The best deodorants for women

Deodorant is a basic personal hygiene product and even though sweating is a perfectly natural function, nobody likes the bad smell of body odour. We sweat to regulate our body’s temperature and to get rid of toxins. Our armpits are the part of our body where we sweat the most. Along with sweat, our armpits secrete fatty acids and proteins that cause the bad smell because of the bacteria in our skin. In other words, contrary to popular belief, the bad smell of body odour occurs when sweat, which in itself does not smell, comes into contact with corporal bacteria.

Sweating in women is also affected by hormonal factors. During certain stages of pregnancy and the menopause, which is when there are significant hormonal changes in women, their sweating pattern changes. Temperature variations take place throughout the different stages of the menstrual cycle which affect sweating. In general, girls sweat more between days 15 and 28 of their cycles, when their body temperature increased by around 0.4ºC.

Types of deodorant

The main function of deodorant is to eliminate bacteria to fight bad smells. Some deodorants reduce sweating, without blocking the sweat glands thus allowing toxins to be released through the pores.

Deodorants today not only help to control excessive sweating and bad smells under our arms, but they also help to hydrate the area, leaving the skin feeling fresh, and they are also eco-friendly.

There are many different types of deodorants on the market and several different formats. Perhaps the most obvious difference between these products to control sweating is between deodorants and antiperspirants:

• Deodorants: these products usually contain alcohol and some kind of special fragrance. They mask the bad smell caused by contact between sweat and skin bacteria. They last as long as the smell of the perfume they contain.
• Antiperspirants: these products block sweating in the armpits through different mechanisms. One of them is the aluminium base that dissolves on contact with sweat and moisture. They last longer, usually up to 24 hours and the sweat is eliminated through other parts of the body. Antiperspirant can also be a deodorant if it contains a perfume or fragrance.

Depending on your skin type, one or the other format may suit you better:

• In spray or aerosol: it is very convenient to use and we can find it with several fragrances and smells. If you have sensitive skin under your arms, you should be careful since these formats can dry out your skin. Choose an invisible, alcohol-free deodorant that does not leave marks on your clothing.
• Roll-on: is one of the easiest to apply formats and is the one that leaves a feeling of freshness. Since it is a creamy product, although not as thick as cream deodorant, it can leave an oily patch on our skin, although this can be an advantage if we have dry skin under our arms. There are quick-drying roll-on deodorants to avoid staining our clothes when applying it.
• Stick format: this is a very convenient format for travelling or for daily use. It keeps its fragrance well and it is easy to apply. Deodorant sticks hardly stain clothes and they are not as oily as roll-on deodorants. They are suitable for most skin types, particularly dry skin, thanks to their moisturising properties.
• Cream deodorants: these are perhaps the least common format since they are more laborious to apply than any of the others. They are applied in the same way as body creams and therefore require more time. They are however a good choice for dry skin which is deeply moisturised after applying it. They can be used on wider areas and in specific zones where there are problems with excessive sweating such as the face, nape, torso, etc.

Best long-lasting deodorants for heavy sweating

If we sweat heavily we should choose a long-lasting deodorant or antiperspirant, one that lasts from 24 to 48 hours, that not only neutralises bad armpit smells, but can also control sweating of the skin for longer.

Moreover, some of them are activated through movement, and therefore if we are active and sweat more the effect will increase.

Best antiperspirant deodorants

The choice of antiperspirant deodorants depends on the needs of each individual. As a rough guide you should bear the following in mind:

• Duration: depending on the formula used in the deodorant, its duration may vary. The most basic ones protect against sweating and body odour for up to 48 hours. There are also others for people who sweat excessively that can last for days.
• Skin care: depending on your skin type you should choose a product with moisturising ingredients, that are hypoallergenic and that do not irritate the skin.
• Value for money: furthermore, packs of deodorant are available on the market that make it cheaper than buying it individually.