If you’ve been using the same crusty stick of deodorant for men, it’s time to man up. Deodorant has a shelf life, and can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Not to mention, you should be using deodorant every day; which means it needs to be replaced regularly.
While you might think that reaching for the first stick on the shelf is sufficient when shopping for your personal needs, but deodorant for men has come a long way, and there are now plenty of products out there for different applications and lifestyles.
Understanding what products offer what type of protection is the first step in choosing the right way to manage your body odor, and we thank you for your service. Signs you are using the wrong deodorant for your needs include dryness, rashes, irritation, redness, and odor.
Keep reading to learn 5 types of deodorant for men currently on the market, and what each one does to prevent body odor and wetness.
Deodorant for Men: What’s Out There?
When it comes to choosing the best deodorant for men, your best bet is to ask what your personal needs are and how you plan to spend your day. If you’re just going to the office, an intensive sports formula may be too drying, and can lead to chapped underarm skin (ow!).
Similarly, if you spend a lot of time in the gym, a standard deodorant isn’t going to give you the kind of intensive protection you need. The best way to determine the right product for you is to consider how you plan to use it and decide if you need specialize body odor protection.
Here are 5 types of deodorant for men:
Powder deodorant for men: such as Jack Black Pit Boss, offers superior protection from odor and wetness in a gentle formula that won’t irritate skin. Powders are extremely drying, and are ideal for men who are active and spend a lot of time working out. Powders reduce friction and irritation.
Gel deodorant for men: such as Gillette Clear Gel Deodorant for men offers 48-hour protection. These gel formulas tend to be very drying, but unlike powders, won’t dry you out completely, which means they are great for people who sweat a lot or want total protection every day. The gel can defend against heavy perspiration and is another great gym bag choice.
Stick deodorant for men: such as Dove Men+Care are a more traditional choice that is still relevant. Sticks offer body odor control without drying out the skin. However, unlike old-fashioned deodorants, sticks today use a special formula to prevent staining and sticky residue.
Spray deodorant for men: Another choice is spray deodorant, which enable you to use a light misting action to create a thin veil of protection. These are ideal for touching up on the go, and for men who don’t like heavy products. However, aerosols are often banned in many public places.
Natural deodorant for men: the fifth option has gained popularity in recent years, and moves away from aluminum deodorants for natural BO protection. Crystal deodorant uses a reaction from minerals and salts that occur in the earth’s crust to remove bacteria that leads to odor.
What Deodorant for Men Is Right for You?
Now that you understand what your options are, it’s time for the next revelation; you can use more than one type of deodorant for men! Don’t feel you should limit yourself to only purchasing one kind; having an arsenal at your disposal is a great idea. For example, keep the powder in your gym bag for intensive workouts, and use a deodorant stick in the morning for all day protection.
The final piece of advice is to pay attention to your body’s needs. If you find yourself creating excessive sweat patches, for example, you likely need to use a more drying formula. If you suffer from dry or painful underarms, choose a more hydrating formula. By listening to your body’s cues, you can make small changes that lead to a big change in your overall comfort.
What is your favorite deodorant for men? Are there any brands we should look out for that we didn’t mention? Leave a comment and let us know!