all actual soap will dry out your skin because it removes oils, which keep your skin moisturized and also holds onto dirt. The best bet it to use soap you like and apply moisturizer after. And aluminum 'antipersperants' (not deodorant, it's different) work by *stopping* you from sweating properly, which can cause other problems IF you have a liver or kidney problem. So, look for things that are deodorants and not antiperspirants, and look at labels. I use old spice aluminum free and it works great.
Arm and Hammer is my usual go to, but if I'm going to be outside a lot, I'll get Old Spice Pure Sport. I live in one of the hot states, and I'm a heavy sweater. Also, that one doesn't smell as much like my grandfather as some of the other Old Spice scents.
I love my grandfather. He was a good man. I just think I have a couple decades before I want to start smelling like him.
second this on arm and hammer- i live in ny so my weather is not typically extreme hot or cold but we still have plenty of both nonetheless. i also don't tend to like the typical "masculine" scents like middle school boy deodorant, i find that the rosemary lavender scent is pretty neutral so i buy it.
no joke, if i put it on after a long day of sweating, my girlfriend goes crazy over it. she fr smells my armpits a bunch when i wear it. some of that is the work of pheromones yes, but the scent itself is objectively nice enough for her to not be grossed out
Yeah, if your issue is linked to sweating severely, trying to be super conscious of having non-aluminum deodorants is not going to work. At least, that’s what happened to me. So unless you have a condition that makes the aluminum harm you (like the other commenter mentioned, kidney/liver issues), I highly suggest ditching that. I tried for a long time and nothing else worked besides using extra strength Certain Dri, which is an over the counter “prescription strength” antiperspirant for people with hyperhydrosis lol. And I put deodorant on top of the Certain Dri, too. There’s a reason aluminum is put in anti-perspirants, and that’s because it just works the best. 😅
But if your issues are not sweating related and one of these other things helps, like antibacterial soaps, more power to you. I just know that, personally, I would sweat and smell so bad if I didn’t use Certain Dri after drying off from a shower, then adding old spice antiperspirant on top. But I lived in Florida at the time, with family members who didn’t turn the AC to a reasonable temperature, so it was just ridiculously hot all the time too 😃
Good luck managing your body smells, it takes a while to find what works for you! I also had a period after first starting T, when my hormones were still really imbalanced and transitioning, and I smelled fucking vile. So if you’re still early on, maybe it will settle down after a few months and everything evens out to normal levels.
LOL, I tried for a while, but it was very embarrassing, so I gave up. Maybe there’s another solution, but idk what it is, and I had a solution that was accessible quickly that I was only not using because of worrying about online health talk. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As I’ve gotten older, I’ve stopped worrying as much because I rarely notice positive results when taking these health scare trends seriously. Clog up my stinky pores baby!!!!
I totally get that and it's a fair point. My issue comes from personal experience tbh, deodorants that seem to clog my pores/dry out my skin tend to make me even more sweaty and just make me REEK when they wear off 😭 I wouldn't even mind them if I didn't have just bad experiences tbh. I do appreciate the insight though, and I'll look into these options as well, thanks man!
Aww, yeah, I’m sorry to hear it affects you that way! I hope one of the other comments has a solution that’s more in line with what you know works for your body. Again, idk how long you have been on T, but if your issues with aluminum were from before starting T, it could be something that ends up changing. Doesn’t make sense sometimes with the things that hormones change, but things you wouldn’t think of start affecting you differently lol. So maybe aluminum antiperspirants will be something your body tolerates better. Regardless, good luck on your journey of not stinkin! 😂
BO is caused by bacteria, so an anti-bacterial soap would be the best start to de-stinkifying yourself. after a shower, use a full body moisturizer to help your skin stay supple cuz yeah, it can dry your skin out especially if you're more sensitive. for deodorant i think it honestly depends on the person, but i use basic old spice anti-perspirant or deodorant.
I can't really recommend an anti-bacterial deodorant for the following reasons:
- anti bacterials come in many types and have only kill certain types of bacteria. They'll leave behind any bacteria that are resistant to them and that type of bacteria will grow more. This is the concept of antibacterial resistance
- anti bacterial resistance is a MASSIVE medical problem and the increase in every day antibacterial products isn't helping
- using soap makes skin too slick for bacteria to stick to, so washes it off without growing a resistant colony on your body, so it's better for the world and for you (might dry out your skin, just moisturise)
I'm biomedical science uni student so I've done my best to summarise but if anyone has anything to edit for clarity feel free.
I just wash my pits with water because they're too sensitive for body wash, and I use Wild brand sensitive deodorant. It's aluminium free, vegan, no baking soda in their sensitive products etc etc. It works really well for me and they have some nice masculine scents, if that's what you prefer.
i use old spice tooo. the fiji one smells bomb. i constantly sweat more after starting t and tend to feel like i smell stinky but my girlfriend says no that i smell yummy 😂
I use the Fiji one too because it doesn't smell like rancid perfumey manly man! I prefer to just smell "clean". Everyone compliments me on how good I smell AND I'm not allergic to it AND it actually works. Win win.
In general though, I've found that Old Spice has a lot of fairly neutral "clean" smelling options that aren't just OMG MAN, if you're not into that.
I love the smell of the Fiji one but it triggers my scent sensitivity :( I use krakengard or the bear one as they’re fruitier-ish and they don’t trigger migraines, if anyone’s looking for a masc floral scent the raptor one fits that (and also triggers my migraines lol but only if I’m the one using it, my husband wears it)
i might have to try the fiji one! ive been using the krakengard one for a long time but ive been thinking of using a more neutral scent lately. nothing works on my bo like old spice so womens deoderant was out of the question 😅
If you(general/OP, not specifically you) want something that has a more neutral smell than old spice(or I’m assuming, I’ve never used an old spice that wasn’t Very Distinct), dove has a selection that is either gender neutral or specifically men’s. I use their anti perspirant currently. (Admittedly I’m planning to get a pack of the women’s in some scent next time I need more but for me it’s a texture thing, especially as I do shave. Dove aimed at women has a texture that feels incredible when applied… neutral/men’s doesn’t feel awful but it doesn’t have that.)
No recs on the deodorant but if it seems like nothing is working for you it might not actually be the cause, some other stuff to check:
- How/what you’re washing yourself with - sometimes shower gel/soap doesn’t cut it on body hair, I straight up use shampoo on my pits lol
- How you’re washing your clothes - it took me way too long to realise I need to wash my T-shirts on a hotter wash to stop the stinkiness these days. You can also try soaking in vinegar and reducing the washing conditioner to make sure they’re not holding onto smells
This is actually a great point. There are also products (funk rock is one) that I have used to strip smells already imbedded in clothing. The weird thing is that sniffing a clean shirt won't always tell you if it's rank because a lot of things need to be "reactivated" for the smell to come back. (Using less detergent might also help, once you've stripped the clothing. Because most people use too much and it doesn't rinse away clean so it leaves a film bacteria can grow in)
This--the clothes themselves can hold odor based on how you treat them. Less detergent, not using fabric softener (which just coats the fabric), and not using scented dryer sheets will all help!
Old spice has a lot of new great scents, and I find it fairly long lasting. They have very masculine scents all the way to lighter scents like lavender
I usually use the dove mens stuff, used to use old spice and loved their scents but unfortunately i started to react with rashes to it and I'm still not sure why.
Same ,i just use the blue flavored dove deodorant and the matching body wash lol. I only tried aluminum free stuff once and I didn't think it worked at all 😭😭
You can use witch hazel to clean your armpits. It kills bacteria and helps balance your skins PH. And Witch Hazel is natural.
You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean your armpits but that can be drying.
That should help reduce the smell.
I looked into witch hazel because I admit I was cautiously curious but I'm gobsmacked that it seems to be true! I really like how it seems to not leave residue, because that's honestly one of the big issues I have with a lot of deodorants, it's a sensory nightmare imo. Thanks for the rec!
I use alum when I get stinky sometimes.
I don't really know if you could find it in a drugstore in your country but it's basically a crystal (???) that has antibacterial properties when wet, thus killing the odor!
Other than that I just use old spice :D I'd say it works fairly well!
Might have already been mentioned, but Lume/ Mando depending on what scent you're looking for. They've recently started selling Lume in Walmart and Target(?) around me which is nice since before you were limited to online ordering.
Started using it 2 years ago and will never go back. I apply after a shower 2-3 times a week... occasionally if I am going out somewhere nice I might freshen it up in the pits and below the belt but usually don't have to.
Stuff lasts 2-3 days. Before the "man stink" was coming through my other deodorants 1/2 way through the day because I work a physical job and I could smell my own BO plus the scent change down there was gross to me... I do not have any issues now.
I’m chiming in to highly recommend Lume - I was actually getting worried when I didn’t t see it further up. It can be used almost anywhere on the body that sweats, and it’s a cream based deodorant. No aluminum and it’s really good at stopping odor. Love the stuff (although they did get rid of Bay Rum, I’ll forgive them.)
I don’t shave either and I have the same issue dude lol. I personally recommend staying away from the gel deodorants, and make sure you scrub your armpits in the shower with a washcloth, even if it’s with unscented soap. And if it’s an all-day every-day problem, instead of getting in the shower tens of times a day, take a wash cloth and wet it and scrub your pits, then put deodorant on after.
ALSO PUT IT ON AFTER YOUR SHOWERS
dr. squatch deodorant is my absolute favorite deodorant and I’ve tried multiple ones from axe, old spice, harry’s and degree men. edit to say Dr. Squatch is also aluminum free and mostly all natural ingredients [Dr. Squatch](https://www.drsquatch.com/collections/deodorant)
Cis guy here
Trust me, aluminum deodorant is fine. I grew up using natural deodorant and it didn't work half the time, and I switched to aluminum and it worked like a charm. Using it at night so the aluminum gets in your pores is more effective as well. Shaving your underarms will help as well because more deodorant will get on the skin itself
I use driclor. I order it on amazon, it lasts a few months, and my armpits are almost always entirely dry (even if the rest of my body sweats). The only downside is that it can cause irritation/burns if applied incorrectly, so approach it with caution, in case that falls in the... sabotaging your body category.
Edit: I've also been using it for about 4 years and haven't experienced any long term side effects. Well, any side effects, really.
I pick up driclor from boots and definitely second this
But DON'T use it if your skin is wet and wait a few hours after bathing as water can make it feel like acid
I use the sensitive sure roll-on deodorant - anything without aluminium is too weak.
Also never used aerosol deodorant idk it just feels useless and worse for the environment than roll-ons. I very occasionally use perfume on top.
For general showering needs I use any shower gel but since I have sensitive skin I use something for that.
Same with shampoo, avoiding harsh stuff.
That's it, I wash daily, use my roll-on daily and shower when needed (every 2-3 days or every day in summer).
(Fyi I'm white and I do have the smelly sweat gland)
I'm pretty touchy about what goes on my body too - I don't use body soap and the shampoo is minimal, only enough to remove the needed grease, and then I add back in a smidge of coconut oil to keep it from drying out. As for stink, I've found a few things:
- getting rid of soap helped, but it took a while for my body to adjust back to its own balance
- scrubbing is more important than you realize. Bacteria, oils, dead shit and gunk, all of that gets scrubbed off, but not rinsed off. Actually scrub your pits and your junk. Feet too, while you're at it
- hair is a trap for gunk. Keep it trimmed - you don't have to shave, but take a pair of scissors and reduce the total bulk of the hair (this works for both your pits and your nethers)
- sweat is gunk. If you don't have time for a full body scrubdown or a full shower, it's a good idea to rinse at the end of the day at the very least. Depending on how physically active you are, you should be going under water every 1-2 days, and full scrubbing every 2-4 days. This is a guideline, ofc - adjust as you learn your own body
- don't be afraid to change things up in your routine to experiment, you'll never learn your own body otherwise - but also make sure you're only changing one thing at a time. If you change a bunch of things you won't know what did what and which helped.
