If it’s all-day freshness you’re after, you might be wondering what is antiperspirant, and how do antiperspirants work exactly? Or do antiperspirants stop sweating? Below is everything you need to know when it comes to antiperspirants – keeping you sweat-free and fresh all day long.
But if you're feeling like you need to start from scratch and get the basics of fragrance down first, check out our full article on the different types of fragrances which also covers body spray, deodorant and cologne.
If you’re unsure about when to start wearing deodorant, we’re here to answer your questions. We’ll break down how to control body odor, look at deodorant vs. antiperspirant and help you choose between deodorant body spray, sticks and roll-ons to help get your fragrance game on point.
What Is Antiperspirant?
At the core of it all, antiperspirants are an essential part of your personal fragrance routine, designed to reduce or completely stop your sweat production.
How does antiperspirant stop sweat exactly? Well, they’re packed with compounds—most commonly aluminum salts. They act more like temporary plugs in your sweat glands, keeping the sweat from reaching your skin's surface. Less sweat means less moisture for odor-causing bacteria to break down and cause that bad smell. So, it’s not actually the sweat that stinks—it's the result of the bacteria interacting with your sweat that creates that not-so-fresh odor. So not only does antiperspirant work hard reducing sweat, but it’s also reducing the cause of body odor at the same time.
How Do Antiperspirants Differ from Deodorants?
Alright, now that we've covered what an antiperspirant is, let's dive into the antiperspirant vs. deodorant debate. They might sit side-by-side on the fragrance aisle shelf, but these are two different fragrance products, with their own ways of keeping you fresh.
While antiperspirants use aluminum salts to temporarily block your sweat glands and cut the production of sweat, deodorants take a different approach. They're equipped with antimicrobial agents that target the bacteria on your skin. These agents either kill the bacteria or neutralize the odor they produce when they break down sweat.
Deodorants also come with fragrances, which means you’re not only getting rid of unwanted odor, but also scenting yourself up with whatever fragrance hits you in the feels.
So, is it a question of deodorant or antiperspirant? Absolutely not. For ultimate freshness and sweat protection, you can use both products, combatting sweat and odor all at the same time.
Types of Antiperspirants
Just like our favorite superheroes come in all shapes and sizes, antiperspirants have a variety of formats. Let's look at the main ones.
Spray
Antiperspirant spray is your quick-drying, on-the-go solution. They're fast and easy to apply, making them perfect for when you’re juggling multiple commitments. Add to that a quick-drying formula, so there’s no stickiness – just smooth application and instant dryness.
Solid
The reliable powerhouse of antiperspirants. Solid antiperspirants glide on smoothly, leaving a dry touch and no residue. You can apply just the right amount to suit your preference, and they’re about as clean as you can get with no powdery mess, no sticky residue, and no overly wet feeling. Solid antiperspirants are a good choice for anyone who prefers a traditional approach to their grooming routine.
Roll-on
Roll-on antiperspirant is designed to glide smoothly onto your skin, going from wet to dry. These are perfect for those who like to take their time getting ready, ensuring every detail is just right. The liquid formula of roll-ons allows for a more controlled application, helping you avoid missing a spot. Plus, they're usually compact enough to throw in your bag for a midday touch-up if needed.
You really can’t beat a classic solid antiperspirant. Mess-free, convenient and simple to use. If that sounds like something you can get on board with, try our Phoenix Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, designed to reduce sweat and odor all at once.
Applying Antiperspirants
The effectiveness of your antiperspirant isn't just about the product itself – it's also about when and how you apply it. Timing and technique are the keys to success. You need to know how to use antiperspirant correctly to give those active ingredients the best chance at doing their job.
So, how do you make the most of your antiperspirant? Check out these pointers:
1. Start with a clean canvas
Always apply antiperspirant to clean, dry skin to avoid mixing with bacteria or sweat already on your skin. Starting the day with a refreshing shower and a swipe of antiperspirant can get you off to a good start.
2. Less is more
A couple of swipes or sprays of antiperspirant is usually enough. You don't need to layer it thickly. It's about the quality of application, not the quantity.
3. Cover the area
To get the best protection from sweat, make sure you're applying the antiperspirant evenly across the entire underarm area – not just the center.
