What is the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant? ›

Antiperspirant and deodorant have a few key differences. Deodorant masks odor, while an antiperspirant reduces how much you sweat. Both products work wherever they are applied to your body, most commonly on the underarms. Many times, deodorant and antiperspirant are combined in a single product.

It's simple. Deodorant protects against odor, while antiperspirant protects against sweat and odor. Deodorant will help keep you fresh, whereas antiperspirant also helps to control sweat, perfect if you want to avoid underarm wetness. Aluminum is the active ingredient in antiperspirant that helps reduce sweat.

Very simply, deodorants stop you from smelling while antiperspirants stop you from sweating. However, many people (incorrectly) use the two words interchangeably.

Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin. Deodorants, on the other hand, can help eliminate odor but not perspiration.

Deodorants help prevent or mask body odor. They have no active ingredients and do not prevent sweating. Antiperspirants help prevent sweating. They typically contain aluminum as an active ingredient.

Deodorant is designed to cover up the smell of body odor and antiperspirant is designed to stop and dry sweat or body odor.

Yes. Deodorants and antiperspirants are safe for most kids – and for that matter, adults – to use. A lot of parents are worried about rumors that these products might seal in harmful toxins: They don't. (Your body removes toxins when you pee and poop, not through sweat.)

"But I like to shower in the morning," you protest. Here's some more crazy news: The antiperspirant you put on before bed will still work after you take your A.M. shower. "A study shows that antiperspirant can depress sweat for up to a day, so washing may have a minimal impact on sweating," says Wilson.

Do you put antiperspirant on every day? Er, you shouldn't - because if you get one that's good enough, there should be no need to. "Apply 2 strokes up and 2 strokes down to each armpit. You should only need to do this once or twice a week," the doctor advises.

Give your pits the protection they need with our top pick, the Uriage Clinical Strength Deodorant. It's a roll-on antiperspirant that glides on in just a few swipes to keep sweating at bay. The aluminum-based formula works by reducing underarm wetness, though it also targets odors.

Can I use both deodorant and antiperspirant? ›

You can even use deodorant and antiperspirant together, as a combo, to reap the benefits of both. Dr. Chen says to just make sure you apply the antiperspirant about two to three hours before applying deodorant so you can get the full effectiveness of the antiperspirant.

That's right, antiperspirants are not just for your underarms – you can use them on your hands, feet, face, back, chest, and even groin. The most widely used ingredients in antiperspirants are metallic salts. Preparations containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate are among the most effective.

Antiperspirant may have the added benefit of acting as a deodorant because of how the product works. When antiperspirant blocks sweat glands, it also blocks odor from escaping, which reduces how badly you smell when sweating.

However, if you are planning to exercise, it can be a good idea to put on deodorant before you begin. Taking a shower in the morning after you put on antiperspirant at night can remove some of the fragrance, so it can be nice to add a layer of deodorant after showering for a fresh feeling.

It's important to apply our deodorant to clean, dry skin. If you apply it to wet or damp skin, the deodorant may not adhere properly, which can reduce its effectiveness. For best results, apply deodorant after you've dried off completely from your shower.