Difference between Deodorant and Antiperspirant.
Though deodorants and antiperspirants work in diverse ways to reduce body odor, most people still have difficulties differentiating these two products. Antiperspirants are considered a drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Trusted Source, while deodorants are considered cosmetic products. They take deodorant as a product aimed at cleansing or beautification. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, are considered products aimed at treating or preventing disease from affecting the body's function or structure. Here you are going to learn how to differentiate deodorants from antiperspirants.
Deodorants.
A deodorant is a product that is designed to prevent and combat body odor caused by sweating, however it doesn't necessarily eliminate perspiration. These deodorants are commonly applied to your armpits to avoid odor from sweat and bacteria. Based on the variety of deodorants you use, your deodorant may allow perspiration but help in boosting the prevention of body odor. Generally, deodorants are alcohol-based, and when used, they make your skin acidic, which makes it less attractive to bacteria. Now let's break down some body odor science. Sweat does not smell in its basic form. It is colorless and odorless. Body odor does not occur until when the odorless essential sweat blends with bacteria on your skin. And, based on where you are sweating on your body, your sweat glands can generate a more pungent odor because of bacteria production, proteins, or fat.
Antiperspirants.
Antiperspirant is designed in a way that prevents sweat before it starts by blocking your sweat gland temporarily. Due to its prevention of sweat, antiperspirants aid the keeping of your armpits fresh and dry. Antiperspirant works better on clean, dry skin, so using antiperspirant right before going to bed can help protect you from sweat the following day. There are a lot of varieties of antiperspirants available on the market, based on a lot of different preferences. Prescription-strength or clinical antiperspirants cater to those who sweat excessively. While you are shopping for antiperspirants, make sure to select the right strength and products depending on your sweat levels.
| Deodorant | Antiperspirant | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Regular hygiene, helps prevent foul odor originated from bacteria and sweat interacting. Only prevents bad odor, sweat still happens. | On the other hand, antiperspirant prevents sweat from even happening, thus preventing bacteria and sweat from interacting and causing bad body odor. |
| Origin | Deodorant is considered a beauty product. | Antiperspirant is usually cataloged as a clinical product. |
Venn Diagram: Deodorant vs Antiperspirant.
