The Difference Between Deodorant And Antiperspirant Explained
If you’ve reached adulthood without knowing the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, you’re not alone. A lot of people think they’re the same, but that’s not the case – they have very different functions.
Both can help you live your best life and keep body odor at bay, but which one should you choose? We’re here to break down the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant and help you decide.
Why do we sweat?
Before we get into it, let’s pause for an introduction to sweat. As humans, whether we like it or not, we perspire. This is because we produce our own body heat and we sweat to cool down. So, sweat is certainly not the bad guy – it is actually good for us!
Many things that can increase our body temperature and make us sweat, including hot weather, spicy food, and high-intensity workouts.
Deodorant versus antiperspirant
What is deodorant?
So, what does deodorant do? Deodorants are designed to minimize body odor associated with sweating by tackling odor-causing bacteria. If you often find yourself in smelly situations, it may be time to upgrade your deodorant game.
Sweat itself is odorless, it is the combination with bacteria that can give off an unpleasant smell,” Dr. Paris Acharya, an award-winning facial aesthetic surgeon with a background in cosmetic skin health, tells us.
Does deodorant stop you from sweating?
No, deodorants don’t stop you from sweating – they tackle the body odor that sweat creates. They usually contain alcohol, fragrance, antimicrobial agents, and odor absorbers. These ingredients help make skin less acidic, which helps reduce the growth of bacteria.¹ So, if B.O. has been holding you back from being your most confident self, deodorant could help you get back on track.
We recommend our Degree® Men Cool Mint and Mandarin. This Arctic Edge Deodorant Stick is so cool and refreshing, it’s like having a snowstorm in your armpits! It has fresh cool mint, crisp mandarin, and winter melon scent and offers up to 48-hours of odor protection, so you can keep moving all day and night.
When should you use deodorant?
Experts recommend using deodorant on days when you know you won’t be working up a sweat but still want that odor protection.
What is an antiperspirant?
If you consistently find yourself dealing with wet underarms, consider embracing the power of an antiperspirant – your secret weapon against sweating. Whether you prefer a, stick or spray, , simply apply it to clean underarms and go about your day with confidence.
Now, here's the science part – antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that sit on top of the skin to reduce the amount you sweat. Some formulas also include fine smelling fragrance and skin-friendly ingredients.
Antiperspirant is ideal for more active days when you know you’ll sweat more than usual,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. He adds, “If sweating is affecting your confidence or has become bothersome and making you more anxious in social settings, getting yourself a strong and effective antiperspirant might be the solution."
Want the best of both worlds? Go for an antiperspirant deodorant for a double whammy of sweat prevention and odor elimination.
What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant and which should I use?
Deodorants primarily address body odor by neutralizing bacteria, while antiperspirants focus on reducing sweat production with active ingredients like aluminum.
""If your concern is mainly keeping B.O. at bay, choose a deodorant. If you want to control or minimize sweating, opt for an antiperspirant,"" Dr Lal suggests.
Want the best of both worlds? Go for an antiperspirant deodorant for a double whammy of sweat prevention and odor elimination. All of our antiperspirants are also deodorants, and if you want to fight against embarrassing white marks and yellow stains on your clothes at the same time, we recommend:
For women: Degree® UltraClear Black+White Pure Clean Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, for that fresh-out-of-the-shower feel all day long and up to 72 hours of odor and sweat protection while fighting white marks and yellow stains on your clothes.
For men: Degree® Men UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, for up to 72 hours of odor, and sweat protection while fighting white marks and yellow stains on your clothes.
""It's all about your personal preference and finding the balance that suits your needs, whether it's odor control, sweat reduction, or a bit of both,"" says Dr. Paris.
The choice between deodorant and antiperspirant depends on what matters most to you. If you're keen on keeping body odor at bay, a deodorant might be best for you. Or, if you're aiming to minimize sweating, an antiperspirant could be the perfect fit. Like the sound of both? Get that dual action with an antiperspirant deodorant from our range.
Not only do they come in various delightful scents, but they also offer that extra ultra-protection – tackling both sweat and odor in a single, convenient product. So, you have the flexibility to pick the one that leaves you smelling good while staying fresh and protected.
And remember, sweating is healthy, so don’t let it stop you from moving and pushing your body to the limit.
Meet the experts
Dr. Paris Acharya has made notable contributions and insights in various reputable publications such as Glamour, Tatler, Telegraph, and Women's Health UK.
Dr. Karan Lal's expertise has been recognized and quoted in reputable publications including Allure, HuffPost, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, showcasing a broad influence and acknowledgement in the field.
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