Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant – Take Your Scent to the Next Level

Deodorant

At its core, deodorant is like your personal scent sidekick, fighting off unwanted odors that can gatecrash daily activities. When you perspire, the bacteria on your skin feed on the sweat which causes unwanted body odor. Deodorant works by tackling those bacteria, keeping you smelling fresh throughout the day. Read on to find out which type of deodorant is going to work best for you.

Types of Deodorant

Roll-on deodorant

Roll-on deodorant is a popular and convenient form of deodorant with a liquid or gel-like consistency. To apply it, you smooth the roll-on ball across your skin, allowing the product to spread evenly. Roll-on deodorants dry quickly, making them ideal for those who are always on the move.

Spray deodorant

Spray deodorants come in aerosol cans and release a fine mist when sprayed onto the skin. They offer quick and easy applications, allowing the product to be evenly distributed over larger areas. Spray deodorant often dries quickly and provides a refreshing, lightweight feel, perfect for active individuals who appreciate the refreshing burst of a fine mist.

Gel deodorant

Gel deodorants typically come in a tube or stick form and need to be applied by spreading the gel directly onto the skin. These types are ideal for those who enjoy the smooth, cooling sensation on their skin, while not compromising on protection.

Cream deodorant

Cream deodorants usually come in a jar or tube and require you to scoop out a small amount of product and apply it with your fingers.

Solid deodorant

Solid deodorants, aka stick deodorants, have a solid consistency and come in a twist-up container. Solid deodorants often provide a convenient and mess-free option, offering good coverage and long-lasting protection against body odor. A great tool for guys who appreciate convenience without compromising on long-lasting freshness.

Applying Deodorant

Deodorant is the perfect power-up to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day. But using it correctly is essential if you want to get the most out of it. When applying deodorant, make sure your underarms are clean and dry. This helps the product adhere better to the skin for maximum effectiveness.

It’s also worth remembering that, sometimes, less is more. A quick spray is all it takes to give you that extra power boost to put you on a win streak.

Looking for some tips on applying deodorant? Find out more about our range of powerful deodorants to give your scent game a boost.

Antiperspirant

While deodorant is all about tackling odor-causing bacteria, antiperspirant is about working hard to reduce your body’s production of sweat which goes on to cause body odor. Antiperspirant combats the root of the problem and could even give you the confidence to wear that gray T-shirt without the fear of sweat stains.

Want to find out more? Check out our essential guide to antiperspirants to get the low-down.

Types of antiperspirants

Now you're all clued up, let’s take a quick look at how to use antiperspirants. Plus, discover some of the most popular types which will soon become your new go-tos for smelling irresistible.

Spray antiperspirant

Spray antiperspirants come in aerosol cans and are applied by spraying a fine mist onto the underarm area. They are convenient for those with an active lifestyle, as they can be easily thrown in gym bags or backpacks.

Solid antiperspirant

Solid antiperspirants have a solid consistency that provides a convenient application, helping reduce the amount of sweat that comes to the surface of the skin. Great for guys who might need to freshen up on the go.

Roll-on antiperspirant

Roll-on antiperspirants have a liquid or gel-like consistency and are applied using a rolling ball applicator. Roll-on antiperspirants are well-suited for individuals who value convenience and simplicity.

Applying antiperspirant 

Applying antiperspirant is pretty similar to applying deodorant. Focus on covering the underarms where you are most susceptible to sweat and unwanted odors to stay smelling fresh. Here’s a rundown on how to use antiperspirant to make it work for you.

1. Begin with clean and dry underarms. Washing the area beforehand helps remove any sweat and odor-causing bacteria, allowing the antiperspirant to work effectively.

2. Apply a thin, even layer of antiperspirant to the underarm area. Make sure to cover the entire surface for full protection.

3. Allow the antiperspirant to dry completely before getting dressed so you don’t get any on your clothes.

What is Body Spray?

Body spray for men is a whole different ball game compared to deodorants and antiperspirants. It's there to help get that refreshing fine fragrance for your entire body. Is it there to replace deodorant? Absolutely not.

Body sprays aren't built to tackle your underarm odors or control sweat like antiperspirants. Their mission is to provide a fresh blast of fragrance whenever you need it.

