Health & Fitness
What's Better: Deodorant Or Antiperspirant? A Dermatologist Explains
Photo courtesy of Moyo Studio/Getty Images
Health & Fitness
What's Better: Deodorant Or Antiperspirant? A Dermatologist Explains
Antiperspirant, hybrid blends, aluminum-free options, natural deodorants—your quest to smell and feel fresh is complicated these days. So, what’s the difference?
Taking a stroll down the deodorant aisle can be, to put it lightly, overwhelming. With conflicting claims and myths swirling around about the safety and efficacy of certain ingredients, it can feel tricky to know what the best choice is.
“Deodorants and antiperspirants both have a role depending on what your issue is,” says Dr. Kelsey Orrell, a dermatologist at DermAtelier on Avenue in Toronto, Ont.
From natural deodorants to antiperspirants, Dr. Orrell breaks down how each product works, their risks, and how to tell if it’s the right one for you.
What is deodorant?
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Deodorants reduce smells by masking the odour-causing bacteria on your skin. They typically contain antimicrobial compounds, such as triclosan, to neutralize those bacteria, as well as fragrance to disguise remaining odours.
Applying deodorant will not stop you from breaking a sweat. “If you tend to be sweaty or are worried about sweat stains, deodorant likely won’t be the choice for you,” says Dr. Orrell.
What is antiperspirant?
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On the other hand, the primary purpose of antiperspirants is to reduce sweating. “Antiperspirants have an ingredient in them—like aluminum chloride or zirconium—that temporarily blocks sweat glands to prevent perspiration,” says Dr. Orrell.
This, in turn, prevents sweat from reaching the skin’s surface and producing odour.
Are sweat-preventing ingredients—such as aluminum—harmful?
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Over the years, there have been no shortage of rumours relating to antiperspirants. Some worry about a link between sweat-blocking ingredients, notably aluminum chlorohydrate, and the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.
Dr. Orrell puts this rumour to rest, noting that there are no studies that establish a direct link between aluminum in antiperspirants and any diseases. “This is not something to be concerned about,” she says.
There is, however, a more common risk of antiperspirants causing irritant contact dermatitis. Applying antiperspirants to sensitive or already-irritated armpits (such as tiny cuts from shaving) can lead to itchy and reactive skin.
“If you’re looking for a more gentle version of aluminium chloride, try products with aluminum chlorohydrate,” says Dr. Orrell. For sensitive skin, she recommends Eucerin's 24h Deodorant Sensitive Skin Roll-On and Vichy's Deodorant Care Stick.
Do natural deodorants and antiperspirants work?
As more people turn to plant-based products, natural deodorizers have begun popping up seemingly everywhere. But do they really work?
“Natural deodorants can help mask odour, but if you’re thinking about natural antiperspirants, they still need an active ingredient that blocks the sweat glands,” says Dr. Orrell.
Some natural deodorants use ingredients like baking soda and essential oils to neutralize odours. However, be weary of false advertising when it comes to natural antiperspirants. An antiperspirant isn’t an antiperspirant without true sweat-blocking ingredients.
“Remember that poison ivy is natural,” says Dr. Orrell. “Just because something is labeled as natural doesn’t automatically mean it is safe or effective for the skin.
Bottom line: is deodorant or antiperspirant better?
Ultimately, Dr. Orrell says it comes down to what you’re looking to get out of the product. If sweat stains are your biggest concern, then antiperspirant is the way to go. If masking odour is more important, then give deodorant a try.
Many products contain both deodorant and antiperspirant properties, making them great options for tackling odour and sweating. Dr. Orrell recommends swiping on your antiperspirant at night when sweat glands are the least active, allowing the product to emit a sustained effect throughout the next day.
If the picks from your local pharmacy aren’t doing the job, Dr. Orrell suggests seeing your doctor. Dermatologists can prescribe perscription antiperspirants, medications, and more depending on the severity.
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