When I first started Emergo, a lot of the people I personally knew wanted to try our new natural deodorants, such as our natural deodorant for athletes, natural deodorant for men, or natural deodorant for women.

It was great to have their support, but the majority of them were used to chemical-filled antiperspirants, not deodorants. Because of that, they didn't understand the difference between a deodorant vs antiperspirant.

This blog post is to help you understand the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant, while also being a guide I can easily send to my friends and family when they ask what the difference is.

Deodorant vs Antiperspirant: What's the Difference?

The difference between deodorant and antipirants is actually pretty simple. Antiperspirants reduce or eliminate sweat and odor, while deodorants only reduce or eliminate odor.

Deodorant helps control odor by targeting the bacteria that cause bad smells when you sweat. It won’t stop you from sweating, but it’ll keep you smelling fresh throughout the day.

Antiperspirant is made to reduce sweat by temporarily blocking your sweat glands. It contains ingredients like aluminum that prevent sweat from reaching the surface of your skin.

Anti, meaning opposed to or against, and perspiring, meaning give out sweat through pores – antiperspirant removes sweat.

De, meaning removal or reversal, and odor, meaning smell – deodorant removes odor.

Why Wouldn't I Choose An Antiperspirant Over Deodorant?

It's a good question - in general, people would prefer to not sweat, right? So, why wouldn't you simply choose an antiperspirant over a deodorant?

Antiperspirants generally use aluminum to clog or block your sweat glands. On the surface, this seems great because of no sweat, but if you dig a little deeper, it might not be such a good thing.

Sweating is our body's way of cooling down. It's a natural process that your body needs. According to WebMD, "Sweating is an important function when it comes to your health. Sweating cools down your body through heat vaporization, the process of sweat drying off your skin. It’s a highly effective way to cool down ... Overheating is dangerous, so if we didn’t sweat, we’d die."

Other scientific research hasn't reached a definitive conclusion, but there is concern that aluminum in antiperspirants can lead to negative long-term medical consequences (which is why we offer an aluminum-free deodorant for men).

Although antiperspirants are often chemical-filled, deodorants can be, too, unless they are all-natural. Just because you choose a deodorant over an antiperspirant doesn't mean it's necessarily health. When choosing a deodorant, consider a natural option and be sure to review the ingredients carefully.

If you have more questions about natural deodorants, read our guides on What Is a Natural Deodorant? and Does Natural Deodorant Work? to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deodorant vs Antiperspirant

What are the differences between deodorant and antiperspirant?

Deodorants combat odor by neutralizing the smell or masking it with a fragrance. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, reduce sweat by blocking the sweat glands. 

How do antiperspirants work and are there any risks associated with their use?

Antiperspirants use aluminum compounds to plug sweat glands temporarily. Some studies suggest long-term use might be linked to health concerns.

Can using an antiperspirant daily have negative effects on health?

Some studies suggest negative long-term effects on health because of aluminum compounds, but this is not definitive at this time.

Which is more effective for controlling odor – deodorant or antiperspirant?

Deodorants directly target odor and provide a fragrance, while antiperspirants prevent moisture that can cause smell. Their effectiveness varies by personal needs and preferences. 

The effectiveness can also vary from brand to brand. One brand's antiperspirant might suck while another's is great, and the same goes for deodorants.

Are there specific advantages to using deodorant over antiperspirant for men or women?

One of the specific advantages to using deodorant over antiperspirants is the health concerns. While studies are not conclusive at this point, there is a concern that aluminum in antiperspirants could be bad for your health.

Why might someone still experience body odor despite regular use of deodorant?

Persisting body odor can occur if deodorant doesn't match your activity level or sweating pattern. Try different products, apply them on dry skin, or consult a doctor for persistent issues.