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.

Joe R.

10:29AM PDT on Apr 20, 2012

Interesting.

send a green star

Lori N.

1:55PM PDT on Apr 13, 2012

Live Life B., Thank you for your interesting comment. I have been on a continuous crusade for a safe, natural deodorant for my 12 yr.old daughter who has strong body odor. I have tried everything from crystal rock, baking soda,deodorants, oils, and nothing seems to do it. I have never heard of UARMSOL until I read your comment. What kind of product is it? And how is it applied? Where is it available and how can I purchase it? If anyone else can comment, I have been trying only deodorants, but should I be looking into antiperspirants? Is that the problem? Thanks!

1:48PM PDT on Apr 13, 2012

Live Life B, Very helpful, thanks for sharing. My 12 yr. old daughter has strong body odor and I've tried EVERTHING from baking soda to oils to salt crystals, etc. and I'm am still searching for a solution. I have never heard of UARMSOL. What kind of product is it? Where can I purchase it? Thanks so much!

Sheri L.

4:05AM PST on Jan 7, 2012

very informative thanks

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 A.

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.