Deodorant And Antiperspirant: What’s The Difference?

Lady at the beach with her arms above her head

Commonly misconstrued as the same thing, antiperspirant and deodorant work in different ways to reduce sweat and control body odour. However, knowing which is more suitable for your body type and navigating all the different options can be a minefield, especially if you suffer from skin concerns that can be reactive to harsh chemicals and ingredients.

To help you keep your skin safe and sweat-free we’re sharing the differences between antiperspirant and deodorant, explaining which is the best for controlling body odour and sweat, along with options that are good at minimising sensitive skin irritations. Rounding up what we think is the best deodorant for women, and our favourite men’s deodorant, we’re covering all the bases, keeping you dry, fresh, and confident all summer (and not to mention, smelling amazing!)

What Is Deodorant?

Designed to mask or neutralise body odour, deodorants are typically formulated with ingredients that kill odour-causing bacteria on your skin, their long-lasting fragrances cover any remaining odours for up to 24 hours, leaving your body fresh-smelling.

Often less irritating than antiperspirant on your skin. deodorants are a safe option for people with sensitive skin or reactive skin, keeping your skin sweet smelling and dry without causing skin flare-ups. Formulated without aluminium, deodorant is great for people who want to avoid the health implications associated with aluminium-based products, putting your mind at ease while keeping bad odours at bay.

One thing to note is that deodorants do not prevent sweating, so while you’re wearing them, you will still sweat, but the scent will be masked by the deodorants.

What Does Anti-Perspirant Do?

Specifically created to reduce or prevent sweating, antiperspirant is formulated with aluminium-based compounds that temporarily block your sweat glands, minimising the amount of sweat that is produced. handily, some antiperspirants also contain deodorising ingredients that control body odour, keeping you dry and odour-free.

Providing sweat and body odour protection for up to 48 hours, antiperspirants reduce sweat stains on your clothes and are a great option for people who tend to sweat more heavily. Available in sprays, sticks, roll-ons, and gels, antiperspirants are effective at keeping your body free from sweat and bad odour, especially if you’re prone to excess sweating.

lady applying deodorant in the mirror

Three Of Our Favourite Deodorants

Vichy Homme 48-Hour Deodorant Roll-On For Sensitive Skin

Formulated for men with sensitive underarms, this Vichy Homme 48Hr Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On provides 48 hours of protection, the long-lasting formula soothing sensitive skin without leaving white marks on your clothes.

Shielding against sweat and odour, this antiperspirant deodorant calms and comforts your skin without irritation, the alcohol and fragrance-free formula gently and effectively minimising sweat.

Vichy 48Hr Mineral Roll-On Deodorant For Sensitive Skin

Providing long-lasting freshness, this mineral roll-on Vichy deodorant tackles sweat and odour without irritation, the volcanic water and panthenol-enriched formula soothing and hydrating your skin while fortifying your underarm skin barrier.

Leaving your skin smelling floral and fruity without staining your clothes, this Vichy 48Hr Mineral Roll-On Deodorant keeps your body fresh and sweat-free, the alcohol-free formula minimising reactions and irritation.

La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Roll-On Deodorant

Keeping you fresh all day,  this La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Roll-On Deodorant is specially formulated for sensitive and reactive skin. 

Containing no fragrance, this gentle and effective deodorant soothes skin that is prone to dryness, tightness, redness, itchiness, and burning, the dermatologically tested formula keeping your skin safe, soothed, and sweat-free.

lady smiling with both arms above her head

Three Of The Best Anti-Perspirants

Vichy 72Hr Stress Resist Roll-On Anti-Perspirant For Sensitive Skin

Created for people who sweat excessively when stressed or anxious, this Vichy 72Hr Stress Resist Roll-On Anti-Perspirant For Sensitive Skin provides 72 hours of protection, the alcohol and paraben-free formula soothing as it shields against sweat.

Formulated with perspicalm and perlite, this gentle and effective antiperspirant gives you peace of mind when you’re feeling particularly stressed, keeping you dry no matter how busy your mind is.

Vichy 7-Day Anti-Perspirant Cream For Sensitive Skin

Formulated for those who suffer from excess and intense perspiration, this Vichy 7-Day Anti-Perspirant Cream For Sensitive Skin targets your sweat pores, providing optimum protection against sweating and perspiration for up to one week.

Infused with micro-fined antiperspirant agents, this gentle antiperspirant effectively prevents perspiration for up to seven days, keeping even sensitive skin safe and dry without irritation.

Vichy Clinical Control 96Hr Protection Anti-Perspirant Roll-On Deodorant

A powerhouse of an antiperspirant, this Vichy Clinical Control 96Hr Protection Anti-Perspirant Roll-On Deodorant protects against sweat and odour for up to 96 hours, the hypoallergenic, alcohol-free formula drying quickly to keep you protected.

Enriched with antibacterial zinc, this Vichy deodorant eradicates up to 10% of odours at the source, soothing and refreshing your skin as it protects to leave you fresh and dry.

Shop Deodorants And Antiperspirants

Dermatologist Recommended
Vichy Homme 48Hr Deodorant Roll-On For Sensitive Skin 50mlVichy Homme 48Hr Deodorant Roll-On For Sensitive Skin 50ml
Vichy Homme 48Hr Deodorant Roll-On For Sensitive Skin 50ml

£6.96 £9.95 30% offsaving
Dermatologist Recommended
Vichy 48Hr Mineral Roll-On Deodorant For Sensitive Skin 50ml
Vichy 48Hr Mineral Roll-On Deodorant For Sensitive Skin 50ml

£6.96 £9.95 30% offsaving
Dermatologist Recommended
La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Roll On DeodorantLa Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Roll On Deodorant
La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Roll On Deodorant

This anti-odor La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Roll On Deodorant will keep you feeling and smelling fresh all day!

£7.50 £10.00 25% offsaving
Dermatologist Recommended
Vichy 72Hr Stress Resist Roll-On Anti-Perspirant For Sensitive Skin 50ml
Dermatologist Recommended
Vichy 7-Day Anti-Perspirant Cream For Sensitive Skin 30ml
Vichy 7-Day Anti-Perspirant Cream For Sensitive Skin 30ml

£7.66 £10.95 30% offsaving
Dermatologist Recommended
Vichy Clinical Control 96Hr Protection Anti-Perspirant Roll On Deodorant 50ml bottleVichy Clinical Control 96Hr Protection Anti-Perspirant Roll On Deodorant 50ml

Loved learning all about the differences between deodorant and antiperspirant. Stay a while longer and educate yourself on SPF in our latest blog post dedicated to The Difference Between Chemical And Mineral Sunscreen.