Deodorant or Antiperspirant? Derms Explain How to Choose Between the Two

If you were today years old when you found out that there is, in fact, a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, you're not alone. A common misconception is that deodorant is the more common term people use in their everyday language, while antiperspirant is reserved for more formal or clinical conversation. But as it turns out, they each serve their own unique purpose, although they do share some overlap.

To make sense of it all, Byrdie reached out to board-certified dermatologists Dr. Hooman Khorasani, MD, FAAD, and Dr. Teresa Song, MD, FAAD, to get the scoop on all things deodorant and antiperspirant, and how to determine which is best for you. Read on to learn more.

What Is Deodorant?

"Deodorant is a personal hygiene product designed to reduce or mask body odor caused by sweating and bacterial overgrowth," says Dr. Khorasani. "Deodorants often contain antimicrobial agents to kill odor-causing bacteria and fragrances that mask any residual odor." He explains that our bodies have two types of sweat glands, apocrine and eccrine, with the former being the primary source of odor production. Apocrine secretions are "metabolized by skin bacteria, producing metabolites that often have a pungent smell." This is the odor that deodorant with antibacterial properties works to eliminate.

Pros and Cons

Conveniently, deodorants come in a variety of forms, including sprays, sticks, and gels, to fit the user's preference. They also generally work, eliminating body odor as intended. On the flip side, there are some drawbacks. Dr. Khorasani notes that it's not uncommon for some individuals to experience sensitive or allergic reactions, like contact dermatitis, due to alcohol and synthetic fragrances used in many formulas.

What Is Antiperspirant?

An alternative personal hygiene product, "Antiperspirants work actively to reduce sweating on the skin," explains Dr. Song. "They work primarily by diffusing into the sweat ducts to serve as temporary plugs to block sweating." Common ingredients that allow antiperspirants to operate this way are aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride, aluminum chloralhydrate, or aluminum zirconium, according to Dr. Khorasani. Antiperspirants can come in traditional sticks and even sprays, like the Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray.

Pros and Cons

A pro of antiperspirant is that "it helps to temporarily reduce sweating in affected areas, which can lead to a decrease in bacteria growth to help control body odor," Dr. Song explains. "It is especially helpful for patients who have hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), as it can block sweating compared to traditional deodorants." Some cons are that aluminum chloride typically has a white base (which can stain clothing), and antiperspirant may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions like deodorant.

Additionally, Dr. Song notes that there is "controversy with aluminum chloride being linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease," but says that there is limited research to support this. The American Cancer Society says that "most studies have not found a link between antiperspirant use and the development of breast cancer," while research published by National Library of Medicine concluded that elevated aluminum content has been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease but "It remains unclear whether this is a cause or an effect of the disease."

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Similarities and Differences

The major difference is that deodorants mask odor but do not address moisture from sweat production. Meanwhile, antiperspirants use aluminum to minimize sweat by blocking the sweat glands that can lead to odor (thus addressing moisture and odor). Dr. Khorasani and Dr. Song reiterate that both products control body odor, are applied in similar areas, and are available in various formulations, including (but not limited to) sticks, sprays, and gels.

Dr. Song adds that because antiperspirants contain aluminum, they are over-the-counter drugs; deodorants, on the other hand, do not qualify as OTC drugs and are thus not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Deodorants generally contain baking soda and magnesium to neutralize bacteria-causing odor. Another ingredient found in some formulas is tapioca starch, which helps keep the area dry.

How To Know Which Is Best For You

It ultimately boils down to your concern. If the primary issue is eliminating odor, deodorant might be worth exploring. If you're more concerned with excessive sweating, which can also lead to odor, antiperspirant might be the best option. Whichever you choose, both experts agree that you should opt for a simple, fragrance-free formula to avoid irritation.

If you're leaning towards an antiperspirant, "look for aluminum-based compounds that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritations," Dr. Song says. She advises looking for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and steering clear of potential irritants like fragrance. And if you choose an antiperspirant, talk to your doctor first—especially if you have a family history of or specific concern about a health condition.

The Final Takeaway

Although deodorant and antiperspirant share some common ground, it's important to know that they serve two different functions. If you are ever in doubt, each of their primary functions is in the name: Deodorants address odor, and antiperspirants address perspiration or sweat. When determining which product is right for you, it all comes down to which of these matters is your primary concern. If you're still unsure or have sensitive skin, consider consulting a board-certified dermatologist to help you make the best decision for your needs.