ANTIPERSPIRANT VS DEODORANT: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
In the world of personal care, the terms "deodorant" and "antiperspirant" often get tossed around interchangeably. But if you’re asking yourself, “Should I use deodorant or antiperspirant?” then understanding the difference between the two is helpful. We explain what sets them apart.
WHY DO WE SWEAT?
Before we get into it, let’s pause for an introduction to sweat. As humans, whether we like it or not, we perspire. This is because we produce our own body heat and we sweat to cool down. So, sweat is certainly not the bad guy—it's actually good for us!
WHAT IS DEODORANT?
Deodorant is your go-to for tackling body odor. It works by neutralizing the bacteria on your skin that causes that not-so-pleasant smell. Deodorants come in various forms, including sticks, sprays, and gels. They usually contain fragrances to keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. It’s recommended to use deodorant on days when you know you won’t be working up a sweat but still want odor protection.
We recommend Degree Men Arctic Edge Deodorant Stick. It’s so cool and refreshing, it’s like having a snowstorm in your armpits! It has fresh cool mint, crisp mandarin, and winter melon scent and offers up to 48-hours of odor protection, so you can keep moving all day and night.
WHAT IS ANTIPERSPIRANT?
Antiperspirant is all about sweat control. It contains active ingredients like aluminum compounds that temporarily block your sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat you produce.¹ This is especially handy if you tend to sweat a lot or have a big presentation coming up.
Antiperspirant is ideal for more active days when you know you’ll sweat more than usual,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. He adds, “If sweating is affecting your confidence or has become bothersome and making you more anxious in social settings, getting yourself a strong and effective antiperspirant might be the solution."
Want the best of both worlds? Go for an antiperspirant deodorant for a double whammy of sweat prevention and odor elimination. For all-day sweat and odor protection, try Degree Advanced Antiperspirant Deodorant. With MotionSense® technology that works harder when you move, it keeps you feeling fresh and dry—no matter what the day throws your way.
WHEN TO USE ANTIPERSPIRANT VS DEODORANT
So, should you use deodorant or antiperspirant? It depends on your needs and the situation. Here's a quick guide:
Activity Level
High activity: If you're hitting the gym or going for a run, an antiperspirant like Degree Men Cool Comfort Antiperspirant Deodorant is your best bet. It provides 48-hour sweat and odor protection, keeping you dry and fresh.
For women, Degree Women Sexy Intrigue Antiperspirant offers long-lasting sweat and odor defense with a warm, sophisticated fragrance.
Low activity: For a regular day at the office or a casual outing, a deodorant like Degree Men Cool Comfort will keep you fresh without the need for heavy sweat protection.
For women, Degree Women Fresh Deodorant delivers all-day freshness with a fruity, uplifting scent.
Time of Day
Morning: Apply an antiperspirant in the morning to give it time to activate and block sweat glands. For men, Degree Men Extreme Antiperspirant Dry Spray provides reliable protection for a busy day ahead.
For women, Degree Women Shower Clean Antiperspirant keeps you feeling fresh and dry with a crisp, clean scent.
Evening: If you're heading out for a night on the town, a quick swipe of deodorant will keep you smelling fresh without worrying about sweat. Try Degree Men Intense Sport Deodorant for a bold, energetic scent.
For women, Degree Women Stress Control Deodorant keeps you cool and confident with a subtle floral scent.
The situation
Stressful situations: Job interviews, presentations, or first dates can make you sweat more. Antiperspirant is your friend here! Try Degree Men Adventure Antiperspirant for rugged protection that lasts.
For women, Degree Lavender & Waterlily Antiperspirant helps fight stress sweat with a delicate floral scent.
Casual hangouts: For a relaxed day with friends, deodorant will do the trick. Try Degree Men Everest Deodorant for fresh, everyday protection.
For women, Degree Women Vanilla & Jasmine Deodorant keeps you smelling sweet and fruity all day long.
Product layering
You can also layer products for maximum protection. Start with an antiperspirant to control sweat, then apply a deodorant for added fragrance and long-lasting scent.
"It's all about your personal preference and finding the balance that suits your needs, whether it's odor control, sweat reduction, or a bit of both," says Dr. Paris.
WHAT IS BODY SPRAY?
Body spray is a lighter, more fragrant option that you can use all over your body. It's not designed to tackle sweat or odor at the source but gives you a quick burst of freshness. Think of it as a finishing touch to your grooming routine.
FAQs
Is deodorant or antiperspirant better?
The choice between deodorant and antiperspirant depends on what matters most to you. If you're keen on keeping body odor at bay, a deodorant might be best for you. Or, if you're aiming to minimize sweating, an antiperspirant could be the perfect fit. Like the sound of both? Get that dual action with an antiperspirant deodorant from Degree.
What is the main ingredient in antiperspirant?
The main ingredient in antiperspirant is usually an aluminum compound, such as aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium. These compounds temporarily block sweat glands to reduce perspiration.
Can body spray replace deodorant?
Body spray is not a substitute for deodorant. While it can give you a quick burst of fragrance, it doesn't tackle the bacteria that cause body odor. Use body spray as a complement to your deodorant application.
Does antiperspirant stop odor too?
Many antiperspirants contain deodorizing agents to tackle odor. However, their primary function is to reduce sweat.
Understanding the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant can help you choose the right product for your needs. Whether you're gearing up for a workout, heading to the office, or going out for the evening, knowing when to use antiperspirant vs deodorant will keep you feeling confident and fresh. Break those limits and move with confidence. Degree has your back with products that won't let you down.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Paris Acharya has made notable contributions and insights in various reputable publications such as Glamour, Tatler, Telegraph, and Women's Health UK.
Dr. Karan Lal's expertise has been recognized and quoted in reputable publications including Allure, HuffPost, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, showcasing a broad influence and acknowledgement in the field.
References
Wiley Online Library. "Deodorants and Antiperspirants". 2023