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Grooming
By Adrian Clark and Robert Leedham
Balm, stick or spray, our pick of the best deodorantsand antiperspirants are a treat for your pits
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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It matters not how many moisturisers and night creams you have in your arsenal, if you don't own one of the best deodorants for men, your grooming routine is incomplete (at best) and egregiously smelly (at worst). Whether you're exercising or not, whether you're going into the office or not; even if you've been told your sweat doesn't stink, deodorant is a non-negotiable.
Having said that, finding the right one for you is more of an ordeal than simply picking up the can with the biggest discount at Superdrug. If you're lucky, it'll work wonders, but many find that they must go through a process of trial and error before they find the one that suits them best. That is: the one that keeps them comfortably dry throughout an entire sedentary day and does a good job of preventing pit-related disaster even during the heaviest of workouts. Perhaps it's even a natural deodorant?
So, while you're seeking out the best men's fragrance for you, never forget the first tenet of grooming lore: deodorant first, or nothing else counts.
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What are GQ's best men's deodorants?
- Best deodorant for sensitive pits: Salt Of The Earth, £11.49 for 84g at planetorganic.com
- Best budget deodorant: Dove Men+Care Deodorant, £3.50 for 200ml at amazon.co.uk
- Best aluminium-free deodorant: Foamie, £13 for 40g at amazon.co.uk
- Best natural deodorant: Horace, £10 for 50ml at horace.co
- Best vegan deodorant: Susanne Kaufmann, £25 for 50ml at cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best fragrance-free deodorant: Caudalie, £14 for 50g at boots.com
- Best refillable deodorant: Proverb, £15 for 70g refill stick and case / £12 (subscription) at proverbskin.com
- Best cream deodorant: AKT, £21 for 50ml at aktlondon.com
How we chose the best deodorants
There's nothing worse than buying a deodorant that's been recommended to you only to find that it doesn't actually work. And while everyone's pits differ from one another, you can be safe in the knowledge that our resident grooming expert, Adrian Clark, has tried — and liked — every product on this list. With decades of grooming writing and editing experience in the industry, he's spent a good portion of his life using products out in the wild, and has a sound understanding of the science behind some of your most-used products — including deodorants.
Shop GQ's best deodorants to buy in 2024…
Best Natural Deodorant
1/16
Horace
Natural Deodorant
- Skin type: Suitable for all
- Fragrance: Fresh, aromatic
- Application:Twist-up stick
According to Horace, this is “The deodorant you and your shirts have been waiting for”. Using 98 per cent ingredients of natural origin, it takes both personal hygiene and anti-stain technology seriously. Utilizing an anti-bacterial complex with diatomaceous earth and tea tree essential oil, its fragrance is light, botanical and aromatic, featuring rosemary, eucalyptus and clary sage essential oils.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightly fragranced
- 98 per cent natural
Cons
- Like any deodorant, it'll work differently on different people
Best Cream Deodorant
2/16
AKT London
The Deodorant Balm SC.01 EXT. Orange Grove
AKT London The Deodorant Balm SC.01 EXT. Orange Grove
- Skin type: All skin types, particularly beneficial for dry and sensitised
- Fragrance: Pettitgrain, mandarin and neroli
- Application: Balm in a tube to be applied with fingertips
AKT London’s vegan deodorants are hand-poured in the UK and balance hard-grafting efficacy with bespoke premium scents. Enriched with a blend of fragrant botanical ingredients and powered with a proprietary Deo-Barrier Complex that offers around the clock protection from perspiration, it is free from any chemical nasties or aluminium. Calendula seed oil, diatomaceous earth, coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil and arrowroot powder are among its actives to help absorb sweat without drying the armpit out and irritation-free. Available in three scents, our favourite is Orange Grove which has a sophisticated citrus twang.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pemium scented
- Chemical- and aluminium-free
Cons
- A more expensive option
Best Fragrance-Free Deodorant
3/16
Caudalie
Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant
- Skin type: Suitable for all
- Fragrance: Fragrance-free
- Application:Twist-up stick
