Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant: What's The Difference?

What’s the Difference Between Antiperspirant and Deodorant?

While both antiperspirants and deodorants are designed to keep you feeling and smelling fresh, they each have their own specific functions.

First up, antiperspirants. The clue’s in the name – these products are out to keep your perspiration, AKA sweat, in check. They work by temporarily plugging your sweat ducts with compounds like aluminum salts, reducing the amount of perspiration that can reach the skin's surface. The result? Less sweat means less potential for unwanted odor.

If you’re looking to get a little more in depth, check out our no-sweat guide to antiperspirants here.

Then we have deodorants. Deodorants don't stop the sweat, but they do make sure it doesn't smell like you've just run a marathon when you're only halfway through your morning commute. These use antimicrobial ingredients to neutralize the bacteria living on your skin which interacts with your sweat and results in body odor.

Want a full masterclass? Check out our ultimate guide to deodorant for men here.

When to Use Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant?

Alright, now that we've described antiperspirants and deodorants, let's move on to when you might want to use one or the other.

Antiperspirants are a good choice if excessive sweating is an issue. Think of days when your workout is going to be more intense than usual, or when you're planning to wear that crisp new shirt to a stressful work presentation. Remember, antiperspirants work by cutting the sweat off at the source and ensuring you stay dry, ideal in high-pressure or high-energy situations.

On the other hand, deodorants shine when smelling good is the top priority. Consider using deodorant when you're off for a casual day at the beach or a relaxed dinner with friends. They'll keep you smelling fresh, while letting your body sweat naturally. 

Can I Use Deodorant and Antiperspirant Together?

We’ve been pitting these two products against each other, but instead of thinking of it as an either-or choice, what if you could use both at the same time? Pairing antiperspirant and deodorant together will have you feeling and smelling great.

So, how do you go about this? Start with the antiperspirant. Apply it to your underarms after you shower in the morning. This ensures you’re working with a clean canvas, free from old product residue or sweat. Showering first also means your pores are more open, making it even easier for the antiperspirant to get to work.

Once your antiperspirant has settled, it's time to bring in your deodorant. This is where you'll get that fresh fragrance and serious odor protection that's going to stay with you all day long.

Remember – deodorants aren't here to stop sweat, but they do protect against nasty odors. So, even if you find yourself sweating it out during the day, your deodorant has got your back, keeping you smelling good and feeling confident. 

If you have used a stick antiperspirant, we recommend layering up with a deodorant body spray for easy application. If you want to learn more, check out our article on the difference between deodorant and body spray here.

Picture this: a game-changing product that combines the sweat-blocking power of an antiperspirant with the odor-eliminating prowess of a deodorant – all in one convenient product. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, wake up because it's real. Combination antiperspirant deodorants bring both benefits to the table, giving you the ultimate underarm care package.

If you want a piece of the action, check out our Phoenix Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, combining the best of both worlds to keep you feeling fresh all day.

So what’s it to be?

Antiperspirant and deodorant are two key products for feeling fresh and confident and when combined, they make the perfect pairing to safeguard against sweat and unwanted odor. So, if you haven’t already, make sure you’ve got a great antiperspirant and deodorant ready to go for round-the-clock freshness.