Sweating is completely natural – but body odour can knock confidence. With so many deodorants, antiperspirants and body sprays on the shelf, it’s not always clear which does what, or which is right for your skin.
Here, we explore the science behind sweating, explain the difference between how deodorants and antiperspirants work, and take a closer look at how natural deodorants can help prevent odour while respecting your skin’s natural balance.
At a glance:
- Fresh sweat only smells once it interacts with bacteria
- Deodorants control odour by neutralising or masking bacteria-produced smells, without stopping sweat
- Antiperspirants reduce sweating by temporarily blocking sweat glands, often using aluminium-based compounds
- Best natural deodorant: Green People Aloe Vera & Prebiotics Deodorant
- Best sensitive deodorant: Scent Free Deodorant
- Best natural deodorant for men: No.9 Mint & Prebiotics Deodorant
Why do we sweat?
Perspiring or sweating plays a vital role in maintaining normal health because it helps our bodies:
- eliminate toxins
- maintain the balance of salt levels
- regulate the body temperature
On average we lose around one or two pints of liquid a day through our skin.
Generally, sweat evaporates very quickly, and our skin and clothes don't appear to be damp. If we exert ourselves by exercising, it’s likely that perspiration will increase. Increased perspiration also happens through the release of adrenaline due to fear or worry, or when you are in an environment that’s too warm for your body.
Interestingly, perspiration is almost odourless when it's fresh, but when it stays on the skin it develops the well-known sweaty odour that we can now control with deodorant or antiperspirant. This smell is created by bacteria that breed in the warm, moist and nutrient-rich conditions created by perspiration.
What's the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant?
It’s a common misconception that antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing. This can catch you out if you’re not aware, because they actually do different things when it comes to sweat and body odour.
To put it simply:
- Antiperspirants stop sweat from escaping the body
- Deodorants stop sweat from smelling bad
- Body sprays provide a scent that may cover up odour
Antiperspirants stop you from perspiring or sweating by temporarily blocking sweat glands, usually using aluminium-based ingredients, such as aluminium chlorohydrate. They’re usually used by people who get underarm wet patches, sweat marks on clothing or sweaty underarms even without body odour.
Antiperspirant is most effective when applied to clean, dry skin at night. This is a time when your body temperature drops and sweat production reduces, allowing antiperspirant the opportunity to block the sweat ducts.
Let’s move onto deodorants. Deodorants stop the bacteria in your perspiration from smelling, often by killing the bacteria or neutralising the smell. They don’t stop you sweating, but they do neutralise or mask the smell caused by the bacteria that break down sweat.
They’re often better for people who don’t sweat heavily, want to smell fresh and prefer products that don’t contain aluminium chlorohydrate. Some people choose to avoid this because they’re allergic to it and find it irritates their skin. Read more about deodorant allergies.
The best time to apply deodorant is in the morning, when you want to feel fresh, after exercise or after a shower. The most important thing is that it is applied to clean, dry skin that is not already populated with odour-causing bacteria.
There’s also body spray, which many people confuse with deodorant and antiperspirant. Body sprays don’t actually do anything to stop or neutralise sweat.
They’re fragranced sprays that cover up odour temporarily. A body spray is usually best for a quick spritz or a refresh through the day.
Is deodorant or antiperspirant better for sweating?
If you’re trying to stop sweat in the first place, it’s best to use an antiperspirant as these actually can reduce or stop you from sweating in the first place. This can help you to avoid odour, wetness and sweat marks.
Deodorants don’t stop you from sweating, they only cover up or neutralise body odour. If sweating is your main concern rather than odour, then choose an antiperspirant to help to reduce sweating and wetness.
Is a deodorant or antiperspirant better for body odour?
Both deodorant and antiperspirant can be effective when it comes to body odour, they just work differently. The choice is yours, and it depends on whether you also want to stop sweat and wet patches too.
As we mentioned earlier, deodorants help to control odours, while antiperspirants can help with both sweat and smell. What you end up using to press pause on body odour is completely up to you and your preferences.
Is deodorant or antiperspirant healthier?
When it comes to deodorant vs antiperspirant, there isn’t a clear winner when it comes to health. It’s mostly about what feels best for your skin and lifestyle.
Both deodorants and antiperspirants sold in the UK must meet strict cosmetic safety regulations. This means both are considered to be safe for everyday use.