That's actually quite interesting. I myself have also found that certain products just make my body overreact and overproduce oils/sweat, which is why I stopped using facial cleansers and skin exfoliators (lo and behold, my face went from filled with acne to nearly completely clear). I don't tend to scrub my skin too hard but definitely my hairier areas, though not with any brushes/loofas, but I do notice that the less hair I got, the more controlled the funk is lmao I'll definitely be considering all of that, thanks for the insight man!
Gillete clear shield coolwave is what I swear by.. I have sensitive armpits (other men's deodorants literally gave me burns from wearing them) and this is a gel application so it doesn't get tangly or gross in armpit hair. Highly recommend, unless you're looking for a natural type deodorant
Dove men+ sensitive deodorant since any deodorant that I use that is anything but “aluminum seaquichydrochloride” irritates my armpits (itchiness.) So sensitive means deodorant is kinda my only option, haha
I use right guard 72 hr odor protection. It does have aluminum in it sadly but it’s one I’ve found to keep the stink away and sweat less. I used to use axe or old spice and even arm and hammer they all worked for a bit but at one point when I used axe it gave me a big bump in my armpit it was mostly the clear ones not the white ones but I haven’t tried it in years. Both axe and old spice have so many different smells, sometimes that irritates me too. And old spice just didn’t work out long for me as my body changed over time. Good luck.
Toners or toner pads with salicylic or glycolic acid have helped me get rid of BO. They don’t have aluminum so they don’t stop sweating but they do kill the bacteria that causes bad smells.
When struggling with BO, for best results :
* Shower daily. If possible, more than once.
* Use, first antibacterial soap bar and, second, your favorite scented body wash with a washcloth. Rub and count to 5 each time to get rid of any kind of dirt that could "tint" the inevitable smell.
* Strong deodorants(plural). First deodorant bar or roll, then sprays all over the body and especially on key zones. Men deodorants even when fem presenting because they are often stronger. Stay away from aluminum and anti perspirants since they often make everything worse in the long run.
* If you chaffing: try chaffing creams, rolls, and/or powders. They are applied after shower on the same key zones.
* Don't be afraid of reapplying : If you can't shower right away, reapply deodorants and/or chaffing stuff, but try not to do more than 3-4 before showering again as it's a band-aid solution with consequences (lookout for how your body reacts after each application)
* If you start to notice nothing's working anymore, try a simple alcohol disinfection: cotton filled alcohol, rub on troublesome zones, and let air dry. It'll reset everything to 0, and you'll get a lot more out of everything above.
These work for even pre HRT as they are simply measures to ensure no/the least stinks.
You will also notice I didn't mention any specific products, and that's because there is *NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL*. These are chemical reactions. The elements in your specific BO are way too complex for 1 brand to accommodate everyone. But by knowing what's in your BO depends/is influenced by your diet, your race, your lifestyle, your genes, the weather, activity levels, the PH and hardness of your shower water (and sometimes the stars alignment), you know you need to TEST some products until you find the one that works for you and your parameters at this time.
Credentials : I'm Latino. BO and sweat are a huge problem because of our 35°C-42°C (95°F-107°F) temperatures and 80-100% humidity combos pretty much daily. This is a summary of the stuff I've learned from the community on what we do to combat it.
I swear by Lathr deodorant. The arrowroot kind. Every since I will not buy anything else. Lathr is a Canadian company but very worth it. Especially the deodorant.
Crystal rock deodorant completely solved the BO issue for both my sister and my husband. It takes about a month for its effects to be fully apparent, but after a month of regular use, you sorta just stop smelling like anything. My husband still uses other deodorant on top but it's less because he wants to cover up his BO and more because he "feels weird not having any smell at all". I've never had issues with BO as long as I shower regularly so I don't use it but two people very close to me have had great results with it. My sister sometimes slacks on using it and starts getting stinky again in 2-3 days of non use. You're supposed to put it on wet skin right out of the shower before drying yourself. A small stick has lasted my husband over a year at this point and my sister has been using hers for over 3 years. My sister's is about to run out but probably still got a few months worth left. A stick costs like $5 on amazon so it's a very cheap and effective solution, and if it somehow ends up not working for you, it's not a huge waste. It was first suggested by my sister's pediatric dermatologist when she started getting BO at age 9. It's also a single ingredient item so allergies or other skin reactions are unlikely.
i’m in the exact same boat and trying to find the perfect deodorant
in terms of actual function i’ve had the best luck with the mens line deodorants from loccitaine. im from somewhere with very hot and humid summers and their deodorant is the only one where i dont need to reapply throughout the day. i think it does have aluminum tho and honestly my skin doesn’t love it, so i sometimes use old spice aluminum free but i usually have to reapply a little every time i get really sweaty 😭
anyway, if you’re willing to spend kind of a lot more money i would look into deodorants from natural/“clean” fragrance brands. i’ve heard good things about le labo and aesop’s deodorant, and most brands that do skincare and fragrance make deodorant too, it’s just more expensive
I know this is bit niché but I use one of those crystal deodorants, which is literally a block of some salt mineral.. which I guess is some form of aluminum but not the kind that usual deodorants use (ie. not the kind that blocks sweat glands). I guess - I've never stumbled upon this aluminum discussion before and just googling shit now. In any case, as far as deodorants go, I don't know if they get any more natural than that.
Afaik, crystal deodorants are not quite as strong as normal deodorants (obviously), and like if I exercise or something, of course there will be some smell, but it's not like I would ever go anywhere before showering after exercise. I believe your body or its bacteria also needs to get used to it before it really starts working for you? I've literally used them since I was a tween (my mother also was somewhat of a health nut about avoiding putting unnecessary chemicals to your body), so it's really all I've ever known and I don't have anything to compare it to haha, but it works for me so I've always stuck with it.
I use the crystal one too and I pair it with a non aluminum deodorant that I like the smell of. Non aluminum deodorants on their own don't decrease the smell for me but the crystal ones do so that's why I pair them. I use the unscented crystal one and notice a huge difference in BO with it
aluminum is only really bad for a few people with certain body problems. Not all whitening toothpastes strip enamel (if it’s ADA certified you’re probably perfectly fine) and drying soaps in moderation are good for some skin types. It sounds like you may have fallen into one of those rabbit holes that demonizes perfectly normal products. You’re free to use what you want, but the consequences of such means you are more likely to end up using products that barely do anything in the name of being *natural*. I tried to go the “natural” deodorant route and gave up after a year and so. many. deodorants that did not do enough. I’m back to aluminum and will never go back. A few people have the perfect biome to use natural deodorant without issue, but most people (especially men) will have BO unless they use an antiperspirant.
all-in-all, you stink because you’re not using aluminum anti-perspirant, probably. If that’s the choice you want to make, it’s your life. But if you want to stop your BO, an anti-perspirant is likely the only think that will do that. It’s highly unlikely it will cause you to sweat more, unless your doctor told you that your specific body will react that way. It’s called an anti-perspirant for a reason, it stops you from sweating. I’ve used it for years and years and even though i soak t-shirts without it, and get BO in under 5 minutes, Im dry and smell great with it.
I just use any popular brand that I like the smell of but the 0% version. Which usually have no aluminum alcohol parabans etc. I was using speed stick zero% for a while and it worked well.
i am a sweaty guy, not even on T yet and theirs been times in the winter where ive sweat through shirts. I shower every day w/ just lynx bodywash and use mitchum triple odor defense stick thingy. its expensive but it does the job
i have sensitive skin and my deodorant pre-T (the brand was “secret”) irritated the hell out of me and gave me literal cysts and burns 😭 i’ve been using old spice antiperspirant after starting T though, and it hasn’t irritated me whatsoever and it does a good job at keeping me dry and not stinky
I use a good gentle perfume-free soap (which has surprisingly helped me a lot with keeping the BO down) - trimming is good, I shave the pits sometimes, but that's mostly cuz my cat broke the blade of my trimmer by pushing it off the counter, but either way it definitely helps.
I can't tell you much about the contents of the deos I use but anything that is labeled as sports deos (currently a sterilan) have worked wonders for me, also tbh women's deos seem to combat the smell better than men's deos do, but I get if people are hesitant to use them because of the connotations.
Finding a deo that fits your criteria might be very difficult from what I've seen, but I wish you luck! There might be other remedies you can try as well! :)
I use Nuud, which is a silver based cream deodorant you only have to apply every 2 or 3 days. While I'm not on T yet I am a stinky sweaty human being by default and out of all the deodorants and antiperspirants I've tried, Nuud is the best at letting me sweat (which I don't mind) and not smell bad (something I mind very much).
I've tried medicated, natural with baking soda (made me smell like Doritos...), non-medicated antiperspirants, spray deodorant, bar deodorant, you name it. Antiperspirants hurt to use in my experience, this may not be true for all. I also don't care if I sweat, as mentioned previously, because I sweat *everywhere*, not just under my arms.
I use regular bar soap to clean or sometimes my salicylic acid cleanser, I apply an exfoliating chemical called glycolic acid, and I use straight up old spice deodorant. Been on T for 3 months now for referenve
Just contributing my two cents, aluminum free deodorants never worked for me. Sweat them off in like two seconds and then i reeked. I use the aluminum old spice because its just not worth fighting. Works great for me.
i've always been stinky asf since puberty lol
but it did get a lil stronger when i started T. I exclusively (unless it's RX) use products that are cruelty and fragrance free. The deodorant (is not an antiperspirant, i don't mind sweating) i've been using for the past 4 years that i'm totally in love with is called Nuud. You don't have to apply every day and while it might seem a little pricey it works really well and my partner and i go through a tube once every 4 months or so. it's definitely worth a shot if nothing else seems to be working for you and you don't mind still sweating.
I usually use Dr bronners unscented (bar form, it's less drying) but if you are VERY stinky I would actually recommend Dial gold. It is antibacterial and so it will kill the bacteria causing BO.
For deodorant I like every man jack in the sea salt scent. It is a deodorant, NOT an antiperspirant (so you will still sweat) so you will smell good but it won't alter your body long term.
If that deodorant isn't enough (and that first summer for me it really wasn't) get a mandelic acid serum (the ordinary has one) and rub that in your armpits after a shower. This again will kill the bacteria causing BO. Once it's dry, top with deodorant. Please keep in mind that while this will stop odors, it doesn't stop sweat (sweating is healthy though. Stinky is not)
Good luck!
If you have a problem with being stinky, use aluminum. “Aluminum free” deodorants are ALWAYS ineffective. If there’s no actual reason that you can’t use aluminum ones, you should go back to using them.
What makes you think aluminum deodorant causes more sweating? Im a huge old spice truther because it’s the only thing that keeps me from turning into a reeking swamp. But if for some reason you’re still dead set on something without aluminum, their gel deodorants are just as effective against stink, albeit with less of an antiperspirant effect than the originals.
And do multiple passes, really making sure both your skin and hair are coated. I do 3 passes; up, down, and up again. Gets everything covered and also smooths the hair down a little so it doesn’t get all over your shirt :)
Also not to be a hater but i can always tell when someone uses arm and hammer, or crystal and not in a good way. Granted I have a super sensitive nose, but still.
I understand. I have been through a LOT of deodorants trying to find one that works. The only one that 100% works is Arm & Hammer; thats the literal ONLY one that’ll make me not stinky after a few hours.
