Antiperspirant and deodorant are both products that help reduce underarm stench. But, they work very differently and yield different outcomes. Here’s what sets them apart and the benefits of each.

Plus, if you should actually avoid aluminum.

Summer is officially starting—and with that comes lots of sweat. And while it’s the human body’s natural way of regulating temperature, there are plenty of products out there that can help to mitigate the less-than-pleasant side effects. But in a day and age where we are spoiled for choice with different products, it can be hard to find the right one for you.

Meet the expert

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and New Jersey.
• Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who serves as a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology.
• Ranella Hirsch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Are you trying to reduce sweat? Are you trying to smell like a cool cucumber? Do you want one product that does both? And what is healthiest for the around 25,000 glands located in your underarms? We've got everything you need to decide, ahead.

What is an Antiperspirant?

Much like the name states—an antiperspirant does just that. “Antiperspirants are designed to actually block and prevent the release of sweat,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. But not just any product can be an antiperspirant. “The [Food and Drug Administration] FDA has approved one ingredient—aluminum salts," adds Dr. Garshick. "And so in order to qualify as an antiperspirant, meaning a product that actually blocks the release of sweat, it has to contain aluminum, So anything that does not contain aluminum…by definition, is not really considered an antiperspirant."

What is Deodorant?

When it comes to deodorant, it’s all hidden in the word itself—odor. “Antiperspirant is actually a regulated product by the FDA,” says board-certified dermatologist Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD, "A deodorant is more of a skin-care or cosmetic product. And a deodorant utilizes a scent to mask odor.”

Of course, some products can be both, but it’s important to read labels so you know what you’re buying. “We explain to patients that while most antiperspirants are deodorants, but the opposite is not so,” says board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD.

Despite what you might think, it’s not the sweat itself that smells. “Sweat is inherently odorless,” says Dr. Garshick. “But when sweat is found in combination with bacteria that lives on the body, that combination can make somebody smell.” So deodorants that utilize acids like glycolic acid are great ways to kill bacteria and eliminate the smell from sweat, while still allowing your body to sweat.

Picking the Best One for You

When picking a product for yourself, many dermatologists say that it comes down to your individual needs. While some may shy away from aluminum-based products, it's important to beware of misinformation. 

“There is so much unsupported fear-mongering about underarm care and little of it is accurate,” says Dr. Hirsch. “The data has shown using such products to be quite safe.”

“At this point, the FDA has not found there to be any harm in using aluminum-containing products,” adds Dr. Garshick. Unless your aluminum deodorant is irritating your skin, there's no science-based reason to switch.

For those with sensitive skin, "you want to pick a product that provides you with a reduction in your perspiration, but also one that's gently scented,” says Dr. Fromowitz. “People get into trouble with some of the heavier fragrance products." Additionally, be wary of products that use multiple active ingredients to work as a deodorant.”

You can also incorporate both antiperspirant and deodorant into your routine for maximum anti-funk precautions. For example, apply antiperspirant to clean skin before bed and deodorant throughout the day. “For it to be most effective, use an antiperspirant at night before bed,” says Dr. Garshick. "And then, if you're also bothered by odor, use a deodorant during the day."

If you find this dual-product approach isn't cutting it, visit a board-certified dermatologist for more permanent solutions. "For some, for whom excessive sweating is a larger issue…we may have some more specific recommendations for management,” says Dr. Hirsch, like botox, which stops sweat by immobilizing the glands.

When it comes to underarm products, you have plenty of options. Ignore the noise, listen to your body, and use the one that works best for you.