Updated on 2 September 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Mennen Tonique (4x 50 ml)
This deodorant is a must if you are looking for an effective product for sports, everyday use and even in high temperatures. In addition, it is easy to apply and dries quickly without leaving any traces.
This deodorant in stick form was very comfortable to apply during our tests. Its masculine scent was very present on application and when we were sweating a lot, but other than that, it was quite discreet. It was therefore effective in masking sweat odours, even during sports sessions. Its negative point is on the side of its composition as it includes 10 different allergens, several alcohols and even colourants which seem to us to be superfluous. It should therefore be avoided if your skin is particularly sensitive to these ingredients.
A good deodorant doesn't stop you from sweating, but it does help to avoid unpleasant odours.
The key is to find a safe and reliable deodorant that suits you.
An effective deodorant contains active ingredients that neutralise the bacteria that grow around sweat.
The spray format is very practical because it is quick and easy to apply.
Roll-on or ball packs have the advantage of often being more compact.
The stick is quite practical but requires a little more time during application.
Aluminium salts should be avoided as they mechanically block the natural process.
Since you will be using it daily, it is best to check its composition.
Essential oils have a pleasant scent but can irritate the skin of sensitive people.
Although this spray has the advantage of coming in a glass bottle, it is particularly appreciated for its light and fresh texture, its ease of application, its quick-drying, which avoids any stains on clothes, and its organic composition.
Weleda Citrus (100 ml)
If you are someone who is in a hurry in the morning or wants to be able to reapply your deodorant easily during the day, this spray format should suit you. Formulated with essential oils, it has a mild and pleasant scent that is fresh. It has proven effective for everyday use, but in warmer weather, it may need to be reapplied, as was the case during our tests. It didn’t hold up so well when perspiration increased. The small advantage? It’s perfectly suitable for family use. If you are particularly sensitive, be aware that it contains alcohol and 5 different allergens (which is still less than many other deodorants).
Baxter of California (75 g)
The pleasant and decidedly masculine scent of this deodorant stick is discreet enough to allow you to perfume yourself without it becoming a firework display of fragrances.
Very easy to apply, this deodorant is particularly appreciated for its clear gel formula that leaves no trace on clothes and absorbs quickly without sticking. However, during our tests, it seemed that its durability was a little limited, indeed, we had to reapply it once during the day. Nevertheless, it manages to reduce the odour of perspiration if it is not too intense. On the other hand, you should know that its composition, even if it is free of aluminium salts, is far from exemplary as it includes no less than 9 allergens as well as several alcohols. Therefore, avoid it if your skin is particularly sensitive to these ingredients.
Appreciated for its practical format, its effectiveness and its good hold, this organic deodorant is equally appealing for its invigorating and discreet fragrance, its superior composition and its skin-friendly formula.
Weleda Bio 24h (50 ml)
This roll-on deodorant is easy to apply and does not stick to the skin, thanks to its pleasant scent of verbena, rosemary and vetiver. When we tested it, we were impressed by its effectiveness and its long-lasting effect, even after a sports session. Its small format is very handy to carry with you in case you need to reapply it. It appeals to both teenagers and adults. Certified organic, it contains alcohol and no less than 9 different allergens. However, we haven’t had any bad skin reactions to report.
Appreciated for its decidedly masculine fragrance with woody and spicy notes that nevertheless remain discreet, this stick deodorant is gentle on the skin and has an attractive price tag.
