Sports & Fitness

NATURAL DEODORANT VS ANTIPERSPIRANT

February 17, 2023 by Jack

When it comes to personal hygiene, smelling good and feeling fresh top the list. Neglecting these basics is, well, the pits — literally and figuratively. That’s why we’re here to chat about deodorant and antiperspirant, two go-to products that help fight sweat and bacteria that cause an otherwise unpleasant odor that can even linger in your clothing after several washes. 

What’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant, you ask? Good question, and which one you choose typically depends upon preference and lifestyle. Let’s dive deeper into both so you know which formula best suits you and your underarms.

The Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant

The main difference between the two is that deodorant camouflages odor, whereas an antiperspirant helps reduce how much you sweat. Deodorants are considered cosmetic products. On the other hand, antiperspirants are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means they are classified as a drug and are subject to stricter policies and procedures before hitting the shelves. 

In many cases, the two are combined in a single product, as with our Pit Boss Antiperspirant and Deodorant Sensitive Skin Formula. It’s formulated with Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex (20%), an advanced antiperspirant ingredient that helps reduce underarm wetness and control sweat. Vitamin E protects cells against free-radical damage, while Aloe Leaf Juice helps hydrate, soften, and soothe your pits. 

Deodorant

Deodorant fights pit stench in two ways. Antimicrobial properties help ward off bacteria-producing odor, and fragrance. Fun fact: Did you know sweat is odorless? The naturally occurring bacteria on your skin break down the proteins in your sweat resulting in stinkiness. 

Benefits of a Deodorant

Sweating is natural, but the odor that comes along with it can make you feel self-conscious, so deodorant is like a swipeable confidence booster. Whether working out at the gym or standing in front of a group of co-workers making a presentation, you’re likely to be more efficient if you’re not worrying about B.O. 

Also, a good deodorant (or deodorant and antiperspirant hybrid) can extend the longevity of your threads. When the sweat from your clothing dries after you cool down, butyric acid ( a fatty acid created when the good bacteria in your gut break down dietary fiber) stays behind. Even after washing your clothing, the smell returns once your body heat kicks up again. 

Is Deodorant Bad for You?

In short, no — primarily when you use an aluminum-free formula like our Pit CTRL Aluminum-Free Deodorant. It’s 97% natural and vegan and features our best-selling Turbo aroma for all-day odor protection. The gentle, dermatologist-tested formula combines baking soda, cornstarch, and enzymes to provide long-lasting odor protection. 

Just keep in mind that some people who switch from an antiperspirant or regular deodorant to a natural deodorant find that it can take about four weeks to completely adjust to using a product like this. During the first few weeks, you may feel like the product is not working to control odor, and you may actually sweat a little more. This is common. As your body adjusts to the product, the odor control will improve, and any increase in sweating will typically dissipate.

Antiperspirant 

What is an antiperspirant? As the name suggests, antiperspirants block your body's eccrine glands, which produce sweat. The critical ingredient is typically aluminum-based. While there’s some controversy swirling around aluminum in deodorant and antiperspirant products because of links to cancers and kidney issues, the American Cancer Society and the National Kidney Foundation have not found solid scientific evidence supporting these alleged risks.

Also, aluminum salts have been commonly used in personal hygiene products for  50-plus years, and manufacturers must abide by strict FDA guidelines to ensure their antiperspirants are safe for consumers.

Benefits of an Antiperspirant 

Antiperspirants block sweat glands, which helps prevent odor from escaping and reduces how badly you smell when sweating. Remember that an antiperspirant must be applied throughout the day to maintain effectiveness. 

Pro Pit Tip 

To increase your antiperspirant or deodorant, consider shaving your pits — here’s why. Bacteria-laden sweat thrives in hairy areas, creating a moist environment for the stink. Hair is porous, so it retains the smell. Shaving your underarms won’t eliminate B.O., but it can help. 

So, deodorant vs. antiperspirant? One is not better than the other, but you may need to experiment with both to see which is best suited for your lifestyle. However, you can’t go wrong with a hybrid of the two, so you feel dry and smell fresh all day long.