What distinguishes deodorant from antiperspirant?

Everyone has a natural scent, and it’s not always pleasant. Humans emit a distinct body odor, a pungent aroma familiar to anyone who has traveled on a crowded subway. This odor dates back to ancient times, with anthropologist Louis Leakey theorizing that its original purpose was to deter predators from viewing humans as prey [source: Ramirez].

Studies on body odor reveal that individuals produce unique scents known as odortypes, influenced by genetics and environmental factors like diet. A 2006 study showed that those on a vegetarian diet tend to have a more appealing body odor compared to meat-eaters [source: Havlicek and Lenochova]. Such research challenges the notion that specific races have distinct body odors, a theory some anthropologists argue perpetuates racial stereotypes [source: Lynn].

Regardless of whether race, diet, or other factors influence body odor, most people strive to mask their natural scent, often with perfumes. It wasn’t until the late 1950s that smelling bad became a social taboo in Western societies. This shift coincided with marketing campaigns promoting deodorant, which played on consumers' insecurities by suggesting they’d be socially ostracized without it [source: Ramirez]. Despite offering no health benefits like soap or toothpaste, these campaigns were highly effective. By 2006, sales of odor-fighting and sweat-preventing products hit $2.5 billion in the U.S. alone [source: Mintel].

Modern grocery stores and pharmacies are stocked with a wide array of personal hygiene products aimed at controlling body odor. These products come in countless fragrances, including "Touch," "Powder Fresh," and "Scent Killer" (targeted at deer hunters) [source: Wildlife Research Center]. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that some are deodorants, while others are antiperspirants. Curious about the distinction? Discover more on the following page.

Functions of Deodorant and Antiperspirant

The key distinction between antiperspirants and deodorants lies in their functions: antiperspirants prevent sweating, while deodorants reduce the odor caused by sweat. To fully grasp this difference, a brief lesson in armpit anatomy is necessary. Our natural scent originates from multiple sources, with the underarm being the most significant. The odor produced here is known as axillary body odor (derived from the medical term for the underarm, axilla).

Your skin contains two types of sweat glands, both densely concentrated in the underarm area. These glands typically develop during puberty, meaning most people don’t experience body odor until around ages 11 or 12 [source: Greenberg]. The eccrine glands help regulate body temperature by excreting water and salt, which don’t contribute to body odor. On the other hand, the apocrine glands are responsible for unpleasant smells. They release fats and proteins, which mix with sweat and interact with bacteria on the skin’s surface, creating odor [source: Lynn].

Deodorants don’t prevent sweating—apply one before a game of basketball, and you’ll still perspire. However, they combat the odor that arises when fats and proteins from your cells reach the skin’s surface. Deodorants work by targeting bacteria in the underarm area. Ingredients like triclosan alter the skin’s environment, making it too salty or acidic for bacteria to survive [source: Truitt]. Without bacteria to break down sweat’s proteins and fats, no odor is produced.

Antiperspirants tackle body odor differently—they stop sweating altogether. Without sweat, bacteria in the underarms have nothing to feed on. While many antiperspirants include bacteria-killing ingredients similar to deodorants, their primary role is to block sweat. Ingredients like aluminum and zirconium physically clog sweat glands, preventing perspiration [source: Ramirez]. Applying antiperspirant ensures you stay dry.

However, there may be risks to masking your natural scent. Some studies suggest a connection between breast cancer and antiperspirants, as aluminum can cause DNA mutations, a precursor to cancer [source: Darbre]. Yet, other research disputes this, and findings remain inconsistent [source: National Cancer Institute]. Another concern is the warning on antiperspirant labels advising those with kidney disease to consult a doctor before use. Aluminum can be harmful in high doses for individuals with kidney issues [source: CBS News, KOMO].

Despite these concerns, many people continue to use antiperspirants, given the wide variety available. Alternatively, you could choose to forgo deodorant entirely.

For additional insights on health and related topics, proceed to the next page.