16 Best Smelling Deodorants For Men In 2023

Nothing kills your confidence quite like smelly armpits. Whether you’re in the office, relaxing with friends or out on a date, getting the faintest whiff of B.O. can be enough to make you want to run for the hills (or toward the nearest shower). 

When you’ve got a dependable deodorant, you won’t have to worry about nightmarish, stinky scenarios. In fact, a great-smelling deodorant can squash unpleasant body odor and make you smell like you’re wearing high-end cologne.  

Every guy loves to smell amazing, so there’s an endless array of exciting scents out there. Here are some of the best-smelling deodorants for men. 

1. Blu Atlas Deodorant (Coconut Apricot) 

Lots of deodorants fight stink with harsh, irritating chemicals. Not this one. Blu Atlas’s exotic-smelling, aluminum-free deodorant uses natural ingredients that help you smell good and soothe skin irritation and inflammation. It even won an AskMen Grooming Award! 

So what makes a deodorant soothe your skin? Blu Atlas crafted this one with 99% natural ingredients, many of which come from minerals, plants and fruits. But three central ingredients do the heavy lifting: volcanic ash, horsetail extract and bamboo stem extract. Volcanic ash is powdery and absorbent, and it soaks up sweat and extra oils. Horsetail extract comes from a type of fern, and it’s an outstanding natural anti-inflammatory. Bamboo stem extract might be the most versatile ingredient of them all. It’s an antimicrobial and an anti-inflammatory, so it helps kill odor-causing bacteria. If you have armpit acne or other blemishes, bamboo extract can help treat those, too. 

We love the tropical-inspired Coconut Apricot scent of this one. It might sound girly, but it’s a deep, rich and nuanced (as opposed to overly sweet) fragrance. If you’re a guy who likes to layer scents, this deodorant goes nicely with Blu Atlas’s Atlantis cologne.  

2. Harry’s Antiperspirant (Redwood)

Redwood is a scent you don’t see every day. Wild yet refined, it will transport you to the coastal forests of California. Redwood is just one of the unique scents Harry’s uses in its deodorants. This one also contains an antiperspirant, so it’s a great choice if you’re wanting to smell good and stay dry. Harry’s claims that it will protect you from sweat and odor for a full 24 hours, so it’s a hardworking product! 

Even though it contains an antiperspirant, this deodorant is safe for most guys with sensitive skin. That’s because all Harry’s deodorants contain jojoba oil, a skin-soothing natural oil. It rolls on smooth, leaves no residue, lasts all day and smells incredible. What more could you want? 

3. Old Spice Deodorant (After Hours) 

Old Spice has a pretty extensive catalog of scents, but After Hours isn’t one of the most recognizable. Despite that fact, it has a complex, masculine scent that reminds us of a high-end cologne. It’s leafy, citrusy and just a little spicy. It’s also long-lasting—Old Spice says it protects you from odor for an impressive 24 hours. 

Like other aluminum-free deodorants from Old Spice, this one comes as a translucent blue solid. It rolls on smoothly without leaving behind any color or residue, and it won’t stain your shirts. If you love the scent but would rather get something that blocks sweat, Old Spice also makes a version that’s both an antiperspirant and a deodorant. 

4. Montblanc Legend Deodorant Stick 

If you’re already familiar with the world of fragrances, you know that lots of colognes have coordinating deodorants. Some brands (looking at you, Chanel) go all-out with shower gels, aftershaves and more. The Montblanc Legend deodorant stick is a great choice for wearing alongside the matching cologne, but it smells nice enough to wear all by itself, too. 

Like the Legend cologne, this deodorant has an especially nuanced, yet clean, fragrance. It’s an exciting blend of bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, oakmoss, white cedar and jasmine. The scent is present but not overpowering, and it’s sure to get you compliments! This deodorant isn’t an antiperspirant, but it’s perfect for wearing indoors or in cooler weather. 

5. Bravo Sierra Deodorant (Citrus & Cedarwood) 

If you’d rather avoid aluminum but want more sweat control than you get with a typical deodorant, Bravo Sierra is a brand to check out. It was developed alongside the U.S. Military to ensure it can handle the demands of an active lifestyle. Each sale supports active-duty military families and veterans—5% of sales revenue goes toward MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) programs. 

This deodorant contains no aluminum and no baking soda, but it absorbs sweat thanks to an innovative solution of cassava root powder. It does a great job of controlling sweat and odor, and it also has an intriguing scent of its own. The Citrus & Cedarwood scent includes notes of juniper, pepper and cinnamon as well. We like that it’s made with super-clean ingredients: you won’t find silicone, parabens, phthalates or PEGS here! 