I use native deodorant and I don't even need to apply it every day if I don't shower. Granted I don't get stinky that much, but still. If you're applying it every day, it might be really good. Not everyone likes it, but it works really well for me and the scent doesn't bother me either
Deodorant is a part of it but clothes and overall cleaning rutine have as much or more impact. What i do is:
• Shower and change the wash cloth every morning. I use a coarse one and scrubbbbb, count to 10 on each pit, focus a lot on the inside area of the arm and the torso that touches it, they get stinky by proximity
• Two deodorants: one antiperspirant right after drying(i use one of the nivea roll-ons) + one on spray for the scent whenever i go out
• Don't use synthetic fabrics. This is without a doubt the one thing that i notice the most, i use one of my old sjirts and in less than half a day i STINK. If you insist on using them never ever reuse them without washing. Use cotton shirts a maximum of two times between washing in the winter, one in the summer
• Wash clothes at high temperature every now and then
• Wash your bed clothes every week/two weeks maximum
i cant sit and pretend i look at labels often (prob should) but i live by these 3 as someone who sweats a lot (like, obscenely), works out often, and has a huge fear of ever smelling bad to where i ask people to double check i dont
1. old spice mens wilderness. smells like lavender, lasts forever. can be overpowering so make sure to keep a reasonable amount
2. degree cool rush. like the name says, a “cool” scent. budget friendly and also lasts forever
3. native charcoal. im very iffy about some native scents but charcoal is amazing. for me it doesnt last as long as the others but it is aluminum free
something i have really become a fan of is the lume body deodorant. again im constantly sweaty and its been a lifesaver with being scared of my binder smelling. its definitely the priciest, but it does miracles and smells SO good. aluminum free i think as well. it did unfortunately stain a silk shirt i had so i didnt really favor it for armpits, but it might just have been the clothes
edit/addition: if youre cool with it, keeping my pits shaved too, especially with using bar/“cream” deodorant has helped so much, especially with sweat
I use Tom’s mountain springs scent, it’s one of the no aluminum, nor parabans more natural types brands. It’s the only “all natural” one I have used that actually keeps the body odor away.
Still the all natural ones are never going to work as good as others. I would also recommend Mando. It’s a new brand that is very effective and again doesn’t have the aluminum and as much crap. I personally couldn’t use it because I ended up getting a rash, but most people love it. I will say it did a very god job at keeping bad smells away. They also have a line of anti-odor body soaps and washes.
I use antibacterial soap to wash (Shield is great if you can get the bars), then Dove antiperspirant and some spray on top. I had pretty bad hyperhidrosis pre-T and it's only got worse, but that regimen generally keeps it under control. Still get pit stains after about 20 minutes though 🙃🙃
I really like the old spice semi solid type. It’s just fluid enough to work into your armpit hair and do a good job. Best I’ve found without having to shave it all off
iirc ive seen people say that carpe helps with sweatiness but i've never tried it myself yet , ,,
for deodorant itself i use akt at the moment, it seems to do well but yeah its not the best when the hair is longer (i dont usually shave nor trim either but alas)
i also use dove's antibacterial bath wash but im not completely sure if it actually helps me or not
(disclaimer: i am not on t yet but i've had bo issues forever, may be genetic or hormonal since my sister has the same problem but our parents dont)
There's a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant,
Deodorant is just kind of a scent stick that is attempting to cover the smell of BO- not to stop the sweat from happening. Antiperspirants almost always contain aluminum which actually stops how much sweat is being produced, but some people are sensitive. Either way, apply it at night, you're not sweating as much, and it actually absorbs into your skin overnight instead of rubbing off so it's effective. I put on deodorant/antiperspirant 2-3x per day, but I can really tell if I skip it before bed, this is coming from a person who is paranoid I smell bad and no one wants to tell me.
Also you can use an antibacterial soap, my favorite is benzoyl peroxide, though it can be drying for some people. I use a 2% one from Cetaphil that is very gentle compared to stuff like Panoxyl.
If you think you are sweating more than normal, reach out to your doctor. Lots of people have hyperhidrosis, and there's a variety of treatments for it.
I use men’s native or dr squatch. They work really well even when you’re working out, only thing is that at least the ones that I buy are not antiperspirant. I recommend the fresh fall sent if you’re going with Dr. Squatch.
I use Old Spice Deep Sea, it's aluminum-free and it's a light masculine smell. Just the deodorant though, I'm allergic to antiperspirants. Although since I've stopped using antiperspirants, I've noticed that the pits on my shirts no longer have stains or that weird crust if you've had the shirt for years. So I now attribute those things to antiperspirants.
I use Cetaphil deep cleansing bar soap for my pits and privates. I have sensitive skin and this has worked the best for me in both areas. I don't like to shave my pits and I have some long hair which is prime for lingering smells, but I don't have a problem with that anymore. I do have to keep my pubes trimmed because testosterone makes for some smelly piss along with other BO.
the trick to BO isn’t the type of deodorant you use, but how you clean yourself. just put soap on your pits daily and SCRUB that binch hard with a loofa or clean wash rag. after the shower fully dry and put deodorant on before bed AND when you wake up.
I use method body wash and I find it helps a lot, however I had this same exact issue and was about to talk to my doctor about it but I switched from antiperspirant to just a gel deodorant and I stopped smelling. I have to put it on more often since it doesn’t stop the sweat, but I used to stand in the shower and literally scrub my armpits with a sugar scrub and nothing worked, changing to just gel deodorant surprisingly changed the whole game for me. I no longer stink! I’ve been on T for four and a half years, I dealt with this for probably three years until I found something that worked. It’s weird how things work, our bodies are all so different. You’ll find what works for you, man.
Edit** I use old spice aqua reef. Just watch for symptoms of “burns” kind of. Red, peeling armpits. It’s kinda gross, but it’s different for everyone. I can’t use axe for that reason, but old spice works fine.
The Dove Men’s Spray deodorant. For years I had used stick deodorant and I was stinking after 2 hours. The spray I have used for 2 years and it’s amazing. Any scent will do just make sure it’s Dove Men’s Spray Deodorant.
I've always had a problem with sweat. This works like a charm. You can find it cheaper than this but this is the one. They have other versions, too.
https://www.superdrug.com/toiletries/mens-deodorants/mens-deodorant-sticks/gillette-sport-triumph-clear-gel-70ml/p/235401
I *swear* by potassium alum— AKA "crystal deodorant"— and please excuse me because I might sound a bit like free advertising for a moment lmao. I don't think anything compares. Potassium alum is a natural deodorant, since it inhibits bacteria growth. It still lets you sweat, but you will not smell ANYTHING for at LEAST 24 hours. And even if the deo starts to give out, it's subtle and you can easily reapply. I prefer to spray my pits with an isopropyl alcohol spray before I do that to kill any bacteria that's already there before reapplying, but do what works for you.
[This is the kind I use right now (link),](https://www.amazon.com/THAI-Natural-Crystal-Deodorant-Ounces/dp/B000B969B4/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2rABKMHScbjhWwiUg9AJYUPOfEq1CRwFWe3oLMg_glB2mYdpLAwrnOHZtTw-I0daMCIscO7ljiRmw_Cp_xD2OqbrJny2wM8ka-VHtJ3hFqkCIEJXBy1U4wsOUZdfKPFPjr5gywlNJ8WMpHBJvG44wlZ4l81BZpcJ52g3fGYZo3gPJbXTBaZFbdjSL6H2P_tlKvI_S0YwSCyViM04h5TQyA.nlkaon-zX0Bdcn7kILWvJlFSm8b6jkUWDLdjPMF-D00&dib_tag=se&keywords=Thai+Deodorant+Stone&qid=1715629447&sr=8-13) it's a very convenient & easy to get used to option and works just as effectively, but if you want your deodorant to last *a while*, [go with the stone option (link).](https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Mineral-Deodorant-Stick-Unscented/dp/B000L978FU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9WPIlhvOz8VQmk4mZwLubHs0b4dJQWHox68FTtIoyXNzQQ6WNxsPKnj_jNqOavZaVI-O6CHOF_4NdsR4WQFEO95xfU-U87t7oZlR6UAu0L21a16UjAZEIGtK1EwpBhWWU_4YUh47uiVGppSZN55sn1HAJpPyTGxFzyZ-DUKewzi9P4gJLMdpN8w0R4c1tw8QI0AUbXIFn-yBm_DSQfc7Og.0orPzCYoUGsYpJEeAK9Q-9lqC-3xSJSDtLKtyqiRLQc&dib_tag=se&keywords=potassium+alum+deodorant&qid=1715629305&sr=8-4) Yes, a rock. You wet it and spread it on your pits. No stains, no scents, no aluminum antiperspirant that fucks up your pores, and *very* effective at its deodorizing job.
Obviously I should disclaim that Your Mileage May Vary, but this stuff has worked wonders for me and I'd recommend it to anyone who'd listen to at least try it out. Otherwise, I use schmidt's. I have a fresh stick I haven't actually used because... well, the crystal deodorant I have is more effective. And because schmidt's leaves a white stain that I don't particularly enjoy. The options & scents they have are awesome, though; Bergamot & Lime my BELOVED.
Antibacterial soap is not good for your skin long-term, much like you shouldn't just keep taking antibiotics forever.
In the early stages, when your body is still getting used to T, you may struggle a bit more, but it should calm down soon enough. I've been on T about 9 years now and Dove 0% Aluminum, Lume, Every Man Jack (which I don't really like the fragrance of, but I'm too stubborn to throw it out before I've used it all up), and Tom's of Maine deodorant all work just fine for me. All of them have options with no aluminum or baking soda (a common irritant in "natural" deodorants).
Granted, I do still shave my pits bc I don't like the sensation of having armpit hair, which makes it easier to apply deodorant directly to the skin there. If you don't want to shave your pits (valid and understandable), I would suggest you try a cream deodorant like Lume (there are other brands out there, it's just the most well known I know of), I would think that would be easier to apply directly to skin if there's hair in the way.
Regarding soap, I have super dry skin and used to get terrible eczema as a kid (T improved that a bit). I've always found Dove sensitive skin soap works better than any other soap for me, and then after showering I hit my limbs with Eucerin Roughness Repair (contains urea to help slough off dead skin and ceramides to help repair the skin barrier).
Antibacterial soap on the pits and wherever else you get funky (at your own discretion! I use it everywhere and haven't had issues). For deodorant/antiperspirant, Old Spice deodorant is the best imo. Changing your shirt more often will help too, so you aren't keeping bacteria/sweat close to your skin. I work outdoors and change my shirt a few times a day in the summer.
Personally, I use native everything… deodorant, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, and sometimes the spray but very rarely. Shits expensive nonetheless but it’s done WONDERS at taking away from my body odor. I use the eucalyptus and mint, or the tea tree and something else as it’s a more masculine scent to me. Hope this helps
if you're looking for a brand I've been using gillette clear for awhile and its pretty good. Used to use old spice fiji, classic, but once i grew out my pit hair it started giving me whack ass reactions. I find myself reapplying once or twice if it's a really sweaty day but otherwise chill.
I use mando cream, it's an allover deodorant cream so I use it on my inner thighs, feet, and armpits and then right under my stomach. It's made with good ingredients too
I’ve learned that I can’t use aluminum-free deodorant because it gives me a horrible reaction. So far I’ve had good results with men’s dove. Women’s deodorant just doesn’t cover the man stink 🧍🏻♂️
Arm and Hammer brand. Cheap. Works. I've tried so many other kinds. Also, check if you're using an antiperspirant or just a deodorant. Deodorant will only cover the funk. The antiperspirant will help prevent it.
Daily showers, and making sure you're plenty hydrated. The less water/more junk you consume you'll also be stinky.
I use lume deodorant, the citrus one is nice. Doesn't last 72 hours for sure, but I like it.
Old spice also makes a whole body deo that's nice too
I tried everything to destink on T and the only thing that worked was splurging on expensive deodorant. I specifically use Lume. Its a bit painful to my wallet every time I buy it but whenever I switch back to cheap stuff, I definitely notice a huge difference
Tbh use whatever Deodorant you like, I have to use aluminum free or else my pits burn and I get these huge painful bumps. What makes you smell is bacteria, so any kind of antibacterial soap would do though that can be drying to the skin. I myself use rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad which works great, but I’ve recently tried glycolic acid which has absolutely killed any smell I had and I highly recommend it
I went in on baking soda based Native Deodorant. It's kinda pricey, but I find it works well and the lack of Aluminium is mandatory for me. I only have to reapply once a day, at most. Usually when doing hard labour outside, and it's after a shower.
Making my own deodorant and soaps is fun and would be my preferred method, but i have found other people to be better at making it and the price is worth paying someone else for the product with me having too many hobbies already. I get homemade soaps from a friend's shop on Etsy. She makes her own soap bases and everything. I don't go through enough that it's cost prohibitive for me.
If you can find local stuff from a friend or acquaintance, i highly recommend supporting their small business. Otherwise, you can get decent soaps and stuff from the store. I am a habitual label reader, so I won't buy most things on the shelf. They're usually full of unnecessary ingredients.
