And I have to call out this specific scent, Cool Ocean, for its choice to be supremely subtle—meaning you won’t smell like the deodorant itself. Hey, I’ll admit, one hangup I have with some of these everyday drugstore brands is how recognizable their scents are; I don’t want people to know what deodorant I’m wearing. I want them to know that I don’t stink, and that I instead smell like my go-to cologne. Anyway, good work here, Axe. I haven’t forgotten you, all these years later!
The Best Probiotic Deodorant for Men: Hume Supernatural Deodorant
Our experience
In different iterations of this roundup, Hume’s deodorant is much higher on this list (keep in mind, this roster isn’t in any order, aside from my #1 pick being at the top). But this one comes close to winning multiple categories (Best Natural Mens Deodorant, Best Baking Soda-Free Deodorant, Best Natural Alternative to Antiperspirants, etc). And in particular, I think this unscented option is perhaps the best fragrance-free deodorant in the biz, too. But all of the brand’s excellent sticks go on clean, persist into the next day, and most importantly, keep your pits supremely dry and funk-free, with a very short window of adjustment needed (if you’re transitioning away from synthetics to naturals).
The Best Baking Soda Deodorant for Guys: Native Charcoal Deodorant
Our experience
Baking soda deodorants are a terrific choice for anyone who insists on a natural odor solution, but a polarizing choice too: The highly alkaline ingredient can leave some sensitive skin irritated, which emphasizes the importance of finding a baking soda-packed deodorant that is carefully balanced for the most sensitive among us. Native has made a huge name for itself in the deo world (to the tune of a $100 million acquisition by Procter and Gamble), and this stick is my absolute favorite in the brand’s roster. It’s not because of the baking soda, though: I love it for the charcoal, which works with magnesium to absorb excess moisture in the pits, and to prevent a buildup of odorous bacteria. And then the baking soda handles anything that does proliferate from there. This one prioritizes balance, too, hence its use of nourishing base ingredients (shea oil and coconut oil), and I have yet to meet any naysayers, despite a frequent endorsement of this one to friends and family.
How We Tested
GQ writers on the grooming beat are sent just about every product on the market, but we don’t crown winners lightly while. Instead, we wait to see which ones outlast the others in the long haul—which products are the ones we use over and over, despite the mounting pile of replacements on the way?
This ode to deos is a testament to years and years of that process. We didn’t just set a bunch of deodorants out for three or four unacquainted people to test for a couple weeks; these are the products I’ve loved most in the past decade (along with insight from my resident guinea pig, my partner, who enjoys the perks of my gig). In the instances where I’m unable to speak to a category of products (like the best deodorant for clinical-grade sweating or extra-strength odor protection), I kick it over to the doctors I trust best, since they’re basically prescribing these solutions on a daily basis.
Read more about our testing process here.
What to Look for in Deodorant, According to Dermatologists
Here is some dermatologist advice on deodorants—the best ingredients to look for, plus some controversial ones, too—with insights from board-certified dermatologists Kiran Mian, Ryan B. Turner, and Heather Rogers.
The Ingredients
The primary cause of body odor is “bad” bacteria pairing up with sweat. There are two ways to prevent the stink: Reduce perspiration in the area, and/or create an inhospitable environment for the bacteria.
For Bacteria Control
These are the most common ingredients to seek out if you want to temper the proliferation of bacteria in your pits (and anywhere you’re particularly pungent).