L’Occitane Homme (75 g)
In our tests, this deodorant, formulated without aluminium salts (like the other deodorants in this selection), was a little less effective than others in fighting odour throughout the day. We had to reapply it twice during the day to cover up perspiration odours. On the other hand, we particularly appreciated its strong but discreet masculine fragrance, as well as the ease of application of the balm which glides on easily. Note also that it is slightly sticky. Despite the higher purchase price, it is economical and therefore has a decent price/quality ratio. The little extra? It is made in France.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best mid-range | Best budget | Mid-range alternative | High-end alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
| Mennen Tonique (4x 50 ml) | Weleda Citrus (100 ml) | Weleda Bio 24h (50 ml) | L’Occitane Homme (75 g) |
| This deodorant is a must if you are looking for an effective product for sports, everyday use and even in high temperatures. In addition, it is easy to apply and dries quickly without leaving any traces. | Although this spray has the advantage of coming in a glass bottle, it is particularly appreciated for its light and fresh texture, its ease of application, its quick-drying, which avoids any stains on clothes, and its organic composition. | Appreciated for its practical format, its effectiveness and its good hold, this organic deodorant is equally appealing for its invigorating and discreet fragrance, its superior composition and its skin-friendly formula. | Appreciated for its decidedly masculine fragrance with woody and spicy notes that nevertheless remain discreet, this stick deodorant is gentle on the skin and has an attractive price tag. |
| £ 48.32 on Amazon | £ 10.95 on Amazon | £ 8.50 on Amazon | £ 19.00 on Amazon |
Honorable mentions
Clémence & Vivien L’Herbacé (£7.11 / 50 g upon publication): an alternative in a jar. This deodorant balm seduces with its practical and eco-friendly packaging, its fresh and discreetly masculine fragrance and, of course, its daily effectiveness. During our tests, it even proved to be effective all day long in hot weather. Made with natural antibacterial powders and organic ingredients, it respects sensitive skin and is a very economical solution. However, it is not very comfortable to apply without shaved armpits.
Horace (£10.00 / 75 ml g upon publication): well known in the world of natural men’s care products. This deodorant stick is suitable for all skin types and effectively neutralises odours thanks to its natural antibacterial complex based on diatomaceous earth and tea tree essential oil. Easy to apply and stain-resistant, it is characterised by a composition of 95% natural ingredients and a fresh, discreet and virile fragrance. In short, it is worth a try.
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How to choose your deodorant?
Deodorant is a must-have in the bathroom of most of us, men and women alike. And it must be said that it plays a major role in our daily well-being and self-confidence. However, there are many controversies surrounding the composition of the majority of conventional products, which undoubtedly makes the search for the ideal, healthy and effective deodorant more difficult.
Heureusement, avec les quelques informations-clés suivantes en main, la tâche ne vous paraîtra probablement plus insurmontable.
Pour commencer, il nous semble essentiel de rappeler la différence entre un déodorant et un anti-transpirant :
- The deodorant: as its name suggests, its purpose is to neutralise unpleasant odours associated with perspiration. These unpleasant odours are caused by the proliferation of bacteria around the sweat. An effective one, therefore, contains active ingredients capable of directly attacking these bacteria, thus eliminating the risk of producing unpleasant odours. It does not block perspiration, although it can sometimes regulate it.
- The antiperspirant: in addition to fighting the bacteria responsible for unwanted odours, the antiperspirant blocks the sweating process. While this is very practical for avoiding unsightly rings under the arms, it should be noted that this is a rather unnatural process. Indeed, by preventing sweating, we do not allow the body to regulate itself and evacuate the toxins contained in our body. For this reason, it is best to avoid using only this type of product daily.
It is also important to know that deodorants come in various forms:
- The spray bottle: although very practical, especially when it comes to reapplying deodorant during the day, this type of packaging is not risk-free. The containers are often pressurised and therefore contain various gases, which are not recommended if you are environmentally responsible. In addition, the spray diffuses particles that are likely to be inhaled – which is rarely beneficial – and has a shorter duration of action than other types of products. However, it is the ideal format for families.
- The roll-on: this type of format has the advantage of being more compact and allows for easier and faster application, as well as providing an immediate feeling of freshness. They also tend to dry quickly and leave no traces on clothes. In our opinion, they are an excellent alternative to sprays.
- The balm or cream: increasingly popular on the market, this type of deodorant comes in stick or jar form. While the former is often more practical, the latter is much appreciated for its more ecological packaging, ideal for zero waste purposes. This type of deodorant is said to be very effective but requires a little more time to apply. It is also often the most economical solution, as a small amount of product is enough to cover you all day.