6. Every Man Jack Deodorant (Amber + Sandalwood) 

Every Man Jack is a fairly affordable brand, but it has some of the best scents on the market. We love this outdoors-inspired blend of rich amber and earthy sandalwood. Touches of vetiver and vanilla create a distinguished scent you’ll love. It’s warm and enveloping, but there’s still a hint of intrigue. 

This deodorant contains ingredients straight from nature, and it’s a great choice for guys with sensitive skin. There are no parabens or phthalates, and this formula absorbs excess moisture without using pore-clogging aluminum. It’s been dermatologist-tested for gentleness, so you can smell great without worrying about rashes or pesky skin irritation. 

7. Bevel Aluminum-Free Deodorant 

Most deodorants for men are formulated to reach through armpit hair to get to your skin. But if you have extra-coarse, thick hair, even the most intrepid of deodorants may be thwarted! That’s where Bevel comes in. The brand’s aluminum-free deodorant is one of the hardest-working in the business, and it keeps you fresh while smelling like a warm island breeze. 

Thanks to smooth, moisturizing coconut oil and shea butter, this deodorant gets through tough underarm hair and rolls on clear. But the most remarkable thing about it is its ability to control odor for a whopping 48+ hours! Its pleasant, coconut-like smell is noticeable but never overbearing. 

8. L'Occitane Eau des Baux Deodorant 

If you’ve not yet ventured into the world of luxury deodorant, Eau des Baux is a great introduction. L’Occitane created the Eau des Baux cologne (and matching deodorant) as a tribute to the knights from the Les Baux village in Provence. The knights selected the cypress tree as a symbol of honor and strength, and L’Occitane combined the essence of cypress with smoky, mysterious incense to create the uniquely sophisticated Eau des Baux. It’s a fragrance that’s pleasantly earthy but not so much so that you’ll smell like a lumberjack. 

Scent aside, this roll-on deodorant is a nice choice if you have skin that gets easily irritated.  It has an alcohol-free formula that won’t cause dryness or sting already inflamed skin. It’s also free of parabens and aluminum. This formula also dries quickly, so it’s perfect if you’re in a hurry! 

9. Each & Every Aluminum Free Deodorant (Cedar & Vanilla) 

Many of the best-smelling deodorants for men stand out because they have fragrances you don’t see every day. This one from Each & Every combines two fairly common scents that are rarely seen together—cedar and vanilla. The blend of the two strikes the perfect balance between earthy and sweet. Like the brand’s other scents, this one can be worn by both men and women. But thanks to the warm, woody scent of cedar, we think most guys will like this one. 

The scent isn’t the only good thing about this deodorant, though. It’s one of the best choices for sensitive skin: there’s no alcohol, baking soda, parabens, phthalates or artificial fragrances. We love that there are only nine ingredients, and each one is natural. Each & Every’s one-of-a-kind formula also works hard to absorb excess sweat; Dead Sea salt helps keep you dry without causing uncomfortable irritation. 

10. Native Deodorant (Sea Salt & Cedar) 

Native was one of the original producers of natural deodorants, and you can find their products in a surprising variety of stores. The brand also has one of the widest varieties of scents. We’re partial to the Sea Salt & Cedar fragrance—it somehow manages to be both rugged and light. It’s also suitable for all seasons. Cedar is warm enough for fall and winter, but the seaside-like aroma of salt is perfect for the spring and summer months. 

This deodorant smells great, and it’s a solid you can easily roll on. Thanks to the inclusion of coconut oil and shea butter, it feels smooth and soft, but there’s never a greasy residue. Native uses natural tapioca starch to absorb sweat, so you’ll feel dry all day! 

11. Dove Men+Care Deodorant (Extra Fresh) 

Natural deodorants aren’t for everyone. Sometimes, you just want a classic, and Dove’s Men+Care Extra Fresh stick is as classic as they come. thanks to its unique moisturizing technology, it’s great for guys with dry or easily irritated skin. Dove even claims that it will keep you smelling great and staying dry for 48 hours! 

The Extra Fresh scent is also extra-invigorating, so this is a great deodorant to roll on before heading to the gym or the office. When you use Dove’s coordinating body wash and then apply this deodorant, you’ll be wide awake and ready to face the day. 

12. Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant 

If you like upscale candles, you’ve probably heard of Malin+Goetz. If you don’t like upscale candles, you’ll still probably like this brand’s awesome-smelling deodorants. This one is perfect if you like scents that are both fresh and botanical: it’s made with natural eucalyptus extract and citronellyl. The combination smells and feels cooling, making it a great choice for sizzling summer days. It sounds like an unusual scent for a deodorant, but it’s Malin+Goetz’s #1 best-seller. 

We like that this deodorant’s fragrance is 100% natural, and we also like the fact that its formula is unlikely to irritate your skin. There’s no aluminum, alcohol, parabens or baking soda. Malin+Goetz claims that this deodorant has a cult following. If you try it, you just might be the next member! 

