What’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?
Sweat doesn’t smell on its own – it’s actually bacteria feeding on sweat that generates body odour. Deodorant reduces the smell of that body odour by killing off the bacteria, while antiperspirant goes a step further: it prevents the production of sweat altogether, using aluminium salts that temporarily block your pores to keep your skin dry.
What ingredients can I find in antiperspirant and deodorant?
Aluminium compounds are the active ingredient in most antiperspirants. They prevent sweat from being produced by blocking pores. There is speculation about the links between aluminium and various health issues, and although the jury’s still out as far as a definitive scientific answer is concerned, many people now opt for aluminium-free and natural deodorants instead.