When it comes to hygiene products, not many people read past the label and understand familiar terminologies that often become interchanged with the other. Even the words ‘cleaning’ and ‘sanitizing’ have different meanings. The former means the removal of dirty surface objects, while the latter involves the reduction of germs and pathogens from an object.
Another classic example of interchanged hygiene products is deodorants and antiperspirants. The two words have most likely become synonymous with each other, given that they have been understood to denote the same thing. To settle our understanding straight, here are the comparisons of a deodorant vs antiperspirant.
What does the product do?
The use of deodorant is mainly to remove body odor, while antiperspirants prevent perspiration. Deodorants are anti-smell, and antiperspirants are anti-sweat. Deodorants remove bacteria buildup while for antiperspirants, block pores to prevent body odor.
It is this function that mainly sets the two hygiene products apart. You will notice that deodorants are naturally more fragrant and are bought over the counter. On the other hand, some antiperspirants need a doctor’s prescription, especially for those who sweat excessively.
The difference also lies with the ingredients
To fully be effective, both hygiene products contain particular ingredients. Deodorants include:
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Hydrolyzed corn starch
- Propylene glycol
- Fragrance
For natural deodorants, you can mix honey, baking soda, and coconut oil, for mixture and fragrance.
On the other hand, antiperspirants have aluminum. It is usually the ingredients that set both hygiene products apart. For antiperspirants, aluminum is the main ingredient. The most common of which is aluminum chlorohydrate.
When to use each product?
Because each product has unique functions, its use varies from case to case. For people who do not sweat but still have smelly odors, a deodorant would be the best option. For people who sweat a lot, using an antiperspirant helps lessen sweats.
However, there are hundreds of products that are a combination of both. Some even mix them by applying an antiperspirant before the deodorant. While both terms are different, they are interchangeable, but it is the term ‘deodorant’ that is popular around the world.
Benefits of using deodorant and antiperspirant
Moving past the difference between deodorant vs. antiperspirant, here are some reasons why you should use at least either of these products:
Build your confidence
When going out, the last thing you should be worrying about is body odor. Being conscious about your smell or too much sweat can be crippling. For this reason, using either of these hygiene products vastly improves your confidence.
You do not have to continually sniff your armpits when you use a deodorant or an antiperspirant. Therefore, you can freely play, eat, and go about your day.
Underarm care
Deodorant has alcohol, and antiperspirant has aluminum to do their respective functions. Both hygiene products have ingredients providing your skin the moisture and smoothness it needs. Applying these products can prevent bacteria growth and reduce the blackening of your armpits.
As such, both products provide a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone situation. The application of deodorant and antiperspirant prevents not only smell or sweat, but also underarm care.
Ultimately, there is an underarm product that suits the body types of all people. It does not take much to find the right one for you so that you can do things without being self-conscious about your smell.