by What are deodorants and antiperspirants?
Deodorants and antiperspirants are personal hygiene products that are commonly used under the arms to prevent or reduce body odor and wetness. While they seem quite similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two in terms of their formulations and how they work.
Deodorants
Deodorants are designed to mask or reduce odors caused by sweat and bacteria. They contain antibacterial ingredients like alcohol that kill the bacteria responsible for body odor. Some common active ingredients in deodorants include fragrance, baking soda, and perfumes. Deodorants work on the surface of the skin by neutralizing odor rather than preventing sweat itself. While they help reduce underarm odor, deodorants do not inhibit or reduce sweat production. Regular reapplication may be needed throughout the day.
Antiperspirants
Unlike Deodorant and Antiperspirant, antiperspirants contain active ingredients that inhibit the flow of sweat from sweat glands. The most common active ingredient in antiperspirants is aluminum-based salts. These salts temporarily plug the openings of sweat ducts beneath the skin surface, reducing the amount of sweat released onto the skin’s surface. By reducing sweat, antiperspirants help control underarm odor for longer periods of time compared to deodorants alone. Antiperspirants provide both odor and wetness protection against sweat. However, some studies have linked long-term aluminum salt exposure to health risks.
Differences in formulations
Deodorants and antiperspirants have different active ingredients and formulations:
– Deodorants mainly contain antimicrobial agents to destroy odor-causing bacteria rather than reduce sweat itself. Common actives include fragrance, baking soda, and alcohol.
– Antiperspirants contain aluminum-based salts as the main active ingredient to block sweat pores and reduce perspiration. Other actives in antiperspirants include antimicrobial agents for odor control.
– Deodorants are formulated to have a lighter texture and feel since they do not block sweat pores. Antiperspirants contain thicker, creamier formulas to effectively plug sweat ducts.
– Deodorants do not reduce or prevent wetness under the arms. Antiperspirants provide both odor and wetness/moisture protection.
Choosing between deodorants and antiperspirants
The type of product chosen often depends on individual preferences and needs:
– Those wanting mainly odor protection can use a deodorant which has a lighter feel. Reapplication may be needed more often.
– Those prone to excessive sweating may prefer an antiperspirant for allday wetness/moisture protection under the arms.
– During warmer weather or physical activity when sweating is higher, an antiperspirant provides better sweat and odor control.
– Those with sensitive skin may opt for an aluminum-free deodorant to avoid potential irritation or reaction to aluminum salts in antiperspirants.
– Physical forms also vary – solid stick formats for antiperspirants are more effective for sweat blocking while roll-ons or sprays are lighter for deodorants.
– Natural or aluminum-free variants are available for both deodorants and antiperspirants.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
