Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant:
What’s the Difference?
Deodorant vs
ANTIPERSPIRANT
The key difference between deodorants and antiperspirants is that deodorants help stop you getting body odour without blocking sweat, while antiperspirants protect you from sweating and help keep you dry.
A lot of people think they’re the same thing, so the names are often used interchangeably. Even though you apply them to the same place, they have a completely different effect on your skin!
Deodorants are formulated to eliminate underarm odour without blocking perspiration.
It’s a common misconception that body odour is caused by sweat itself – in fact, sweat is almost odourless. Body odour happens because bacteria on your skin multiply quickly, break down sweat into acid and produce an unpleasant smell.
This is where deodorant comes in – when you apply it, it makes your skin slightly more acidic, which is less attractive to bacteria. That way you’re left feeling fresh and protected against unwanted odour.
Antiperspirants are formulated to help prevent perspiration by temporarily blocking the sweat pores. They help you control sweat, especially if you experience excessive sweating and want to avoid wetness in your underarms.
The aluminium compounds in antiperspirants dissolve into the moisture on your underarms, or wherever else you apply them. The aluminium is then absorbed into your sweat glands, making it temporarily harder for sweat to reach the surface of your skin.
After a while, the moisture inside and outside the glands balances out, allowing them to release sweat again. Because of this, antiperspirant only works for a certain period of time before it needs to be reapplied.
You don’t need to limit antiperspirant use to your underarms – it can also be effective on other areas of your body that tend to sweat.
What are the benefits of
DEODORANT AND ANTIPERSPIRANT?
Even though deodorants and antiperspirants have slightly different purposes, they do share some benefits:
- Body Odour Reduction:
Antiperspirant does this by helping to prevent sweating, whereas deodorant targets and eliminates the bacteria that cause the smell.
- Dryness Control:
Antiperspirants help you control sweat by temporarily blocking the pores, so you can feel dry and fresh for longer.
- Colour Protection:
If your clothes get deodorant stains, look out for colour-protecting formulas such as NIVEA Black&White Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On that help prevent white marks on black clothes and yellow marks on white clothes.
Is it better to use
A DEODORANT OR AN ANTIPERSPIRANT?
That really depends on the result you want and what feels most comfortable for you – deodorants only protect you from unpleasant odours, while antiperspirants also help to stop you sweating.
You might notice that your needs change depending on the day and on what you’re doing, for example whether you’re exercising or spending a lot of time outside. Different levels of sweating might mean you need different antiperspirant strengths.
Use a deodorant if:
You want to prevent body odour;
You don’t sweat excessively and only need lighter protection;
You’re doing light-intensity activities where you’re not expecting to sweat a lot.
Use an antiperspirant if:
You need stronger protection and want to prevent both body odour and wet underarms;
You’re doing higher intensity activities such as exercising, being out in the sun or having a busy day, when you want to feel fresh and dry all day long.
Many products today combine the benefits of deodorant and antiperspirant, giving you double protection against body odour and wetness.
Tips on how to
PREVENT BODY ODOUR
Here are a few quick lifestyle tips to help you prevent strong body odour:
- Wash your armpits at least twice a day with soap and dry them thoroughly;
- Shave your armpits regularly;
- Apply a deodorant or antiperspirant to clean, dry skin;
- Change and wash your clothes regularly;
- Wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk;
- Try not to have too much caffeine and alcohol;
- Go easy on strong-smelling or very spicy food.
Explore the NIVEA deodorant range, with both deodorants and antiperspirants so you can find the best one for you – from gentle deodorant formulas for sensitive skin to powerful anti-staining antiperspirants, all providing long-lasting, reliable protection against body odour and/or sweating.
Whether you prefer a spray, roll-on or stick, NIVEA has a whole range of products for you to discover and choose the one that fits your routine and lifestyle. Enriched with caring ingredients, our products look after your skin, leaving it protected and silky soft.
Discover NIVEA Derma Dry Control – an antiperspirant deodorant spray enriched with Vitamin C, providing reliable sweat and odour protection for up to 96 hours while helping to keep your skin silky soft.
NIVEA Derma Dry technology can help control heavy sweating and prevent skin irritation. Its non-irritating formula is also available for men.