13. Dr. Squatch Men’s Natural Deodorant (Pine Tar) 

Dr. Squatch is a pretty popular personal-care brand, and its “odor-squatching” natural deodorants are some of its most recognizable products. There are plenty of scents to choose from, but we love this ultra-manly Pine Tar fragrance. It rolls on easily, it won’t stick to armpit hairs, and it makes you smell like adventure all day long. 

This deodorant is free of aluminum, and it relies on the brand’s proprietary blend of three ingredients to absorb moisture and fight odor: arrowroot powder absorbs sweat, charcoal powder works as a natural deodorizer, and probiotics reduce the growth of stink-causing bacteria. It’s a little pricey, but Dr. Squatch fans swear by it. 

14. Edens Garden Natural Deodorant (Tobacco Patchouli) 

The word “patchouli” might make you think of hippies. But this uncommon and dignified blend of patchouli and tobacco has a rugged appeal that even non-hippies will like. The scent comes from natural essential oils, and its soothing aroma will keep you calm and grounded all day. 

Like any good deodorant, this one doesn’t just mask odors. A specialized prebiotic blend helps reduce the amount of odor-causing bacteria, and natural arrowroot powder absorbs sweat to keep you feeling dry. 

Interestingly enough, Edens Garden is primarily a maker of essential oils, though it also makes a few essential-oil-infused personal care products. Each product is hand-poured, and if you make a purchase, you can feel good knowing you’re supporting a small business. 

15. Method Men Aluminum Free Deodorant (Bergamot + Lime) 

Like citrus? Then you’ll love the aroma of this aluminum-free deodorant from Method Men. The brand name might sound familiar: Method was a pioneer in the cleaning industry for choosing quality, environmentally-friendly ingredients. Now, that same Method has branched out into the realm of personal care.  

We like that this scent prominently features bergamot, a versatile little citrus fruit that frequently pops up in designer colognes (and some types of tea). A little zing of lime adds some personality, creating a cheerful blend that’s perfect for summer. If you find that you like the scent, check out Method Men’s coordinating body wash and shampoo! 

16. Barrel and Oak Aluminum-Free Deodorant (Black Oak, Bergamot and Black Pepper) 

Some deodorants have scent palettes whose complexity rivals that of nice colognes. This is one of them! The primary note is dark, woodsy oak but bergamot and black pepper add a refreshing top end. We like that the scents come from natural sources, not lab-developed chemicals. 

Even though this deodorant uses a gentle formula, it’s tough on odor. Barrel and Oak claims that it will keep you smelling fresh for 24 hours. And thanks to ingredients like aloe juice and hemp seed oil, you’ll be able to soothe and refresh your skin with every application. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is deodorant the same as an antiperspirant? 

Some products are marketed as antiperspirants, some as deodorants and some as both. So what’s the difference? Antiperspirants are designed to temporarily block pores in areas where you sweat (like your armpits), and they typically use aluminum to do so. When your pores are blocked, you sweat less. Body odor typically comes from the bacteria on your skin breaking down your sweat, so less sweat generally means less body odor.  

Deodorant doesn’t reduce the amount that you sweat. Instead, it lowers your skin's pH (or makes it more acidic). Bacteria won’t grow as quickly on acidic skin, and reduced bacterial growth translates to reduced odor. Most deodorants also contain scent or perfume to cover up any body odor that does come through. 

Even though deodorant (without antiperspirant) doesn’t stop you from sweating, some deodorants absorb sweat once it’s produced. Baking soda is a common sweat-absorbing ingredient. However, since it can irritate sensitive skin, some deodorant brands opt to use gentler absorbent compounds like tapioca powder and other plant-based powders. 

Lots of people colloquially use the word “deodorant” to refer to both deodorants and antiperspirants, so always check the label of any product before you buy! 

What is “natural” deodorant? 

In recent years, “natural” deodorants have risen to prominence in the personal care market. In general, natural deodorants are made without potentially irritating or harmful artificial ingredients. For instance, instead of using artificial fragrances, many are scented with essential oils. 

The terms “natural” and “aluminum-free” often go hand in hand. That’s because natural deodorants don’t contain aluminum. This substance can irritate sensitive skin, and its pore-blocking action can cause breakouts and other issues. Some research also suggests that aluminum can cause cancers and other health problems. 

Does natural deodorant work as well as traditional deodorant? 

That all depends on your unique body chemistry. Some people find that aluminum-free and natural deodorants are just as effective at masking odors as their more traditional counterparts. Others find that natural products work well but don’t last quite as long, so they end up needing to re-apply deodorant at some point during the day. 

