Good question — puberty brings stronger sweat and body odor, so picking the right deodorant for a teenage son is about balancing odor control, sweat control, skin sensitivity, and what he’ll actually use. Here’s a practical, easy guide.

1. Decide deodorant vs antiperspirant

• Deodorant: masks/neutralizes odor but doesn’t reduce sweating. Good if sweating isn’t heavy.
• Antiperspirant: contains aluminum salts to temporarily reduce sweat by blocking sweat glands. Best if he’s noticeably sweaty (sports, heavy perspiration).
• Many products combine both (odor control + antiperspirant).

2. Choose the format he’ll use

• Stick: solid, least messy, long-lasting.
• Gel: clear, dries quickly, good for avoiding white marks.
• Roll-on: wet application, good for sensitive skin options.
• Spray/aerosol: quick, dries fast, good for teens who don’t like contact.
• Creams/pads: more specialized, good for very dry or very sensitive skin.

3. Consider skin sensitivity

• If his skin gets red, itchy, or develops bumps, try fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and dye-free options.
• Baking soda is in some “natural” deodorants and causes irritation for some — avoid if irritation appears.
• Look for products labeled “for sensitive skin” or low-irritant ingredients (ceramides, glycerin).
• If he has persistent irritation, stop use and see a dermatologist.

4. Fragrance and scent

• Teens often prefer subtle, fresh scents. Fragrance-free is safer for sensitive skin or if he uses cologne.
• Don’t overwhelm: stronger scents can irritate or clash with other perfumes.

5. Acne and body breakouts

• If he’s acne-prone, avoid heavy, oily formulations that might transfer to skin and clothes.
• Antiperspirants are generally fine, but products with comedogenic ingredients could aggravate chest/back acne.

6. Natural/“aluminum-free” options

• Aluminum-free deodorants avoid antiperspirant properties — they control odor but not sweat. They can work if he mostly needs odor control.
• Natural options may need more frequent reapplication and some have baking soda that can irritate.

7. Performance needs

• For sports or heavy sweating: look for clinical/extra-strength antiperspirants (contain higher % active ingredient).
• For daily school use: regular antiperspirant/deodorant stick or spray is usually adequate.

8. Safety and age

• These products are generally safe for teenagers. There’s no medical reason to avoid antiperspirants for typical teen use.
• Avoid using adult-strength clinical products daily unless needed; use as directed.

9. Practical tips for selection and purchase

• Read the label: check active ingredients (e.g., aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium) and note “fragrance-free” if sensitive.
• Buy a small or travel size first to test for scent and irritation.
• If he complains about residue on clothes, try gel or clear stick formulas or clinical products made to reduce staining.
• Encourage him to apply after showering to clean, dry underarms — antiperspirants work best on dry skin and at night (if using regular antiperspirant, applying at night can increase effectiveness).
• Replace every few months and watch for changes; don’t share deodorants to avoid skin infections.

10. When to see a doctor

• Excessive sweating interfering with daily life (soaking clothes, social anxiety) — ask a doctor about treatments for hyperhidrosis.
• Severe allergic reaction or rash that doesn’t improve after stopping the product — see a dermatologist.

Quick checklist to take shopping

• Needs sweat control? → antiperspirant or combined product.
• Sensitive skin? → fragrance-free, alcohol-free, no baking soda.
• Active teen/sports? → clinical/stronger antiperspirant or spray for fast drying.
• Likes minimal fuss? → stick or spray.
• Try small size first and monitor for irritation.

If you want, tell me whether he's very active, has sensitive skin, or prefers scents, and I’ll recommend a few specific product types (not brand-specific unless you ask).