Deodorants and antiperspirants are common cosmetic items in homes today. Most people assume that deodorants and antiperspirants are one and the same, which is not true. Deodorants consist of ingredients that aid in the reduction of odor-causing bacteria and also contain perfumes that help in concealing the bad odor. Antiperspirants, on the other hand comprise of active elements such as aluminum salts, that lessen sweating by the temporary clogging the pores. They are effective at reducing sweat. Here, we have tried putting all facts together and helping you decide the best among deodorant and antiperspirant.
Deodorant
Pros
1. Deodorants consist of ingredients that have antiseptic properties which kill the bacteria-causing odor. Bacteria are the main reason for bad odor.
2. Deodorants remove sweat by neutralizing the odor.
3. There are several brands that offer an unlimited selection of deodorants and are of different scents. You can choose a scent that you like. Their scent becomes prevalent when we start sweating and neutralization begins.
Cons
1. Though there is no sufficient proof to voice this claim, a new research has pointed out that some ingredients present in deodorants can cause breast cancer.
2. Some scientists have also pointed out that the artificial action may cause fatal complications.
Antiperspirants
Pros
1. Antiperspirants come coupled with fragrance that will prevent the release of sweat and at the same time also neutralize the odor generated when we perspire.
2. It saves you from excessive sweating and extreme perspiration by blocking pores with chemical agents thereby preventing generation of sweat.
3. It is perfect for people who cannot tolerate sweating as well as for people who perspire a lot. Antiperspirants rid them of sweat and they can have a nice day devoid of being drenched in sweat.
4. Most of the antiperspirants available in the market offer 24 hr or 48 hr protection which is very feasible as you have to use this only once in a day.
Cons
1. Though antiperspirants are known to prevent sweating, it is not a full-proof process. Most of them can decrease the sweating only by 20 percent and even the best ones can only help in reducing sweat by less than 50 percent.
2. Most of the antiperspirants contain aluminum that is directly absorbed into the bloodstream. This is known to be associated with Alzheimerâs disease.
3. Antiperspirants have common elements as that of the deodorants and thus, are also considered to be the cause of breast cancer.
The decision maker
Why do we sweat is the most common question that comes to our mind. Well, sweating is natural phenomenon and bodyâs way of dealing with extreme heat. Not only heat, but when you exercise, are suffering from high fever, anxious or worried sweat starts dripping down your body. The sweat produced in the armpit region is filled with nutrients like proteins, ammonia and fatty acids. These warm and nutrient-rich conditions are ideal for the presence of bacteria.
The bacteria are the main cause of producing odor. They break down the sweat into organic compounds and give rise to a bad smell. This has made the entire process of sweating an undesirable one which brought deodorants and antiperspirants into the forefront. Through certain artificial mechanisms, these two prevent sweat formation and eliminate sweaty odor.
Like with every product, even deodorants and antiperspirants have raised safety concerns. Antiperspirants work by clogging the perspiration glands. This is an unnatural phenomenon because these glands are supposes to eliminate toxins through the skin. If the pores are clogged, then the toxins remain within the body.
Also, since ages there is a general belief among people that antiperspirants do cause breast cancer. However the health authorities have quashed these claims as they find it baseless. However, the aluminum components present in these antiperspirants are definitely a risk factor. Aluminum is known to have adverse effects on health and hence it is advisable you stay away from such products.
Thus, if you have to choose from antiperspirants or deodorants, then deodorants emerge out as a winner. They are made up of anti-aluminum elements and do not constrict pores. Rather, they fight against the bacteria and prevent bad odor. The best point is that instead of chemicals being a constituent of deodorants, you can also find deodorants in the markets that have been made from natural ingredients. Go for deodorants, if you must choose!