It’s important to note that deodorant (natural or otherwise) without antiperspirant isn’t going to stop you from sweating. For some people, that’s fine. But if you’re someone who sweats profusely or spends a lot of time outdoors in hot weather, you might find that you need some antiperspirant to keep you from becoming noticeably stinky. 

Can natural deodorant still cause skin irritation? 

Broadly speaking, natural deodorants are less irritating to sensitive skin than traditional deodorants. However, some natural deodorants contain alcohol. Alcohol is a great natural antimicrobial, but it can cause dryness and skin irritation. 

Similarly, some natural products also include baking soda. Baking soda is great for absorbing moisture from sweat, and it does a decent job neutralizing odors, too (there’s a reason your mom always put an open box of baking soda in the fridge!). But for some people, baking soda just causes more skin irritation. 

If you have especially sensitive skin, it might be a good idea to look for natural deodorants that are also marketed as “gentle.” These deodorants usually don’t contain alcohol or baking soda, but it’s a good idea to check the label just in case. 

Of course, even the gentlest of deodorants will still cause major problems if you’re allergic to one or more ingredients! If you’re starting a new deodorant and have very sensitive skin, it’s wise to do a spot test before applying it as you normally would. 

What’s wrong with aluminium? 

Some scientists have associated aluminium with the development of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. There’s no clear causative link there as of yet, but plenty of guys (understandably) would rather be safe than sorry. 

Even if aluminum doesn’t cause these health issues at all, it can still lead to inconvenient and uncomfortable effects. If you’ve ever discovered yellow pit stains on your favorite white t-shirt, you can probably blame aluminium. When the aluminium in an antiperspirant mixes with sweat on your skin, it creates a dirty-looking yellow tint. 

Aluminium can also cause skin irritation. After all, by plugging your pores, it disrupts the natural process of sweating. If you’re prone to breakouts, you might wake up one day to a fresh set of armpit pimples. And since sweating helps us cool off, you may find that you start to feel a little overheated in hot weather. 

What’s the best way to apply deodorant? 

Especially if you’re a guy who sweats a lot, you probably want to get the most out of any deodorant you choose. It’s not rocket science, but keeping these tips in mind can help keep you smelling great: 

Apply deodorant to completely dry skin 

Before you roll on your deo, you want to make sure your skin is clean. But don’t apply it immediately after you shower! Deodorants (especially those without antiperspirants) can get diluted with any water that’s on your skin. 

Make sure your armpits are completely covered 

When applying deodorant, make sure you sweep it both up and down on your armpit. The goal is to get your skin completely coated. If you have armpit hair, you’ll probably need to push down a little harder to accomplish this. 

Some guys use deodorant not just on their armpits, but anywhere they sweat (like back of the knees, inner thighs, etc.). There’s nothing wrong with this, but before you start applying it everywhere, check your deodorant’s label to make sure it’s safe to do so. 

Let the deodorant dry before getting dressed 

Deodorants with antiperspirant usually roll on dry. But if you’ve ever used a plain deodorant, you know that it feels slightly wet and gel-like when you first put it on. If you pull a shirt over your head immediately after applying deodorant, the fabric can wipe it away before your day even gets started! Make sure you wait until the deodorant has dried completely (this might take several minutes) before you get dressed. 

Can I apply it again if I need to? 

Though we all hope to stay comfortable and dry all day long, you may find yourself starting to smell a little ripe after several hours. If that’s the case, it’s perfectly fine to reapply deodorant. You’ll get the best results by cleaning your armpits with a washcloth or body wipe before reapplying. 

What if I have thick armpit hair? 

A lot of deodorants are dense and soft enough to go through your arm hair and reach your armpits. You’ll often need to apply a good bit of pressure to get it there, though. 

If you notice the specter of B.O. creeping up on you despite your best efforts, you might need to tweak a couple of things to keep yourself smelling fresh. And no, you don’t need to completely shave your armpits! 

Each time you shower, take the time to gently exfoliate your armpits. Dead skin and oil can build up over time, making you smell worse each time you sweat. It’s also helpful to use antibacterial soap every time you shower. When you reduce the number of bacteria living on your skin, there’s less of it around to cause smelly armpits. 

Lastly, while shaving your armpits might be too extreme, trimming the hair a bit may make it easier for your deodorant to make contact with your skin. Remember that the goal is to cover each sweat gland evenly. 

Can I wear scented deodorant with cologne? 

If your medicine cabinet is full of great-smelling products, it can be tempting to try and use them all at once. You can wear scented deodorant with cologne but only do so if you know how to layer scents effectively or if your deodorant doesn’t smell particularly strong. For example, combining an earthy, woody cologne with a super-fresh deodorant probably isn’t a great idea. 

However, many of the best-smelling deodorants for men can effectively double as cologne. If you have an (actual) cologne you really want to show off, it’s probably best to wear it with an unscented deodorant.