Deodorant masks unpleasant odors caused by sweat, while an antiperspirant blocks the flow of sweat. In other words, deodorant does not prevent the formation of marks on your T-shirt, while antiperspirant does! Nevertheless, antiperspirant contains aluminum salts, which have come under particular criticism in the last decade. So which type should you choose? Our experts give you the answer.
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Deodorant or Antiperspirant?
Summary
- Why Do We Sweat in the First Place?
- What Are the Differences Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?
- Which Products Should You Use?
- Sources
Published July 28, 2022,
updated on August 7, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
Why Do We Sweat in the First Place?
At times and for various reasons (physical activity, stress, weather conditions), body heat increases. The resulting sweat takes on three roles:
Thermoregulatory response: it ensures that the body temperature remains at 37 °C. Large temperature fluctuations (hypothermia and hyperthermia) lead to serious complications (convulsions, unconsciousness...). Maintaining the body temperature at 37 °C is therefore of crucial importance.
Thermoregulatory response: it ensures that the body temperature remains at 37 °C. Large temperature fluctuations (hypothermia and hyperthermia) lead to serious complications (convulsions, unconsciousness...). Maintaining the body temperature at 37 °C is therefore of crucial importance.
Excretory function: Toxins and waste products are eliminated through sweat.
Moisturizing function: Sweat is a component of the hydrolipid film, which has the task of maintaining the moisture content of the skin and protecting it from external influences.
Sweat glands secrete one liter of sweat per day. In summer or during intense physical activity, this amount can increase to up to four liters!
Sweating can be annoying, especially when it becomes excessive. In addition, unpleasant odor causes discomfort. Surprisingly, sweat is odorless at the time of its secretion. However, when the sweat produced by the apocrine glands comes into contact with bacteria, the all-too-familiar sweaty odor is created
What Are the Differences Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?
Both an antiperspirant and a deodorant are used to combat unpleasant odors. However, they differ in their mode of action.
The antiperspirant fights perspiration odor by blocking sweat. It reduces perspiration through ingredients such as aluminum salts. When these compounds are applied to the skin, they precipitate and combine with dead skin cells, forming plugs that clog sweat glands, blocking the flow of sweat. In addition, aluminum salts are bactericidal. They fight the proliferation of bacteria that are found en masse in the armpits and are the cause of bad odors. A deodorant serves to mask or prevent the appearance of unpleasant sweat odors by absorbing moisture thanks to its ingredients (talc, kaolin, magnesite...). Deodorant also prevents unpleasant odors by killing the bacteria on the surface of the skin. However, deodorant does not contain aluminum salts; it does not prevent sweat from draining naturally through the pores of the skin.
A deodorant serves to mask or prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors from sweat by absorbing moisture thanks to its ingredients (talc, kaolin, magnesite...). Deodorant also prevents unpleasant odors by killing the bacteria on the surface of the skin. However, deodorant does not contain aluminum salts; it does not prevent sweat from draining naturally through the pores of the skin.
As for the form, deodorants and antiperspirants come in various forms, from solid stick to roll-on to spray or deodorant cream.
Note: In colloquial language, the term "deodorant" is used more frequently than "antiperspirant". Thus, people sometimes talk about a deodorant with aluminum salts, although it is actually an antiperspirant.
Which Products Should You Use?
It depends on your sweat flow and the degree of discomfort it causes in your daily life!
Thus, people who sweat excessively and who are particularly bothered by it may be more likely to use an antiperspirant. However, the aluminum salts or aluminum chlorohydrates contained in antiperspirants are suspected of promoting the development of certain diseases such as Alzheimer's or breast cancer. To date, no scientific study has linked Alzheimer's disease to the repeated use of antiperspirants. Several studies have linked the presence of aluminum salts in breast cells to the development of malignant tumors and thus breast cancer, but mainly in animal models (mice). As with all skin care products, antiperspirants are subject to various draconian safety criteria. They are also subjected to rigorous testing before they reach the market.
For low to moderate perspiration, you should rather use a deodorant for precautionary reasons. Nevertheless, make sure that your deodorant does not contain irritating compounds (even more so if you have sensitive skin) such as alcohol. Also avoid compounds suspected of disrupting the hormonal system, such as triclosan or even parabens.
Note: People prone to heavy sweating can resort to detranspirants, which are sold only in pharmacies or online.
Sources :
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety : SCCS/1613/19 (2019)
Mandriota SJ, Tenan M, Ferrari P, Sappino A-P. Aluminium chloride promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells. Int J Cancer. (2016)
Willhite CC, Karyakina NA, Yokel RA, et al. Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts. Crit Rev Toxicol. (2014)
Evaluation du risque lié à l’utilisation de l’aluminium dans les produits cosmétiques - Point d’information - ANSM : Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé.
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