing scent of vanilla and juniper. These amazing results are not a fleeting fancy either, as they last up to 3 days. You can stop worrying about consistent reapplications and continue your day with confidence because the Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray has your back!
Best overall deodorant for men who sweat a lot: Nécessaire the Deodorant
When it comes to eco-friendly, clean, and sustainable beauty and self-care, everyone is on board until effectiveness comes into question. It’s difficult to balance the need for natural, organic, and clean products and ones that actually work. Customers fall into this dilemma while purchasing natural deodorant. Luckily, Nécessaire fulfills both requirements and is applauded for its simplicity and direct results. The Deodorant is a strong competitor in the list of best deodorants for men who sweat a lot because their main concern is odor control. Get this, the Nécessaire deodorant is fragrance-free, committed to non-toxic, environment-friendly formulas that actually work. With this deodorant, you don’t need to worry about harsh chemicals or ingredients as it is alcohol and aluminum-free.
So how does Nécessaire The Deodorant accommodate men with body odor issues? It contains a variety of acids and minerals that counteract the bacteria responsible for the smell that comes with sweat. Fused with the power of AHA, Mandelic, and Lactic Acid, this deodorant strikes odor-producing bacteria. The mineral complex consists of zinc, silica, and kaolin clay that keeps your skin dry and sweat-free.
Best natural deodorant for men who sweat a lot: Ursa Major
Dominating the top picks when it comes to natural best deodorants for men who sweat a lot, the Ursa Major deodorant is one to keep an eye on. This deodorant is preferred over aluminum-containing alternatives because it provides a natural approach to warding off body odor and keeping your skin healthy. The 100% natural ingredients in this deodorant are chosen based on their organic ability to neutralize acids, fight bacteria and keep unpleasant scents at bay.
Moisture won’t be a problem when you switch to Ursa Major as your deodorant, because it goes on dry and keeps it that way. It doesn’t stain fabrics either and acts as secret but powerful prevention of body odor and excessive sweating. In the all-natural components of this deodorant, you can find aloe vera and baking soda, two common items that go a long way in soothing the skin and killing body odor. Hops also jump into action where the scent is concerned, and this deodorant doesn’t need added fragrance as it provides a fresh and clean smell and feels to the skin. Eucalyptus, a common ingredient in deodorants, can also be found in the Ursa Major deodorant, as it actively fights the bacteria that cause body odor. With this all-natural, aluminum-free but just as effective deodorant, excessive sweating and body odor will be eliminated from your worries!
Best post-workout deodorant for men who sweat a lot: Lululemon Anti-Stink Deodorant
Lululemon is veritable athletic apparel and technical gear giant, and a favorite among sports athletes and exercise fanatics. Therefore, it was only natural that they would foray into the deodorant industry and create an unmatched post-workout deodorant for men who sweat a lot. The Lululemon Anti-Stink Deodorant is from the brand’s Selfcare beauty products line and lives up to its name by eliminating and preventing odor after application. It is aluminum-free, which means it is exclusively a deodorant and does not stop you from perspiring as an antiperspirant would. This product is heavy-weight since it is able to combat odor, even after a strenuous workout session that leaves you sweaty in the best kind of way.
The product has a spray-on application and feels dry almost immediately afterward, which protects your gym clothes from stains that roll-on sticks often give. Additionally, spraying the product prevents germ transfer since you do not have to touch your skin to apply it. The Lululemon Anti-Stink Deodorant comes in two scents: aloe lotus and black pepper sandalwood, both of which smell amazing and keep you smelling fresh throughout your workout.
The deodorant’s list of natural ingredients includes prebiotics which reduces bacteria growth (especially odorous bacteria), zinc which helps in odor absorption, and coconut oil, which keeps your skin soft and smooth! Additionally, this product is made with clean, all-natural ingredients and is free of SLS, sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and other harmful ingredients.
Other Top Deodorant Picks
Tom’s of Maine Natural Strength Plastic-Free Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine has proven itself time and time again in the 50 years it has been creating products, and its Natural Strength Plastic-Free Aluminum-Free Deodorant is one of the best deodorants for men who sweat a lot and want an all-natural product. This deodorant is aluminum-free, which allows the skin to breathe while managing body odor. Tom’s of Maine promises 48-hour protection from all kinds of stink and you best believe they follow through with it with this natural deodorant for men.
This deodorant, like other Tom’s of Maine products, contains ingredients that are completely ethically sourced, naturally derived, and sustainable. It contains no artificial fragrances or preservatives, and its antimicrobial action can be credited to the botanical ingredient hops (Humulus lupulus) and zinc ricinoleate. Therefore, you can be certain that you’re only putting safe, clean ingredients on your skin.
Unlike many other natural deodorants, Tom’s of Maine’s deodorant smells amazing and comes in many different scents, including Fresh Powder, Fresh Coconut, Creamy Coconut with Hemp Seed Oil, Fresh Rose with Hemp Seed Oil, and Coconut Lavender. That’s not all. In line with Tom’s of Maine’s mission, this natural strength deodorant is 100% free of plastic in its packaging, and is eco-friendly on top of being skin-friendly!
