Deodorant for women - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
When it comes to body odor, the old dictum that men perspire and women glow doesn't make sense. Women are just as prone to sweat as men, and unfortunately, with sweat usually comes odor. That's why a daily dab of deodorant is part of most women's grooming routine.
But things can get a little murky when it comes time to pick that deodorant. There are so many brands and types on drug store shelves; how do you know which one is right for you?
Luckily, Real Indian is here to help. Our mission is to make your shopping easier. To that end, we've created this unbiased and helpful guide to buying women's deodorant. If you're in a hurry, check out our five recommendations, but if you want to know more about choosing and using deodorant in general, read on.
How Does Deodorant Work?
- Sweat
There are sweat glands all over the body, not just in the armpits. You have two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.
Eccrine sweat glands cover most of your body. These glands secrete a mixture of water and salt to help cool you down through evaporation. Eccrine sweat does not cause body odor.
- Alcohol and Salts
Deodorant helps prevent body odor by targeting the bacteria that cause the odour. The alcohol and salts found in most deodorants make underarms too salty and acidic for bacteria to thrive. Some deodorants also contain chemicals – triclosan is a common product – that go even further by killing bacterial growth. However, deodorants do not prevent you from sweating.
- Antiperspirant
Many, but not all, deodorant products contain antiperspirants. This prevents body odor by reducing the ability to sweat. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum salts that react with sweat to create tiny plugs in your sweat ducts. The fact of not sweating does not mean that bacteria live, and therefore there is no bad smell. These plugs eventually wash out on their own, so you need to reapply your antiperspirant daily for best results.
- Fragrance
And of course, the fairly strong scents found in most deodorants help cover up any odors that might still creep in.
Types of Deodorant for Women
Deodorant comes in five basic forms: stick, spray, gel, roll-on, and cream. Neither form is necessarily better than the others. The right one for you mostly comes down to preference.
- Stick
Also called solids, stick deodorants are the most popular. While older formulations tended to leave white marks on clothing, today there are many deodorant sticks that dry clear.
- Sprayer
These deodorants have fallen out of favor in recent decades but are still available, although most sprays are marketed for men, not women.
- Gel
Gel deodorants ooze out of the applicator when you turn the dial at the bottom.
- Roll-on
These deodorants are popular ways in which a liquid is dispensed as the applicator ball rolls over your skin.
- Cream
Cream deodorants are the least common form. They come in jars and tubes.
Tips
Cover the entire area of your armpit. Many women only swipe the deodorant a couple of times without coming into contact with all of their underarm skin.
Apply deodorant at bedtime. Because you generally sweat less while you sleep, applying the product at bedtime gives it time to block your sweat glands, thus increasing its effectiveness.
Don't put on deodorant when you're wet or already sweating. This prevents the product from drying out and forming plugs in your sweat glands. If you put on deodorant after you shower, like most women do, make sure your underarms are completely dry before putting on the product.
Let your deodorant dry completely before getting dressed. Otherwise, you risk getting white or wet marks on your clothes. Apply deodorant before brushing your teeth. The product should be dry by the time you are done.
Reapply deodorant as needed. Most women need to apply deodorant daily, but some require an additional application toward the end of the day. Some people just sweat more than others.
Don't put on deodorant after shaving your armpits. To avoid irritating your skin, skip the deodorant application that day or apply it later.
If you have sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic deodorants. There are products with skin-soothing ingredients specially formulated to be hypoallergenic. You'll also probably be happier with fragrance-free products because it's usually the fragrance that causes the irritation.
FAQ
Que. I have heard that aluminum salts in antiperspirants can cause cancer. That's right?
Ans. While there has been concern for many years that the aluminum salts used in the antiperspirant portion of your deodorant might cause breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, there is no definitive proof. Most cancer researchers today do not believe there is a link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer.
Another health problem sometimes linked to the use of aluminum salts in antiperspirants is Alzheimer's disease. This fear was based on research from the 1960s and has since been shown to be flawed. Current research has ruled out this link.
If you're worried about possible health effects, you can calm down with a deodorant-only product – no antiperspirant – or switch to a natural deodorant.
Que. Is there any real difference between deodorants for men and women?
Ans. For the most part, there is no difference in the basic ingredients. The main differences between men's and women's deodorants are fragrances, packaging, and marketing. If you really like the scent of a men's deodorant, feel free to use it.
Que. I sweat excessively. Is there a deodorant/antiperspirant that can help?
Ans. If you sweat so much that you regularly soak your clothes, call your doctor. Some people have a condition called hyperhidrosis, which is just a fancy term for excessive sweating. Your doctor may prescribe a higher-strength product or recommend other forms of treatment, including Botox injections, electric current, and miraDry, which uses non-invasive microwaves to eliminate sweat glands in the underarm area.
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