There's a Big Difference Between Antiperspirants and Deodorants—Here’s What You Want to Buy

Do you find that no matter how much deodorant you swipe on in the morning, your armpits are decidedly damp a few hours later? If the wetness bugs you, then you'll want to switch to an antiperspirant. We tend to think of deodorants as a catchall category, but actually "there are key differences between deodorants and antiperspirants," says Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. "Deodorants mask body odor; antiperspirants block sweat."

Deodorants tend to contain odor neutralizers (like baking soda, silver chloride, zinc citrate, alpha hydroxy acids, or coconut oil), fragrances to cover up smell, and moisture absorbers (like arrowroot powder or tapioca starch). Interestingly, Camp shares that sweat by itself doesn't smell. It's when the sweat mixes with the bacteria on the skin's surface that you get that, er, pungent aroma that deodorants help contain.

Antiperspirants, however, rely on aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY. These ingredients act like plugs, effectively stopping sweat before it's released, explains board-certified dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD. They also contain the odor neutralizers, fragrances, and skincare ingredients you'll find in deodorants. But some people may find that their pore-clogging nature can irritate skin, leading to a discoloration called hyperpigmentation, Camp says.

What you choose to buy is all about preference. If you hate feeling damp, worrying about visible streaks of wetness, and lead an active life, then we recommend an antiperspirant. If you aren't a big sweater, care most about odor control, or worry about potential skin irritants, consider a deodorant. Whatever you choose, we've gathered the best deodorants and antiperspirants to keep underarms fresh, clean, or sweat-free.