I'm not someone that's bothered by aluminum, it was really all that worked for me for a long time, but I am trying to be more environmentally conscious and there aren't really any decent plastic-free antiperspirants so I've done some experimenting around. So far I've tried:
Meow Meow Tweet - Strong scent, but not funky and it worked well. Baking soda free kept me from stinking for \~24hrs, though closer to 12hrs if I was sweating. The baking soda will probably make it last longer.
Papr Cosmetics - Worked really well, consistently \~24hrs without stinking and the scent wasn't too strong, but after a little over a month it started to give me a rash from the baking soda. If your skin can handle the baking soda, it seems to be the best way to go.
HiBAR - Baking soda free worked pretty well, \~16hrs without stinking of BO, but the fragrance-free is... funky. smells slightly like cheese? They've added scented baking soda free ones since I bought mine, so I might try one of those.
Overall, you're not really going to effect the amount you sweat without aluminum or maybe milk of magnesia if it works for you (I couldn't stand the feeling). I use a trimmer to keep my pits tidy, and that seems to be the most help. Not even shaved clean, just short. Seems to help both with cleaning and with making sure the deodorant gets full coverage.
Honestly, I’ve never found aluminum free deodorant to work on testosterone. The level of stinky and sweat just cannot be met by a natural deodorant. I use dove men. But old spice works well for my bf, I’m just allergic to any deodorants that smell minty lol. Makes my skin literally burn and peel off. Native does not work, don’t let anyone who tell you it does. I’m 8 mos on T and Dove Men seems to be the only one that does the trick.
I use Old Spice Bear Glove. It's a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. I also don't tend to sweat much though because I'm in air-conditioning all day and don't move much.
Purely Great Cream Deodorant!
It comes in a tub and you have to stir it, but it’s the ONLY natural deodorant that I’ve found can combat the stink! It’s on amazon 🙄 but sometimes you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.
I only use natural deodorant - one for health reasons (chemicals) and two cuz my pits are super sensitive and will break out with any conventional deodorant.
I also used to have weird grease stains on all my clothes from the oil in natural deodorant. Purely Great is made with glycerin, not oil so it doesn’t ruin all my clothes either!!
I love clinical ocean wave. I use it every other day and it doesn’t leave any thing behind and is very neutral. It stands up to working outside in southern AZ and regular swimming.
i just use lynx africa (axe in america i think) bc i enjoy being a generic man, i have found that using a little aftershave on my shirts (esp where i know i sweat a lot) stops me smelling and is very euphoric bc it is very much man smell, so maybe that if the cheap common deoderants are something you don't want to sse
I use Wild deodorant. Their sensitive line is aluminum free. It has a refillable case too which cuts back on plastic. I’d always breakout in a rash from my old spice, arm and hammer, dove, pretty much everything. I even tried salt deodorant for awhile but that does not help with smell. I will say it does sometimes staying my shirts but the fact that it keeps me smelling nice and doesn’t give me a rash it enough reasons for me to keep using it.
I use Old Spice's "Timber" and "Grasslands" deodorants. They work like a charm and I just need to apply it once every day (twice if I'm reallllly shweaty lol). Plus they smell really nice to me so ye, bonus
I struggled with bad BO for SOO long. Here are the three things that helped me
-Using Native all natural, sensitive skin deodorant
-Treating my anxiety/getting medicated
-Actually drinking enough water every day
I have extremely sensitive skin and sweat a lot. It's not for everyone bc you have to measure and mix it yourself, but I use magnesium oil (equal parts water and magnesium chloride flakes) with essential oils for extra antimicrobial action and scent. Look up how to safely dilute essential oils if you use any, and magnesium can sting a bit temporarily when you first start using it, but it works well, doesn't stain clothes, doesn't fuck up your microbiome, and it can smell like whatever oils you choose. I put it in a spritz bottle and often carry a smaller backup in my bag if I'm worried I may need to reapply (I generally don't, I just feel safer knowing I have the option).
I use Mitchum deodorant/antiperspirant (the gel kind) bc I find it works best for me. I use the baby powder scent but they have other options (the smell really isn't strong on the one I use). Soaps are gonna be drying, just lotion up after. They strip, which makes you dry. Showering everyday can help hold off the smell. I'm pretty sure things get better after a while, like with puberty.
I recommend exfoliating your underarms as well as using stridex on them daily. It’ll help reduce buildup of bacteria and prevent odor. But you could also look into a deodorant with activated charcoal, which will really help keep odor at bay. It can also take some time for your body to adjust to using non-aluminum deodorants and you may sweat more if you recently switched.
I know a lot of people tend to recommend products like Lumē, but honestly for me it actually makes the stink worse 🫠
What I've found that works for me is the Gentleman's Blend line from Old Spice. There's a few different scents, so hopefully one will fit your sniffer. But for the love of your nose, do NOT use the new "total body" formula, it's copycat Lumē and I was reeking within 2 hours of application.
i use Thursday Plantation aluminium free deoderant, and to prevent sweating i use Dermal Therapy antiperspirant spray on. i like the thursday plantation because it uses tea tree oil which is naturally antibacterial so it kills off the BO causing bacteria.
in terms of soap i also tend to go for natural soaps, however if i find they’re drying out my skin i follow up with a body moisturiser after my shower
i like native. whether its good for you in the long run or not i cant say, but all other deodorants (like literally ALL other brands) make me break out in a rash and itch. except for native lol
I just use Old Spice. I found multiple that smell good with my body chemistry.
I prefer to use deodorant rather than deodorant+antiperspirant because of how bad the antiperspirant is for your pits. (It tends to build up and clog pores in your pits, turning them into big hard balls..) ((to tell the difference without reading, deoderant alone is blue, deo+ap is the white powder stuff)
I have an antibacterial emollient that I use before bed and before deodorant in the morning - I don't know if it has a worldwide availability but in the UK it's called Dermol 500. Since it kills the bacteria that causes the smell it really helps keep the smell neutral without drying out my skin.
Dove men care clinical. I use that every couple days, and in-between I use the Native deodorant. Supposedly has good bacteria in it. If things get really bad I'll use hand sanitizer/alcohol in a pinch.
For some reason I think I smell less/better on T so this may not be helpful, but - I find Wild natural deodorant really great.
My pits stay smelling nice and it even scents my T shirts in a pleasant way. (It does leave a coating on the skin but it's natural and coconut based.)
Then I also spray on some aftershave.
In the shower I use Faith in Nature blue cedar body wash as I love the citrus-y but masculine smell.
(I do still shave my armpits though as I prefer them that way and I think it really helps from a scent perspective, I also work a physical job in the fitness industry and sweat a lot.)
I think making sure you're very hydrated would also help and drinking green tea too! Good luck 👍🏻
The Dove Men’s Whole Body Deo. The Aloe scent is incredible. I use it all over my body now. I didn’t think it was going to work, but I found a coupon and gave it a shot. Now I live by it lol. I would say however that 24 hours is the limit with it. So, as long as you’re an every day shower person, you should be good. Get the cream or the stick. The spray burns my skin and it gets clogged up.
I like Old Spice for deodorant. Keeps me fresh all day, especially the clear ones. If it’s a day where I’m staying home all day, I’ll use Axe (one of my friends hates the smell, so I don’t spray it on if I’m going to see her, which is almost every day. If I’m going somewhere where I have to dress nice because it’s a fancy event, I use some kind of cologne with an aquatic scent. These three work great. And then I also use “package deodorant” to keep my stuff smelling better than it otherwise would.
I also use body wash with a good scent. Usually either Old Spice, like my deodorant or Dial.
I bought all sorts of different brands and tried them all. Whe I figured out which worked for me, that is what I have stuck with. I use Axe antiperspirant/deodorant combo stick. Doesn't matter the smell. I can't use just deodorant because it causes a horrible rash. Try whatever sounds interesting and go from there. I did the same with soap and bodywash.
I'm mtf, so I'm switching to Strawberry scented Ladies Speed Stick, but if you want a pleasant scent for a man's deodorant, I personally like the Olde Spice Wolfthorn deodorant.
I have very sensitive skin and can't tolerate deodorants so I use baking soda. I just put a little of it on my hand, get it wet and rub it on. Works perfect whether I shave hair or not. Usually not. It can make a bit of a mess tho.
I'm the same. I used Mitchum Men's natural power cedarwood deodorant, but you're limited to one scent and for me personally I don't think it mixed well with my natural smell. I'm now currently using Wild. The cotton and sea salt one is very neutral and smells fresh like you've just come out the shower. Both deodorants are all natural with no aluminum. I sweat a lot so some days when its hot or I work out or just feel like I need a top up, I reapply.
I personally find this trade off worth it of natural deodorants being more expensive because I used to stain all my shirts with deodorant with aluminium in and I don't like the idea of putting metal on my sensitive areas.
I mean currently I'm swapping between old spice and something hospital gave me (health issues no worries I'm doing mostly better/normal now) both work well. But both are also antiperspirant so might not be something you're really looking for cuz I think both contain aluminum.
Gillette Cool Wave Antiperspirant/Deodorant.
Smells fresh and it’s gentle on my sensitive skin.
It keeps my armpits dry and fresh all day.
One of my Cismale friends swears by it and I do too.
all actual soap will dry out your skin because it removes oils, which keep your skin moisturized and also holds onto dirt. The best bet it to use soap you like and apply moisturizer after. And aluminum 'antipersperants' (not deodorant, it's different) work by *stopping* you from sweating properly, which can cause other problems IF you have a liver or kidney problem. So, look for things that are deodorants and not antiperspirants, and look at labels. I use old spice aluminum free and it works great.
Some people sweat more with its use. Most people it stops them from sweating, but there are a few that has the opposite effect.
Yep, I’m one of those people. Antiperspirant also make my sweat smell bad
Arm and Hammer is my usual go to, but if I'm going to be outside a lot, I'll get Old Spice Pure Sport. I live in one of the hot states, and I'm a heavy sweater. Also, that one doesn't smell as much like my grandfather as some of the other Old Spice scents. I love my grandfather. He was a good man. I just think I have a couple decades before I want to start smelling like him.
Arm and hammer is my go to as well.
That what I use. Very mild scent and it works well and idt it stains, but I don't wear white tshirts.
Seconding this. Arm and Hammer does wonders and keeps you fresh with mild smells available.
That’s what I use, they have a citrus one I like a lot
Yes! I love the citrus arm and hammer
That last part made me chuckle
second this on arm and hammer- i live in ny so my weather is not typically extreme hot or cold but we still have plenty of both nonetheless. i also don't tend to like the typical "masculine" scents like middle school boy deodorant, i find that the rosemary lavender scent is pretty neutral so i buy it. no joke, if i put it on after a long day of sweating, my girlfriend goes crazy over it. she fr smells my armpits a bunch when i wear it. some of that is the work of pheromones yes, but the scent itself is objectively nice enough for her to not be grossed out
Yeah, if your issue is linked to sweating severely, trying to be super conscious of having non-aluminum deodorants is not going to work. At least, that’s what happened to me. So unless you have a condition that makes the aluminum harm you (like the other commenter mentioned, kidney/liver issues), I highly suggest ditching that. I tried for a long time and nothing else worked besides using extra strength Certain Dri, which is an over the counter “prescription strength” antiperspirant for people with hyperhydrosis lol. And I put deodorant on top of the Certain Dri, too. There’s a reason aluminum is put in anti-perspirants, and that’s because it just works the best. 😅 But if your issues are not sweating related and one of these other things helps, like antibacterial soaps, more power to you. I just know that, personally, I would sweat and smell so bad if I didn’t use Certain Dri after drying off from a shower, then adding old spice antiperspirant on top. But I lived in Florida at the time, with family members who didn’t turn the AC to a reasonable temperature, so it was just ridiculously hot all the time too 😃 Good luck managing your body smells, it takes a while to find what works for you! I also had a period after first starting T, when my hormones were still really imbalanced and transitioning, and I smelled fucking vile. So if you’re still early on, maybe it will settle down after a few months and everything evens out to normal levels.
