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The question of how to apply deodorant might seem relatively straight-forward. You just… put it on, right? But there are other factors to bear in mind. Like whether you want to use a deodorant or anti-perspirant, roll-ons vs sprays, and the best time of day to apply your deodorant.
If you’ve ever wondered how deodorant works to combat body odour, what can make it more effective, or you’re interested in the different types of deodorant on offer, then fear not. We hit up dermatologists and deodorant brands to see how it’s done.
Why do we wear deodorant?
OK newsflash: sweating is completely normal and human and healthy. It cools us down, producing liquid that evaporates from the skin to take some of our body heat away in the process. And when bacteria interacts with this liquid, it reacts scent-wise. “Odour is not actually caused by the sweat production itself. Body odour occurs when the sweat is left on the skin as this encourages the growth of odour-causing bacteria,” says Eli Miansarow, head of brand at refillable natural deodorant label Wild.
“There are a few factors that can affect how much or how little you need to apply deodorant including activity, the weather, your hygiene habits, diet and hydration levels,” says Charly Gabriel, Marketing lead at Fussy. And these can all have an impact on when and how we use it.
Deodorant vs anti-perspirant
Deodorant and anti-perspirant do different things. Anti-perspirant stops you sweating with aluminum salts that physically block your pores. Deodorant combats the bacteria that causes the smell. “When you're applying deodorant, a lot of deodorants work by inhibiting the growth of odour causing bacteria, so they stop the odour causing bacteria on your skin from proliferating. Basically, it's just about stopping that bacteria,” says Salt Of The Earth natural deodorant owner and managing director Thomas Laird.
If you’re torn, your skin type is something you should factor in. “If you have sensitive skin, you may find the aluminum salts in the anti-perspirant can irritate you. So natural deodorants can be a better option,” says Miansarow.
Are there different kinds of deodorant?
So there's a few different options to try here. There are sprays and roll-ons, which do exactly what they say on the tin. Then you’ve got stick or balm deodorants, which you apply to the skin for quick absorption. “It's very much a personal preference,” says Laird. “Some people like the quickness of a spray, but other people don't like the feel of a spray, and much prefer the feel of a roll on or a stick deodorant.” There’s also cream deodorant which is applied by hand, and crystal deodorant, which involves a layer of minerals being absorbed into the skin once it is activated by water.
How should you apply deodorant?
First, you want to make sure your skin is clean. “The best time to apply natural deodorant is in the morning straight after your shower, to armpits that are both clean and dry. You can top up throughout the day if needed,” says Miansarow.
The exact process of application will vary from person to person, based on size and the type of product chosen. “Roll-on or stick deodorants should be applied in a thin, even layer — too much product can cause build-up and irritation, while too little may not provide adequate protection. For sprays, holding the can a few inches away from the skin and using a short burst prevents over-application and skin sensitivity,” says Dr Jonathan Kentley, consultant dermatologist at Montrose London. "Your activity level, climate, and even hormonal fluctuations can affect how much you sweat and when you need to reapply. However, applying deodorant to already sweaty or damp skin can make it less effective. Sensitive skin types should also be mindful of ingredients like alcohol or fragrance, which can trigger irritation, especially when applied after shaving.”
What are the common mistakes?
Applying too much deodorant is a pretty easy mistake to make, particularly if you’re using a new product or application style. Overdoing it is going to feel pretty nasty, and could lead to clogged pores, and stained clothes. “One of the most common mistakes people make is applying deodorant to wet or unclean skin, which prevents it from adhering properly and reduces effectiveness,” says Kentley. “Ultimately, deodorant is just one part of an overall hygiene routine. Maintaining good overall hygiene, wearing breathable fabrics, and staying hydrated can help manage body odour naturally.”
