What is the Best Deodorant for Men?

For men, working up a sweat can happen 24/7. It’s just the way we’re designed. And if you travel to tropical destinations like I do, you can experience a true drenching, not just a metaphorical one. That’s why all men need some serious sweat protection. But be careful – don’t confuse a deodorant with an antiperspirant. The results could be damaging to your health!

Why? Using an antiperspirant in a tropical region could lead to overheating and possible heat stroke. Most all antiperspirants work by clogging your sweat pores. This prevents the surface of your skin from benefiting from the sweat’s cooling effects. Remember, sweat has a purpose. Our bodies were designed for it. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t get far on a desert highway at high noon without any coolant in your radiator. All the other parts would overheat.

I’ll take a look at four deodorant and/or antiperspirant sticks today. But just an fyi, it is my personal opinion that you can get the same odor and sweat protection with properly applied body powders.

So let’s get started and find out which is the best deodorant for men.

Testing Methodology

Our testing methodology is straight forward and one you can duplicate at home. \

• Each deodorant received a test period of three days.

• Each day consisted of approximately 16 hours active wake time, eight hours sleep time.

  • One day spent in an office setting (AC while working on computer with transit between locations).

  • One day to outdoor activities (either yard work or moderate exercise).

  • One day to mixed activities (going to the store, running errands in and out of truck, walking at the park, etc.).

• Each test day started with freshly showered skin and a typical room temperature of 74 degrees.

• Deodorant was applied per manufacturer directions to the following locations: Under arms.

• Deoderant was not reapplied during the day. Just the one time, in the morning.

• Deoderant was removed (via shower with body wash) at the end of each test day.

• Deoderant was tested on a scale of 1 to 10 on the following:

  • Texture

  • Fragrance

  • Ease of application

  • Cling to body

  • Sweat absorption

  • Odor control

  • Retention level at end of test day

  • Cost

Test Results: Best deodorant for men

Degree Men Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant

First up is one of the most well-known men’s deodorants, Degree. It boasts prescription-strength wetness protection for 72-hours of sweat and odor control. They claim “breakthrough MotionSense technology that works in sync with your body, all day long”. I guess we’ll find out if that is just marketing hype, huh?

This is a prescription-strength antiperspirant deodorant, so we expect some strong results. Plus, with the added MotionSense technology you get microcapsules that sit on the surface of your skin, and whenever you move, the friction breaks the microcapsules, releasing fragrance. Interesting idea. It has aluminum as a key ingredient. Let’s see if it works.

• Texture: 7/10: It seems to have a softer, jelly-like consistency. Not as thick as expected.

• Fragrance 6/10: Strong. Some might like it but a bit too much for me.

• Ease of application 8/10: Goes on smoothly, but is a bit too messy for my taste.

• Cling to body 9/10: Holds well upon application with no issues.

• Sweat absorption 9/10: Works very well, no complaints here. After 1.5 hours building my new lower deck in 79 degree heat there was very little sweat on my 100% cotton t-shirt. My body felt dry and comfortable. If i were expecting hardcore perspiration for the day, this would be a contender.

• Odor control 8/10: To be honest, I could still smell odor. But not serious, “knock you out” odor. But not 100% perfection for sure.

• Retention level at end of test day 8/10: This seemed about typical for a combo deodorant/antiperspirant. It would likely last the 72 hours stated on the packaging. But I wouldn’t want to leave my sweat pores clogged that long so washed it off that day.

• Cost per ounce 6/10: Expensive.

• TOTAL SCORE: 61/80

Mitchum Antiperspirant Triple Odor Defense Gel Stick

Mitchum Men’s Deodorant / Antiperspirant is a classic. It has long held the title of “Hey dude, you stink – try this” among sweaty men toiling away in lumber yards, putting on the 18th hole, or defending our great nation against terror in far away lands. It features “Triple Odor Defense” in a Gel Stick form. Not my favorite – this requires a dozen or so little holes drilled in the top of the applicator that the gel flows through. It also provides 48 hour protection. Like most, it has aluminum as a key ingredient.

One good thing about the gel is that it doesn’t leave white marks on your clothes. That’s a plus in my book. Plus, it does break the mold with its 70’s-type name. Whenever I hear Mitchum I think of some long-haired Marlboro smoking disco dude in either a leisure suit or funked up flannels and cowboy boots. Actually, the name was a bit of a turn-off for me years ago when I first heard of Mitchum. It was outside the product naming norms of the time. But, maybe that was a good thing?

• Texture: 4/10: I absolutely do not like the gel texture. I feel like someone just drooled on my underarm – and while that may be ok in certain situations, it’s not after stepping out of the shower at 7:30am every morning.

• Fragrance 6/10: Like Degree, it is strong. Too strong for me. Can’t someone make a decent low-intensity and masculine scent without dumping a box of “Axe-scent” on you?

• Ease of application 8/10: Well, it goes on smoothly. But it is too liquid for my taste, which seems to create a smearing effect.

• Cling to body 7/10: It holds up ok but if you apply too much you may get a slight dripping feeling on your under arms.

• Sweat absorption 9/10: Like Degree, it works very well, no complaints here. After another few hours working on my deck in 80 degree heat there wasn’t much sweat on my 100% cotton t-shirt. My body felt dry and comfortable, maybe not as much as with the Degree. And if i were expecting hardcore perspiration for the day, I’d consider this one.

