Deodorants and Antiperspirants

Did Pepe le Pew just walk in or was it just you? Time for some deodorant.  Or maybe what you really need is an antiperspirant.  There is a big difference, you know and it will be the prime issue to consider when shopping.

• Deodorants
• The purpose of a deodorant (as the name implies) is meant to keep foul odors at bay by covering the smell. Deodorants alone do NOT prevent you from sweating nor will they prevent the accumulation of sweat from occurring, the foremost culprit of odor-causing bacteria.
• It can be used not just on the underarms, but also on other areas of the body.
• Antiperspirants
• These actually prevent you from sweating, thus helping to eliminate odor directly from the source.
• Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine is one of the most popular active ingredients used in antiperspirants.
• A combination antiperspirant/deodorant  acts to both reduce perspiration and enhance the body's odor.

Form Factor

Both deodorants and antiperspirants come in a variety of forms. Mostly choosing a form factor is purely personal preference, although some will vouch that one is hands down better than the rest. Here are the pros and cons of each. Try them out and decide for yourself which suits you best.

Stick : The classic and simple solid or gel may be "invisible", which is better at not staining.	Roll-On : Easy application, but sometimes less protection. Usually better at moisturizing the skin.	Spray : Lightweight and usually just deodorant is refreshing in the summertime.

The Ratings

Choosing a deodorant/antiperspirant shouldn't be hard, although sometimes you can end up with a dud. Whether you typically choose a stick, roll-on, or gel, here are some popular brands and the low down on what holds up to the heat, and what makes you stink so bad that even Pepe dives for cover. Before reading on, remember the disclaimer to deodorant/antiperspirant reviews -- everyone has a different body chemistry and will react differently to what they put on their skin, so what works on you or me may not work on the next guy.

Women's
Dove deodorant/antiperspirant  is perfect for sensitive skin since it helps moisturize. It also has a light scent and comes in a roll-on or stick. Great for day to day use, but not at the gym.	Arrid's Extra Extra Dry  did extra, extra mediocre. A better bet would be their clear antibacterial gel.  Another good pick is Sure.  Sure they are tacky, but it works.	The Lady Mitchum Clear Gel  fared well, better than the Super Solid  antibacterial version.	Secret offers Platinum Protection  that really keeps you dry and smelling nice. This is the way to go for working out. You might also try Lady Speed Stick.	Degree  has shown to keep ladies dry and smelling fresh from school, to work, to the gym. However, it does require reapplication and has a tendency to leave a residue.

Men's
You can't go wrong with sharp smelling Axe  spray, or Tag,  it's cousin.	The classic Old Spice  is good for keeping dry but the smell competes with cologne.	Gillette Cool Wave  Series keeps you dry and has an unoffensive odor. Very popular	Adidas  has sports written all over it. Great for the gym locker.	Clarins  may sound girly but it won't fight your cologne and it's easy on the skin.

Gender Neutral
Unfortunately, while Kiss My Face  makes great organic products, their Liquid Rock Deodorant  simply couldn't hold up to the test. Crystal Stick Deodorant  did much better.	Tom's of Maine  deodorant is all natural and all the rave amongst organic lovers and the average joe alike. It's worth a try if you have sensitive skin. Jason Aloe Vera Gel  is comparable.	Sure  may not be the most fashionable deodorant, but if it keeps you dry and has a mild smell that won't overpower cologne or perfume you can be sure that it's a winner.	Arm and Hammer  antiperspirant is natural, using baking soda as its prime odor fighting ingredient. It doesn't have a strong scent or moisturizing ability, but it's a good smell combatant.	Arid  comes in every type of formula, it's inexpensive, and it has a mild scent. Overall, it's a pretty good buy.

Related Buying Guides

• Bath and Body
• Cologne
• Perfume
• Aftershave

External Links

Because many are concerned about the health risks involved with using chemical based antiperspirants, here a few links to articles on the Web that attempt to demystify the rumors about the link between antiperspirants and cancer.

• Unilever
• American Cancer Society
• FDA
• Imaginis: Antiperspirants and breast cancer.
• Care2: Recipes for natural deodorant.