The Best Ball Deodorants for Moisture and Odor Control, According to Dermatologists
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Men have a special relationship with their balls. They’re a potential source of pain, pleasure, and life. The two amigos can be hard to ignore, especially if they’re itchy or sweaty, but the family jewels and their male custodians need not suffer. They can be ready for prime time after a date, a long day in a warm office, or 18 holes of golf with a little help from ball deodorants.
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“Less sweat in the ball area implies fewer germs that feed on sweat, which reduces the smell of sweat that might come from the groin area,” said Dr. Anna Chacon, a Florida-based dermatologist. “Things will also feel much less sticky down there, so it is much more comfortable.”
Ball deodorants offer the same benefits to the groin area that underarm deodorants deliver to armpits. Made with moisture-absorbing and skin-hydrating ingredients, ball deodorants improve sweat management, reduce unpleasant chafing, and even add a little fragrance below the belt. SPY grooming experts believe there’s a gap in knowledge among men about why ball deodorants exist and why men use them, so we spoke to several dermatologists and rounded up the best ones made specifically for the groin area.
Ball deodorants are a pretty straightforward category in terms of costs because there are only so many relevant and safe ingredients to use, and those ingredients just don’t cost that much. That’s why most guys shopping for ball deodorants should expect and seek to pay under $20.00 (and significantly less in most cases), unless they’re getting a ton of product. Anything beyond that and men are just spending their money on branding and packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ball Deodorants
Are ball deodorants different from regular underarm deodorant?
Yes and no. While they share some of the same ingredients, the formulations are different due to the differing nature of armpit and groin skin. Both products aim to manage sweat, moisturize skin, and add fragrance, but dermatologists advise against using underarm deodorant on balls due to ingredients that may be harmful or irritating.
How should guys apply ball deodorants?
Because the groin area doesn’t lend itself to an applicator, most men will find it easiest to apply ball deodorants by hand. Spray a little of the liquid or lotion on the hands and then apply to the balls and groin area. Men can apply the powder ones directly to their balls and groin, but to avoid a mess or wasting product, it’s best to also use the hands for application. Dr. Noor Hanif Said, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Renaissance Dermatology, also warned that overuse could lead to skin irritation.
Can these products hurt the penis?
These products won’t affect or irritate penises, as long as direct contact with the penis is minimal. The most important thing is to make sure the products don’t come into contact with or enter the urethra, as this will definitely cause irritation.
What else can guys do to keep their groin area clean and comfortable?
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, a consulting dermatologist for skin care company Scandinavian Biolabs, said maintaining regular hygiene and managing the higher temperature of the groin area are key. He suggests moisture-wicking underwear, loose-fitting clothing, and regular washing and drying of the groin area.
BEST OVERALL
MANSCAPED® The Crop Preserve, Anti-Chafing Men's Ball Deodorant
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The Crop Preserver from Manscaped is formulated to keep any man’s balls in peak condition. It manages sweat with absorbent tapioca starch and refreshes sensitive ball skin with water, aloe, and Manscaped’s Refined fragrance. Though some powder ball deodorants may be cheaper, they lack the multi-purpose formula that the Crop Preserver brings. A little goes a long way, so men don’t have to worry about wasting product or over-applying. This is the best of the ball deodorants because it delivers anti-chafing, moisture-control, and smell-neutralizing benefits in a convenient and comfortable package.
RUNNER-UP
Fresh Body FB – Fresh Balls Lotion (2-Pack)
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Why It Stands Out: The Fresh Body Fresh Ball Lotion applies as a quick-drying lotion to save the user the mess that can come from powder-based ball deodorants.
ROI: Users only need a little dab of this non-greasy lotion for less chafing, less balls smell and minimal stickiness, so these two bottles are a solid bargain and should last at least a month even with daily use.
Hot Take: Lotions are simply less messy than powders and that holds true with the Fresh Balls Lotion. With tapioca starch, oatmeal kernel extract, and aloe, the formula is able to soak up moisture without clumping and leave ball skin softer and more supple. Plus, it’s the second-most popular and second-most reviewed ball deodorant on Amazon, with over 11,000 ratings, making it a pretty sure bet for relief for most guys.