• Odor control 8/10: The fragrance is so strong it definitely covers the body odor. But I would definitely shower after getting too heated.

• Retention level at end of test day 8/10: Again, this seemed about typical for a combo deodorant/antiperspirant. I’m sure it would last the 48 hours stated but I don’t think my wife would let me keep it on that long.

• Cost per ounce 8/10: Moderate.

• TOTAL SCORE: 58/80

Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant

Every one knows Tom. He’s quite the “natural” guy. Wears lots of green, hangs around animal-free testing labs, and best of all hates aluminum. What a nice guy. I first heard of Tom’s from my sister-in-law, Toot (that’s her nickname). We were preparing for our first trip to Thailand and she said that a white guy like me better get some Tom’s. So I did. It was good advice – not an antiperspirant, just a deodorant. Like I said earlier, be careful about using antiperspirants in a tropical climate. It could cause some problems for you.

Tom’s has bought into the whole sustainability movement, boasting naturally sources and derived, moisture-locking ingredients. It’s made with aloe vera (I use 100% aloe for scrapes and dehydrated skin after working in the yard) plus it is free from any artificial fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and even baking soda.

• Texture: 9/10: Not too soft, not too hard – kind of like the Goldilocks of deodorants. I’d describe it as satin smooth.

• Fragrance 9/10: Really good. None of that Axe overkill here. Leave that for the guys hanging out in overcrowded bars and dance clubs 24/7. BTW young guys – Axe is not your friend. Women are laughing behind your back (I’ve seen them do it). With Tom’s you get a smooth, natural fragrance that is not harsh to the senses. You won’t turn any women away due to over-stink by wearing this.

• Ease of application 9/10: Goes on smoothly. No messy wetness or dripping.

• Cling to body 10/10: Holds well. Pretty close to perfect.

• Sweat absorption 9/10: While its not specifically sold as an anti-perspirant, rubbing anything on your under arm will have some impact on sweat levels. And it does contain some natural “moisture-locking” ingredients. So after about 1.5 hours framing out my deck in 78 degree heat there was a little sweat on my 100% cotton t-shirt. But not a lot. My body felt a bit damp but not overwhelming. And I still felt comfortable.

• Odor control 10/10: This is where Tom’s shines. Honestly, their natural ingredients do seem to work. Odor was minimal. I still smelled fresh after work. And my shirt didn’t stink.

• Retention level at end of test day 9/10: Tom’s retention level was above average. It’s a solid performer and will get you through the day. I’ve used it daily for weeks at a time in Southeast Asia, Singapore, and in the deserts of the American Southwest. Not to mention taking care of all my acreage in North Carolina.

• Cost per ounce 9/10: Inexpensive.

• TOTAL SCORE: 74/80

Taeyeablok Deodorant Powder with Menthol

Our last deodorant is one you’ve probably never heard of, Taoyeablok. It is from the exotic tropical land of Thailand, my adopted home country. It is simple and unassuming, made of just three natural ingredients, and won’t stain your shirts. Since it is a powder, it doesn’t get sticky. In fact, it is almost like using a body powder.

There’s a lot to like about Taoyeablok (pronounced Tao-Yay-Block). So next time you’re in Thailand, check it out.

• Texture: 8/10: As our only powder in the test, you don’t have to worry about slimy under arms after application. Just a smooth baby powder rub down.

• Fragrance 9/10: Mild and not overbearing. Nice for a change!

• Ease of application 7/10: You’ll get your hand powdery applying it. And may have some over-drift. Similar to a body powder.

• Cling to body 10/10: Clings very well.

• Sweat absorption 7/10: I’d rate this about typical for all deodorants, in general. After all, it is primarily a deodorant. After 2 hours working on the back 40, in 79 degree heat, there was a little sweat on my 100% cotton t-shirt. But my body felt fairly dry and comfortable.

• Odor control 9/10: The powder form does work well for odor control. Seems to mask it evenly. If you’re prone to rashes using the gel or stick forms, this might be a great option.

• Retention level at end of test day 8/10: About typical and would last the 24 hours stated on the packaging. But you’d likely want to reapply a little bit after intense work.

• Cost per ounce 10/10: Very inexpensive.

• TOTAL SCORE: 68/80

The Results: Which is the best deodorant for men?

There was a clear winner of the four. And it’s probably no surprise to hardcore travelers. Tom’s of Maine steals the show with the only score to breach the 70 threshold. I would highly recommend Tom’s when traveling to hot climates and also for every day use. So ditch the Axe, and grow into adulthood with a proper man’s deodorant.

Of the remaining three, I encourage you to give Thailand’s fan favorite, Taoyeablok Deodorant Powder a try. The others work well but have some downsides that may negate the positives for you. They did for me.

1. WINNER: Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant – A winner every time!

2. Close behind: Taoyeablok Deodorant Powder – Try it out on your next trip to Southeast Asia. It comes in a little round travel bottle you can easily tuck in your backpack.

3. Degree Men Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant – It does a solid job but is expensive. If you’re an average man, save the money. But if you sweat like an old farm mule strapped to a plow 24/7, you might give it a shot.

4. Mitchum Antiperspirant Triple Odor Defense Gel Stick – I realize this brand has a big following and maybe it works for some. But it didn’t work for me.