The best deodorants for women to keep you feeling fresh
Deodorants are a life essential. Why? Because sweat happens. It's just a fact of life. Whether you only suffer mild perspiration on particularly scorching summer days, or you regularly sport clammy underarms at the slightly sign of stress – we all experience sweat.
And while we've heard on the grapevine that hand sanitiser can make an excellent stand-in for those days you forget to apply (we probably wouldn't recommend it, though), a great deodorant is an essential part of every personal care regime.
“The medical term for smelly armpits is Aprocrine Bromhidrosis. Our sweat is actually secreted odourless but it's the bacteria of the skin that turns it into an odour. Deodorants, anti-perspirants and moisture-wicking fabrics can help and benzoyl peroxide can be used to get rid of the bacteria that is creating the odour." says Dermatologist Dr. Shah otherwise known as @dermdoctor.
If you feel insure about the smell coming out of your pits, or the way they look, you're not alone. In fact, new research from Dove has also found that eight in ten women experience issues with their underarm skin, such as irritation, redness, dark marks and rashes, leading to 62% feeling insecure about the appearance of their armpits.
Clearly the ‘perfect pits’ don't exist, but the products you put in them matter, and can not only make your personal hygiene better as well as improve your general wellbeing and self esteem. So, it goes without saying that many of us might not be getting everything we need out of our roll-ons. Here, we answer all your questions about body odour, sweat, antiperspirants and deodorants...
What's the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?
Firstly, it's worth noting that deodorant and antiperspirants are actually two different things. The former helps quell smell, the latter helps reduce sweat. Dermatologist Dr. Beau DiCiccio, MD put it in very simple terms: “A deodorant is going to do what it says, it's going to de-odour you. An anti-perspirant is going to – shocker – anti-perspire you, and keep you from sweeting.” he says.
So, if you're in need of a solution that does both, make sure you pick up an “antiperspirant deodorant”. And, if you're applying straight out of the shower, you could be doing it all wrong. Antiperspirants adhere best to dry skin, so make sure you mop away any excess moisture first.
What are the key ingredients in a deodorant?
This very much depends on the formula. A typical drugstore deodorant will rely on a couple of different ingredients to combat sweating, these include but not exclusive to aluminium salts, anti-bacterial agents, fragrances and pH adjusters. There are of course some that are more natural, others with no aluminium etc.
Why should we avoid anti-perspirants with aluminium?
Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants don’t contain aluminium. While there's no definitive link between aluminium-based antiperspirants and breast cancer, a 2017 study “showed an earlier age of disease onset in breast cancer patients that had used aluminium-containing antiperspirants combined with underarm shaving.”
Underarm skin actually doesn't absorb much aluminium – only around 0.01% – but, when the skin is damaged or you've just shaved, this can go up to 0.06%. Though that's still no where near a dangerous amount, it can still block pores and concern to people who have a genetically prone to growing cancerous cells. Those with severe kidney ailments shouldn’t use antiperspirants too.
What are the best anti-perspirants deodorants without aluminium?
If you're still looking to go the aluminium free route, but are yet to find the one for your regular daily dousing, let us help you out. While aluminum-based compounds are the most common active ingredients in antiperspirants, some alternative products use other ingredients to help reduce sweat production like natural crystal deodorants, baking soda-based deodorants or essential oil-based deodorants. Try these.
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What are the best deodorant for women who do sports?
When choosing deodorant for women who do sports these can vary depending on personal preference and individual needs. However, factors you should consider are its antiperspirant properties to help reduce sweat production. Opt for a deodorant that offers long-lasting protection to withstand physical activity and sweat. Usually those that provide 24 or 48-hour protection are good to go to.
Consider those deodorants that are specifically designed for active individuals and that may contain ingredients that help absorb moisture or wick away sweat from the skin's surface. This can help keep you feeling dry and fresh during exercise.
Odour control is also a given some something that contain ingredients like baking soda, which can help absorb and neutralise odour work. Since active individuals may sweat more, it's also essential to choose a deodorant that is gentle on the skin and minimises the risk of irritation. Look for deodorants labeled as hypoallergenic, formulated for sensitive skin, or free from potential irritants like alcohol or harsh chemicals.
You should also consider the convenience and ease of application when choosing a deodorant for sports. Roll-on or stick deodorants are often preferred by athletes as they provide targeted application and are less likely to be affected by sweat or moisture.
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What are the best natural deodorants?
Natural deodorants have a bad rep. However, with there is an influx of new and sophisticated formulas with oh-so-chic refillable packaging, that is about to prove to you otherwise. Unlike traditional anti-perspirants, a natural deodorant doesn't contain the aluminium salts traditionally used to plug sweat glands and reduce sweating. Instead, many alternatives use magnesium, as well as coconut oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil. Try these:
What are the best clinical strength deodorants?
Clinical strength deodorants are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients to provide enhanced sweat and odour control. While people's preferences and body chemistry can influence the effectiveness of a deodorant, targeting odour with clinical strength deodorants is bound to do the trick. If if you sweat excessively, specially when you're stressed, Dr Shah says: “This is called hyperhidrosis. First you want to look for a anti-perspirant, not just a deodorant. These form plugs in the sweat glands that actually prevent sweating.”
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What are the best invisible deodorants?
When it comes to invisible deodorants, the aim is to find products that leave little to no residue on the skin or clothing. There's nothing worse than white marks ruining your favourite top, so if you need a spray throughout the day, these clear formula solutions will freshen you up without the residue.
What are the best roll-on deodorants?
If you prefer the coolness and freshness of a roll-on deodorant, here are some well-regarded options that you may not have tried yet to add to basket. These provides reliable odour protection, a fresh scent, and a gentle formula that is suitable for everyday use.
What are the best spray-on deodorants?
Many people prefer spray-on deodorants over any formulas. We understand why, these provide long-lasting odour and sweat protection like the balm and roll-on formulas but dry quickly upon application, and leave no residue on clothing.
What are the best cream or balm deodorants?
If you're looking for a natural and more gentle alternative to the usual spray-on deodorants here some cream or balm formulas you should try today:
What are the best deodorants for pigmentation?
Although deodorants themselves do not directly address pigmentation concerns, some are less likely to cause or worsen skin pigmentation issues while others will be formulated with anti-pigmentation ingredients like niacinamide and brightening properties all around.
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For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona.**