HONORABLE MENTION
Chassis Ice Max Premium Body Powder
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Why It Stands Out: The Chassis Man Care Ice Max Premium Powder offers a comprehensive formula for restoring comfort to the balls. It relies on multiple sweat-absorbing and skin-hydrating ingredients for maximum impact.
ROI: The Chassis powder is among the priciest powder ball deodorants on this list, but powders tend to last longer than liquids. This both justifies the higher price point and makes it well worth the returned value for avoiding grody balls.
Hot Take: With everything but the kitchen sink in its formula, the Chassis powder will dry and deodorize men’s balls to perfection. The main risk for most guys is that something in the powder could irritate their skin, as harsher ingredients tend to come with that risk. The inclusion of both tapioca starch and baking soda for absorption practically guarantees it for some guys. But for guys seeking an effective powder ball deodorant, mess, or chance of irritation be damned, the Chassis powder will succeed.
AFFORDABLE BALL DEODORANT
Dude Products Body Powder
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Why It Stands Out: Dude Powder comes from an established men’s health brand and at a friendly price point so first-time users don’t want to spend a ton on something they’ve never tried.
ROI: This bottle offers roughly the same amount of product as the Chassis powder, but it costs a little over half as much. It’s a low-risk deal worth taking on for the twins.
Hot Take: Feel the chill! The cooling menthol may not be for everyone, but it makes perfect sense when dealing with warm, grimy balls, especially if you live in a hot, humid environment. This powder also relies on cornstarch for absorption, a welcome alternative for guys who want to avoid tapioca starch- or baking soda-based products.
BEST VALUE BALL DEODORANT
Happy Nuts Comfort Powder
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Why It Stands Out: The Happy Nuts Comfort Powder has a somewhat generic formula, but it was made by a company that exclusively specializes in men’s intimate care. It also offers 6 ounces of powder, much more than the industry standard 4 ounces.
ROI: Although it’s not the cheapest, this powder offers the best price per ounce among ball deodorants by far. It’s the best possible investment a guy can make in this product category.
Hot Take: Its formula of tapioca starch and soothing ingredients like coconut and aloe isn’t much to brag about, but the sheer volume of powder and sandalwood-inspired fragrance make this powder worthy. And really, who wouldn’t want to give a company called Happy Nuts a shot?
BEST LIQUID POWDER DEODORANT
Ballsy Groin Deodorant for Men by Ballguard
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Why It Stands Out: The Ballsy Ballguard Liquid Powder is a liquid cream that quickly dries into a deodorizing powder. This gives the user the easy applicability of cream and the non-greasy, non-sticky feeling of powder in an ideal hybrid package.
ROI: This ball deodorant is in the Goldilocks zone in terms of costs; it’s not too pricey nor too cheap.
Hot Take: Ballsy is well-established in the men’s intimate care space, but this product isn’t offering anything special that hasn’t already been offered by other ball deodorants except for its liquid-to-powder formula. Nonetheless, it is a totally competent product, featuring relevant anti-chafing and odor-controlling ingredients that can still save the balls when they’re in a pinch.
CLASSIC DEODORIZING POWDER
Gold Bond Body Powder
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Why It Stands Out: Gold Bond is designed for the whole body, but it can easily be used on men’s groin area to minimize itching and excess moisture. It’s also available at many large box stores and pharmacies, which makes it more accessible and easier to purchase in some areas.
ROI: This bottle has a stupid amount of powder for its price. It’s just a dollar per ounce and comes in a few differently-sized bottles so you can pack for travel or buy in bulk.
Hot Take: For guys less concerned with product branding and male-specific design, and more concerned with results, Gold Bond is a solid bet. It’s a triple-action formula that cools as it calms itching, and there are minimal irritating ingredients in it as well.
BEST WET SPRAY
The Spray by Meridian Grooming
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Why It Stands Out: The Meridian Grooming The Spray is one of just a few ball deodorants that come as a sprayable liquid with a nozzle.
ROI: There’s no disputing that this spray is crazy expensive compared to competing products, though it’s high quality and beloved by Meridian customers.
Hot Take: This is the closest thing to a splurge purchase that exists among ball deodorants. The watery consistency really does feel refreshing, like getting misted on your face on a hot day, and it does minimize chafing and odor. But lots of other products accomplish the same goals while giving more product for less money. This product is reserved for guys who want the feeling of something more premium.
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