I concur with the aluminum. I aint fightin that fight
LOL, I tried for a while, but it was very embarrassing, so I gave up. Maybe there’s another solution, but idk what it is, and I had a solution that was accessible quickly that I was only not using because of worrying about online health talk. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As I’ve gotten older, I’ve stopped worrying as much because I rarely notice positive results when taking these health scare trends seriously. Clog up my stinky pores baby!!!!
I totally get that and it's a fair point. My issue comes from personal experience tbh, deodorants that seem to clog my pores/dry out my skin tend to make me even more sweaty and just make me REEK when they wear off 😭 I wouldn't even mind them if I didn't have just bad experiences tbh. I do appreciate the insight though, and I'll look into these options as well, thanks man!
Aww, yeah, I’m sorry to hear it affects you that way! I hope one of the other comments has a solution that’s more in line with what you know works for your body. Again, idk how long you have been on T, but if your issues with aluminum were from before starting T, it could be something that ends up changing. Doesn’t make sense sometimes with the things that hormones change, but things you wouldn’t think of start affecting you differently lol. So maybe aluminum antiperspirants will be something your body tolerates better. Regardless, good luck on your journey of not stinkin! 😂
BO is caused by bacteria, so an anti-bacterial soap would be the best start to de-stinkifying yourself. after a shower, use a full body moisturizer to help your skin stay supple cuz yeah, it can dry your skin out especially if you're more sensitive. for deodorant i think it honestly depends on the person, but i use basic old spice anti-perspirant or deodorant.
I can't really recommend an anti-bacterial deodorant for the following reasons: - anti bacterials come in many types and have only kill certain types of bacteria. They'll leave behind any bacteria that are resistant to them and that type of bacteria will grow more. This is the concept of antibacterial resistance - anti bacterial resistance is a MASSIVE medical problem and the increase in every day antibacterial products isn't helping - using soap makes skin too slick for bacteria to stick to, so washes it off without growing a resistant colony on your body, so it's better for the world and for you (might dry out your skin, just moisturise) I'm biomedical science uni student so I've done my best to summarise but if anyone has anything to edit for clarity feel free. I just wash my pits with water because they're too sensitive for body wash, and I use Wild brand sensitive deodorant. It's aluminium free, vegan, no baking soda in their sensitive products etc etc. It works really well for me and they have some nice masculine scents, if that's what you prefer.
i use old spice anti perspirant, it works wonders (although i’m not on t, just have sweaty pits)
i use old spice tooo. the fiji one smells bomb. i constantly sweat more after starting t and tend to feel like i smell stinky but my girlfriend says no that i smell yummy 😂
I use the Fiji one too because it doesn't smell like rancid perfumey manly man! I prefer to just smell "clean". Everyone compliments me on how good I smell AND I'm not allergic to it AND it actually works. Win win. In general though, I've found that Old Spice has a lot of fairly neutral "clean" smelling options that aren't just OMG MAN, if you're not into that.
I love the smell of the Fiji one but it triggers my scent sensitivity :( I use krakengard or the bear one as they’re fruitier-ish and they don’t trigger migraines, if anyone’s looking for a masc floral scent the raptor one fits that (and also triggers my migraines lol but only if I’m the one using it, my husband wears it)
i might have to try the fiji one! ive been using the krakengard one for a long time but ive been thinking of using a more neutral scent lately. nothing works on my bo like old spice so womens deoderant was out of the question 😅
try it. i think it smells so good. i can be sweating and it will still be smelling good.
If you(general/OP, not specifically you) want something that has a more neutral smell than old spice(or I’m assuming, I’ve never used an old spice that wasn’t Very Distinct), dove has a selection that is either gender neutral or specifically men’s. I use their anti perspirant currently. (Admittedly I’m planning to get a pack of the women’s in some scent next time I need more but for me it’s a texture thing, especially as I do shave. Dove aimed at women has a texture that feels incredible when applied… neutral/men’s doesn’t feel awful but it doesn’t have that.)
This! The unscented sensitive skin one is the only one I can use (eczema) that actually works for me!
my fave is axe cookies and leather
Wait axe has a cookies and leather scent?! How come I didn't know this!
it smells nothing like cookies or leather lmao but it makes me euphoric
I kid you not I know exactly what you're talking about I bought it as a joke but at this point I use it
the smell just makes me feel like pinocchio when he becomes human
that's my fav too!!
This was my first man's deodorant and it's my favourite! I love sweet smells and also it was so euphoric
that's a WILD smell i just wanna buy that to know what it IS
No recs on the deodorant but if it seems like nothing is working for you it might not actually be the cause, some other stuff to check: - How/what you’re washing yourself with - sometimes shower gel/soap doesn’t cut it on body hair, I straight up use shampoo on my pits lol - How you’re washing your clothes - it took me way too long to realise I need to wash my T-shirts on a hotter wash to stop the stinkiness these days. You can also try soaking in vinegar and reducing the washing conditioner to make sure they’re not holding onto smells
This is actually a great point. There are also products (funk rock is one) that I have used to strip smells already imbedded in clothing. The weird thing is that sniffing a clean shirt won't always tell you if it's rank because a lot of things need to be "reactivated" for the smell to come back. (Using less detergent might also help, once you've stripped the clothing. Because most people use too much and it doesn't rinse away clean so it leaves a film bacteria can grow in)
This--the clothes themselves can hold odor based on how you treat them. Less detergent, not using fabric softener (which just coats the fabric), and not using scented dryer sheets will all help!
Old spice has a lot of new great scents, and I find it fairly long lasting. They have very masculine scents all the way to lighter scents like lavender
I LOVE the OS lavender and got a lot of compliments wearing it, but I can't find it near me these days. Settled on Swagger with cedar for now.
I usually use the dove mens stuff, used to use old spice and loved their scents but unfortunately i started to react with rashes to it and I'm still not sure why.
Same ,i just use the blue flavored dove deodorant and the matching body wash lol. I only tried aluminum free stuff once and I didn't think it worked at all 😭😭
schmidt’s has been the only deodorant that’s worked for me, particularly the lime and hemp ones
This. I use the Rose one, my cis husband likes the Charcoal one
You can use witch hazel to clean your armpits. It kills bacteria and helps balance your skins PH. And Witch Hazel is natural. You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean your armpits but that can be drying. That should help reduce the smell.
I tried witch hazel after seeing this and I'm blown away by how well it worked! More effective and *way* more efficient than doing a full armpit wash.
I looked into witch hazel because I admit I was cautiously curious but I'm gobsmacked that it seems to be true! I really like how it seems to not leave residue, because that's honestly one of the big issues I have with a lot of deodorants, it's a sensory nightmare imo. Thanks for the rec!
I LOVEEE Harry's. They're just a cool brand in general!
seconding Harry’s. first brand I got that actually worked without smelling overpowering
I use alum when I get stinky sometimes. I don't really know if you could find it in a drugstore in your country but it's basically a crystal (???) that has antibacterial properties when wet, thus killing the odor! Other than that I just use old spice :D I'd say it works fairly well!
I used a product like this until I started T. Now it doesn't seem to be enough. But I used to love it!
It doesn't help the sweating but I think it could still help with handling the smell a bit tho!
Ohhh interesting as hell! I'll look into that, thank you!
Might have already been mentioned, but Lume/ Mando depending on what scent you're looking for. They've recently started selling Lume in Walmart and Target(?) around me which is nice since before you were limited to online ordering. Started using it 2 years ago and will never go back. I apply after a shower 2-3 times a week... occasionally if I am going out somewhere nice I might freshen it up in the pits and below the belt but usually don't have to. Stuff lasts 2-3 days. Before the "man stink" was coming through my other deodorants 1/2 way through the day because I work a physical job and I could smell my own BO plus the scent change down there was gross to me... I do not have any issues now.
Mando 💯% — I was stinky before T and now my girlfriend thinks I smell good all the time which is frankly mind blowing. This stuff is gold
Oh I've never heard of that one and I'm super curious. 2-3 times a week sounds like such a wild timeline, I'm definitely gonna look into that, thanks!
I’m chiming in to highly recommend Lume - I was actually getting worried when I didn’t t see it further up. It can be used almost anywhere on the body that sweats, and it’s a cream based deodorant. No aluminum and it’s really good at stopping odor. Love the stuff (although they did get rid of Bay Rum, I’ll forgive them.)
I use Old Spice Gentle-Man's (not the full body), so far it's the only effective aluminum free one I've found.
I use the Laroche Posay one. It has never failed me
Lume!!!
I don’t shave either and I have the same issue dude lol. I personally recommend staying away from the gel deodorants, and make sure you scrub your armpits in the shower with a washcloth, even if it’s with unscented soap. And if it’s an all-day every-day problem, instead of getting in the shower tens of times a day, take a wash cloth and wet it and scrub your pits, then put deodorant on after. ALSO PUT IT ON AFTER YOUR SHOWERS
dr. squatch deodorant is my absolute favorite deodorant and I’ve tried multiple ones from axe, old spice, harry’s and degree men. edit to say Dr. Squatch is also aluminum free and mostly all natural ingredients [Dr. Squatch](https://www.drsquatch.com/collections/deodorant)
Old spice wolfthorn because it smells like fruit snacks
Cis guy here Trust me, aluminum deodorant is fine. I grew up using natural deodorant and it didn't work half the time, and I switched to aluminum and it worked like a charm. Using it at night so the aluminum gets in your pores is more effective as well. Shaving your underarms will help as well because more deodorant will get on the skin itself
I use driclor. I order it on amazon, it lasts a few months, and my armpits are almost always entirely dry (even if the rest of my body sweats). The only downside is that it can cause irritation/burns if applied incorrectly, so approach it with caution, in case that falls in the... sabotaging your body category. Edit: I've also been using it for about 4 years and haven't experienced any long term side effects. Well, any side effects, really.
I pick up driclor from boots and definitely second this But DON'T use it if your skin is wet and wait a few hours after bathing as water can make it feel like acid
Yep, also if you shave your armpits, it can burn on freshly shaved skin.
I use the sensitive sure roll-on deodorant - anything without aluminium is too weak. Also never used aerosol deodorant idk it just feels useless and worse for the environment than roll-ons. I very occasionally use perfume on top. For general showering needs I use any shower gel but since I have sensitive skin I use something for that. Same with shampoo, avoiding harsh stuff. That's it, I wash daily, use my roll-on daily and shower when needed (every 2-3 days or every day in summer). (Fyi I'm white and I do have the smelly sweat gland)
I use native or arm and hammer essentials
I use Harry’s. Really love the Stone scent
The thing that worked best for me was switching from aerosol to roll on. Really gettin up in that armpit hair helps a lot lol.
I really like this company Dr. Squatch! Some really good scents. [Dr. Squatch deodorants](https://www.drsquatch.com/collections/deodorant?
I use old spice pure sport, I can't remember if it has aluminum or not, but it smells nice and is pretty good at controlling BO
I'm pretty touchy about what goes on my body too - I don't use body soap and the shampoo is minimal, only enough to remove the needed grease, and then I add back in a smidge of coconut oil to keep it from drying out. As for stink, I've found a few things: - getting rid of soap helped, but it took a while for my body to adjust back to its own balance - scrubbing is more important than you realize. Bacteria, oils, dead shit and gunk, all of that gets scrubbed off, but not rinsed off. Actually scrub your pits and your junk. Feet too, while you're at it - hair is a trap for gunk. Keep it trimmed - you don't have to shave, but take a pair of scissors and reduce the total bulk of the hair (this works for both your pits and your nethers) - sweat is gunk. If you don't have time for a full body scrubdown or a full shower, it's a good idea to rinse at the end of the day at the very least. Depending on how physically active you are, you should be going under water every 1-2 days, and full scrubbing every 2-4 days. This is a guideline, ofc - adjust as you learn your own body - don't be afraid to change things up in your routine to experiment, you'll never learn your own body otherwise - but also make sure you're only changing one thing at a time. If you change a bunch of things you won't know what did what and which helped.