With zero compromise between effectiveness and naturalness, Caudalie's Vinofresh has been formulated with synergistic ingredients: soothing organic grape water, with a prebiotic action that promotes a healthy underarm flora, and organic eucalyptus to help reduce and impede the bacteria that causes bad odours. An effective twist-up deodorant stick that offers 24-hour protection, it is free from parabens, mineral oils, aluminium and silicones, and has been made using 98 per cent ingredients of natural origin.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Paraben-, aluminium- and silicone-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Like any deodorant, it'll work differently on different people
Best Budget Deodorant
4/16
Dove
Men+Care Deodorant
- Skin Type: All
- Fragrance: Clean Comfort (orange flower, lavender and oakmoss)
- Application: Spray
Sometimes we need a high-performing deodorant that’s determined to last that big longer. But added strength and protection usually come at the cost of products packed full of harsh chemicals that can easily irritate sensitive skin. Until now. New from Dove Men+Care, this revolutionary deodorant offers advanced 72 hour sweat and odour protection, making this the brand’s most effective antiperspirant technology to date. Available in all of Dove Men+Care signature fragrances: Clean Comfort, Extra Fresh, Invisible Dry, Sport Fresh, Odour Defence and Cool Fresh.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable
- Vegan
Cons
- Sadly not refillable
Best Refillable Deodorant
5/16
Proverb
Refillable Deodorant
- Skin type:Sensitive
- Fragrance:Unscented
- Application:Refillable solid stick
Formulated with chia (a powerful anti-inflammatory) and broccoli seed oils (abundant in omega fatty acids and vitamin C), this refillable natural deodorant offers long-lasting protection and is made in the UK. Unscented and without any aluminium, each refill comes wrapped in home compostable paper and is available as both a monthly subscription service or a one-time-purchase. With each 70g stick refill lasting up to three months, it saves around 12 waste deodorant cases from heading to landfill each year, and refills are available in a number of scents.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Refillable
- Multiple scents available
Cons
- Like any deodorant, it'll work differently on different people
Best Aluminium-Free Deodorant
6/16
Foamie
Refresh Solid Deodorant
Foamie Refresh Solid Deodorant
- Skin type:Suitable for all
- Fragrance:Citrus, fresh
- Application:Push-up solid stick
On a mission to "think outside the bottle" and reinvent the way you approach your bathroom routine, this planet-friendly push-up stick neutralises bad odours for up to 48hrs without blocking natural sweat production, helping control the growth and activity of bacteria which causes BO. Formulated without any aluminium or alcohol - unlike many conventional spray deodorants - it is mild, vegan-friendly and suitable for sensitive skin. Using a patented active ingredient complex, made from magnesium hydroxide and magnesium carbonate hydroxide which is extracted from the Dead Sea, the dermatologically-tested formula is enriched with cocoa seed butter, shea butter and sunflower seed wax to enable a smooth and tug-free glide. Its invigorating citrus scent is delivered through a special fragrance technology that gives a fresh feeling to the skin.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Controls bacteria rather than blocking pores
- Planet-friendly
Cons
- Like any deodorant, it'll work differently on different people
Best Vegan Deodorant
7/16
Susanne Kaufmann
Deodorant Roll-On
Susanne Kaufmann Deodorant Roll-On
- Skin type:Suitable for all
- Fragrance:Marine, fresh
- Application:Roll-on
Gentle, lightly-scented and vegan-friendly, this botanical blend, which is free from any antiperspirants, is designed to protect and help soothe easily-irritated skin. A gel-textured roll-on deodorant with a fresh and aquatic, marine-like scent, it nourishes and conditions delicate underarm skin and keeps unpleasant odours at bay. Infused with sage leaf water and sage oil to provide antibacterial benefits, it uses sustainable up-cycled barley to calm any aggravation, reduce redness and protect sensitive skin. It's an effective alternative to a harsh antiperspirant, using a blend of natural ingredients that neutralise odour-forming bacteria without clogging the pores or blocking the flow of sweat.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gentle and lightly-scented
- Vegan
Cons
- A more expensive choice
Rituals Homme 24h Anti-Perspirant Spray
8/16
Rituals
Homme 24h Anti-Perspirant Spray
- Skin Type: Suitable for all
- Fragrance: Herbal/woody
- Application: Aerosol Spray
