Difference between deodorant and antiperspirant

Deodorants and antiperspirants are two of the most used cosmetic products, with millions of consumers applying them daily to their underarms. Deodorants are used to mask odor, while antiperspirants are used to reduce the amount of sweat produced. These two functions are often combined in a single product.

While deodorants are considered cosmetic products because they do not alter skin function, antiperspirants are classified as drugs and are therefore subject to the rules and regulations established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The active ingredient in antiperspirants is usually aluminum-based, which reduces sweating by obstructing the eccrine glands.

Deodorants work through different mechanisms: antimicrobial agents that decrease the amount of bacteria that produce volatile, malodorous substances, while fragrances cover any generated odor. Natural deodorants usually use alkaline substances like baking soda or magnesium hydroxide to neutralize bad odor, but there is a risk of irritation, allergy, and skin pH imbalance.

Sweating and Body Odor

Eccrine sweating is part of the body's thermoregulation mechanism, while apocrine sweating appears at puberty and mainly affects the armpits and genital areas, contributing to individual body odor. The decomposition of sweat by skin bacteria generates volatile fatty acids responsible for bad odor.

To control odors, three approaches have been developed:

1. Reduce or stop sweat emission with aluminum salts that block armpit pores.
2. Eliminate microorganisms responsible for sweat decomposition with antimicrobial/antibacterial ingredients.
3. Neutralize or mask odorous compounds: Deodorants without antimicrobial ingredients that work with fragrances or alkaline neutralizers such as baking soda or magnesium hydroxide.

Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants act by reducing sweat secretion by causing the narrowing of the sweat ducts through the action of aluminum and zirconium salts. In addition, aluminum compounds have demonstrated bactericidal action.

Active ingredients include:

• Aluminum chlorohydrate (Al2(OH)5Cl, 2 H2O)
• Aluminum sesquichlorohydrate
• Aluminum-zirconium complex
• Aluminum potassium sulfate (alum)

Deodorants

• Antiseptics contain agents such as triclosan, propylene glycol, propanediol, alcohol, alum stone, zinc oxide, etc.
• Non-antiseptics use fragrances and odor absorbers such as baking soda, talc, zinc ricinoleate, and silica pearls.

Benefits of Maxalli natural deodorant:

• Deodorant without aluminum or parabens
• For the whole family: men, women, and children
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Combats bad odor with natural antimicrobial ingredients and essential oils
• With and without scent (natural perfumes)
• Deodorant that does not stain clothes
• Depigmenting. Visibly promotes an even and brightening tone in the underarms
• Eco-friendly zero waste deodorant packaged in a cardboard tube
• Mexican deodorant, handmade in Monterrey, Nuevo León.

REFERENCE

Martini MC. Déodorants et antitranspirants [Deodorants and antiperspirants]. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2020 May;147(5):387-395. French. doi: 10.1016/j.annder.2020.01.003. Epub 2020 Apr 2. PMID: 32248967.