Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant: Expert Explains the Difference

Deodorant and antiperspirant — it’s the same thing, right? Most people use the two words interchangeably, but there are actually some key differences between the products. It’s easy to mistake the two, especially when drugstores and beauty retailers have a slew of options packaged similarly, but knowing the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant can help you find the right product for your needs.

Simply put, one helps mask the smell of sweat while the other prevents sweat and body odor. The choice may appear obvious, but everyone’s armpits and body chemistry are different. To help you figure out if deodorant or antiperspirant is right for you, we spoke with Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, to learn how they differ, know what to look for when shopping for each, and get a few recommendations, so you can add some dermatologist-approved picks to your bathroom counter.

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Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon located in New York City.

Antiperspirant vs. Deodorant

The main difference between antiperspirant and deodorant is that one prevents sweat while the other masks body odor. Want to dive deeper? Dr. Engelman tells PS that an antiperspirant is a product that “blocks glands that produce sweat in order to prevent or reduce sweating.” That’s why they’re called antiperspirants, because they stop you from perspiring. Whereas “deodorant helps control body odor by making the surface of the skin more acidic and killing and/or preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria.” In recent years, natural deodorants have become quite popular, but unlike antiperspirants, Dr. Engelman explains, they do not prevent sweat.

According to Dr. Engelman, most antiperspirants are made with aluminum-based compounds, such as aluminum chlorohydrate (a type of salt complex) and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrate glycine complex (a common active ingredient in personal-care products). If you’re looking for an aluminum-free antiperspirant, she explains, these may use ingredients like talc, baking soda, and cornstarch to help prevent sweating.

When shopping for deodorants, Engelman says these are typically “alcohol-based and include the bacteria-killing ingredient triclosan, along with odor-binding ingredients (for example, baking soda) and odor-masking perfumes and fragrances.”

How to Find the Best Deodorant

Before you add a new product to your cart, Dr. Engelman advises it may take some trial and error to find the right one. “I recommend looking for a deodorant that is free of aluminum, parabens, added fragrance, and other potentially harmful ingredients — especially if you have sensitive skin,” she says. “Labels like natural, fragrance-free, and aluminum-free can help guide you.”

Dr. Engelman recommends the Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant Stick ($8) to anyone, as it’s a unisex brand with fragrance-free options and all-natural ingredients. “These deodorants are natural, aluminum-free, and produced with sustainable and responsible ingredients,” she says.

Another great option is the Lume Whole Body Invisible Cream Tube Deodorant ($15), as you can apply it anywhere. “I like the versatility of Lume’s Cream Deodorants as the water-based formula makes them easy to apply anywhere bacteria may thrive for whole-body odor protection,” she says. “The aluminum- and paraben-free formula is both safe and effective with clinically proven 72-hour odor control.”

How to Find the Best Antiperspirant

If you’re worried about sweat and odor, you may want to consider opting for an antiperspirant instead. These will help keep you dry and BO-free.

The Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant ($13) acts as a long-lasting shield against sweat and odor. “This invisible antiperspirant and deodorant offers 72 hours of protection against stress, heat, and activity sweat in a clinically backed formula,” Dr. Engelman says.

Another great option is the Degree Clinical Protection 5-in-1 Antiperspirant ($25). Not only does this antiperspirant work to prevent body odor, but it’s also dermatologist tested and available at prescription strength. “The five-in-one formula helps reduce sweating, control odor, moisturize the skin, and more,” she says.

Rylee Johnston is a New York City-based freelance writer who covers everything from beauty, fashion, and celebrity trends to home, pets, and more. With a degree in journalism and over three years of industry experience, she enjoys interviewing experts and testing out products to make the best recommendations for readers.