How many times have you weighed this question: antiperspirant or deodorant?
It’s bound to come up again and again. And again. Like every month or so, when you’re due for a new roll-on or spray. Some may automatically reach for the same product each time, but I have to believe the vast majority use the occasion each time to consider whether their needs have changed or whether they were even being met in the first place.
To be clear, there is a critical difference between them. One covers up body odor and the other stops sweating and body odor.
Two birds, one stone, right? The decision isn’t quite that straightforward because everyone’s armpits are a little different. But it also shouldn’t be one that continually stresses you out. To help put an end to that, we’ll weigh the pros and cons below.
About antiperspirant
Antiperspirant is able to block sweat thanks to an active ingredient called aluminum (yep, the same stuff soda cans are made of), which helps block the ducts that cause sweat. It’s also been shown to help reduce the bacteria found on the skin that leads to body odor.
Sweating, of course, is perfectly natural. It’s your body’s way of regulating temperature. But some people do sweat more heavily than others, which can be annoying for them. Sweating can also be a persistent issue for those who live in a hot climate.
If you want to stop worrying about excess sweat, but the recent rumors about the health risks tied to aluminum in antiperspirants have given you pause, know that there’s nothing to be concerned about.
The reports of excess exposure to aluminum compounds like aluminum zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum chloride – all common ingredients in antiperspirants – increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease stem from a study done on rabbits. To date, there is no direct link between aluminum in antiperspirants and Alzheimer’s disease.
Some health and wellness blogs have also promoted the idea that using a product with aluminum close to breast tissue could increase the risk of breast cancer, but there’s been no evidence of that either.
Want to reduce underarm wetness without blocking your sweat glands? Look for an antiperspirant with arrowroot powder, corn starch, rice powder, or clay, all of which absorb moisture.
The most common concerns related to antiperspirants are burning and irritant contact dermatitis, especially in women who shave. If you’ve found this to be the case, avoid antiperspirants that contain common skin irritants like synthetic fragrances and propylene glycol.
About deodorant
Deodorant curbs body odor by neutralizing the bacteria that causes it with ingredients like baking soda and alcohol. Those formulated with coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, and similarly moisturizing ingredients can also help reduce underarm friction.
As with antiperspirant, the primary complaint with deodorant is irritation, which is often caused by – you guessed it – synthetic fragrances. So try to avoid deodorants with essential oils or perfume. Alcohol-based deodorants can also be problematic for sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness and irritation.
Ultimately, one isn’t better – or safer – than the other. Choosing between antiperspirant and deodorant comes down to which one meets your needs best and is tolerated by your skin.
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