The Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirants

Why choose a natural deodorant over an antiperspirant?

Most people think that antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing, but they aren’t. Antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents such as aluminum salts so that they can’t release sweat. (Note that aluminum can accumulate in the brain.) Deodorants work by neutralizing the smell of the sweat and by antiseptic action against bacteria. Deodorants are preferable because they don’t interfere with sweating, a natural cooling process.

Baking soda works wonders because it neutralizes the odor of sweat. Just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda onto a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse.

This tip—just using baking soda—has saved me on many occasion, especially when traveling.

Basic Deodorant Powder
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
A few drops essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon

Place the ingredients in a glass jar. Shake to blend. Sprinkle a light covering of the powder on a damp washcloth. Pat on. Don’t rinse.

Basic Liquid Deodorant
1/4 cup each witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and mineral water
1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
A few drops antibacterial essential oils such as lavender (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend.

Makes 3/4 cup

Shelf life: Indefinite.

Read more: Beauty, Holistic Beauty, Skin Care

By Annie B. Bond

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sheri L.

4:05AM PST on Jan 7, 2012

very informative thanks

send a green star

Live Life B.

10:09PM PDT on Aug 5, 2011

DEODORANT- is used when odours are either masked or eliminated. Whereas

ANTI-PERSPIRANT- is used when sweat is prevented or blocked in order to reduce or eliminate odours for 12 hours or more.

I have a terribly bad funky armpit odour, like cockroach smell, so I need deodorant. however not just any deodorant, because I don't want it to clog up my skin or give me bad smell afterwards. I've been using UARMSOL deodorant for many years now and I have no more armpit odours. Even when I sweat I don't have any odours, this deodorant works great and I'm loving it. I can't go out in the day without putting it on. Even when I sweat my armpits don't have any smell. I applied 1 pinch and it's all to it for the whole day without worries about any smell afterwards. There's no after sport smell or odour masking. I would recommend it to anyone who has underarm odour.

10:08PM PDT on Aug 5, 2011

8:59AM PDT on Jul 23, 2011

Deodorant usually contains chemicals, oil and or fragrances to mask or eliminate odour, whereas, antisperspirant prevents or block sweats to rid of odour for 12 hrs or more.

I don't use antisperspirant, not even gel sticks or spray.
I have a terribly bad funky armpit odour, like cockroach smell, so I need deodorant. however not just any deodorant, because I don't want it to clog up my skin or give me bad smell afterwards. I've been using UARMSOL deodorant for many years now and I have no more armpit odours. Even when I sweat I don't have any odours, this deodorant works great and I'm loving it. I can't go out in the day without putting it on. Even when I sweat my armpits don't have any smell. I applied 1 pinch and it's all to it for the whole day without worries about any smell afterwards. There's no after sport smell or odour masking. I would recommend it to anyone who has underarm odour.

Isabel M.

11:38PM PDT on Jun 14, 2011

This is amazing. Another beauty/hygiene secret for me. Thanks for this post. I would also suggest the site [url=http://www.lifo.com]Lifo - Empowering Women[/url]. This is a fun site for girls where they can share tips/secrets about beauty and fashion.

Alison N.

7:24PM PST on Jan 18, 2011

I didn't know there was a difference, I will take more notice in future, thanks for posting.

Maja M.

10:50AM PST on Nov 19, 2010

I've been using baking soda + cornstarch + coconut oil deodorant for a year now. It works wonders, much better than any store-bought deodorant.

Fatma S.

1:12PM PST on Nov 18, 2010

valuable info, thanks

John D.

1:50PM PDT on Sep 14, 2010

I would like to try the baking soda idea (but only at home until I see what it does to clothing). There are so many suggestions for using baking soda for so many applications that we purchased in bulk last week just to check it out. I will add this to list. Thanks.
spelling online

Jeanne L.

12:45AM PDT on Sep 4, 2010

Thanks for sharing i will definitely try it