4. Take your time
If you're using an antiperspirant spray or roll-on, give it a minute or two to dry before dressing to avoid any residue on your clothes.
5. Reapply if necessary
If you’re planning on having a long day or will be getting down with some intense physical activities, don’t hesitate to reapply your antiperspirant. But remember, wait for your skin to dry (or dry off with a towel) before you do.
Antiperspirant is a 2-in-1 powerhouse that fights sweat while leaving you smelling fresh.
Combining Antiperspirants with Deodorant, Body Spray & Cologne
Taking your fragrance game to the next level doesn't stop at just applying antiperspirant – we’re talking about a full-on multi-step operation. To get that ultimate freshness and irresistible personal scent, consider partnering your antiperspirant with other fragrance products. Let’s take a closer look at some of the fragrance combos you could be hitting to level-up your fragrance game.
Antiperspirant & deodorant
While antiperspirant tackles sweat at the source, a deodorant body spray or stick can add an extra layer of protection against body odor. They contain antimicrobial agents that keep those party-crashing bacteria at bay and fragrance to keep you smelling good. Using antiperspirant and deodorant together is like having a dynamic duo fighting for your freshness – blocking sweat and reducing any unwanted odor.
If you’re looking for the full masterclass on deodorant, check out our ultimate guide to deodorant for men.
Some antiperspirants come with deodorizing properties too, controlling sweat while minimizing body odor, all while giving you that fresh scent you love. If you're on the hunt for a real powerhouse antiperspirant deodorant combo, look no further than our Apollo Deodorant Antiperspirant Stick, designed to help keep you dry and smelling great for up to 48h, all in one product.
Antiperspirant & body spray
If you want to go the extra mile in the freshness marathon, consider partnering up your antiperspirant with some body spray in your fragrance routine. Body sprays are all about delivering fragrance and are typically lighter than colognes which means they can be applied generously all over. This gives you an overall layer of fragrance that complements the hard work your antiperspirant is doing.
When applying body spray, we recommend making the number ‘7’ across your torso. Holding the body spray about 6-8 inches from your skin, spray from one shoulder to the other and then diagonally down across your chest to the opposite hip. If you’re looking to get a little more acquainted, check out our full guide to men’s body spray.
At Axe, we’ve partnered up with world-renowned perfumers to create our Fine Fragrance Collection, bringing forward five incredible scent combinations which hold their own against fine fragrance colognes. Check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray which has complex fine fragrance notes of lavender, mint and amber while helping keep you protected from unwanted odor for up to 72h.
Antiperspirant & cologne
We’re finishing off this antiperspirant combo breakdown with the powerhouse. That’s right – cologne has entered the chat. While your antiperspirant, deodorant, and body spray are busy maintaining your baseline freshness, cologne gives you that signature scent.
We’re not suggesting cologne is something you’re reaching for every day. You might want to save it for those date nights and special occasions where you want to make a great impression. If you’re wearing cologne, remember to apply lightly and target your pulse points such as your wrists and neck.
If you’re new to this kind of fragrance, read our full guide to everything you need to know about cologne.
Get set to smell good
We hope our guide to antiperspirant has given you a better idea of how this product works and why you might want to add it to your routine.
Here’s a quick recap on why wearing antiperspirant might be your new best friend...
1. What is antiperspirant? Antiperspirant is a personal hygiene product designed to control sweat. Unlike deodorant, which tackles body odor generated by bacteria that feeds on sweat, antiperspirant actively reduces the amount of sweat produced by temporarily blocking the sweat glands.
2. How do antiperspirants work? Antiperspirants use active ingredients – usually aluminum salts – that dissolve into the moisture on the skin's surface. This forms a gel-like substance that works its magic by temporarily plugging the sweat duct, reducing the amount of sweat that reaches the skin's surface.
3. Does antiperspirant stop sweat? Yes, by temporarily blocking the sweat glands with aluminum salts, antiperspirant prevents sweat from reaching the surface of your skin.
That’s all there is to it. With antiperspirant on your team, you don’t have to worry about odor-causing sweat. And with the right combo of deodorant, body spray or cologne, you’ll be feeling fresh and confident all day long.
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