What is the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? Can one be allergic to deodorant or antiperspirant? Which is better? Does deodorant cause cancer? Why is Aluminium used? Are they the same thing? I will answer all that and more. Read until the end of this article to be aware of antiperspirant side effects and dangers.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEODORANT AND ANTIPERSPIRANT

Firstly, we need to make sure that we understand that deodorant and antiperspirant are not the same, they are not synonyms. Actually, antiperspirant is a sub-category of deodorants. The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant is that the first one is made to make the body odors smell nice and it does not block the sweat’s moisture.

DEODORANT DEFINITION

The deodorant definition states that it removes or conceals skin’s odors. The perspiration of humans is mainly odorless until bacteria ferments it. That is when the skin starts to have an unpleasant smell. Areas as arms pits are especially prone to moisture collection, therefore they are an environment for bacterial growth and they can start to stink. Deodorants usually have perfume or natural essential oils, the ingredients depending on each brand. In the USA they are classified as cosmetics.

How does a deodorant work? It does not block or reduce perspiration, instead a deodorants works buy fighting against unpleasant skin smell.

ANTIPERSPIRANT DEFINITION

The antiperspirant definition, on the other hand, says that it blocks the pores to not enable or to reduce the amount of perspiration. Most antiperspirants also contain perfume to give the skin a nice scent. But are antiperspirants safe to use? Is it ok to block sweat? Why is Aluminium used? Most antiperspirants contain Aluminium, in different quantities and forms (Aluminium chloride, Aluminium chlorohydrate, and Aluminium-zirconium compounds). The first substance is actually a neurotoxin, meaning it badly affects the brain. Will discuss more about it below.

ALUMINIUM IN ANTIPERSPIRANT

Is aluminum in antiperspirant bad for you? Because it is a daily product, the quantities can gather in months and years. This is especially harmful as Aluminium chloride is a neurotoxin. Obviously, having a neurotoxin applied to your skin and entering your body is not healthy. People with kidney disease are even more at risk, as Aluminium can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and skin.

Is antiperspirant bad? Because antiperspirant works by blocking pores to avoid sweat to get out, you stop a natural process. Sweating enables the body to eliminate toxins, to cool down. Therefore, antiperspirant is bad as it not a healthy option because it blocks the elimination of toxins through skin and the ones containing Aluminium chloride also contain a neurotoxin damaging the nervous cells. Aluminium in high quantities can damage the DNA and has unhealthy side effects.

It is best to avoid antiperspirants all together. I have personally stopped using them and instead chose a natural gel deodorant.

DEODORANT GEL VS SOLID VS SPRAY

What is the difference between deodorant gel vs solid vs spray? Gel deodorant is comfortable to use, has a soft texture and overall gives a pleasant body care experience. Solid deodorant is also a good option, with a hard surface to rub underarms. The least healthy option is the aerosol spray deodorant / aerosol antiperspirant because it contains harmful chemicals. I will explain below why.

SPRAY DEODORANT & ANTIPERSPIRANT SIDE EFFECTS

• the deodorants or antiperspirant spray which is in a pressured can and contains harmful gasses as Butane, Propane etc. can cause intoxication, allergies and other severe negative effects
• aerosol burn can occur if prolonged contact at close range is made. This is a serious skin injury, basically a frostbite because of the very low temperature of the spray
• Antiperspirant sprays also contain Aluminium, which is bad to health.

Let me tell you what dangers that represents: this is something that happened to me personally with a well known deodorant aerosol spray brand. Buying it from a major department store, I assumed that they are safe to use. The spray can said on it to use it on a well ventilated room and not inhale it. However, it is literally impossible to not inhale a little bit of it as you apply. Most of the time, I applied in the bathroom or in the bedroom, rooms that people usually apply deodorant in, which are not with the best ventilation. and I tried by best to not inhale.

After several weeks of use, I had a severe allergy and cough because of all those harmful chemicals in it, which was cured after a lengthy medical treatment and stopping the use of the product. I will never use spray deodorants or spray antiperspirants again! Therefore, please avoid spray deodorants and spray antiperspirants, as it is not possible to avoid inhalation. Even in tiny amounts, it could potentially be harmful.

Therefore, comparing deodorant spray vs stick, always avoid the aerosol spray version.

DOES DEODORANT CAUSE CANCER

Ever wondered if deodorant can cause cancer? It really depends on what ingredients it has. If it has parabens, which some claim that they increase the cancer rates, then there is a possibility, but studies are inconclusive at the moment. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so use deodorants that do not contain Aluminium, parabens and other harmful chemicals.

Can you get cancer from using deodorant? What ingredient in deodorant causes cancer? The studies regarding cancer and breast cancer especially, did not clearly indicate an answer, some claiming yes, some no. A few pointed out a link between parabens and cancer, while others claimed that antiperspirants raise estrogen and disrupt the normal metabolism. Again, caution is advised and the use of natural deodorants is recommended.

DEODORANT VS ANTIPERSPIRANT

After my research above, I hope that it is clear that if you compare deodorant vs antiperspirant and wonder which one is better, the answer is that the natural deodorant is recommended. Always choose the healthier option. As shown, spray forms are the worst, while gels/sticks and roll-on are ok. Antiperspirant is less good for your health than deodorant, as the first one blocks the natural toxins cleansing through sweating. Even further, a natural deodorant is better than one with parabens and harsh chemicals, as there are far less chances of allergies and skin rashes.

WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU AVOID IN DEODORANT?

• aerosol spray
• aluminum
• parabens
• alcohol
• talc
• phthalates
• other harsh chemicals

Do not be fooled by clever brand packaging and always read the ingredients label. Sometimes products that contain Aluminium are advertised as Sensitive skin. Sometimes, the wording in their website description might give you the impression that they are without toxic chemicals. This is the case with the Amway G&H deodorant, which claims on their website to be of gentle care. Actually, it contains Aluminium.

BEST DEODORANTS

• natural gluten-free deodorant for sensitive skin at https://amzn.to/2xBypNa (unisex, unscented)
• natural deodorant at https://amzn.to/2xz6Ynb (unisex, unscented)
• peppermint scented natural deodorant at https://amzn.to/2QUCqoe (unisex)
• lavender scented natural deodorant at https://amzn.to/2xv3Qc0 (unisex)
• natural deodorant for women at https://amzn.to/2xGrwKP
• natural deodorant for men at https://amzn.to/2QS8JEb

Disclaimer:

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