Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Deodorants can be divided into two main types: antiperspirants and deodorants.

• Antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat glands in your armpits. This helps to prevent sweat from reaching the surface of your skin and causing odour. Aluminium salts are the most common active ingredient in antiperspirants. They work by forming a gel that plugs the sweat ducts in your armpits.
• Deodorants do not block sweat glands. Instead, they work to mask or neutralize the bacteria that cause body odour. Deodorants typically contain fragrance, which helps to mask the smell of sweat. They may also contain other ingredients that help to neutralize bacteria, such as baking soda or alcohol.

If you sweat a lot, you may need to use an antiperspirant. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to use an antiperspirant that is free of aluminium.