What’s the Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?

Deodorant controls odor. Antiperspirant blocks sweat. That’s the main difference. Deodorants target bacteria that cause body odor, while antiperspirants use aluminum-based compounds to stop sweat from reaching the skin.


How Each One Works

Deodorants work by targeting the bacteria on your skin that cause odor. Sweat itself doesn’t smell, but when it mixes with bacteria, that’s when body odor happens. A deodorant either kills that bacteria or masks the smell with added fragrance.


Antiperspirants go a step further by blocking sweat entirely. They contain active ingredients that form temporary plugs in your sweat glands. This reduces the amount of moisture your underarms release during the day.


Summary:

  • Deodorant: Neutralizes or masks odor but does not stop sweat
  • Antiperspirant: Reduces sweating by blocking sweat glands


What Ingredients Are Used

Deodorant Ingredients:

  • Natural powders like arrowroot, clay, or magnesium to absorb moisture
  • Botanical oils such as coconut or jojoba to soothe skin
  • Essential oils like tea tree or lavender to reduce odor-causing bacteria
  • Waxes and butters for texture and application


Antiperspirant Ingredients:

  • Aluminum-based compounds (like aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium, or aluminum chloride) to block sweat
  • Preservatives such as parabens to extend shelf life
  • Synthetic fragrance to mask odor
  • Propylene glycol or PEGs to improve spreadability



Antiperspirants must be approved as over-the-counter drugs by the FDA due to their function of altering how your body works. Deodorants, by contrast, are classified as cosmetic products.


Health Concerns and Regulations

Aluminum in antiperspirants has raised concern because it absorbs into the skin and may accumulate over time. Some studies have questioned whether this could impact hormone function, though research is still ongoing. For many people, avoiding aluminum is a simple way to reduce daily exposure.


Parabens and phthalates, common in both deodorants and antiperspirants, are linked to hormone disruption. These ingredients can mimic or interfere with natural hormone processes in the body, which is why some people choose to avoid them altogether.


Synthetic fragrance is another issue. It can cause irritation or allergic reactions, and the actual ingredients behind the word “fragrance” are rarely disclosed.


Regulatory differences:

  • Antiperspirants are regulated as drugs in the U.S. and must list active ingredients and warnings
  • Deodorants are treated as cosmetics and are not required to go through the same level of review


Choosing a product with transparent labeling and gentle ingredients is the best way to care for your underarms, especially if you use it every day.