The Difference Between Deodorant and Body Spray | Sure® UK (2024)

They both make you smell great, so aren't they essentially doing the same job?

Well, no. Body sprays are a lot like perfumes - containing fragrance extracts such as herbs, oils and spices, mixed with alcohol and water.

So they can help you smell great, giving you a fresh scent that lasts for a few hours. But they don't stop you sweating. In effect, they're only masking body odours, rather than stopping them.

Stop body odour at source.

Body sprays have the short-term effect of covering up body odours, whereas anti-perspirant deodorantsOpens in a new window are formulated to deal with their root cause. How? Time for a quick biology lesson...

You may be surprised to learn that sweat itself doesn't smell. But when it mixes with the bacteria on your skin, it can cause body odour.

Anti-perspirant deodorants combat body odour in two ways. First by covering the sweat glands that release sweat onto your skin. That stops the sweat and bacteria mixing. Second, by reducing the amount of bacteria that's on your skin in the first place.

Why not get the best of both worlds?

OK, so you may have a favourite body spray that has you signature smell. No problem, just use an anti-perspirant deodorant as well.

That way you can be confident you're protected against wetness and odour, and still smell of your favourite scent.