Which is better: deodorant or antiperspirant? Simplifying the choice between deodorant and antiperspirant: comparison of effects.


With the arrival of hot summer days, the issue of protection from the smell of sweat becomes more than relevant. We go to the cosmetic departments of stores to choose a life-saving remedy for damp armpits. Which of the presented deodorants should you choose so as not to make a mistake? The answer depends on the individual characteristics of your body and the desired result. Let's figure out how a deodorant differs from an antiperspirant and what is unique about each of them.

First of all, it should be noted that both the first and second means cope with the task of masking sweat. They contain antimicrobial substances designed to combat unpleasant odors, giving the body a pleasant aroma. As a rule, they have their own aromas: flowers, sea freshness, fruits. This allows them to be used not only to veil the smell of sweat, but also as a light alternative to perfume. What is the difference between them?

Deodorant only conceals but is not able to fight discharge. So, by using it, you will not stop sweating, but will only remove it. Deodorants are suitable for those who do not suffer from excessive activity of the sweat glands, but want to smell a light, fresh aroma.

Those who are less fortunate should opt for the second product and buy an antiperspirant deodorant. The action of antiperspirant covers a wider spectrum. In addition to neutralizing odor, it also prevents heavy sweating, keeping your armpits dry and clothes clean. Thanks to the aluminum salts contained in its composition, the flow of moisture from the sweat glands is limited, the pores are narrowed and do not allow it to reach the surface of the skin. However, there is a small drawback - aluminum salts can cause irritation and redness in the armpits. To the delight of those for whom deodorant-antiperspirant is an important component of daily care, a new generation of antiperspirants have appeared on the cosmetic market. They do not contain alcohol, which has been successfully replaced by triclosan or another highly effective antimicrobial agent. In this case, the bacteria not only die, but also the rate of reproduction slows down. The skin remains dry much longer and the feeling of freshness does not leave the person throughout the day.

Both antiperspirant deodorant and deodorant also contain substances that soothe and soften the skin. These are various vegetable oils and glycerin. And to prevent the skin from becoming oily, they contain quartz, which absorbs fat. In addition, an important element of these hygiene products is water or other liquids. They provide high-quality application of the product to the skin, be it an aerosol, roll-on or gel deodorant-antiperspirant.

Do not forget that it is important to follow simple but mandatory rules when using these tools. Apply them only to dry, clean skin, preferably immediately after a shower. Moreover, antiperspirants should be applied only once a day - in the morning. Regular deodorant can be used more often. Enjoy the sun and warmth while remaining under the reliable protection of deodorants and antiperspirants!

Many people use deodorizing products to eliminate unpleasant odors and excessive moisture production from the body. The difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant can be understood if you understand a little about the actions they perform.

The released moisture is the result of the body's thermoregulation function when overheated. It has no smell. Bacteria create an unpleasant odor. Deodorizing products are designed to mask unpleasant situations.

Not sweat at all. If a person is healthy, the sweat secreted by his body is odorless. Where do unpleasant odors come from?

After all, the secret secreted by the glands consists of:

  • water - 85%
  • the remaining 15% is the share of proteins and fats.

Quite a variety of bacteria live on the human skin. They absorb these proteins and fats, releasing a specific aroma, then grow, and then die. The microflora of the skin of people is different, so the intensity of the smell is also different.

To combat this manifestation, you can use one of two options:

  1. Get rid of sweating to prevent bacteria from developing;
  2. Destroy bacteria.

It is worth remembering that excessive control of sweating can lead to other, more complex diseases. With an artificial reduction in sweat secretion, it is possible to provoke a failure of thermoregulation, which will manifest itself as local tissue swelling, an allergic reaction, or other pathways for sweat release are activated.

All people sweat, but the degree of moisture release varies from person to person:

  1. Anhidrosis - absence of sweat.
  2. Hypohidrosis - low sweat production.
  3. Hyperhidrosis - high sweating.

Discomfort is especially noticeable with high sweating.

