# Men: Please recommend me your best deodorant/antiperspirant **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 26, 2015, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957 "2015-01-26T22:36:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/21 "2015-01-27T05:15:26Z")
Arm & Hammer. They make an antiperspirant stick. It took me a while to stumble upon it because it’s not shelved at eye-level since it’s 2$. I’d like you to report back on the Mitchum stuff but please do compare it to Arm & Hammer antiperspirant. Whatever you do, get an antiperspirant as opposed to a deodorant. ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/22 "2015-01-27T05:40:52Z")
Looks like I’m sixth in line to tout Mitchum. I’m a big sweaty guy and Mitchum is the only thing that keeps me in check. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/23 "2015-01-27T06:51:32Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > I exclusively use Tom’s of Maine unscented deodorant. Every single other brand I’ve tried and even the scented versions of Tom’s of Maine give me itchy underarm rash. Good luck on your quest, though! I also use Tom’s unscented. I’m surprised at how well it works and pleased with how little it smells. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/24 "2015-01-27T14:17:52Z")
I like the Right Guard gels and the Mitchum gels. I suppose I could go a day without showering using either of these products, but I never would. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/25 "2015-01-27T14:35:05Z")
This and only this: [Arm&Hammer Ultramax Unscented Anti-Perspirant](http://www.armandhammer.com/personal-care/antiperspirants-deodorants/Products/arm-and-hammer-ultramax-solid-antiperspirant-deodorant-unscented.aspx). ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/26 "2015-01-27T14:36:11Z")
Arrid XX Dry roll-on. I was traveling overseas and the airline lost my luggage for 5 days. I bought some Mennen speed stick at a pharmacy to use as that was all they had. Speed stick and my body chemistry just do not mix. As the OP mentioned, after about an hour I smelled worse than if I had used nothing at all. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/27 "2015-01-27T14:44:16Z")
I buy whatever antiperspirant has the largest % of the active ingredient. Right now, that’s Arm & Hammer, which also happens to be very inexpensive. It’s a no-brainer for me. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/28 "2015-01-27T14:48:20Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > I buy whatever antiperspirant has the largest % of the active ingredient. Right now, that’s Arm & Hammer, which also happens to be very inexpensive. It’s a no-brainer for me. What is the active ingredient? ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/29 "2015-01-27T14:59:18Z")
> [@TBG](#): > > I’ve been using Old Spice (original round stick formula, which isn’t a round stick… Me too, for many years. It’s a deodorant and readily available in the US. One warning is that many of the antiperpirants have (or used to have last time I checked) aluminum chlorhydrate. With the possible link of Alzheimer’s to aluminum I didn’t want to put anything with aluminum onto my glandular system. I think the general definitions are that deodorants are meant to mask the smell while antiperspirants are meant to help stop you from sweating. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/30 "2015-01-27T15:18:44Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > What is the active ingredient? Aluminum Zirconium, or something very similar. It’s marked clearly on the back. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/31 "2015-01-27T15:24:22Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > One warning is that many of the antiperpirants have (or used to have last time I checked) aluminum chlorhydrate. With the possible link of Alzheimer’s to aluminum I didn’t want to put anything with aluminum onto my glandular system. Here is a [WebMD article](http://www.m.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/antiperspirant-facts-safety) that addresses the fear about aluminum in antiperspirants, and the fact that aluminum has basically been ruled out as a potential cause of Alzheimer’s. ---
**Author:** ![JKilez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e5b9ba/32.png) [@JKilez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKilez)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/32 "2015-01-27T15:30:15Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > What is the active ingredient? **Arm & Hammer Ultramax Antiperspirant** Active Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (19%) Looks like there is a commonality to recommended brands. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/33 "2015-01-27T15:36:36Z")
Count me in the Mitchum unscented gel camp, but when I travel I use Tom’s of Maine unscented as the stick doesn’t ooze into my shaving kit. FWIW, I tried using the “natural crystal” type deodorants/antiperspirants and they simply weren’t effective for me, I reeked after a day at work and I shower daily, twice if I’m at the gym for a noon workout. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/34 "2015-01-27T15:36:40Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Here is a [WebMD article](http://www.m.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/antiperspirant-facts-safety) that addresses the fear about aluminum in antiperspirants, and the fact that aluminum has basically been ruled out as a potential cause of Alzheimer’s. Thanks, but I’ll still stay away from putting aluminum on my glands until more data and years (and other people being guinea pigs) have passed. I used to work with nasty chemicals that were carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens. Many people were harmed by some of those, until the chemicals were classified as such and MSDSs were created and required. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/35 "2015-01-27T15:42:33Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > Count me in the Mitchum unscented gel camp, but when I travel I use Tom’s of Maine unscented as the stick doesn’t ooze into my shaving kit. I as well have noticed the tendency of Mitchum to ooze when I travel. I wonder if it is a pressure thing from changes in altitude, or just jiggling around in my luggage? ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blue_blistering_barnacle/32/3386_2.png) [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Blistering_Barnacle)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/36 "2015-01-27T15:44:21Z")
I don’t use anti-perspirant. I like 'Old Spice" regular stick. It’s true that a deoderant will combine with your natural smell, so you want something that complements your natural odor. I’ve deluded myself into thinking that “Old Spice” spice does that for me. ::whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle:: ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/37 "2015-01-27T15:46:53Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Thanks, but I’ll still stay away from putting aluminum on my glands until more data and years (and other people being guinea pigs) have passed. They’ve been available since before WWII. I’d say that’s plenty of years and/or guinea pigs. Couple that with the enormous amount of research that has been done on the subject, and it’s safe to say that antiperspirants do not pose a significant health risk to anyone whose kidneys aren’t failing. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/38 "2015-01-27T15:50:24Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > I as well have noticed the tendency of Mitchum to ooze when I travel. I wonder if it is a pressure thing from changes in altitude, or just jiggling around in my luggage? As a general comment, when flying or travelling to high mountains it’s a good idea to remove the air from containers like lotion and tooth paste to avoid their oozing due to air pressure changes. Do this when packing. When opening such containers at higher altitudes, shake the contents down and away from the opening so that any air inside the container is at its opening. That way you will avoid or minimize the oozing and spillage. Don’t ask me how I know this. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/39 "2015-01-27T15:50:59Z")
> [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](#): > > ::whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle, whistle:: “Dooty-doot-di-doot-di-doot-doot!” ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2015, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957/40 "2015-01-27T16:23:38Z")
Another vote for Arm & Hammer unscented. It’s getting harder to find, but worth the effort. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-please-recommend-me-your-best-deodorant-antiperspirant/710957.md?page=3)