Our Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Right Deodorant

How to Choose the Right Deodorant

Knowing how to choose the right deodorant isn't as simple as it sounds. If you’re feeling lost, below are a few pointers to bear in mind.

1. Choosing Between Antiperspirant and Deodorant

First things first, you need to know what you want to get out of your fragrance product. Are you looking to get unwanted odor under control, or are you looking for something that blocks sweat too? The answer to that question is important because antiperspirants and deodorants work in different ways.

Antiperspirants contain ingredients that form temporary plugs in the surface of your skin, reducing sweat from coming to the surface of your skin. Deodorants, on the other hand, contain ingredients that neutralize the odor-causing bacteria living on your skin which creates the unwanted odor when it interacts with your sweat.

Basically, antiperspirant is great for people who sweat a lot, so if you're whipping out that fresh gray t-shirt and want to keep it free from pit stains, antiperspirant should be your go-to. But if you don’t sweat a lot and your focus is on smelling fresh, then you might want to try a deodorant.

If you’re looking for a deodorant that works against sweat and odor, you might want to consider an antiperspirant and deodorant combined. Check out our article on dual-action deodorants for the best of both worlds.

And, if you’re already sold on a two-in-one product, it’s time to get one on your team. Check out our Apollo Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, designed to combat sweat and odor while delivering a fresh fragrance on par with your favorite cologne.

2. Know Your Skin Type

When it comes to knowing how to choose the right deodorant, you need to be thinking about your canvas – aka, your skin. It's important to consider your skin type before choosing a product, to ensure you make the right choice. The same principle applies to underarm care. Just like facial skin, underarm skin can be normal, dry, oily or sensitive.

If you happen to have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid deodorants containing potential irritants like alcohol or synthetic fragrances. For those with dry skin, look for deodorants containing moisturizing agents like shea butter or coconut oil.

If your skin tends to be oily, then deodorants containing ingredients like clay or charcoal, known for their oil-absorbing properties, could be a great choice. By knowing your skin type and what it needs, you can pick a deodorant that’s going to work best with your body.

3. Consider Your Lifestyle

The key to finding a deodorant that works as hard as you do, is to think about the kind of lifestyle you lead. Active guys who sweat a lot because they find themselves hitting the gym or working outdoors in the heat may need a heavy-duty antiperspirant and deodorant hybrid to keep them fresh and dry.

If your day-to-day life is more laid-back, a regular deodorant should do the trick. Some might also find they need different types of deodorants for different occasions. For example, a long-lasting one for long workdays and a gentle, soothing one for relaxed days at home. If you could use some pointers, we’ve got an article on when to wear deodorant.

4. Look for Deodorants with Natural Ingredients

If you’re someone who cares about what you put into your body, you’re probably going to want to try a natural deodorant or a deodorant that contains natural ingredients.

Why? Natural deodorants are usually free from parabens, synthetic fragrances and aluminum compounds, which some prefer to avoid. Those with sensitive skin might also want to reach for natural deodorants which use ingredients like aloe vera for its soothing properties, tea tree oil for its antibacterial action, and witch hazel to help minimize your pores and reduce sweating.

But it's not just about avoiding the 'bad stuff.' Natural deodorants are also often rich in beneficial ingredients like essential oils, which not only provide pleasant fragrances but also possess their own unique therapeutic properties.

5. Find Your Signature Scent

Last but certainly not least, let's talk about fragrance. Our final tip on how to find the right deodorant is all about looking in the mirror and thinking about who you are. Your scent is a major part of your personal brand. It's one of the first things people notice about you and can leave a lasting impression. So, when choosing your deodorant, consider the vibe you want to put out into the world.

The first step on how to find a signature scent is thinking about the fragrances that match your personality. If you're someone who enjoys feeling fresh and energetic, a citrus-based scent might be perfect. If you prefer something more sophisticated and mysterious, try woody or musky notes.

The second step is about getting experimental and trusting your nose. The world of fragrance is vast and varied, so don't be afraid to try different things until you find that scent that stops you in your tracks.

Here at Axe, we’ve partnered up with world-renowned perfumers to create our Fine Fragrance Collection of deodorants and body washes. Men’s Health voted our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray one of the best colognes of 2023. If you want to smell like cologne on a body spray budget, give this a try.

Start smelling fresh

Now that you know how to choose the right deodorant for you, it’s time to get out there and start sniffing out a few potentials. You’ll soon be on your way to discovering a deodorant that works wonders for your confidence. 

Check out our guide to the best deodorants to find your deodorant soulmate now.