With this in mind, it is then necessary to find out about the composition of the products you will be using daily. Here are some controversial ingredients, which should preferably be avoided, that are often found in conventional deodorants:
- Aluminium salts: these are very controversial, as they mechanically block the natural perspiration process and, according to some studies, are harmful to health. Alum stone, which is of natural origin, also contains them and is therefore equally questionable. Although their harmfulness has not been fully scientifically proven, it is better to abstain in case of doubt. In addition, they are particularly not recommended for sensitive or freshly shaved skin and are not permitted in organic farming. However, more and more brands are now offering deodorants that do not contain these salts.
- Denatured alcohol: although not strictly harmful, it is very irritating, especially on very sensitive underarm skin. Alcohol is also often present in natural and/or organic products, but in a less aggressive form to which we are much less likely to react.
- Phthalates: these are used to bind perfumes, but are suspected to be hazardous to health and the endocrine system. Some variants are already banned.
- Triclosan: this antibacterial agent is used in deodorants to mask odours, but is also suspected of disrupting the endocrine system. As a precaution, avoid it in any cosmetics.
- Artificial fragrances: potentially irritating and allergenic, are often originating from petrochemicals. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find information on the origin of fragrances in cosmetics. If you can, choose a fragrance of guaranteed natural origin.
- Talc: it is used for its high moisture absorption capacity. Although it is not harmful to health, it is increasingly criticized because some deposits contain traces of asbestos. In addition, it is currently quite controversial in feminine hygiene products, due to its potential toxicity.
On the contrary, here are some components that are regularly found in the formula of more natural deodorants:
- Baking soda: It increases the pH level of the skin surface to limit the proliferation of bacteria which, as we have already mentioned, are responsible for unpleasant perspiration odours. It also effectively regulates moisture, without interfering with the natural perspiration process. However, you should know that some very sensitive skins do not tolerate it very well, and react with skin irritations. Fortunately, there are more and more products that do not include it in their composition, often specifically intended for reactive skin.
- Clays: especially white clay, are very absorbent and thus reduce the level of humidity. They often have purifying properties – ideal for use in deodorants.
- Essential oils: often used for their natural fragrance, they can however cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. If this is the case for you, the best thing to do is to use a deodorant without perfume, to avoid any inconvenience. Some essential oils, such as palmarosa or tea tree oil, for example, are also known for their powerful antibacterial action, ideal for fighting the bacteria responsible for bad odours.
If you are particularly sensitive, you may want to consider a deodorant that is suitable for your skin or a fragrance-free product. Also note that, unfortunately, not all products are suitable for everyone: their effectiveness will depend on your own body and the specifics of your sweat system.
Today, the market for natural deodorants that are free of controversial substances is flourishing. In addition, many natural deodorants are now just as effective as conventional products. So, without any hesitation, we went straight for the best natural and organic deodorants. And, as antiperspirants are nowadays highly criticised, we preferred not to include them in our comparison.
How did we test?
All deodorants were tested by a male colleague. To test them, he used them in hot weather and during sports sessions. He was able to give us feedback on their effectiveness in masking unpleasant odours from perspiration. He also judged their ease of application and their durability.
In parallel, we analysed the composition of each deodorant tested, paying particular attention to aluminium salts and allergens.
Other deodorants tested
Sanex Dermo Protector (£1.99 / 65 g upon publication): an undefinable and overly present smell. Although effective and with a very good composition, we chose to leave this deodorant out of our main selection because of its chemical odour, which is far too present. It comes in a stick form that did not leave our armpits sticky during our tests.
Schmidt’s Deodorant Jasmine Tea bio (£9.03 / 75 g upon publication): a matter of taste. In our opinion, this vegan and organic deodorant is a good choice if you like strong smells. You will have to choose the version that best suits your preferences. For us, the tea and jasmine one was too feminine. However, be aware that there are many others and even a fragrance-free formula.
Nivea Naturally Good (£12.91 / 75 ml upon publication): a slightly too chemical scent. Although its composition is almost perfect (aluminium and allergen-free), this spray was less appreciated during our tests because of its pleasant, but a little too chemical scent. And although it effectively masks perspiration odours, we preferred the Weleda spray.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
