Finding a good antiperspirant can be a balancing act at the best of times. You might happen upon one that keeps you bone dry, but it ruins all of your shirts. Or you may find one that keeps your clothes spotless, but by midday you’re back to smelling like the inside of Dwayne Johnson’s gym bag.
This seemingly impossible quest to locate an antiperspirant that ticks all the boxes can leave some men resigning themselves to whatever gift set is at the back of the wardrobe. However, before you resort to such drastic measures, take a look at our rundown of the best antiperspirants for men and keep yourself fresh the right way.
Antiperspirant Vs. Deodorant: What’s The Difference?
If you find that the dreaded sweat patches persist regardless of how much product you use, it could be that you’re buying the wrong thing. Antiperspirant and deodorant are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have one major difference that sets them apart.
“Put simply, antiperspirants are designed specifically to prevent you sweating,” says the team from L’Oreal Men Expert. “Deodorants, on the other hand, don’t stop you sweating but kill bacteria and mask underarm smells with fragrance.”
In other words, if it doesn’t say ‘antiperspirant’ on the bottle, it’s not going to keep you dry. That’s all well and good if you’re not much of a sweater, but if you’re like the vast majority of men out there, or suffer from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), you’re going to want something to keep those pits under control.
Spray, Roll-On Or Stick
The second biggest dilemma facing those in search of fresh underarms is the question of which applicator to use. There are three main types.
Spray-On
Stored in an aerosol can, spray-on antiperspirant is the most popular choice. It’s easy to use, doesn’t leave any weird residue, and tends to feel dry immediately after application.
Roll-On
Favoured for its compact size, roll-on antiperspirant is a liquid in a small container with a freely-rolling ball at one end. As the bottle is tipped upside down, the liquid coats the ball, spreading it around the skin as it moves.
Stick
Similar in size to a roll-on, stick antiperspirant is also a popular choice for men. It’s made up of an antiperspirant bar in a plastic container, with a mechanism at one end that allows it to be wound up further as it gets used. It’s a bit like a glue stick.
The Best Antiperspirants For Men
L’Oreal Men Expert Shirt Protect
There’s nothing worse (actually, there are loads of things worse) than getting undressed at the end of a long day only to find that your underarm protection has turned the pits of your Oxford shirt yellow. This clever spray from L’Oreal, packed with anti-mark technology, is the solution to the problem.
Buy Now
Mitchum Triple Odour Defence
Mitchum is an antiperspirant brand through and through. In fact, it doesn’t really make anything else. The company used to boast the slogan ‘so effective you can skip a day’. And while it doesn’t use it today, it’s still fairly accurate. Well, so long as you don’t mind skipping a shower too.
Buy Now
Sure Men Active Dry
You’d struggle to count on two hands the number of different antiperspirants Sure makes with ‘dry’ in the name. However, after trying almost all of them, it quickly becomes clear that the motion-activated technology of Active Dry is the best of them all. It’s ideal for when hitting the gym in search of a summer body, or even just the odd particularly sweaty commute to the office.
Buy Now
Anthony No Sweat Body Defense
Premium grooming brand Anthony has broken the mould of the conventional antiperspirant format and created this highly-effective cream-to-powder solution instead. Apply to your underarms, nether bits, or any other sweaty crevice and walk around all day long feeling comfortable and dry.
Buy Now
Vichy Homme Extreme Control Roll-On
A hard-working formula for men with skin as dry as they wish their armpits were, Vichy Homme’s offering is free from alcohol and gentle to use. The roll-on design means it’s small and ideal for travelling, and its 72-hour protection is just what you’ll need if you’re going to be hitting the road for an extended period of time.
Buy Now
Clinique For Men Antiperspirant Stick
If you frequently find yourself making a frenzied dash for the bus most mornings, this could be the antiperspirant for you. Dermatologist-developed, Clinique’s formula is designed to be quick drying so that you can even whip on your best dress shirt before running out the door without fear of leaving any stains.
Buy Now
Clarins Antiperspirant Roll-On
Admittedly, Clarins products are a tad pricey as far as antiperspirants go. However, when it does the job this well, that’s arguably a small price to pay. The premium option controls perspiration and body odour without negatively affecting any of the skin’s natural processes. Leaving it fresh, healthy and dry as a bone.
Buy Now
Nivea Protect & Care
Some long-lasting antiperspirants can be harsh on the skin. This usually means that men who are prone to eczema, psoriasis and other nasty dermatological problems have to settle for less and end up with sweat patches come lunchtime. Luckily, Nivea has devised a way around the problem and created a 48-hour option with these conditions in mind. Result.
Buy Now
Dove Men + Care Clean Comfort
We may be talking about sweat here, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be sciency. Dove Men + Care Clean Comfort has a secret ingredient to help keep the skin dry and free from irritation. As well as an effective antiperspirant (24-hour protection, no less), it includes a moisturising element which promises to protect even the most easily agitated of skin types.
Buy Now
Right Guard Total Defence
There’s a running joke about men’s grooming products being overly, well, manly. Right Guard is a glowing example of this, but it can’t be faulted when it comes to reliability. There’s nothing flashy, no frills – just good old-fashioned antiperspirant that’ll keep you dry and smelling like a bloke. Provided that’s what you’re after.
Buy Now
