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Everyone has their reasons for wearing (or not wearing) deodorant or antiperspirant – be it to avoid sweating, smelling or indulging in social norms. But if you’re someone who chooses to slip or spray on one of these products, do you know the difference between them?
Sure, their names give it away: Deodorant works against odor and antiperspirant works against sweat. But there is more to the story. Here’s what you should know about the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, and how to know which one to use (in case you decide to use one at all).
What is the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?
The main difference between antiperspirant and deodorant is the ingredients. Antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that clog your sweat ducts and keep your armpits dry, says Dr. Lucy Chen, a dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology says Good Housekeeping. In some cases, antiperspirants can also decrease the type of bacteria responsible for the smell of sweat, but that’s more of a bonus than the goal of the product.
Conventional deodorants, on the other hand, are formulated to increase the acidity of the skin and kill bacteria on your skin – more specifically, the bacteria in sweat that give it its pungent aroma, explains Chen. And how Institute for Good Housekeeping Head of the beauty laboratory Dr. Birnur Aral Notes, there are also some deodorants that contain fragrances to mask odors without killing the bacteria. Either way, deodorant alone won’t keep you from sweating.
Should You Use Antiperspirant or Deodorant?
According to Chen, both are safe to useSo it largely depends on what you want to do. If you don’t sweat a lot – or if sweating doesn’t bother you – you should be fine with a deodorant. If you’re someone whose sweat doesn’t smell strongly but you want to avoid pit stains, an antiperspirant is an option. And of course there are many products that are a combination of antiperspirant and deodorant and offer the best of both worlds.
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