Guide to Choosing Deodorant and Antiperspirant

In our hot climate, choosing deodorant is an important daily decision. Many people do not realise that deodorant and antiperspirant perform different functions.

The Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant

Sweat itself is almost odourless. Odour develops when bacteria on the skin break it down. Deodorant addresses odour only, using ingredients that limit bacteria, absorb odour or mask it with fragrance; it does not reduce sweat volume. Antiperspirant contains aluminium salts that temporarily plug sweat-gland openings, reducing sweat. Many products combine both functions, so read the label and look for antiperspirant if wetness, rather than odour, is your concern.

Available Formats

• Roll-On: a liquid offering precise coverage that needs a minute to dry.
• Stick: solid and portable, suitable for those preferring quick drying.
• Spray: quick and lightweight; spray from a distance and avoid inhalation.
• Cream: a small amount is enough, suitable for those wanting control over the quantity.

Options by Need

Daily Sweat and Clothing

• NIVEA Invisible Black & White Original Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— a roll-on from the Invisible range to limit stains on black and white clothing.
• NIVEA Dry Comfort Women Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— a women's roll-on from the Dry Comfort range.
• Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— a roll-on from the Invisible Dry range.
• Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant Stick 40 g— a stick from the same range for those preferring a solid format.
• Rexona Shower Fresh Men Deodorant Stick 40 g— a men's stick in a 40 g pack.
• Lady Speed Stick Wild Invisible Dry 65 g— a stick from the Invisible Dry range in a 65 g pack.
• NIVEA Dry Impact Men Deodorant Spray 150 ml— a men's spray from the Dry Impact range.
• Vebix 7 Days Musk Anti Perspirant Deodorant Cream 25 ml— a cream combining deodorant and antiperspirant functions.

For Sensitive Skin

Choose fragrance-free or alcohol-free formulas, and avoid applying any product to irritated or broken skin.

• Vichy Soothing Antiperspirant Sensitive Skin 48h Roll-On 50 ml— a soothing roll-on.
• Vichy Stress Resist Anti Perspirant Sensitive Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— an antiperspirant for sensitive skin.
• Uriage Power 3 Antiperspirant Roll-On 50 ml— a roll-on combining deodorant and antiperspirant functions.
• Beesline Fragrance Free Alum Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— a fragrance-free alum roll-on.
• Dove Original Deodorant Cream 50 ml— in a 50 ml pack.

Options Without Aluminium Salts

These suit those who want odour control without reducing sweat and are deodorants in the precise sense.

• Vichy Mineral 48H Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— a mineral deodorant described by its manufacturer as free of aluminium salts and lasting up to 48 hours.
• Arm & Hammer Juniper Berry Essentials Deodorant Stick 71 g— a stick described by its manufacturer as aluminium-free and based on sodium bicarbonate.

Products Labelled for Lightening

Underarm darkening often relates to friction or irritation from shaving or hair removal, so gentle hair-removal methods and loose cotton clothing can help alongside the product.

• Beesline Whitening Fragrance Free Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— a fragrance-free roll-on labelled for lightening.
• Beesline Arabian Oud Brightening Roll-On Deodorant 50 ml— an Arabian oud roll-on labelled for lightening.
• NIVEA Natural Fairness Deodorant Roll on 50 ml— a roll-on from the Natural Fairness range.

If thick, velvety darkening appears suddenly in the underarms or neck, it may signal a condition needing medical assessment, such as acanthosis nigricans, sometimes associated with insulin resistance. See a doctor.

How to Use Correctly

• Apply antiperspirant at night to clean, completely dry skin. Sweat glands are less active then, allowing the product to absorb well and its effect to last into the next day.
• Deodorant may be added in the morning for freshness.
• Wait after shaving, and do not apply to broken or irritated skin unless the product is intended for this.
• Allow the product to dry before dressing to reduce stains.

Common Mistakes

• Expecting deodorant alone to prevent wetness.
• Applying to wet skin immediately after showering.
• Continuing a product that causes itching or redness.

Consult a doctor if sweating is heavy enough to affect daily life, appears suddenly or occurs during sleep without a clear cause; medical options for excessive sweating are available. Ask the pharmacist if you have questions about a product's suitability for your skin.

Browse more in the Deodorants and Body Care sections.