Q&A
Deodorant or Antiperspirant?
Question:
Which product is more effective against body odour on a hot day? Deodorant or antiperspirant?
Perspiration is a natural biological function of the human body and is part of your body's cooling mechanism. During a hot day or a physical exertion or when you are highly stressed, your sweat glands secrete perspiration to help cool you down. Sweat by itself doesn't actually smell. However, when perspiration reacts with bacteria on your skin, especially in humid, confined areas like under the arms, odour occurs.
Deodorants and antiperspirants are both effective for preventing body odours - they just work in different ways. If your sweat glands are particularly active, you might want to opt for a product containing both and apply it everyday.
Deodorants
A deodorant works by killing off the bacteria that is causing the unpleasant smell. Most are alcohol-based which inhibits bacterial growth, and contain the active ingredient triclosan, which is an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Many deodorants also often come fragranced to help mask sweat odour. Another type of deodorant, deodorant crystals, are made with mineral salts that inhibit bacterial growth to keep you smelling fresh.
Anti-Perspirants
Most anti-perspirants contain aluminium chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate or aluminium zirconium which plugs your sweat glands to slow down sweat production.
No matter which type of product you choose, these come in many formulas: roll-on, spray and stick, so use whichever feels and works best for you.
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