What is the Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant

The main difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is that deodorant helps to minimize body odor by minimizing bacterial growth, whereas antiperspirants minimize both sweating and body odor.

Sweating is a natural response of a body, but the odor that accompanies sweating can make someone embarrassed in society. This is why we use deodorants and antiperspirants in daily life. These are two products that reduce and control body odor.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Deodorant 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is an Antiperspirant
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities – Deodorant and Antiperspirant
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Deodorant, Antiperspirant, Sweating

Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant  - Comparison Summary

What is a Deodorant

Deodorants are used to prevent body odor, especially armpit odor, due to bacterial breakdowns. Both men and women use deodorant in their daily lives. Deodorants are cosmetic products. A deodorant offers two forms of protection for the body. It helps to reduce the number of bacteria that produce odor. It also gives a pleasant fragrance that covers body odor. Deodorants are recommended for everyday use since they have no side effects.

Compare Deodorant and Antiperspirant - What's the difference?

Generally, deodorants come in plastic, glass, or aluminum containers. There are different brands of deodorants on the market today. There are also different types of deodorants for the use of men and women. Deodorants can be applied to any area in the body that produces sweat. But one should avoid applying deodorants near the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals. This is because deodorants are made with alcohol-based substances, and special care should be taken when applying them to sensory parts of the body.

What is an Antiperspirant

An antiperspirant is a skincare product that helps to reduce underarm sweating. It functions by blocking the pores of the outer layer of the skin. This results in reducing the amount of sweat that comes out to the surface. Antiperspirants are available in different formations as roll-on, spray, and powder formulations. The active ingredients in antiperspirants are metallic salts, aluminum chloride and aluminum chloralhydrate. Aluminum content in antiperspirants helps to reduce the sweat flow of the underarm area. Since the salt stops access to the upper part of the sweat glands, it is difficult for the sweat to be released. Furthermore, aluminum salt helps to minimize the odor of sweat by reducing the number of bacteria involved in odor production.

Deodorant vs Antiperspirant

There are different types of antiperspirants for women and men. Antiperspirant helps people to stay fresh. At the same time, antiperspirants are not considered cosmetics products; instead, they are considered to be skincare products. However, we should use precautions when applying antiperspirant, especially in areas near the mouth, eyes, nose, and genitals.

Similarities Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant

  • Both deodorant and antiperspirant control body odor.
  • Deodorants and antiperspirants have a good fragrance.
  • There are different types of deodorants and antiperspirants that cater to both men and women.
  • These products can make people less self-conscious.

Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant

Definition

A deodorant is a cosmetic product that can control the odor coming from body parts, especially underarms, whereas an antiperspirant is a skincare product that can control sweating.

Ingredients

Although antiperspirant consists of aluminum salts, deodorant does not contain aluminum salts.

Protection

Although deodorants reduce body odor by minimizing bacterial growth, antiperspirants control both sweating and odor.

Category

Deodorant is a cosmetic product, whereas antiperspirant is a skincare product.

Conclusion

Deodorant is a cosmetic product that can control the odor coming from body parts, especially underarms, whereas an antiperspirant is a skincare product that can control sweating. Therefore, the main difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is that deodorant helps to minimize body odor by minimizing bacterial growth, whereas antiperspirants minimize both sweating and body odor.

Reference:

1. “Deodorant.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation.
2. “Antiperspirant Basics.” International Hyperhidrosis Society | Official Site.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Axe-bodyspray-artistic-cologne” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Dove men+care” By Unilever – Unilever (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Gerandielle

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