A non-negotiable in every man’s life is a good, hard-working deodorant to get us through the day. Not all deodorants are created equal, and choosing the right one requires careful consideration of ingredients, effectiveness, and potential health impacts.

Why Choosing the Right Deodorant Matters

Deodorant is more than just a tool to combat body odour—it’s a product you apply daily to your skin, often in sensitive areas like underarms. The wrong deodorant can lead to skin irritation, clogged pores, or exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

What to Look Out for When Choosing Men’s Deodorant

1. Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant

• Deodorants: neutralize odour by killing bacteria that cause bad smells but do not reduce sweat production.
• Antiperspirants: Contain aluminium-based compounds that block sweat glands temporarily to reduce perspiration.

If you sweat heavily, an antiperspirant may be more effective, but some people prefer deodorants due to concerns about aluminium exposure.

2. Fragrance

Consider whether you want a scented or unscented product. While fragrances can enhance freshness, they may irritate sensitive skin or clash with your cologne. Unscented options are ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities, for example Menscience Advanced deodorant.

3. Skin Type Compatibility

Men with sensitive skin should opt for hypoallergenic deodorants free from harsh chemicals like alcohol or synthetic fragrances that can cause irritation or dryness.

Ingredients to Look for in Less Harmful Deodorants

Ingredients to Avoid:

1. Aluminium Compounds
• Found in antiperspirants, aluminium compounds block sweat glands but have been linked (controversially) to potential health risks such as hormone disruption and breast cancer concerns.
2. Parabens
• Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics but have been associated with hormone disruption due to their ability to mimic estrogen.
3. Synthetic Fragrances
• Artificial fragrances can contain allergens or irritants that may trigger skin reactions.
4. Triclosan
• An antibacterial agent found in some deodorants that has been flagged for potential endocrine disruption.
5. Phthalates
• Used to stabilize fragrances, phthalates have been linked to hormonal imbalances and reproductive health concerns.

Ingredients to Look For:

1. Natural Absorbents
• Ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot powder, or cornstarch absorb moisture naturally without blocking sweat glands.
2. Essential Oils
• Tea tree oil, lavender oil, or eucalyptus oil provide antimicrobial properties while adding natural fragrance.
3. Shea Butter or Coconut Oil
• These moisturizing agents soothe the skin and prevent dryness or irritation.

Man Perfected’s top-selling brands like Menscience Advanced, Baxter of California (alcohol free), Anthony alcohol free deodorant and Triumph & Disaster are all aluminium and paraben free.

A step further are all-natural deodorants such as O’douds and Bossman. These are even more organic; utilising natural fragrances, shea butter/coconut oils and natural absorbents.