I’ve personally tested countless deodorants over the years and encountered a variety of issues, including products that weren’t strong enough to prevent sweat stains and those that left marks on my clothing. To save others the hassle of trial and error, I consulted five dermatologists, two personal trainers, and three men’s grooming specialists to determine the most effective sweat and odor control products.
Recognizing that selecting a deodorant is a highly personal decision influenced by individual body chemistry, I refrained from declaring a single “best overall” product. Instead, I organized the options by type—stick, roll-on, or wipe—and highlighted expert recommendations based on specific requirements, such as scent masking, sweat prevention, or a combination of the two. I also solicited feedback from colleagues and contributors to create a comprehensive list of the best deodorants and antiperspirants for daily use and workouts, with a focus on options for those who sweat profusely.
Best Men's Deodorants & Anti-perspirants:
- Certain Dri (Best roll-on anti-perspirant for heavy sweaters)
- SweatBlock Max (Best anti-perspirant wipes for heavy sweaters)
- Dove Men+Care (Best anti-perspirant stick deodorant for heavy sweaters)
- Vanicream (Best anti-perspirant deodorant for heavy sweaters with sensitive skin)
Certain Dri Anti-perspirant Roll-on
Protection type: Anti-perspirant | Application type: Roll-on
Certain Dri, a prescription-strength roll-on, is used at night to treat excessive sweating. This allows the aluminum to properly settle in the sweat glands, which is more difficult to do during the day when you’re actively sweating. Because it is so strong, you should incorporate it into your routine gradually, starting with every other night to avoid irritation. “There’s a cumulative effect as it settles into the pores,” Fenton explains, so using it every 48 to 72 hours may be sufficient.
What We Liked
- Strong sweat protection with 12% aluminum chloride
- Long-lasting effectiveness (up to 72 hours)
- Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
What We Didn’t Like
- Potential for skin irritation (itching, burning, redness)
- Sticky residue after application
- Requires nighttime application for best results
SweatBlock Max Antiperspirant Wipes
Protection type: Anti-perspirant | Application type: Wipes
If you want something as effective but requires less frequent use, try these anti-perspirant wipes. The International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends SweatBlock wipes, which can be effective for up to seven days. SweatBlock, like Certain Dri, is designed to be applied at night. I’ve been using these for six years and consider them my holy grail in the battle against excessive sweating. However, if leaving the house without applying anything feels strange to you, Fenton recommends using a non-antiperspirant deodorant in the morning for added odor protection. According to strategist contributor Carlo Dellaverson, a self-proclaimed “card-carrying member of the excessive-sweating community,” SweatBlock wipes “have taken on a sort of cult status among excessive sweaters, for when nothing else works.”
What We Liked
- Convenient and portable wipe format
- Strong sweat protection, ideal for heavy sweaters
- Long-lasting effectiveness (up to 7 days per application)
- Easy to target specific areas (underarms, hands, feet)
What We Didn’t Like
- Potential for skin irritation or burning sensation
- Takes time to dry after application
- Higher cost compared to traditional antiperspirants
Dove Men+Care Anti-perspirant Deodorant Stick
Protection type: Anti-perspirant deodorant | Application type: Stick
Dove’s Men+Care line is a favorite among my brothers. Personal trainer Andrew Flores, who “likes to sweat” while working out, is also a fan of Dove’s anti-perspirant deodorants. He claims they’re more powerful than the Right Guard anti-perspirants he used to use, which wouldn’t last him a full gym session. According to Flores, this particular stick smells great (“like laundry”) even after a strenuous workout, and it leaves no marks or causes him any irritation. He also appreciates the value, noting that a four-pack costs $3.50 per stick.
What We Liked
- Effective sweat and odor protection
- Moisturizing formula helps prevent skin irritation
- Pleasant, masculine scent that isn’t overpowering
- Affordable and widely available
What We Didn’t Like
- May leave white marks on dark clothing
- Not as strong as clinical-strength options for heavy sweaters
- Scent may not last all day for some users
Vanicream Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Protection type: Anti-perspirant deodorant | Application type: Stick
If you have particularly sensitive skin but still require a strong antiperspirant, Vanicream contains a high concentration of aluminum to prevent sweating but is free of fragrances, dyes, lanolin, parabens, and other potentially irritating ingredients. “If someone has eczema or contact dermatitis, I recommend this,” Hartman says.
What We Liked
- Free from common irritants (dyes, fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde)
- Gentle on sensitive skin, dermatologist-recommended
- Effective at controlling sweat and odor
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
What We Didn’t Like
- May not be strong enough for very heavy sweaters
- Can leave a slight residue on skin or clothing
- Lacks a fragrance, which some users might miss