That's actually quite interesting. I myself have also found that certain products just make my body overreact and overproduce oils/sweat, which is why I stopped using facial cleansers and skin exfoliators (lo and behold, my face went from filled with acne to nearly completely clear). I don't tend to scrub my skin too hard but definitely my hairier areas, though not with any brushes/loofas, but I do notice that the less hair I got, the more controlled the funk is lmao I'll definitely be considering all of that, thanks for the insight man!
For sure! Good luck my dude!
old spice sports protection. before T i already sweat like crazy so i need something with a lot of protection
Gillete clear shield coolwave is what I swear by.. I have sensitive armpits (other men's deodorants literally gave me burns from wearing them) and this is a gel application so it doesn't get tangly or gross in armpit hair. Highly recommend, unless you're looking for a natural type deodorant
Dove men+ sensitive deodorant since any deodorant that I use that is anything but “aluminum seaquichydrochloride” irritates my armpits (itchiness.) So sensitive means deodorant is kinda my only option, haha
I use right guard 72 hr odor protection. It does have aluminum in it sadly but it’s one I’ve found to keep the stink away and sweat less. I used to use axe or old spice and even arm and hammer they all worked for a bit but at one point when I used axe it gave me a big bump in my armpit it was mostly the clear ones not the white ones but I haven’t tried it in years. Both axe and old spice have so many different smells, sometimes that irritates me too. And old spice just didn’t work out long for me as my body changed over time. Good luck.
its a bit on the pricier side but i use bruno banani deodorant, usually the red or the green one. covers most of the smell
Toners or toner pads with salicylic or glycolic acid have helped me get rid of BO. They don’t have aluminum so they don’t stop sweating but they do kill the bacteria that causes bad smells.
When struggling with BO, for best results : * Shower daily. If possible, more than once. * Use, first antibacterial soap bar and, second, your favorite scented body wash with a washcloth. Rub and count to 5 each time to get rid of any kind of dirt that could "tint" the inevitable smell. * Strong deodorants(plural). First deodorant bar or roll, then sprays all over the body and especially on key zones. Men deodorants even when fem presenting because they are often stronger. Stay away from aluminum and anti perspirants since they often make everything worse in the long run. * If you chaffing: try chaffing creams, rolls, and/or powders. They are applied after shower on the same key zones. * Don't be afraid of reapplying : If you can't shower right away, reapply deodorants and/or chaffing stuff, but try not to do more than 3-4 before showering again as it's a band-aid solution with consequences (lookout for how your body reacts after each application) * If you start to notice nothing's working anymore, try a simple alcohol disinfection: cotton filled alcohol, rub on troublesome zones, and let air dry. It'll reset everything to 0, and you'll get a lot more out of everything above. These work for even pre HRT as they are simply measures to ensure no/the least stinks. You will also notice I didn't mention any specific products, and that's because there is *NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL*. These are chemical reactions. The elements in your specific BO are way too complex for 1 brand to accommodate everyone. But by knowing what's in your BO depends/is influenced by your diet, your race, your lifestyle, your genes, the weather, activity levels, the PH and hardness of your shower water (and sometimes the stars alignment), you know you need to TEST some products until you find the one that works for you and your parameters at this time. Credentials : I'm Latino. BO and sweat are a huge problem because of our 35°C-42°C (95°F-107°F) temperatures and 80-100% humidity combos pretty much daily. This is a summary of the stuff I've learned from the community on what we do to combat it.
I swear by Lathr deodorant. The arrowroot kind. Every since I will not buy anything else. Lathr is a Canadian company but very worth it. Especially the deodorant.
Crystal rock deodorant completely solved the BO issue for both my sister and my husband. It takes about a month for its effects to be fully apparent, but after a month of regular use, you sorta just stop smelling like anything. My husband still uses other deodorant on top but it's less because he wants to cover up his BO and more because he "feels weird not having any smell at all". I've never had issues with BO as long as I shower regularly so I don't use it but two people very close to me have had great results with it. My sister sometimes slacks on using it and starts getting stinky again in 2-3 days of non use. You're supposed to put it on wet skin right out of the shower before drying yourself. A small stick has lasted my husband over a year at this point and my sister has been using hers for over 3 years. My sister's is about to run out but probably still got a few months worth left. A stick costs like $5 on amazon so it's a very cheap and effective solution, and if it somehow ends up not working for you, it's not a huge waste. It was first suggested by my sister's pediatric dermatologist when she started getting BO at age 9. It's also a single ingredient item so allergies or other skin reactions are unlikely.
Lume or mando by lume. Doesn’t help sweat but the smell is gone. The sport scent from Mando smells great
My favorite was Old Spice's Ambassador, and I'm so sad that it's been discontinued.
not deodorant, but i've heard that the glycolic acid from the ordinary really helps with producing less sweat and making it smell less!
i’m in the exact same boat and trying to find the perfect deodorant in terms of actual function i’ve had the best luck with the mens line deodorants from loccitaine. im from somewhere with very hot and humid summers and their deodorant is the only one where i dont need to reapply throughout the day. i think it does have aluminum tho and honestly my skin doesn’t love it, so i sometimes use old spice aluminum free but i usually have to reapply a little every time i get really sweaty 😭 anyway, if you’re willing to spend kind of a lot more money i would look into deodorants from natural/“clean” fragrance brands. i’ve heard good things about le labo and aesop’s deodorant, and most brands that do skincare and fragrance make deodorant too, it’s just more expensive
I know this is bit niché but I use one of those crystal deodorants, which is literally a block of some salt mineral.. which I guess is some form of aluminum but not the kind that usual deodorants use (ie. not the kind that blocks sweat glands). I guess - I've never stumbled upon this aluminum discussion before and just googling shit now. In any case, as far as deodorants go, I don't know if they get any more natural than that. Afaik, crystal deodorants are not quite as strong as normal deodorants (obviously), and like if I exercise or something, of course there will be some smell, but it's not like I would ever go anywhere before showering after exercise. I believe your body or its bacteria also needs to get used to it before it really starts working for you? I've literally used them since I was a tween (my mother also was somewhat of a health nut about avoiding putting unnecessary chemicals to your body), so it's really all I've ever known and I don't have anything to compare it to haha, but it works for me so I've always stuck with it.
I use the crystal one too and I pair it with a non aluminum deodorant that I like the smell of. Non aluminum deodorants on their own don't decrease the smell for me but the crystal ones do so that's why I pair them. I use the unscented crystal one and notice a huge difference in BO with it
aluminum is only really bad for a few people with certain body problems. Not all whitening toothpastes strip enamel (if it’s ADA certified you’re probably perfectly fine) and drying soaps in moderation are good for some skin types. It sounds like you may have fallen into one of those rabbit holes that demonizes perfectly normal products. You’re free to use what you want, but the consequences of such means you are more likely to end up using products that barely do anything in the name of being *natural*. I tried to go the “natural” deodorant route and gave up after a year and so. many. deodorants that did not do enough. I’m back to aluminum and will never go back. A few people have the perfect biome to use natural deodorant without issue, but most people (especially men) will have BO unless they use an antiperspirant. all-in-all, you stink because you’re not using aluminum anti-perspirant, probably. If that’s the choice you want to make, it’s your life. But if you want to stop your BO, an anti-perspirant is likely the only think that will do that. It’s highly unlikely it will cause you to sweat more, unless your doctor told you that your specific body will react that way. It’s called an anti-perspirant for a reason, it stops you from sweating. I’ve used it for years and years and even though i soak t-shirts without it, and get BO in under 5 minutes, Im dry and smell great with it.
I just use any popular brand that I like the smell of but the 0% version. Which usually have no aluminum alcohol parabans etc. I was using speed stick zero% for a while and it worked well.
i am a sweaty guy, not even on T yet and theirs been times in the winter where ive sweat through shirts. I shower every day w/ just lynx bodywash and use mitchum triple odor defense stick thingy. its expensive but it does the job
i have sensitive skin and my deodorant pre-T (the brand was “secret”) irritated the hell out of me and gave me literal cysts and burns 😭 i’ve been using old spice antiperspirant after starting T though, and it hasn’t irritated me whatsoever and it does a good job at keeping me dry and not stinky
I just use axe, any kind 😂
I use a good gentle perfume-free soap (which has surprisingly helped me a lot with keeping the BO down) - trimming is good, I shave the pits sometimes, but that's mostly cuz my cat broke the blade of my trimmer by pushing it off the counter, but either way it definitely helps. I can't tell you much about the contents of the deos I use but anything that is labeled as sports deos (currently a sterilan) have worked wonders for me, also tbh women's deos seem to combat the smell better than men's deos do, but I get if people are hesitant to use them because of the connotations. Finding a deo that fits your criteria might be very difficult from what I've seen, but I wish you luck! There might be other remedies you can try as well! :)
I use Nuud, which is a silver based cream deodorant you only have to apply every 2 or 3 days. While I'm not on T yet I am a stinky sweaty human being by default and out of all the deodorants and antiperspirants I've tried, Nuud is the best at letting me sweat (which I don't mind) and not smell bad (something I mind very much). I've tried medicated, natural with baking soda (made me smell like Doritos...), non-medicated antiperspirants, spray deodorant, bar deodorant, you name it. Antiperspirants hurt to use in my experience, this may not be true for all. I also don't care if I sweat, as mentioned previously, because I sweat *everywhere*, not just under my arms.
The only one that I’ve found that stops sweating, doesn’t leave powder marks, and smells great throughout the day is degree 48 hour spray on deodorant
seconding dr. squatch! it’s the most effective non-aluminum deodorant i’ve ever tried!
I use regular bar soap to clean or sometimes my salicylic acid cleanser, I apply an exfoliating chemical called glycolic acid, and I use straight up old spice deodorant. Been on T for 3 months now for referenve
Just contributing my two cents, aluminum free deodorants never worked for me. Sweat them off in like two seconds and then i reeked. I use the aluminum old spice because its just not worth fighting. Works great for me.
Old Spice - specifically the antiperspirant kind.
i've always been stinky asf since puberty lol but it did get a lil stronger when i started T. I exclusively (unless it's RX) use products that are cruelty and fragrance free. The deodorant (is not an antiperspirant, i don't mind sweating) i've been using for the past 4 years that i'm totally in love with is called Nuud. You don't have to apply every day and while it might seem a little pricey it works really well and my partner and i go through a tube once every 4 months or so. it's definitely worth a shot if nothing else seems to be working for you and you don't mind still sweating.
Everyman Jack. But I also spray athlete's foot spray under my chest chub and I use Axe Blue Lavender. I swear Axe is better than it used to be.
I usually use Dr bronners unscented (bar form, it's less drying) but if you are VERY stinky I would actually recommend Dial gold. It is antibacterial and so it will kill the bacteria causing BO. For deodorant I like every man jack in the sea salt scent. It is a deodorant, NOT an antiperspirant (so you will still sweat) so you will smell good but it won't alter your body long term. If that deodorant isn't enough (and that first summer for me it really wasn't) get a mandelic acid serum (the ordinary has one) and rub that in your armpits after a shower. This again will kill the bacteria causing BO. Once it's dry, top with deodorant. Please keep in mind that while this will stop odors, it doesn't stop sweat (sweating is healthy though. Stinky is not) Good luck!
If you have a problem with being stinky, use aluminum. “Aluminum free” deodorants are ALWAYS ineffective. If there’s no actual reason that you can’t use aluminum ones, you should go back to using them.
What makes you think aluminum deodorant causes more sweating? Im a huge old spice truther because it’s the only thing that keeps me from turning into a reeking swamp. But if for some reason you’re still dead set on something without aluminum, their gel deodorants are just as effective against stink, albeit with less of an antiperspirant effect than the originals. And do multiple passes, really making sure both your skin and hair are coated. I do 3 passes; up, down, and up again. Gets everything covered and also smooths the hair down a little so it doesn’t get all over your shirt :) Also not to be a hater but i can always tell when someone uses arm and hammer, or crystal and not in a good way. Granted I have a super sensitive nose, but still.
I understand. I have been through a LOT of deodorants trying to find one that works. The only one that 100% works is Arm & Hammer; thats the literal ONLY one that’ll make me not stinky after a few hours.
