In the personal hygiene section of a store, deodorants and antiperspirants can be plentiful. What’s the difference between the two? And which formulations and applicators are best? This article will answer these questions to help you make an informed decision.
Natural Perspiration
First, it’s important to understand that perspiration is a physiological means of regulating body temperature. Sweating is therefore a completely natural, even necessary, phenomenon. Another important thing to note is that sweat itself is odourless. It’s rather the bacteria under one’s armpits that are responsible for foul smells.
Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant
To start, it’s important to differentiate between these two products.
• Deodorants neutralize body odour. They contain antibacterial ingredients (including alcohol) that slow down the accumulation of bacteria that causes bad odours. They also contain absorbent agents such as starch (corn or rice) or talc, whose role is to absorb moisture.
Many products come scented so as to mask odours associated with perspiration. Others may incorporate moisturizers to soothe dry skin. Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants aren’t designed to block sweat production; therefore, aluminum is absent from their ingredients list.
• Antiperspirants reduce moisture due to the aluminum salts they contain. This active ingredient dissolves in moisture, forming a gel barrier that temporarily clogs one’s skin pores and keeps sweat glands from releasing sweat. This helps to avoid that damp feeling under one’s armpits and, consequently, bad odours. Likewise, the alcohol present in many products provides freshness and speeds up the active ingredient’s drying.
Deodorants and antiperspirants are often available in a single product. But to determine the kind of protection that best suits you, ask yourself whether you want to counter sweat or eliminate odours.
Product Composition
It’s up to a person to find the best formula that suits their skin type, as well as preferred fragrance and feeling of freshness.
• Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin are advised to select hypoallergenic products without alcohol or aluminum salts, as well as no parabens or fragrances. If irritation occurs, discontinue use: the product may not be suitable for your skin type.
• Excessive Perspiration
Antiperspirants can help those who sweat heavily; however, people with hyperhidrosis (a medical term for excessive sweating) should look into increased protection if needed. Aluminum-chloride-based products are known to be more effective. Clinically formulated products can be prescribed and should be applied before bed on clean armpits to ensure their effectiveness.
Applicator Types
Antiperspirants and deodorants both come in four kinds of applicators: aerosol, stick, roll-on and cream.
• Aerosol
Practical and easy to use, they have the advantage of going on dry and leaving armpit skin residue free, for an even fresher feeling.
• Stick
Sold in a solid form, these have a large application surface. This type offers ideal protection and is good at combatting excessive sweating.
• Roll-on
Easy to use, roll-ons cover the skin with a thin layer of protection that dries fast and doesn’t stain clothing.
• Cream
These alcohol-free products are perfect for sensitive skin and can be applied to newly shaven skin.
Packaging
There exist alternatives to single-use plastic when it comes to deodorants and antiperspirants. Stick versions are available with biodegradable cardboard packaging, or you can select applicators with refills.
Aluminum: A Persistent Myth
Given that they block pores and prevent underarm skin from sweating, some groups claim that aluminum salts pose health risks. This ingredient is notably assumed to cause breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, there is no current evidence that links the use of aluminum salt-based antiperspirants to breast cancer. And the Alzheimer Society of Canada also makes the same point on their website, stating that there is no evidence that “exposure to trace elements of aluminum is connected to the development of dementia.”