What is the difference

What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? It is worth saying that both products are designed to protect the body from unpleasant moments created by excessive sweating.


To achieve greater effect they can be combined:

  1. Deodorant is usually scented, which is why it is called perfumed, and is used to block unpleasant odors. It contains flavoring and bactericidal substances that block the growth of bacteria.
  2. Antiperspirant has no odor. It works to reduce sweating. It contains finely dispersed powders that clog the excretory channels of the sweat glands. As a result, no moisture is released.
  3. Some manufacturers offer antiperspirant deodorants. These products combine the qualities of both products. They contain aromatic and bactericidal substances, talc, which can close the excretory channels.

Deciding which is better, deodorant or antiperspirant, is very difficult because they perform different functions.

How to use it correctly

Sweating brings some discomfort. Moreover, discomfort is felt not only by the person who sweats heavily, but also by those around him. This problem can be overcome with the help of special deodorizing agents and mandatory hygiene.

Deodorant preparations must be used wisely. You shouldn't fight too hard with sweat. If you are really worried about excessive sweating, then you should consult a specialist for advice. Deodorizing agents are not drugs, except for medicinal, medicinal ones that can dry out the skin.

A few rules of use:

  1. Before using an antiperspirant, you need to take into account that it tends to fill the glands. This product lasts approximately 24 hours. It should be applied to a dry, clean body. After a shower, you need to wait a while for your body to dry, because water that gets into the pores remains there for some time and the antiperspirant simply cannot fill the pores. Since it clogs pores, it should not be applied to the entire body, but only to certain areas. The product can be applied in the evening, this protection should be enough for the whole day. You can use it once a day. They work well when there is heavy sweating and there is no strong odor.
  2. Deodorant is also applied to dry, clean skin. It can be used on the whole body, but its effect is short-lived. You can use it again and extend its effect. But you shouldn’t expect that after the third time without taking a shower, you will also have the same effect. It can be used repeatedly, but it is advisable to wipe the body with sanitary napkins before applying.
  3. If there is an unpleasant odor with heavy discharge, in this case it is better to use both products or give preference to deodorants - antiperspirants.


Deodorizing substances may differ in:

  • method of use;
  • purpose: women's, men's, unisex;
  • a specific focus, for example, for sensitive skin;
  • composition of components;
  • packaging.

Spray deodorants are convenient to use, but not for people prone to allergies. They are effective in cases where there is little discharge, but there is a strong odor.

For people with sensitive skin, it is advisable to choose products that contain emollients cyclomethicone and glycerin.

Deodorant preparations should be selected taking into account their expiration dates: the longer the expiration date, the more preservatives. You should not use protection products that offer protection for more than 24 hours. Such drugs contain quite a lot of gland-blocking substances that are harmful to health.

Nursing mothers and pregnant women should not use deodorizing substances.

1:502 1:512

There is an interesting theory that we choose each other by smell.
So a man first looks at a woman’s legs, but looks for a life partner by smell. And, of course, you wouldn’t want to attract attention to yourself with the smell of sweat! To make “sniffing” easier, let’s find out what will help protect against sweat best.

1:1093

Most women and men sweat. In hot weather, sweating protects the body from overheating. Sweat itself is a clear liquid without a characteristic color or odor. An unpleasant odor (and sometimes the color on clothes) appears due to the growth of bacteria, for which a humid and warm environment is very favorable.

1:1680


2:506

When it comes to combating sweat odor, things get a little heated.

2:642 2:652

Deodorant or antiperspirant - what to choose?

Both means find their ardent fans. Why do these two products cause so much controversy, and is there, strictly speaking, any difference between them? It turns out that there is a difference, and it is quite significant. However, one cannot categorically reject one remedy and extol another. Each of them can be best under certain conditions.
What do we actually know about deodorants and antiperspirants? Of course, most of us use them regularly, but when choosing these cosmetic products, we primarily focus on their smell and form: roll-on, solid, creamy form of product release or spray.
The chemical composition of deodorants/antiperspirants is no less important (there is also a 2 in 1 option).

