Deodorant Vs Antiperspirant : Which is Best for You?

What’s the Difference?

Antiperspirant

The active ingredients in antiperspirants usually include aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores. Blocking sweat pores reduces the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin.

If over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirants are unable to control your sweating, prescription antiperspirants are available.

Deodorant

Deodorant does not stop sweating the way an antiperspirant can, but it does work to control odor associated with sweating.

Sweat doesn’t actually have an odor. Body odor comes from a byproduct of sweat as bacteria break it down.

Deodorants are typically alcohol-based and work by creating a more acidic environment on your skin, which decreases the bacteria that leads to odor.

Deodorant & Antiperspirant Benefits

There are two main things that you need to consider.

Moisture

Sweat is a cooling mechanism that helps us lose excess heat. Armpits have the highest amount of sweat glands than any other areas of the body. Some people wish to reduce their sweating, since armpit sweat can sometimes soak through clothing. Sweat can contribute to body door.

Odour

Your sweat itself doesn’t have a strong odor. It’s the bacteria on your skin breaking down sweat that produce an odor.

The sweat from your apocrine glands — located in the armpits, groin, and the nipple area — is high in protein, which is easy for bacteria to break down.

Which is best for me?

The simple answer is, if you sweat more than the average person you should consider antiperspirant, or prescription antiperspirant for the most uncontrollable cases.

If you sweat less or equal to the average person then deodorant is your friend. If you’re not overly moist under arm then you only need control the odor.