For the full in-depth guide check out our article on mens’ body sprays. Short for time? Let’s get a couple of pointers on how to use body spray.

Types of body spray

When it comes to body spray, we’re looking at two styles – spray and mist. 

Spray comes in aerosol bottles and offers a quick and even distribution of fine fragrance, with just a press of the nozzle. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a hassle-free application and enjoy a more intense fragrance experience.

Mist body sprays take a gentler approach. They come in pump spray bottles, releasing a fine and delicate mist of fragrance. The mist style is great for those who prefer a softer aroma, or for occasions where you don’t want to go too heavy.

Applying body spray

When it comes to applying body spray for men, there are a few key steps to boost its fragrance and make it last:

Work from a clean canvas

Begin with clean, dry skin. Freshness is the foundation for a long-lasting scent.

Spray

Hold the bottle 6-8 inches away from your body and spray in a sweeping motion. We recommend making a ‘7’ across your torso, going from one shoulder to the other and then diagonally across the chest down to your hip.

Let it develop

Allow the body spray to settle and dry on your skin. Then, give it a moment to blend with your natural scent and let the fragrance develop.

Cologne

Cologne typically contains a higher concentration of fragrant oils, mixed with alcohol and water. The alcohol allows the fragrance to evaporate and disperse into the air, leaving behind a mesmerizing aroma on the skin.

When it comes to cologne vs. deodorant, we are looking at two very different products here. And it gets more complex when you realize there isn’t just one type of cologne. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on knowing how to wear cologne and which type to look out for.

Looking for the ultimate guide to cologne? Say less.  

Types of cologne

Eau fraiche

A light and refreshing cologne with 1-3% fragrant oils. It offers a subtle scent lasting up to a couple of hours. Perfect for those who prefer a gentle and fleeting fragrance experience.

Eau de cologne

Known for invigorating scents, it contains 2-4% fragrant oils. Lasting two to four hours, it's perfect for a refreshing and moderate scent that can be re-applied throughout the day.

Eau de toilette

Striking a balance between freshness and longevity, it has 5-15% fragrant oils. Lasting four to six hours, it's ideal for day-to-day wear as it's noticeable yet not overpowering.

Eau de parfum

A concentrated category with 15-20% fragrant oils, providing a richer and longer-lasting scent of six to eight hours or more.

Parfum

The most potent cologne category with over 20% fragrant oils. The scent of parfum can last for an impressive eight to 10 hours or more. It's perfect for formal events or when you desire a scent that stays put around the clock.

Applying cologne 

Get clean and dry

Start with clean, dry skin. This provides a clean canvas for the fragrance to work its magic. 

Focus on your pulse points

Apply cologne to pulse points on your body, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. These spots tend to generate more heat and amplify your fragrance to the next level. 

Spray in moderation

Remember, a little goes a long way so drenching yourself in cologne is best avoided. Instead, go for a quick spritz or a gentle dab.

Let it soak in

Scents can smell different on different people. So, let that cologne settle in and give it a few seconds to mingle with your skin to make it more personalized.

Choosing Between Deodorant, Antiperspirant, Body Spray and Cologne

Let’s recap. These different types of fragrances aren’t competing – they instead help combat body odor, each in their own way.

And now that we’ve broken down the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, as well as cologne vs body spray, you’re now ready to experiment with how to layer fragrance which is going to take your scent game to the next level.

Clear some space on the bathroom shelf... 

We've demystified the world of men’s fragrances and we've come out smelling great. But to refresh your memory, here’s a quick recap.

• Deodorant stops you from smelling bad by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria on the skin, which leads to unwanted body odor.
• Antiperspirant is the powerhouse of the team, doing a lot of heavy lifting. This helps prevent odors by reducing the amount of sweat on the skin’s surface.
• Body spray is the perfect finishing touch – providing you with a burst of freshness on the go, making it the ideal partner to your deodorant or antiperspirant.
• Cologne is about making a statement with your scent – so you might want to put a little on every morning or save it for special occasions and formal events. 

Whatever you choose, make sure your scent reflects who you are and leaves you feeling fresh all day long.