2:2111


Properties of deodorant

The main function of deodorant is to suppress the activity of bacteria that live in the water ducts of the sweat glands. Simply put, deodorant will not help reduce sweating, but it will prevent unpleasant odor. When you use deodorant, you'll still sweat, but you won't smell bad. Therefore, if you have increased sweating (hyperhidrosis), deodorant will be of little use.

2:789


3:1296

By the way, deodorants often contain triclosan or farnesol. Triclosan quickly and effectively destroys not only bacteria, but also skin microflora. Farnesol does not cope with microorganisms so easily, but it spares the native microflora. Therefore, deodorants with farnesol are more suitable for sensitive skin.

3:1884


How to use deodorant?

To protect against unpleasant odors, deodorant must also be used correctly.. A common mistake is to apply deodorant to already sweaty armpits.

3:387


4:894

No antibacterial substances can overcome the odor that has already arisen. Therefore, apply deodorant only to clean, dry and smoothly shaved armpits. Regularly remove hair from your armpits, as sweat accumulates there, leading to bacterial growth and unpleasant odor.

4:1461

Remove hair only before bed! Then the injured skin will have time to heal. Never apply deodorant or antiperspirant immediately after shaving: the chemicals contained in it can cause a burning sensation on skin irritated by shaving.

4:1936


"Fragrant" deodorants

As a rule, such deodorants contain a perfume composition and a large percentage of alcohol, but they are not rich in bactericidal and antiperspirant components. Therefore, perfumed products are suitable only for those who sweat very moderately.
It is worth noting that it is best to use deodorants with the same scent as the perfume, otherwise you will smell like a perfume shop.

4:755


Antiperspirant properties

Antiperspirant is a more “severe” measure; it temporarily blocks the excretory flows of the sweat glands. Using an antiperspirant, you will not sweat (or you will sweat less) and, accordingly, there will be no unpleasant odor.

4:1234


5:1741

Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants block the sweat glands, narrowing their ducts and reducing sweat production by 25-40%. This is the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant.

5:338

During the process of sweating, toxic and harmful substances are removed from the body. Also, by sweating, the body protects itself from overheating (during physical activity, hot weather). Therefore, using antiperspirant constantly is not recommended. And besides this, they still need to be able to use it correctly. So that there is the desired effect and no side effects.

5:971


How to use antiperspirant?

Many people are probably familiar with the main problem of using antiperspirants - white stains that remain on clothes. In fact, this is a consequence of improper use of the product, and not of its poor quality.

5:1448


6:1955

Antiperspirant should be applied to clean, dry skin of the armpits not after a shower, but 7-8 hours before bedtime. Because after a shower, the sweat glands are filled with water - the antiperspirant simply does not penetrate the skin.

6:366

Apply antiperspirant to dry, clean underarm skin 7-8 hours before bedtime. At this time, the sweat glands usually do not work; the active substances (zinc or aluminum salts) will freely penetrate the skin and block the ducts of the sweat glands.

6:794

If you apply antiperspirant in the evening, you don’t have to use anything when taking a shower in the morning.- You will be guaranteed protection for the whole day.

6:1055

We remind you: never use antiperspirant before playing sports, sauna, bathhouse, etc. Do not block the removal of unnecessary substances from the body, do not harm yourself. In this case, it is better to take a shower before and after training; in extreme cases, apply a natural deodorant.

6:1564


If this rule is violated, the organic zinc and aluminum salts contained in the antiperspirant will partially clog the pores and prevent the skin from breathing, inhibiting its microflora. As a result, the skin loses its natural protection and becomes vulnerable to infections.