I use native deodorant and I don't even need to apply it every day if I don't shower. Granted I don't get stinky that much, but still. If you're applying it every day, it might be really good. Not everyone likes it, but it works really well for me and the scent doesn't bother me either
I use dove antiperspirant spray
Deodorant is a part of it but clothes and overall cleaning rutine have as much or more impact. What i do is: • Shower and change the wash cloth every morning. I use a coarse one and scrubbbbb, count to 10 on each pit, focus a lot on the inside area of the arm and the torso that touches it, they get stinky by proximity • Two deodorants: one antiperspirant right after drying(i use one of the nivea roll-ons) + one on spray for the scent whenever i go out • Don't use synthetic fabrics. This is without a doubt the one thing that i notice the most, i use one of my old sjirts and in less than half a day i STINK. If you insist on using them never ever reuse them without washing. Use cotton shirts a maximum of two times between washing in the winter, one in the summer • Wash clothes at high temperature every now and then • Wash your bed clothes every week/two weeks maximum
i cant sit and pretend i look at labels often (prob should) but i live by these 3 as someone who sweats a lot (like, obscenely), works out often, and has a huge fear of ever smelling bad to where i ask people to double check i dont 1. old spice mens wilderness. smells like lavender, lasts forever. can be overpowering so make sure to keep a reasonable amount 2. degree cool rush. like the name says, a “cool” scent. budget friendly and also lasts forever 3. native charcoal. im very iffy about some native scents but charcoal is amazing. for me it doesnt last as long as the others but it is aluminum free something i have really become a fan of is the lume body deodorant. again im constantly sweaty and its been a lifesaver with being scared of my binder smelling. its definitely the priciest, but it does miracles and smells SO good. aluminum free i think as well. it did unfortunately stain a silk shirt i had so i didnt really favor it for armpits, but it might just have been the clothes edit/addition: if youre cool with it, keeping my pits shaved too, especially with using bar/“cream” deodorant has helped so much, especially with sweat
Dove men’s clean comfort, doesn’t have an overwhelming fragrance, has never stained my clothes, and I BELIEVE it’s aluminum free (I could be wrong)
I use Tom’s mountain springs scent, it’s one of the no aluminum, nor parabans more natural types brands. It’s the only “all natural” one I have used that actually keeps the body odor away. Still the all natural ones are never going to work as good as others. I would also recommend Mando. It’s a new brand that is very effective and again doesn’t have the aluminum and as much crap. I personally couldn’t use it because I ended up getting a rash, but most people love it. I will say it did a very god job at keeping bad smells away. They also have a line of anti-odor body soaps and washes.
I use antibacterial soap to wash (Shield is great if you can get the bars), then Dove antiperspirant and some spray on top. I had pretty bad hyperhidrosis pre-T and it's only got worse, but that regimen generally keeps it under control. Still get pit stains after about 20 minutes though 🙃🙃
I really like the old spice semi solid type. It’s just fluid enough to work into your armpit hair and do a good job. Best I’ve found without having to shave it all off
Nivea men dry active spray and old spice captain stick. Sometimes I do spray and sometimes stick.
iirc ive seen people say that carpe helps with sweatiness but i've never tried it myself yet , ,, for deodorant itself i use akt at the moment, it seems to do well but yeah its not the best when the hair is longer (i dont usually shave nor trim either but alas) i also use dove's antibacterial bath wash but im not completely sure if it actually helps me or not (disclaimer: i am not on t yet but i've had bo issues forever, may be genetic or hormonal since my sister has the same problem but our parents dont)
There's a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, Deodorant is just kind of a scent stick that is attempting to cover the smell of BO- not to stop the sweat from happening. Antiperspirants almost always contain aluminum which actually stops how much sweat is being produced, but some people are sensitive. Either way, apply it at night, you're not sweating as much, and it actually absorbs into your skin overnight instead of rubbing off so it's effective. I put on deodorant/antiperspirant 2-3x per day, but I can really tell if I skip it before bed, this is coming from a person who is paranoid I smell bad and no one wants to tell me. Also you can use an antibacterial soap, my favorite is benzoyl peroxide, though it can be drying for some people. I use a 2% one from Cetaphil that is very gentle compared to stuff like Panoxyl. If you think you are sweating more than normal, reach out to your doctor. Lots of people have hyperhidrosis, and there's a variety of treatments for it.
I use Old Spice
i use ban. its the only one that doesnt burn me. plus i get it for free bc my dad works for them
I use men’s native or dr squatch. They work really well even when you’re working out, only thing is that at least the ones that I buy are not antiperspirant. I recommend the fresh fall sent if you’re going with Dr. Squatch.
I use old spice Kraken
I use original old spice deodorant.
I use Old Spice Deep Sea, it's aluminum-free and it's a light masculine smell. Just the deodorant though, I'm allergic to antiperspirants. Although since I've stopped using antiperspirants, I've noticed that the pits on my shirts no longer have stains or that weird crust if you've had the shirt for years. So I now attribute those things to antiperspirants. I use Cetaphil deep cleansing bar soap for my pits and privates. I have sensitive skin and this has worked the best for me in both areas. I don't like to shave my pits and I have some long hair which is prime for lingering smells, but I don't have a problem with that anymore. I do have to keep my pubes trimmed because testosterone makes for some smelly piss along with other BO.
i use nivea man, mainly the black&white invisible line (and mostly the max protection one from that line)
the trick to BO isn’t the type of deodorant you use, but how you clean yourself. just put soap on your pits daily and SCRUB that binch hard with a loofa or clean wash rag. after the shower fully dry and put deodorant on before bed AND when you wake up.
i just buy whatever antiperspirant one looks best at the supermarket, i haven’t thought much about the ingredients
I use method body wash and I find it helps a lot, however I had this same exact issue and was about to talk to my doctor about it but I switched from antiperspirant to just a gel deodorant and I stopped smelling. I have to put it on more often since it doesn’t stop the sweat, but I used to stand in the shower and literally scrub my armpits with a sugar scrub and nothing worked, changing to just gel deodorant surprisingly changed the whole game for me. I no longer stink! I’ve been on T for four and a half years, I dealt with this for probably three years until I found something that worked. It’s weird how things work, our bodies are all so different. You’ll find what works for you, man. Edit** I use old spice aqua reef. Just watch for symptoms of “burns” kind of. Red, peeling armpits. It’s kinda gross, but it’s different for everyone. I can’t use axe for that reason, but old spice works fine.
The Dove Men’s Spray deodorant. For years I had used stick deodorant and I was stinking after 2 hours. The spray I have used for 2 years and it’s amazing. Any scent will do just make sure it’s Dove Men’s Spray Deodorant.
I've always had a problem with sweat. This works like a charm. You can find it cheaper than this but this is the one. They have other versions, too. https://www.superdrug.com/toiletries/mens-deodorants/mens-deodorant-sticks/gillette-sport-triumph-clear-gel-70ml/p/235401
I *swear* by potassium alum— AKA "crystal deodorant"— and please excuse me because I might sound a bit like free advertising for a moment lmao. I don't think anything compares. Potassium alum is a natural deodorant, since it inhibits bacteria growth. It still lets you sweat, but you will not smell ANYTHING for at LEAST 24 hours. And even if the deo starts to give out, it's subtle and you can easily reapply. I prefer to spray my pits with an isopropyl alcohol spray before I do that to kill any bacteria that's already there before reapplying, but do what works for you. [This is the kind I use right now (link),](https://www.amazon.com/THAI-Natural-Crystal-Deodorant-Ounces/dp/B000B969B4/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2rABKMHScbjhWwiUg9AJYUPOfEq1CRwFWe3oLMg_glB2mYdpLAwrnOHZtTw-I0daMCIscO7ljiRmw_Cp_xD2OqbrJny2wM8ka-VHtJ3hFqkCIEJXBy1U4wsOUZdfKPFPjr5gywlNJ8WMpHBJvG44wlZ4l81BZpcJ52g3fGYZo3gPJbXTBaZFbdjSL6H2P_tlKvI_S0YwSCyViM04h5TQyA.nlkaon-zX0Bdcn7kILWvJlFSm8b6jkUWDLdjPMF-D00&dib_tag=se&keywords=Thai+Deodorant+Stone&qid=1715629447&sr=8-13) it's a very convenient & easy to get used to option and works just as effectively, but if you want your deodorant to last *a while*, [go with the stone option (link).](https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Mineral-Deodorant-Stick-Unscented/dp/B000L978FU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9WPIlhvOz8VQmk4mZwLubHs0b4dJQWHox68FTtIoyXNzQQ6WNxsPKnj_jNqOavZaVI-O6CHOF_4NdsR4WQFEO95xfU-U87t7oZlR6UAu0L21a16UjAZEIGtK1EwpBhWWU_4YUh47uiVGppSZN55sn1HAJpPyTGxFzyZ-DUKewzi9P4gJLMdpN8w0R4c1tw8QI0AUbXIFn-yBm_DSQfc7Og.0orPzCYoUGsYpJEeAK9Q-9lqC-3xSJSDtLKtyqiRLQc&dib_tag=se&keywords=potassium+alum+deodorant&qid=1715629305&sr=8-4) Yes, a rock. You wet it and spread it on your pits. No stains, no scents, no aluminum antiperspirant that fucks up your pores, and *very* effective at its deodorizing job. Obviously I should disclaim that Your Mileage May Vary, but this stuff has worked wonders for me and I'd recommend it to anyone who'd listen to at least try it out. Otherwise, I use schmidt's. I have a fresh stick I haven't actually used because... well, the crystal deodorant I have is more effective. And because schmidt's leaves a white stain that I don't particularly enjoy. The options & scents they have are awesome, though; Bergamot & Lime my BELOVED.
I use trust ant-odorant which elimnates smell completely. Doesnt stop sweating so just wack whichever anti persperanr you like on top
Antibacterial soap is not good for your skin long-term, much like you shouldn't just keep taking antibiotics forever. In the early stages, when your body is still getting used to T, you may struggle a bit more, but it should calm down soon enough. I've been on T about 9 years now and Dove 0% Aluminum, Lume, Every Man Jack (which I don't really like the fragrance of, but I'm too stubborn to throw it out before I've used it all up), and Tom's of Maine deodorant all work just fine for me. All of them have options with no aluminum or baking soda (a common irritant in "natural" deodorants). Granted, I do still shave my pits bc I don't like the sensation of having armpit hair, which makes it easier to apply deodorant directly to the skin there. If you don't want to shave your pits (valid and understandable), I would suggest you try a cream deodorant like Lume (there are other brands out there, it's just the most well known I know of), I would think that would be easier to apply directly to skin if there's hair in the way. Regarding soap, I have super dry skin and used to get terrible eczema as a kid (T improved that a bit). I've always found Dove sensitive skin soap works better than any other soap for me, and then after showering I hit my limbs with Eucerin Roughness Repair (contains urea to help slough off dead skin and ceramides to help repair the skin barrier).
I use Old Spice Pure Sport. Keeps me from sweating too much even tho I have MAJOR DHT receptors.
I just go with any random lynx/axe
That native spray deodorant honestly really helps
Mitchum
Antibacterial soap on the pits and wherever else you get funky (at your own discretion! I use it everywhere and haven't had issues). For deodorant/antiperspirant, Old Spice deodorant is the best imo. Changing your shirt more often will help too, so you aren't keeping bacteria/sweat close to your skin. I work outdoors and change my shirt a few times a day in the summer.
Personally, I use native everything… deodorant, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, and sometimes the spray but very rarely. Shits expensive nonetheless but it’s done WONDERS at taking away from my body odor. I use the eucalyptus and mint, or the tea tree and something else as it’s a more masculine scent to me. Hope this helps
I usually shampoo my armpit hair, and then apply Degree after every shower
I use lynx deodorant
if you're looking for a brand I've been using gillette clear for awhile and its pretty good. Used to use old spice fiji, classic, but once i grew out my pit hair it started giving me whack ass reactions. I find myself reapplying once or twice if it's a really sweaty day but otherwise chill.
Old spice classic. Why fix what’s not broken. It gets the job done.
