Deodorants versus Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants and deodorants work in different ways to reduce body odor. Antiperspirants work by reducing sweat. Deodorants work by increasing the skin’s acidity.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers deodorants to be cosmetic: a product intended to cleanse or beautify. It considers antiperspirants to be a drug: a product intended to treat or prevent disease, or affect the structure or function of the body.

Deodorants – Deodorants are formulated to eliminate armpit odor but not perspiration. They’re typically alcohol-based. When applied, they turn your skin acidic, which makes it less attractive to bacteria. Deodorants also commonly contain perfume to mask odor.

Antiperspirants – The active ingredients in antiperspirants usually include aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores. Blocking sweat pores reduces the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin.

There are two primary reasons to use deodorants and antiperspirants:

Moisture

Sweat is a cooling mechanism that helps us shed excess heat. Armpits have a higher density of sweat glands than other areas of the body. Some people wish to reduce their sweating, since armpit sweat can sometimes soak through clothing. Sweat can also contribute to body odor.

Smell

Your sweat itself doesn’t have a strong odor. It’s the bacteria on your skin breaking down sweat that produce an odor. The damp warmth of your armpits is an ideal environment for bacteria.

The aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants — their active ingredients — keep sweat from getting to the surface of the skin by blocking the sweat glands.

There’s a concern that if the skin absorbs these aluminum compounds, they can affect the estrogen receptors of breast cells. However, according to the American Cancer Society, there’s no clear link between cancer and the aluminum in antiperspirants.

You can use natural products. you might be wondering what deems a product natural. Besides avoiding synthetic and artificial ingredients, these deodorants commonly have these three components:

• ingredients with disinfectant or antibacterial properties, such as coconut oil and tea tree oil
• essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, or bergamot to provide a pleasant scent
• naturally absorbent ingredients like baking soda, arrowroot, or cornstarch to combat moisture

Natural deodorants won’t plug sweat glands like traditional antiperspirants, but they don’t contain the often-worrying ingredient aluminum.

You can also try making your own, if the online options don’t appeal to you. Try this easy recipe:
Instructions:

1. Mix baking soda and arrowroot.
2. Mash in coconut oil until blended. Add essential oils, if desired.
3. Place the mixture in an empty glass jar.
4. To use, just warm a small amount between your fingers until it turns into liquid.

Apply to your pits.
 

Sources: Healthline.com