Native Deodorant
You can’t talk about the best deodorant for men who sweat a lot and the best natural deodorant for men without talking about Native. Native Deodorant has become synonymous with vegan and natural deodorants, and menswear by its odor-eliminating action. The deodorant is, you guessed it, aluminum-free, plastic-free, and dedicated to creating a sustainable product that keeps consumers as well as the environment happy. The product comes in a number of scents, in categories of Classic Scents (Coconut & Vanilla, Lavender & Rose), Limited Edition Scents (Earl Grey & Mulberry- for men who prize refinement), and Sensitive Scents (Cotton & Lily, Aloe & Green Tea).
Native Deodorant is reliably effective and provides 24-hour protection from body odor. It is lightweight and can be easily applied, and keeps you dry and fresh all day. In fact, it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing any deodorant because the product is so smooth and does not have an uncomfortable greasy feel. Native’s deodorant includes only natural and naturally derived ingredients, along with other good stuff including coconut oil and shea butter for that extra smoothness. The product uses baking soda to neutralize odorous bacteria, and you best believe it works, judging from the product’s cult-like following and the multitude of 5-star reviews.
Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream
We’ve talked a lot about the best deodorant for men who sweat a lot, but it is important to acknowledge that some men who sweat excessively find that antiperspirants work better than deodorants for them. It can be a dilemma when you want to use both a deodorant and an antiperspirant because both these products are mutually exclusive…right? Actually, no. Introducing Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream. This product brings you the best of both worlds by harnessing the actions of both deodorants and antiperspirants to give you sweat and smell protection like no other.
This product comes in a unique cream form rather than a traditional roll-on stick or spray. Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream is both powerfully effective and gentle on the skin, making it a great option for men with more sensitive skin. The deodorant and antiperspirant are unscented and fragrance-free, once again making it ideal for application on sensitive skin. This antiperspirant and deodorant cream has a revolutionary and unique formula- it contains micro-sized drying molecules which absorb moisture and don’t leave any residue. In this way, the cream reduces perspiration and ultimately, controls bad body odor.
The Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Cream includes ingredients such as witch hazel that leave underarms softer and smoother after application, while also reducing sweat and providing round-the-clock protection from odor.
Eau des Baux pour Homme Stick Deodorant
Not all men choose to buy luxury deodorant, but the ones who do deserve to buy the best. Presenting Eau des Baux pour Homme Stick Deodorant by L’Occitane, a product that redefines luxury while being one of the best deodorants for men who sweat a lot. This product is one of the pricier ones on this list, but it is worth every penny. Some men can get a confidence boost from putting on excellent quality, premium products, and if that sounds up your alley, Eau des Baux pour Homme Stick Deodorant is the answer to your perspiration prayers.
This product is alcohol-free, paraben-free, and aluminum salt-free, and it stops the growth of odor-producing bacteria, which are responsible for the bad smell associated with sweating. The stick deodorant glides on the skin for a smooth application and leaves no residue. It dries fast but stays on for a very long time, effectively battling odor to give you day-long freshness. The best part of this deodorant is its smell, mysterious and manly. The Eau des Baux pour Homme Stick Deodorant’s fragrance has woody and spicy notes, paying homage to the sensual and rich scent of cypress trees, and it is one that makes an impression. Once you’ve tried this deodorant, it is unlikely you’ll ever go back to another one!
Dove Men+Care Deodorant Stick Clean Comfort
We’ve talked about the luxury deodorant, now it’s time to talk about the drugstore equivalent. Don’t let the price of this product put you off, the Dove Men+Care Deodorant Stick Clean Comfort is arguably the most popular deodorant for men and it is just as effective as it is beloved. In the words of the company, “It’s tough on odor, not on skin”.
The Dove deodorant stick provides 48-hour protection so that you do not have to worry about frequent reapplication and can confidently go about your days. The product combats odor-producing bacteria and has a soft linen scent that gives you long-lasting freshness. The scent isn’t overbearing and will not clash with any fragrance you put on, which is a concern for many men. No aluminum, dyes, or harmful ingredients are used in the product’s formulation, making it completely safe for usage.
On top of the antimicrobial active ingredients, Dove Men+Care Deodorant Stick Clean Comfort includes Vitamin E (an antioxidant that nourishes the skin and helps repair damage caused by free radicals and UV rays) as well as triple-action moisturizers that hydrate and smoothen the skin while preventing irritation. On top of all this, the product is very affordable and provides good value. If you need a dependable, affordable, and effective deodorant, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Final Thoughts
And that concludes our list of the best deodorants for men who sweat a lot. This list is by no means exhaustive. While this guide should give you a general idea of what makes a good product and what some of the best deodorants available on the market are, there is no one right answer. With all the options available, you’re very likely to find a product that meets your exact needs to give you odor-free freshness, but only you can figure out what those needs are. After that, it’s only a matter of selecting the deodorant of your choice and checking out. Good luck, and happy shopping!