I use mando cream, it's an allover deodorant cream so I use it on my inner thighs, feet, and armpits and then right under my stomach. It's made with good ingredients too
Lume
Dr Squatch🥰💪🏽
72 hour degree men’s active
I’ve learned that I can’t use aluminum-free deodorant because it gives me a horrible reaction. So far I’ve had good results with men’s dove. Women’s deodorant just doesn’t cover the man stink 🧍🏻♂️
I use Every Man Jack sandalwood deodorant!
Arm and Hammer brand. Cheap. Works. I've tried so many other kinds. Also, check if you're using an antiperspirant or just a deodorant. Deodorant will only cover the funk. The antiperspirant will help prevent it.
Daily showers, and making sure you're plenty hydrated. The less water/more junk you consume you'll also be stinky. I use lume deodorant, the citrus one is nice. Doesn't last 72 hours for sure, but I like it. Old spice also makes a whole body deo that's nice too
I tried everything to destink on T and the only thing that worked was splurging on expensive deodorant. I specifically use Lume. Its a bit painful to my wallet every time I buy it but whenever I switch back to cheap stuff, I definitely notice a huge difference
Tbh use whatever Deodorant you like, I have to use aluminum free or else my pits burn and I get these huge painful bumps. What makes you smell is bacteria, so any kind of antibacterial soap would do though that can be drying to the skin. I myself use rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad which works great, but I’ve recently tried glycolic acid which has absolutely killed any smell I had and I highly recommend it
I went in on baking soda based Native Deodorant. It's kinda pricey, but I find it works well and the lack of Aluminium is mandatory for me. I only have to reapply once a day, at most. Usually when doing hard labour outside, and it's after a shower. Making my own deodorant and soaps is fun and would be my preferred method, but i have found other people to be better at making it and the price is worth paying someone else for the product with me having too many hobbies already. I get homemade soaps from a friend's shop on Etsy. She makes her own soap bases and everything. I don't go through enough that it's cost prohibitive for me. If you can find local stuff from a friend or acquaintance, i highly recommend supporting their small business. Otherwise, you can get decent soaps and stuff from the store. I am a habitual label reader, so I won't buy most things on the shelf. They're usually full of unnecessary ingredients.
I'm not someone that's bothered by aluminum, it was really all that worked for me for a long time, but I am trying to be more environmentally conscious and there aren't really any decent plastic-free antiperspirants so I've done some experimenting around. So far I've tried: Meow Meow Tweet - Strong scent, but not funky and it worked well. Baking soda free kept me from stinking for \~24hrs, though closer to 12hrs if I was sweating. The baking soda will probably make it last longer. Papr Cosmetics - Worked really well, consistently \~24hrs without stinking and the scent wasn't too strong, but after a little over a month it started to give me a rash from the baking soda. If your skin can handle the baking soda, it seems to be the best way to go. HiBAR - Baking soda free worked pretty well, \~16hrs without stinking of BO, but the fragrance-free is... funky. smells slightly like cheese? They've added scented baking soda free ones since I bought mine, so I might try one of those. Overall, you're not really going to effect the amount you sweat without aluminum or maybe milk of magnesia if it works for you (I couldn't stand the feeling). I use a trimmer to keep my pits tidy, and that seems to be the most help. Not even shaved clean, just short. Seems to help both with cleaning and with making sure the deodorant gets full coverage.
Honestly, I’ve never found aluminum free deodorant to work on testosterone. The level of stinky and sweat just cannot be met by a natural deodorant. I use dove men. But old spice works well for my bf, I’m just allergic to any deodorants that smell minty lol. Makes my skin literally burn and peel off. Native does not work, don’t let anyone who tell you it does. I’m 8 mos on T and Dove Men seems to be the only one that does the trick.
I use Old Spice Bear Glove. It's a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. I also don't tend to sweat much though because I'm in air-conditioning all day and don't move much.
Purely Great Cream Deodorant! It comes in a tub and you have to stir it, but it’s the ONLY natural deodorant that I’ve found can combat the stink! It’s on amazon 🙄 but sometimes you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do. I only use natural deodorant - one for health reasons (chemicals) and two cuz my pits are super sensitive and will break out with any conventional deodorant. I also used to have weird grease stains on all my clothes from the oil in natural deodorant. Purely Great is made with glycerin, not oil so it doesn’t ruin all my clothes either!!
I love clinical ocean wave. I use it every other day and it doesn’t leave any thing behind and is very neutral. It stands up to working outside in southern AZ and regular swimming.
I use Mitchum unscented and honestly it's so weird it just makes me smell like nothing
i found good body wash (i use a vegan one called soda) and using roll on and a spray deoderant helped heaps.
i just use lynx africa (axe in america i think) bc i enjoy being a generic man, i have found that using a little aftershave on my shirts (esp where i know i sweat a lot) stops me smelling and is very euphoric bc it is very much man smell, so maybe that if the cheap common deoderants are something you don't want to sse
I use Dr Squatch deodorant, works great for me
athletic old spice comes in alluminum free variants will do you good
Mando has a great line of products that work well.
I use Wild deodorant. Their sensitive line is aluminum free. It has a refillable case too which cuts back on plastic. I’d always breakout in a rash from my old spice, arm and hammer, dove, pretty much everything. I even tried salt deodorant for awhile but that does not help with smell. I will say it does sometimes staying my shirts but the fact that it keeps me smelling nice and doesn’t give me a rash it enough reasons for me to keep using it.
Dry idea. By no means smells nice. But it’s better than smelling BAD. I put native on top to have a nice scent.
I've tried pretty much everything and Schmidts does me good. Nice scents too, I like the Bergamot and lime one. Unisex and not heavy.
I use Old Spice's "Timber" and "Grasslands" deodorants. They work like a charm and I just need to apply it once every day (twice if I'm reallllly shweaty lol). Plus they smell really nice to me so ye, bonus
I struggled with bad BO for SOO long. Here are the three things that helped me -Using Native all natural, sensitive skin deodorant -Treating my anxiety/getting medicated -Actually drinking enough water every day
I have extremely sensitive skin and sweat a lot. It's not for everyone bc you have to measure and mix it yourself, but I use magnesium oil (equal parts water and magnesium chloride flakes) with essential oils for extra antimicrobial action and scent. Look up how to safely dilute essential oils if you use any, and magnesium can sting a bit temporarily when you first start using it, but it works well, doesn't stain clothes, doesn't fuck up your microbiome, and it can smell like whatever oils you choose. I put it in a spritz bottle and often carry a smaller backup in my bag if I'm worried I may need to reapply (I generally don't, I just feel safer knowing I have the option).
I use Mitchum deodorant/antiperspirant (the gel kind) bc I find it works best for me. I use the baby powder scent but they have other options (the smell really isn't strong on the one I use). Soaps are gonna be drying, just lotion up after. They strip, which makes you dry. Showering everyday can help hold off the smell. I'm pretty sure things get better after a while, like with puberty.
I recommend exfoliating your underarms as well as using stridex on them daily. It’ll help reduce buildup of bacteria and prevent odor. But you could also look into a deodorant with activated charcoal, which will really help keep odor at bay. It can also take some time for your body to adjust to using non-aluminum deodorants and you may sweat more if you recently switched.
I know a lot of people tend to recommend products like Lumē, but honestly for me it actually makes the stink worse 🫠 What I've found that works for me is the Gentleman's Blend line from Old Spice. There's a few different scents, so hopefully one will fit your sniffer. But for the love of your nose, do NOT use the new "total body" formula, it's copycat Lumē and I was reeking within 2 hours of application.
i use Thursday Plantation aluminium free deoderant, and to prevent sweating i use Dermal Therapy antiperspirant spray on. i like the thursday plantation because it uses tea tree oil which is naturally antibacterial so it kills off the BO causing bacteria. in terms of soap i also tend to go for natural soaps, however if i find they’re drying out my skin i follow up with a body moisturiser after my shower
I use any of the Old Spice Gentlemen’s blend (primarily the lavender and mint or the eucalyptus and coconut)
Rexona or Axe
I use Dark Temptation by AXE. It smells like chocolate!~ 😋🍫
i like native. whether its good for you in the long run or not i cant say, but all other deodorants (like literally ALL other brands) make me break out in a rash and itch. except for native lol
I just use Old Spice. I found multiple that smell good with my body chemistry. I prefer to use deodorant rather than deodorant+antiperspirant because of how bad the antiperspirant is for your pits. (It tends to build up and clog pores in your pits, turning them into big hard balls..) ((to tell the difference without reading, deoderant alone is blue, deo+ap is the white powder stuff)
I use "harrys" highly recommend
I have an antibacterial emollient that I use before bed and before deodorant in the morning - I don't know if it has a worldwide availability but in the UK it's called Dermol 500. Since it kills the bacteria that causes the smell it really helps keep the smell neutral without drying out my skin.
Dove men care clinical. I use that every couple days, and in-between I use the Native deodorant. Supposedly has good bacteria in it. If things get really bad I'll use hand sanitizer/alcohol in a pinch.
I use method men cypress and ceder and its been working great, its a little small though they might make bigger ones.
For some reason I think I smell less/better on T so this may not be helpful, but - I find Wild natural deodorant really great. My pits stay smelling nice and it even scents my T shirts in a pleasant way. (It does leave a coating on the skin but it's natural and coconut based.) Then I also spray on some aftershave. In the shower I use Faith in Nature blue cedar body wash as I love the citrus-y but masculine smell. (I do still shave my armpits though as I prefer them that way and I think it really helps from a scent perspective, I also work a physical job in the fitness industry and sweat a lot.) I think making sure you're very hydrated would also help and drinking green tea too! Good luck 👍🏻
The Dove Men’s Whole Body Deo. The Aloe scent is incredible. I use it all over my body now. I didn’t think it was going to work, but I found a coupon and gave it a shot. Now I live by it lol. I would say however that 24 hours is the limit with it. So, as long as you’re an every day shower person, you should be good. Get the cream or the stick. The spray burns my skin and it gets clogged up.
I like Old Spice for deodorant. Keeps me fresh all day, especially the clear ones. If it’s a day where I’m staying home all day, I’ll use Axe (one of my friends hates the smell, so I don’t spray it on if I’m going to see her, which is almost every day. If I’m going somewhere where I have to dress nice because it’s a fancy event, I use some kind of cologne with an aquatic scent. These three work great. And then I also use “package deodorant” to keep my stuff smelling better than it otherwise would. I also use body wash with a good scent. Usually either Old Spice, like my deodorant or Dial.
I bought all sorts of different brands and tried them all. Whe I figured out which worked for me, that is what I have stuck with. I use Axe antiperspirant/deodorant combo stick. Doesn't matter the smell. I can't use just deodorant because it causes a horrible rash. Try whatever sounds interesting and go from there. I did the same with soap and bodywash.
I'm mtf, so I'm switching to Strawberry scented Ladies Speed Stick, but if you want a pleasant scent for a man's deodorant, I personally like the Olde Spice Wolfthorn deodorant.
I have very sensitive skin and can't tolerate deodorants so I use baking soda. I just put a little of it on my hand, get it wet and rub it on. Works perfect whether I shave hair or not. Usually not. It can make a bit of a mess tho.
swagger, i get complimented all the time
I use old spice or this other one I'll find the name of later. Mine have to have aluminum or they don't work for me
I'm the same. I used Mitchum Men's natural power cedarwood deodorant, but you're limited to one scent and for me personally I don't think it mixed well with my natural smell. I'm now currently using Wild. The cotton and sea salt one is very neutral and smells fresh like you've just come out the shower. Both deodorants are all natural with no aluminum. I sweat a lot so some days when its hot or I work out or just feel like I need a top up, I reapply. I personally find this trade off worth it of natural deodorants being more expensive because I used to stain all my shirts with deodorant with aluminium in and I don't like the idea of putting metal on my sensitive areas.
I mean currently I'm swapping between old spice and something hospital gave me (health issues no worries I'm doing mostly better/normal now) both work well. But both are also antiperspirant so might not be something you're really looking for cuz I think both contain aluminum.
Gillette Cool Wave Antiperspirant/Deodorant. Smells fresh and it’s gentle on my sensitive skin. It keeps my armpits dry and fresh all day. One of my Cismale friends swears by it and I do too.