A deodorant should be the linchpin of every man’s grooming regime.
Everyone sweats, and whilst it’s important that your deodorant of choice nips your perspiration in the bud, it’s often overlooked that it can improve your scent to underpin your wonderful eau de toilette that will inevitably follow.
You may be used to stocking up on your preferred brand at the supermarket, but there’s a whole world of creams, balms, sticks, and sprays out there to explore, even from luxury perfumeries like Le Labo and Molton Brown.
Some men, myself included, will be on the more ‘profusely sweating’ side of the scale, so on days when your underarm sweat glands are poised, including but not limited to a stressful meeting a work, a commute on the Central line, or, god forbid, a first date, an anti-perspirant spray may be preferable.
If your day is looking more leisurely, or you’re one of the lucky ones that can experience low-level stress without breaking a sweat, a luxury cream or roll-on that leaves you with a refined scent under your pits is the way to go. Some of them are even made using natural ingredients, meaning you’ll be using less chemicals on your skin and have less risk of the dreaded discoloration on your treasured white T-shirts.
There’s no time like the present to try the natural route, but just be aware that for a short time you may find yourself perspiring more than usual as your body releases any build-up toxins. Once they’re out, your skin will settle in to its new chemical-free regime.
Just like any deodorant, all you need to do is apply it after a shower and you’re good to go. For guys with trimmed or shaved underarms, a cream may be preferable, whereas those on the bushier side may prefer a spray or roll-on. One tip, many of the brands do mini versions, so I’d suggest keeping one with you on the move to freshen up for any last minute eventualities.
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AKT The Deodorant Balm SC.01 50ml
Specifically a deodorant brand, AKT was founded by a duo of West End performers who’s busy schedule of performing eight shows a week under the hot theatre spotlights were too much for other deodorants on the market.
After spending three years developing their formula, the pair landed on a balm which will keep you feeling dry all day without creating any stains on your clothes - just apply once you are already dressed. An enriched blend of botanicals, the Orange Grove scent is packed with citrussy summery goodness that beats any aerosol.
For the full experience, go for their starter set which also contains an applicator and an ‘assistant’ which ensures zero deodorant waste.
Buy now £19.00, AKT
Aesop Herbal Deodorant Roll-On 50ml
Founded in Australia in 1987, Aesop has grown to become a sought-after brand worldwide. Known for wonderfully scented products, the alcohol-free herbal deodorant is no exception.
It has a fresh yet woody unisex aroma that will eliminate and mask your underarm odour. It pairs this with extracts of zinc ricinoleate, which absorbs moisture, as well as sage leaf and wasabi. If roll-on isn’t your style, they offer a spray in the same scent, too.
Buy now £23.00, Aesop
Le Labo Deodorant 50ml
Le Labo knows a thing or two about fragrance, so the roll-on deodorant, like the rest of the brand’s range, smells divine. Crafted with the signature grooming scent, after rolling it on you’ll be wafting fresh gusts of lavender and spicy clouds of tonka bean in every direction. Made using natural ingredients, it’s great for your skin, and when paired with one of their fragrances, will make you the sweetest smeller in town.
Buy now £24.00, Liberty London
Horace 12h Protection Deodorant 50ML
Made using 95 per cent natural ingredients, French brand Horace’s stick deodorant offers 12 hour protection and won’t leave any pesky stains on your clothes thanks to the lack of alcohol or aluminium. Notes of sage, rosemary and eucalyptus provide a fresh scent, and it’s even suitable for sensitive skin.
Buy now £10.00, Horace
Sure Men Active Dry Nonstop Protection Anti-perspirant Deodorant Aerosol 250ml
If you’re on the sweatier side of the spectrum, an anti-perspirant deodorant will pack a more powerful punch to provide extra protection that lasts longer.
As one of the largest deodorant brands on the market, Sure’s offering will give you all-day freshness with its light and clean fragrance, even seeing you through a workout at the gym - although you might need to top up afterwards.
Buy now £3.00, Boots
Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
One for those with trimmed or shaved armpits, Drunk Elephant’s cream is infused with plant oils and shea butter to soothe and nourish the underarm area, which will especially help with any post-shaving irritation, whilst also tackling sweat and bacteria.
A brand which chooses the best ingredients based on biocompatibility and healthy pH levels, the deodorant will work on even the most sensitive skin.
Buy now £13.00, Space NK
Kiehl’s Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant
Extremely gentle yet even more effective, Kiehl’s anti-perspirant cream contains aluminium chlorohydrate, meaning it will prevent excess sweat more successfully than some of its natural-based counterparts. It will provide 24 hours worth of protection against sweat and odour, leaving you free to enjoy your day without the risk of dreaded sweat patches.
Buy now £18.00, Kiehl’s
Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant
An award winning deodorant, Malin+Goetz’ eucalyptus-based product is perfect for those looking for a natural alternative to aluminium-based formulas.
Infused with odour-dispelling citonellyl and clean-smelling eucalyptus, you’ll be granted all-day protection, stain-free clothing, and a fresh base on top of which you can layer any aftershave of your choice.
Buy now £19.00, Cult Beauty
Patricks ND1 Natural Deodorant 75g
Dedicated grooming brand Patricks knows what men need better than anyone, and its deodorant certainly lives up to the reputation. Made using niodor, an ingredient that naturally inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria, it will keep you feeling fresh for longer, and your sensitive underarm skin will feel nourished thanks to extracts of coconut oil and Amazonian brown clay.
Buy now £38.00, End Clothing
