Deodorant vs. antiperspirant: Which should you choose?
Both products are in the same category on the website and are also next to each other on the shelf without being distinguished in any way. We often confuse the terms in our everyday speech as well.
If we learn the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants, it becomes far easier for us to make the right choice. Each product offers a different range of effects.
What is deodorant?
In a nutshell, deodorant protects against odour, whilst antiperspirant protects against odour and sweat. Sweating is a completely natural thermoregulatory mechanism of the human body which removes harmful substances from the body – and the sweat itself does not smell. The unpleasant odour is actually down to the activity of microorganisms on the skin.
This is why deodorant contains antibacterial agents and fragrances to prevent the spread of bacteria, plus it gives you that fresh feeling. The main job of deodorant is simple – it works by making sweat odourless. But it doesn’t prevent perspiration itself. So when should you reach for a deodorant? If you don’t have problems with excessive perspiration or you’re not going to be doing a lot of sports, you can most probably get by perfectly well with deodorant. It keeps your underarms fresh and odour-free for up to 24 hours.
What is antiperspirant?
Unlike deodorant, antiperspirant actually prevents perspiration. It causes the sweat glands to constrict so that sweat does not leave the body (or is minimised) and the bacteria under your arms do not multiply. Antiperspirants also often contain a fragrance component, so they give you a feeling of freshness as well. On the market, we can find antiperspirants that promise protection for 48 hours, but also for 72 hours.
A certain disadvantage of this product may be the fact that only one ingredient can do all this – aluminium salts. Opponents of aluminium salts believe that long-term use of antiperspirant can lead to cellular changes and an increased risk of cancer. Clear evidence of harm or harmlessness in relation to, for example, breast cancer is not yet available. Some people therefore avoid them like the plague, others don’t worry about it and enjoy the benefits of having dry underarms.
If you suffer from excessive perspiration and speculation about aluminium salts leaves you unconcerned, antiperspirant is the best choice for you. Use it as needed to avoid irritating the sensitive skin under your arms. In addition, excessive perspiration can indicate a health problem, so be cautious and do not underestimate it.
It is also absolutely fine to combine both products as needed, and always choose protection against perspiration to reflect your day. Have you got a leisurely day ahead of you or a busy meeting followed by a bowling night with people from work?
What about stains on your clothing?
Unsightly marks on clothing can be caused by sweat and by the use of antiperspirant or deodorant. So, after applying these products, you should always wait for them to dry completely before getting dressed. The yellow underarm stains on your favourite T-shirt are most probably caused by sweat. The sweat itself is colourless, so how is it possible that patches appear on your shirts? Yellow stains on your clothes are caused by the sweat reacting with bacteria and other substances found in cosmetic products. They are often caused by aluminium salts in antiperspirants, sebum, or even detergent residue.
So how do you prevent yellow stains on clothes? A good solution is to choose a deodorant or antiperspirant that doesn’t leave white or yellow marks. We have several available.