Your Guide to Antiperspirant Deodorants: How They Work & How to Use Them Effectively

Antiperspirants help reduce the production of sweat while deodorants swoop in to minimize and mask unwanted body odors. Using an antiperspirant deodorant lets you enjoy the best of both worlds – it’s two products rolled into one to keep you protected from both sweat and odor.

What's it used for?

Antiperspirant deodorants offer the ultimate underarm protection. They keep you fresh and dry, no matter your activity level – whether you're powering through a challenging workout, dashing between appointments, or simply enjoying your day – empowering you with confidence to keep moving, without having to worry about sweat and body odor.

How do they work?

Imagine them as a shield. Antiperspirant deodorants use aluminum salts to reduce the amount of sweat you produce. They’re also formulated with deodorizing agents that fight against the odor-causing bacteria that feed off our sweat to ensure you're not just dry but smell great, too.
Bothered by the amount you sweat? Help is at hand; find simple tips on how to sweat less here.

When it comes to choosing between antiperspirants and regular deodorants, the difference lies in their manufacturing make-up and how they work.

Antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that dissolve into the moisture on the skin’s surface. This forms a gel, which temporarily sits on top of the sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat released. Some antiperspirants also contain alcohol, which helps the active ingredient to dry faster and creates a pleasant, cool feeling.

On the other hand, regular deodorants focus on fighting body odor with antimicrobials that work to kill the bacteria that cause B.O.

Where to use them

Apply to areas where you want to control sweat and odor, typically under the arms.

How to use them

To get the most out of your antiperspirant deodorant, make sure you’ve towel dried your skin after your shower. Focus on areas prone to sweating, especially the underarms.

Should you use antiperspirant or deodorant for sweating?

Antiperspirants help reduce how much you sweat. For optimal protection, choose a dual-action antiperspirant deodorant that addresses both sweating and odor.

Finding the perfect antiperspirant deodorant involves thinking about what you want most from your underarm products.

For broad application and heavy perspiration...

Our antiperspirant deodorant sticks are designed for anyone with an active lifestyle. They offer up to 72 hours of sweat and odor protection. Take your pick:

For women: Degree® Advanced Active Shield Antiperspirant Deodorant – enjoy a boost of fresh fragrance whenever you move with MotionSense® technology.

For men: Degree® Men Nonstop Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick – Body Heat Activated® technology that forms a stronger barrier against odor and sweat as your body heat rises.

For quick-drying protection...

That dries instantly and provides up to 72 hours of sweat and odor protection, a dry spray is your best bet. Try:

For women: Degree® Stress Control Antiperspirant Dry Spray

For men: Degree® Men Advanced Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray Deep Cedar & Lavender

For prescription-strength wetness protection...

Our clinical protection sticks offer precise application and advanced sweat protection. Give one of these a try:

For women: Degree® Clinical Protection 5-in-1 Antiperspirant Deodorant

For men: Degree® Men Clean Clinical Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant

For tackling white and yellow sweat stains on clothes..

Take a proactive approach; fight against white and yellow sweat marks on your clothing with our UltraClear range, available in stick and spray:

For women: Degree® UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray

For men: Degree® Men UltraClear Black+White Antiperspirant Deodorant Dry Spray

Got some sweat stained clothing you want to revive? Check out this guide for tips on how to remove sweat stains.

The best deodorant and antiperspirant for sensitive skin

Some people may find that they are sensitive to antiperspirants and deodorants, particularly in the armpit area. Reactions can include irritation or a rash. Sensitivity to antiperspirants and deodorants is most commonly caused by the fragrance or perfume that is added to mask the smell of body odor, or as a reaction to other ingredients such as alcohol or aluminum salts.

If you are sensitive to perfume or fragrance, or have a history of eczema, then you may want to try a fragrance-free antiperspirant or deodorant.

You can also use an emollient or moisturizer alongside an antiperspirant or deodorant to minimize skin irritation or inflammation. Speak with your doctor or healthcare professional for advice if you are worried about any sensitivities.

Research indicates that ingredients in antiperspirants are effective, rigorously tested and safe to use on a regular basis.¹

The bottom line: choose an antiperspirant on days you plan to break a sweat, or a deodorant on low-activity days when you want to smell great. But if you want both, an antiperspirant deodorant is your best bet. Ready to seize the day? Degree® won’t let you down.

References:

1. Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk. American Cancer Society. 2022Opens in a new window