Aerosol deodorants have always been given a bad wrap when it comes to leaving white patches on clothing. This innovative formulation from Rituals’ high-performance Homme collection, though, blocks perspiration and body odour effectively without leaving any trace. Dedicated to men, it also has an invigoratingly masculine, woody scent. Made with hardworking, natural-origin ingredients, it offers 24h anti-perspirant protection, leaving you feeling dry, confident and B.O free. Powered by nature, it’s infused with a special Cedar Wood and Vitamin E Complex. Together, they nourish and repair while boosting the spirit and clearing the mind. A safe bet from a safe pair of hands, it also helps soothe and protect from irritation and improves skin texture and feel over time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lovely scent
- Soothing
Cons
- Like any deodorant, it'll work differently on different people
Murdock London Black Tea Deodorant
9/16
Murdock
Black Tea Deodorant
- Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
- Fragrance: Black tea with clove, lavender, citrus
- Application: Twist-up stick
Infused with antibacterial black tea extract and the natural essential oils of bergamot, lime, lemon, clove and lavender, this twist-up stick is gentle on the skin and will help prevent any irritation. That its scent is identifiable as Murdock’s bestselling Black Tea Cologne was enough to get me hooked as I’ve always championed the warming and sweet-yet-spicy aroma. In regards to performance, it offered long-lasting protection and effectively kept odour at bay throughout the day without causing any discomfort. Vegan-friendly and powered with moisturising propanediol, sodium stearate and skin conditioning agents, it will keep your pits fresh and free from any harmful ingredients.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The scent is very warming and comforting
Cons
- Sadly not refillable
Aēsop Herbal Deodorant Roll-On
10/16
Aesop
Herbal Deodorant Roll-On
- Skin type: Suitable for all
- Fragrance: Floral
- Application:Roll-on
Combining botanical ingredients with advanced technology, Aēsop has been creating feel-good formulas which perform at the top of their game since the mid-1980’s. Founded in Melbourne, but now a global success, its body care solutions are among its finest achievements. Its unisex Herbal Deodorant roll-on is completely alcohol-free and has a soothing milky-texture. Formulated to actively reduce and mask odour, it is infused with a unique blend of essential oils and the efficacious benefits of zinc ricinoleate (to absorb moisture). Particularly good for sensitive skin, but suitable for all skin types, it has a herby, camphor-like and upbeat scent that veers towards the woody-side.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Soothing and pleasantly-scented
Cons
- Not the most affordable option
Rock Face Impact Antiperspirant Deodorant
11/16
Rock Face
Impact Antiperspirant Deodorant
- Skin Type: Suitable for all
- Fragrance: Citrus, ginger, amber
- Application: Antiperspirant spray
Specialising in no-nonsense, solution-based body and skin care for men, Rock Face has dug a niche for itself offering premium scents at supermarket prices. Designed for the active man, its new antiperspirant deodorant (a Boots exclusive) called Impact, has a warm and fresh scent that, in my opinion, isn’t unlike a perfume you might find from a top designer brand like Tom Ford, but is less than the price of a Pret sandwich. Working with one of the world’s leading fragrance houses to develop the scent, it marries vibrant citrus notes with spicy ginger and rich amber. The other thing I noticed when using it over a period of a week was how it didn’t clog my pores or leave any sticky residue; both of which can be an issue with antiperspirant deodorants. It actually kept me feeling fresh and confident all day long (with 48hr odour protection) and I was surprised to find out that it is also vegan.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable
Cons
- Aerosols aren’t very kind to our planet
Malin+Goetz Botanical Deodorant
12/16
Malin + Goetz
Botanical Deodorant
- Skin type: Suitable for all
- Fragrance: Aromatic, floral
- Application:Twist-up stick
Botanical, a new addition to the natural deodorant line by the Mailn+Goetz team from across the pond, adheres to the same clean standards as the brand’s bestselling eucalyptus and bergamot variants, with a scent inspired by the founders’ home garden. Formulated with old-world apothecary ingredients traditionally used for healing, it is a sophisticated and aromatic blend that has been designed to soothe and calm the senses. A herbal blend of 12 plant extracts, the semi-translucent, twist-up stick formula glides on smoothly without leaving any residue thanks to its nutrient-rich composition. Witch hazel extract, a natural astringent joins forces with antioxidant-rich coconut oil to neutralise odour-causing bacteria, while arrowroot powder actively absorbs moisture and sweat, keeping your pits dryer for longer.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Soothing and pleasantly-scented
