Deodorant aisles split everything into his and hers. The ingredients that control odor do not care which aisle they came from. Here is what research says about how men's underarms tend to be different, and how to pick a natural deodorant that keeps up.
Do Men Smell Different?
Often, yes, and bacteria are a big part of why. Underarm odor happens when bacteria on the skin break down sweat, which we explain in our guide to why armpits smell.
A study published in PLOS ONE looked at the underarm bacteria of men and women and found two main groups, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium. Most of the women in the study fell into the Staphylococcus group (87%), while men were more likely than women to fall into the Corynebacterium group (39%). Corynebacterium are known as odor-producing bacteria, which is how a separate clinical trial describes them.
That does not mean every man smells stronger than every woman. Genetics, diet, stress, and activity level all play a part. But it helps explain why some men feel a gentle deodorant is not enough for them.
Does Natural Deodorant Work for Men?
Yes. Natural deodorant works on odor, not sweat, for anyone who wears it. It neutralizes odor and makes the underarm a harder place for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. It will not stop you from sweating, because only the aluminum in antiperspirant does that. Our guide to deodorant vs. antiperspirant covers the difference.
Picking the Right Formula
We make two formulas, and both are made for men and women.
Baking soda, our extra strength line. Baking soda is one of the strongest natural odor fighters there is. If you work out a lot, work outside, or have tried natural deodorants that gave out by the afternoon, start here. It comes as a stick or a jar, and the jar comes in an Extra Strength Unscented version.
Baking soda free, our sensitive skin line. This formula uses zinc oxide and magnesium hydroxide. Zinc oxide has been studied on its own for underarm odor. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 30 people, a zinc oxide lotion applied to one armpit for 13 days reduced odor-producing Corynebacterium, and people rated that armpit as smelling less than the placebo side. That study tested zinc oxide by itself, not our deodorant, but it shows why we use it. If you shave your underarms or your skin gets irritated easily, start with the baking soda free stick.
Still deciding? Our guide to baking soda vs. baking soda free goes deeper.
A Tip if You Have Thick Underarm Hair
Deodorant works on your skin, not your hair. If your underarm hair is thick, work the stick in with a few extra passes, or use a jar and press a small amount in with your fingertips so it reaches the skin underneath.
Scents, or None at All
There is no such thing as a men's scent, only scents you like. If you wear cologne, Unscented keeps your deodorant from competing with it. If you are not sure where to start, our mini 3-pack of Unscented, Woodlands, and Charcoal Seaside lets you try three before you buy a full size. Our scent guide covers the rest of the lineup.
Making the Switch
If you are coming off antiperspirant, expect an adjustment period while your sweat and skin bacteria settle. Most people level out well before two weeks. Apply to clean, dry skin, use two or three swipes, and reapply after the gym if you need to. Our guide to switching to natural deodorant walks through what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is men's natural deodorant different from women's?
Usually the difference is just scent and packaging. Our formulas are the same for everyone.
What is the strongest natural deodorant for men?
Our baking soda line is our extra strength formula. If you want the most odor control with no scent, try the Extra Strength Unscented jar.
Will natural deodorant stop me from sweating?
No. Natural deodorant controls odor. Only antiperspirant, which uses aluminum, reduces sweat.
What if I get razor irritation?
Start with our baking soda free formula, and try not to apply deodorant right after shaving.
The Frank Bottom Line
Natural deodorant works for men. Research suggests men's underarms often carry more odor-producing bacteria, so pick your formula to match. Go with baking soda for extra strength, or baking soda free if your skin is sensitive.