Some people prefer deodorants because they prefer the way they feel on the skin and maintain the body’s natural cooling process. Others feel more confident with an antiperspirant, especially if they experience heavier sweating. It’s really about personal preference and skin sensitivity rather than one option being “healthier” than the other.
The science behind deodorants and antiperspirants
Antiperspirants are based on ingredients such as aluminium chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate and aluminium zirconium trichlorohydrate. These aluminium ions form a temporary blockage in the sweat ducts, stopping the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface.
Most antiperspirants contain ingredients which react with protein molecules present in perspiration and swell to form a gel-like substance. For these to be effective, their molecular size needs to be small enough to allow them to enter skin pores so that when they swell and turn to a gel, they effectively block the pores and prevent sweat from being secreted.
For deodorants, scientists worked out that the best approach would be to prevent these bacteria from breeding, thereby having a deodorising action. Over time, some deodorants have relied on increasingly potent antibacterial agents, which may not suit sensitive or easily irritated skin.
At Green People, our certified organic deodorants offer long-lasting freshness without harsh ingredients or pore-clogging aluminium.
Rather than blocking sweat, these deodorants focus on neutralising odour by targeting the bacteria that cause it.
We use gentle, naturally derived actives such as Prebiotics, Alum and Zinc Ricinoleate to neutralise odour-causing bacteria and organic Aloe Vera to support the skin’s natural balance.
Shop natural, organic deodorants that really work
Our natural and organic deodorants are designed to keep you feeling fresh without using harsh chemicals like pore-clogging aluminium, parabens or artificial fragrances that can irritate the skin.
We also use gentle, plant-based ingredients that leave skin feeling soft and cared for, such as soothing, moisturising Aloe Vera and Shea Butter. We offer a range of scents, including natural Lavender, Rosemary and Mint, or we have our Scent Free Deodorant for sensitive skin.
Our best natural deodorant
Wondering where to start? Discover our Rosemary & Prebiotics Deodorant. Inspired by Lavender and Rosemary growing in the herb garden, this aromatic roll-on keeps you feeling fresh without pore-clogging aluminium.
Rosemary & Prebiotics Deodorant 75ml
Keep skin beautifully fresh and balanced with our Rosemary deodorant192.00 kr
Our best natural deodorant for sensitive skin
If you have ultra-sensitive skin or cannot tolerate fragrance, our Scent Free Deodorant is the best deodorant for you. Made with the same gentle, natural odour-control system but without any essential oils, it is incredibly gentle.
Scent Free Deodorant 75ml
Keep ultra-sensitive skin feeling fresh with our fragrance-free deodorant192.00 kr
Our best natural deodorant for men
Many men experience sensitive skin from deodorant and find our natural men’s deodorants a really gentle and effective choice.
Made with a refreshing Peppermint and Eucalyptus scent, our no.9 Mint & Prebiotics Deodorant is perfect for men of all ages.
Green People for Men - No. 9 Mint & Prebiotics Deodorant 75ml
Stay fresh with our cooling, certified organic minty roll-on men's deodorant192.00 kr
Potassium alum vs aluminium chlorohydrate
You may be wondering about the naturally occurring mineral salt called Potassium Alum (Alunite) which we use in our natural and organic deodorants. Though it may sound similar to the pore-clogging aluminium ingredients found in antiperspirants, this is in fact a very safe and natural substance.
Alunite is an abundant earth mineral and forms about 8% of the earth’s crust, along with other forms of alum. It’s also found in small quantities in many of the foods we eat, and is considered to be very safe in personal care and other external uses.
Because the aluminium in Potassium Alum is tightly bound within a larger molecule, it remains on the surface of the skin and is not designed to block sweat ducts. This makes it generally well tolerated, including by sensitive skin. Read more about Potassium Alum.
Oy Deodorant 75ml
Stay fresh with this certified organic roll-on deodorant for teens186.00 kr
Zinc Ricinoleate in deodorants
Another interesting ingredient is Zinc Ricinoleate. This is the zinc salt of Ricinoleic acid, extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant. Zinc Ricinoleate does not inhibit normal perspiration, and will not interfere with the natural flora of the skin.
Instead, it ‘fixes’ the odours produced by bacterial decomposition in sweat so that they cannot be released into the atmosphere and cause the characteristic sweaty smell.
Have you got a question about deodorants or antiperspirants? Our friendly UK customer care team can help with any questions you may have about choosing a natural deodorant. Please call us on 01403 740350 or contact us on social @GreenPeopleUK.
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