7:995

P Therefore, you cannot constantly use antiperspirants, they are justified only for short-term use. In addition, oncologists are increasingly claiming that the above-mentioned metal salts contained in antiperspirants may be one of the causes of the development of breast cancer.
The choice of a hygiene product against the smell of sweat should depend solely on the characteristics of your body and life situation, and not on watching intrusive advertising:

7:1853 7:9
  • If the sweat is light and the smell is not too strong, then deodorant is suitable for you.
  • If you suffer from excessive sweating, you should probably opt for an antiperspirant (but don't forget to ban antiperspirants at the gym and in similar situations!).
  • Antiperspirant is also preferable if you are going to a party or will be in a stuffy room with a large crowd of people: the smell of sweat and wet circles in the armpits should not spoil your mood and interfere with your work, since clothes stick to a wet body, the unpleasant smell interferes with casual communication with people. Hyperhidrosis (increased sweating) is largely a female problem.


8:1731


What are the causes of excessive sweating?


  1. Firstly, these are changes in the functioning of hormonal levels that occur in adolescents during the period of growing up, and in women - when menopause occurs. Sweating can also be a sign of disruption of the endocrine and nervous systems, vegetative-vascular dystonia, tuberculosis, diabetes, and kidney disease.

  2. Secondly, stress. All diseases are caused by nerves and this one is no exception. Excessive emotional stress leads to abnormalities in the body. The problem of sweating is more common in people with a very excitable nervous system.

  3. Thirdly, genetics. This is an individual characteristic of a person, passed on from generation to generation.

Doctors suggest, in addition to hygiene and use of products, to follow these recommendations:

8:1499

  • avoid spicy and spicy foods, coffee - such products activate the sweat glands

  • For hygiene of armpits, palms and feet, use antibacterial soap

  • give preference to clothes made from natural fabrics: chiffon, viscose, cotton, silk, linen, which are breathable

  • clothing should not be tight in the armpits, so as not to further irritate the skin in this area

  • Monitor your weight: the more you weigh, the worse the problem becomes.


9:1353

If no remedies help, consult an endocrinologist, After all, hyperhidrosis is a disease. You may be prescribed electrophoresis or prescribed medications.

9:1694

More drastic methods include botulinum toxin injections A. But a course of such treatment is a very expensive “pleasure”.

9:233

There is even a surgical method to combat sweating: The skin on the problem area is cut out and the nerves are removed. This method is also expensive, and there will be scars after the operation.

9:566

We sincerely wish you good health and hope that you maintain reasonable hygiene: summer is just around the corner!

10:1268

Arriving at the store, many people buy a familiar, proven bottle, without asking the question, which is better, deodorant or antiperspirant? Most people use cosmetics. The modern market is filled with roll-on, roll-on deodorants, aerosols, and sprays that work depending on the composition. But deodorants and antiperspirants have significant differences that consumers should be aware of. Manufacturers keep up with the times and try to produce universal products that can provide a person with a pleasant aroma and protect against moisture for the whole day.

Not many people understand the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, focusing either on a pleasant aroma or on protection against sweat. What are their differences?

Advantages and disadvantages of deodorants

Sweat, released onto the surface of the body, has no odor. But it becomes a favorable environment for the intensive proliferation of bacteria, which causes a repulsive odor. Deodorants contain antibacterial substances and various perfumed fragrances that kill germs but do not inhibit the functioning of the sweat glands. As a result, your armpits will be wet and the lingering odor will be less noticeable.

Important! When choosing a deodorant, you need to read the ingredients. Typically, the main active ingredient is either tricolosan or farnesol. The first is a powerful chemical component that has side effects and is prohibited in developed countries. The second is less dangerous, natural, gentle, and is not inferior in effect to tricolzan.

