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Antiperspirants And Deodorants – Here’S What Makes Them Different

Antiperspirants and deodorants – here’s what makes them different

We prefer perspiring only when we’re working out, and on any other occasion, it’s just plain unpleasant and annoying. The sweat produced by the body is odorless. It’s the bacteria on the skin that breaks it down and releases an unpleasant smell. Usually, most men use a deodorant to mask the body odor. However, other than deodorants, one can use antiperspirants to manage body odor too. You must be wondering, “But wait, aren’t they the same thing?” Yes and no. Both deodorants and antiperspirants share a common purpose, i.e., to keep one’s body odor in check. But they achieve this goal by using different approaches. Continue reading to know more about the difference between these two hygiene products, and to learn about the best men’s deodorants and antiperspirants.

What is the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant?
Often the words deodorant and antiperspirant are used interchangeably because both of these products are marketed to beat body odor. However, they are two separate hygiene products that have distinctive ways of working. Read further to know what makes a deodorant different from an antiperspirant.

Antiperspirant
An antiperspirant aims to combat body odor by blocking the sweat glands. Usually, antiperspirants use active ingredients such as aluminum and zirconium to eliminate the sweat formed on the skin. Furthermore, it creates a gel-like surface on the skin which caps the sweat glands for a brief period. An antiperspirant inhibits sweat production and prevents it from moving to the skin’s surface.
Deodorant
On the other hand, a deodorant does not affect the production of sweat. However, it does help to fight body odor by controlling the odor-causing bacteria that are present on the skin. Triclosan is an active ingredient used in deodorants which makes the skin surface excessively acidic, making it impossible for the bacteria to survive, thereby preventing body odor.

What is better, antiperspirants or deodorants?
The type of hygiene product you choose depends entirely on how your body functions and your personal choice.

Who needs an antiperspirant?
Not every person needs an antiperspirant. They are primarily designed to inhibit the production of sweat. If one tends to sweat heavily, using only a deodorant might not be very effective at masking the odor of sweat. So, in such a case, it might be better to use an antiperspirant as it addresses the root concern.
Who needs a deodorant?
Although it doesn’t alter the production of sweat, using deodorants will be sufficient if one doesn’t sweat much usually. Using some of the best men’s deodorants, once or twice a day, will do the job.

Before buying an antiperspirant or deodorant for men, make sure that you check the ingredients on its label. Also, take a patch test to know if you are allergic to the product or not.

Which are the best deodorants for men?
The following are some of the best deodorants for men that you can try –

Every Man Jack Signature Mint
Native Deodorant
Calvin Klein Obsession for Men
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant For Men
Menscience Androceuticals Advanced Deodorant
Baxter of California Citrus and Herbal-Musk
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Deodorant
Speed Stick® Ocean Surf Deodorant

Can one find a men’s deodorant and antiperspirant in one product?
Yes, if you are dealing with excessive sweat as well as bad body odor, then you can easily find products that offer the attributes of both, deodorants and antiperspirants. Mentioned below are some of the best men’s deodorants and antiperspirants that you can try.