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
Bamford BGD Sport Deodorant
13/16
Bamford
BGD Sport Deodorant
- Skin Type: Suitable for all
- Fragrance: Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree
- Application: Spray mist
Keeping your pits fresh after a gym session requires special attention. Not only does it have to work that bit harder at keeping sweat and odour at bay, it also needs to offer a revitalising boost with an energising aroma. Step forth Bamford’s BGD Sport deodorant, which was essentially designed for this specific job; a light, refreshing and invigorating mist for the underarm area. My favourite thing about it is how its blend of bracing peppermint, stimulating eucalyptus and anti-bacterial tea tree all work together to give an awakening, slightly tingling (but not annoying) effect that is great when you are in need of a pick-me-up. Made with 97 per cent natural origin ingredients, including antiseptic sweet orange essential oil and anti-inflammatory patchouli oil, I also found it helps to recharge tired muscles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Boosts your energy levels post-workout
Cons
- At only 30ml, it's on the small side
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Rio Deodorant
14/16
Sol de Janeiro
Beija Flor Rio Deodorant
- Skin Type: All
- Fragrance: Brazilian jasmine and pink dragonfruit
- Application: Twist-up stick
Sol de Janiero’s 98 per cent naturally-derived deo, which also lowers the skin’s pH to prevent odour-causing bacteria, is now available in the brand’s iconic Cheirosa 68 scent. With notes of Brazilian jasmine and pink dragonfruit, it leaves underarms feeling softer, smoother, and more moisturised, as well as helping to soothe irritation from shaving, if that’s your bag. An aluminium-free, baking soda-free formula that offers high-performing protection, it also helps fight ingrown hairs, even-out skin tone,and softens underarm hair and stubble. It doesn’t leave any white residue or oil stains on clothing and is formulated with the freshest of ingredients from the Amazon: citric acid ester for neutralising odour-causing bacteria, papaya enzyme to help even skin tone and avoid ingrown hairs, tapioca starch to help absorb excess moisture and a blend of bacuri butter and mango seed butter for protecting and soothing the skin.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Naturally-derived
- Delicious scent
Cons
- Scent will be too feminine for some
Glossier Sandalwood Deodorant
15/16
Glossier
Sandalwood Deodorant
- Skin Type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
- Fragrance: Sandalwood, clary sage and fig leaf
- Application: Push-up stick
This skincare-for-the-body innovation from social media savvy Glossier has been formulated with sensitive pits in mind. Presented in a reusable, refillable and recyclable case, it offers a smooth glide and optimum odour defence. Rich in skin-conditioning ingredients, it’s powered by four potent actives: elderberry extract and coconut oil to nourish, magnesium hydroxide to reduce unwanted sweat stains, and potato starch to mop up unwanted excess moisture. Formulated without aluminium, baking soda, acids or water (all the things that can disrupt the skin’s pH level and cause irritation), it’s available in an unscented variant or a choice of three fine fragrances. Our favourite? Sandstone, with green notes of sandalwood, fig leaf and clary sage.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reusable, refillable and recyclable
- Skin-conditioning
Cons
- Like any deodorant, it'll work differently on different people
Bulldog Natural Deodorant Vetiver & Black Pepper
16/16
Bulldog
Natural Deodorant Vetiver & Black Pepper
- Skin Type: All skin-types
- Fragrance: Vetiver and black pepper
- Application: Roll-on Formula
This non-irritating and long-lasting deo has been formulated with 98 per cent natural ingredients. Clinically proven to offer 24hr odour protection, it has been designed to soothe and comfort the underarm area and doesn’t inhibit or block the sweat glands like a traditional antiperspirant. Quick-drying and non-staining, it features high-performance actives, like prebiotic chicory root, to help neutralise odour-forming bacteria. Spicy and aromatic, its predominantly vetiver and black pepper based 100 per cent natural fragrance is complemented by notes of orange, clove and patchouli. Rewarding loyalty, if you buy in bulk and you can save up to 30 per cent on the original price quoted.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable
- 98 per cent natural ingredients
Cons
- Like any deodorant, it'll work differently on different people
KeywordsGroomingFragrancesGrooming EssentialsGrooming Buyers GuidesGQ Recommends
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