Advantages and disadvantages of antiperspirants

The principle of their operation is different. The composition includes zinc and aluminum salts, partially blocking the work of sweat ducts. Sweat stops releasing and the smell does not appear. Those who suffer from hyperhidrosis - increased sweating - choose antiperspirants. Doctors advise using antiperspirants that contain up to 15% active substances. Otherwise, the product is considered medicinal and requires use according to instructions, excluding daily use.
Main differences:

  • Deodorant is used several times. It cannot provide protection for the whole day. Antiperspirant after a shower is applied to a dry body every 1–2 days;
  • The deodorant will not remove the rich smell of sweat; the fragrance will only mix with it. Antiperspirant will help out on a hot day, will prevent problem areas from smelling and will help avoid wet spots on clothes;
  • antiperspirants are produced without strong odors and are used when there is an important meeting, a long trip, or work in a stuffy office.

Which to choose

You can get rid of the characteristic smell of sweat:

  • antiperspirant;
  • deodorant;
  • antiperspirant deodorant - a profitable option that allows you to have dry armpits and save on toilet water;
  • medicinal deodorant.

Manufacturers produce antiperspirants and deodorants in various forms: sticks, rollers, aerosols, sprays, gels, creams, wipes. Each person chooses a means that is convenient for themselves. Young people prefer hard sticks; the elderly will use sprays and aerosols; people who frequently travel on business will prefer napkins.


If a person has problems with skin sensitivity, he needs to choose products that contain glycerin and cyclomethicone, which soften the skin. The content of preservatives in a deodorant is determined by its expiration date. If the product can be stored for a long time, it contains a lot of chemicals, fragrances and preservatives that can cause allergies. Sprays containing aloe, ivy and chamomile extract have a calming effect.

How to use

Choosing a quality product with a huge selection is not an easy task. But even the best and most harmless antiperspirant must be applied correctly for it to work 100%. Improper use of cosmetics leads to the development of serious diseases. Aluminum and zinc salts accumulate and negatively affect the functioning of the kidneys, brain and sweat glands.


Antiperspirants for sweat

People suffering from excessive sweating have to buy not a regular deodorant, but an antiperspirant for excessive sweating. Excessive release of moisture causes discomfort, abrasions, and an unpleasant odor. It is difficult for a person to communicate with other people, to completely relax, without thinking about wet things. If the product is chosen correctly, you can get rid of all these problems.

Kinds

Antiperspirants and deodorants for excessive sweating are divided into:

  • Ball (roller) - produced in bottles with a ball-shaped dispenser. As it rotates, it lubricates the surface with antiperspirant. Convenient, effective, high quality. Includes soothing components, as well as substances that protect clothes from stains.
  • Solid sticks are bottles with a composition similar to a bar of soap. Compact, efficient, economical.
  • Sprays are aerosols in a can, often containing alcohol, which can cause skin irritation or allergies. On the market you can find alcohol-free talc-based sprays with an absorbent effect.
  • Powder is a powder with talc that reduces sweating and dries the skin in problem areas. Eliminates shine and gives it a matte finish. Due to inconvenience in use, it is rarely used.

All of them neutralize the pungent odor, suppressing the activity of bacteria.

Women's choice

The highest quality deodorants and antiperspirants for severe sweating include:

Men's choice

The best help for men in the fight against profuse sweat and pungent odor is:

Pharmacy products

At the pharmacy you can buy antiperspirants with a high content of active substances - aluminum and zinc salts. Usually their number reaches 30%. But first it is recommended to use products with a dosage of 15%, increasing the dose if necessary. They are universal and suitable for both men and women to treat any part of the body - armpits, arms, legs.

The main thing is to follow the instructions and not abuse the product, no matter what. The manufacturers did not describe it as harmless.

  • Maxim - contains 15% active ingredients. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free. Use according to instructions. One bottle is enough for a year.
  • Apply to washed, dry armpits, palms, and feet every 3 days. Eliminates sweat and destroys microorganisms.
  • Odaban - even used on the face. Heals wounds and diaper rash, hypoallergenic, approved for pregnant women. Apply once every 10 days. One bottle lasts for six months.

