Deodorants
Deodorants are designed to mask or prevent smells caused by bacteria that break down sweat. They contain antimicrobial ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, or other masking agents. While deodorants aim to eliminate or cover up odors, they do not actually prevent or reduce sweat itself. Deodorants work on the surface of the skin by eliminating smells rather than blocking sweat glands.

Common active ingredients in deodorants include:

- Alcohol: Helps eliminate bacteria and moisture on the skin's surface.

- Fragrances: Mask body odors by introducing alternative scents. Popular natural fragrances include citrus, tea tree, and eucalyptus.

- Zeolites: Porous aluminosilicate minerals that absorb ammonia and other odor molecules.

- Essential oils: Natural compounds from plants like lemon, lemongrass, and sage that eliminate bacteria and scent.

Antiperspirants

Unlike Deodorant and Antiperspirant, antiperspirants contain active ingredients designed to block the pores in sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat produced. They work deeper in the skin to inhibit sweating at its source. The main active ingredient in antiperspirants is aluminum-based salts. When applied topically, these salts temporarily block the eccrine sweat ducts to decrease perspiration.

Common aluminum salts used include:

- Aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex gly - A common semisynthetic complex salt that effectively plugs sweat pores.

- Aluminum chloride - An astringent salt that constricts blood vessels and reduces sweating.

In addition to aluminum, antiperspirants may contain deodorizing agents like alcohol or fragrance to neutralize odors. They tend to be more effective at keeping underarms dry but have received scrutiny over potential links to breast cancer.

Combination Deodorant-Antiperspirants

Many popular brands offer combination deodorant-antiperspirants that contain both sweat-blocking and odor-fighting ingredients. These multi-purpose formulas aim to reduce sweat and eliminate smells. Combination products typically contain:

- Aluminum-based salts for their antiperspirant effects

- Alcohol or other antimicrobials as deodorizing agents

- Fragrance to provide a fresh scent

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