Understanding Body Odor and Choosing Between Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Speaking of personal hygiene, understanding what is body odor and how it is generated, and the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is crucial for choosing the right product for your needs.

What is Body Odor?

Body odor is what you smell when your sweat comes in contact with the bacteria on your skin. There are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine, apocrine sweat glands are mainly located in the armpits and navel fossa of our body. When we sweat, the apocrine glands secrete a small amount of lactic acid, glycoproteins, amino acids, electrolytes and other components, which accelerate the reproduction and fermentation of skin microbiota. During the metabolism process of microorganisms, they will produce a large amount of short-chain fatty acids and biogenic amines, and these two substances are the main sources of the "special" odor in the human body. That is what we call “body odor”.

So sweat itself doesn’t smell, but when the bacteria on your skin mix with your sweat, it causes an odor.

Differences between Deodorant and Antiperspirant

Deodorants and antiperspirants, while both used for personal hygiene, function differently based on their distinct scientific mechanisms. Deodorants, especially the non fragrance deodorant, aim to combat body odor, which primarily originates from the bacterial breakdown of sweat on the skin. Their action is not to totally reduce sweating but rather to inhibit bacterial growth and mask odor. This is typically achieved through antimicrobial agents, creating an environment hostile to bacteria.

On the other hand, antiperspirants are designed to reduce or prevent sweating, particularly in areas like armpits. They contain aluminum-based compounds (e.g., aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly) that temporarily block the sweat ducts in the skin. This blockage significantly reduces the amount of sweat that reaches the skin's surface. Due to their action of altering bodily function, antiperspirants are often regulated as over-the-counter drugs in many regions.

Don’t Know Which One to Choose

1. Benefits of Deodorant: Sweating is your body’s natural response, but it's not the sole cause of body odor. Rather, it's the mix of sweat and skin bacteria that produces an unpleasant scent. Even if you can get past the visual of sweat, the odor from armpitsmay embarrass you. Rather than stopping sweat like antiperspirant, deodorant works on the bacteria on the skin to stop the odor escaping from your armpits biologically. A quality deodorant not only tackles body odor but also spreads a fresh, natural scent that doesn't clash with other fragrances,serves itself as a non fragrance deodorant. Moreover, using deodorant can boost your confidence and alleviate feelings of self-consciousness. This is especially beneficial during physical activities like gym workouts or competitive sports, as it helps you focus on your performance without the distraction of worrying about body odor.
2. Benefits of Antiperspirant: Antiperspirants may have the added benefit of acting as a deodorant because of how the product works. When antiperspirant blocks sweat glands, it also prevents odors from escaping, reducing the unpleasant odor that occurs when you sweat. However, antiperspirants often contain aluminum compounds. According to the article Aluminium, Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer published in the Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, there is increasing evidence that the chemical constituents of underarm and body cosmetics applied to the underarm and breast area may be involved in the rising incidence of breast cancer. Aluminum salts, such as aluminum chlorhydrate (ACH), are the active ingredient of antiperspirants in these cosmetics. So the benefits of using antiperspirant are temporary, and will have some impact on the body, although bathing or washing the body can remove the antiperspirant and restore the perspiration capacity of the affected glands. But be sure to think carefully when choosing an antiperspirant.

Choosing the Right Deodorant

Alra non-metallic deodorant is a long-lasting, effective, mild light fragrance that suits all occasions and doesn't interfere with the use of any other perfume, is free from any toxic, metallic ingredients, and 100% no-residue guarantee. Alternatively, if you want to talk to one of our Customer Care to inquire, they can be reached at (888) 508-ALRA (2572) or email CustomerCare@alra.com.

References: 

• Jingxi, J. (2019). The Secret War of Cells. Science Enlightenment, (05), 41.
• D. Darbre.(2005).Aluminium, Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, Volume 99, Issue 9 Pages 1912-1919. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0162013405001613