The perfumery market today offers a huge range of products to get rid of the smell of sweat, and often buyers are lost, not knowing how an antiperspirant differs from a deodorant and what the fundamental difference is. It is enough to understand once the principle of operation of the funds so that such questions do not arise in the future.

The main difference between the means is the direction of their action. Deodorant is designed to eliminate odor; it prevents the cause of increased sweating, but only “masks” the odor. The action of an antiperspirant is directed against sweat; such products block the work of the sweat glands, thereby eliminating the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

The following differences exist:

  • duration of action - the effect of a deodorant is designed for several hours, antiperspirants can block the odor for a day or even more;
  • amount of possible use - antiperspirant can be used once a day, deodorant does not impose restrictions and can be used as needed;
  • area of ​​use - deodorants can be used on the entire body, antiperspirants are used only in the armpit area;
  • composition - the main active ingredient in deodorant is an antimicrobial component; antiperspirant may contain metals that are dangerous to the human body.

Today, manufacturers produce products to combat sweat in various forms, including sprays, gels, stick pencils, and wipes. It is impossible to say which form is better, since such a choice is individual. In the absence of profuse sweating with an unpleasant odor, it is recommended to give preference to spray deodorants. If you have a problem with increased gland activity, you should consider using a gel blocker or stick pencil. Products in the form of napkins are convenient when you need to use the product in special moments of stress or anxiety, due to which there is increased sweat production.

What is the principle of action of antiperspirants?

Antiperspirant contains active substances that block the production of sweat by the sweat glands. According to the study, when using the product, their ducts narrow from 25 to 40%. As a result, the process of natural sweating is disrupted and there is no unpleasant odor.

Composition of antiperspirants

The composition contains substances designed to block the functioning of the sweat glands. A decrease in the level of sweating in most cases occurs due to the content of metal oxides, some of which pose a serious threat to human health.

The dangers of antiperspirants

The main purpose of the sweat glands is to remove toxins and harmful substances from the body through the pores of the skin.

The use of antiperspirants disrupts the process inherent in nature, which can negatively affect human health.

The most dangerous components of the anti-sweat odor product are zinc oxide and aluminum chlorohydride. The latter element is contained in most modern products and when used, the process of its deposition on the sweat glands occurs, which leads to a decrease in sweat production due to blocking of the glands.

Aluminum is considered toxic and excess of its content in the body can lead to anemia, pathological changes in bones and dementia. In the 20th century, studies were conducted that confirmed the effect of the metal on increased estrogen production. It is the excess of this hormone that is considered one of the causes of breast cancer in women.

Experts advise not to abuse sweat odor blockers, use them only when necessary and follow the rules of use. Violation of the recommendations may result in the appearance of local swelling or purulent inflammation of the sweat glands.

Using antiperspirants on a regular basis can cause contact dermatitis and allergic skin reactions.

How does deodorant work?

Deodorant acts in two directions in the fight against unpleasant odor. Due to the content of an antimicrobial substance in the composition, as a result of its use, the ability of bacteria to reproduce is blocked. This factor is often the cause of the unpleasant odor. The second effect is associated with the presence of a persistent perfume fragrance, which interrupts the smell of sweat.

More information about the composition of deodorants

The main anti-perspiration agents in deodorants are additives with bactericidal and disinfectant effects. A significant part of modern deodorants contain triclosan, which is responsible for the antimicrobial effect. Almost every product contains alcohol and parabens. Such substances also provide an antiseptic effect.

Some manufacturers add essential oils and mineral salts to give greater effect.

The dangers of deodorant

Deodorant is considered a product that provides a safer way to combat odor than antiperspirants. In recent years, reports have begun to appear in the media about the negative effects of parabens on the human body; therefore, it is worth choosing products with a minimum content of such substances.

The main danger is associated with the possibility of allergic reactions to the components of the composition. Therefore, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the composition of the product and the presence of similar substances in it. You should not use a new purchase that you have just purchased and have not tried before when planning to attend important events.