What are antiperspirants? And how do they work?

Antiperspirants are a skincare product specifically designed for the underarms, and their primary purpose is to reduce sweat or perspiration. Unlike deodorants, which only combat body odor, antiperspirants actively reduce sweat production. So, what does antiperspirant do exactly? It temporarily blocks the sweat glands in your underarms, reducing the amount of sweat your body releases.

Here’s how it works: antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds. When applied to your skin, these compounds dissolve in the moisture on your skin and form a gel-like barrier over the sweat glands. This barrier blocks sweat from reaching the skin’s surface, helping to keep your underarms dry and stopping underarm wetness.

Additionally, antiperspirants also contain antimicrobial agents, which help kill odor-causing bacteria, keeping you fresh and odor-free for longer. The dual function of sweat reduction and odor protection makes antiperspirant deodorants an effective solution for everyday use.

To learn more about how antiperspirants work, you can read our detailed guide here.

When it comes to choosing the right antiperspirant, it's important to know that they come in a variety of forms, each designed to suit your personal preferences and needs:

• Sprays: Ideal if you’re in a hurry, as they dry instantly. An antiperspirant spray offers quick application and is perfect for on-the-go freshness.
• Powders: Though less common, powder antiperspirants are effective for reducing moisture and can help prevent chafing.
• Sticks: Stick antiperspirants provide targeted protection and are easy to carry, ensuring precise application for those who prefer compact solutions.
• Roll-ons: These are incredibly popular as they help stop underarm wetness and are easy to apply. They glide on smoothly, ensuring full coverage with minimal effort.

Whether you prefer the quick-drying convenience of a spray or the precise application of a roll-on, antiperspirants come in different forms to suit every lifestyle.

Aluminum salts are the key ingredient that makes antiperspirants so effective at controlling sweat. But what is antiperspirant in terms of its composition, and why is aluminum so important?

The aluminum compounds in antiperspirants dissolve when they come into contact with the moisture in your underarms. This forms a temporary barrier over your sweat glands, preventing sweat from being released onto the skin's surface. By blocking sweat, aluminum in antiperspirants not only keeps your underarms dry but also reduces the environment where bacteria that cause body odor can thrive.

In addition to aluminum, many modern antiperspirants for underarms include other ingredients like activated charcoal, which further helps absorb moisture and fight odor. For example, our NIVEA Men Deep Impact Deo range contains activated charcoal, which boosts its odor-fighting power.

A common concern for many is whether antiperspirants are safe to use, particularly because of their aluminum content. Rest assured, both antiperspirants and deodorants undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for daily use. Scientific research has shown no evidence to suggest that aluminum in antiperspirants is harmful when used as directed.

Dermatologists worldwide approve of these products, ensuring that they are safe for long-term use. So, whether you’re applying your antiperspirant every day or just on particularly hot or active days, you can feel confident that it’s safe for your skin and overall health.

It’s easy to confuse deodorants with antiperspirants, as they are often marketed together, but they serve different purposes. Here’s the key difference:

• Deodorants: These products are designed solely to combat odor by neutralizing or masking the smell caused by bacteria. Deodorants do not reduce sweat or stop moisture.
• Antiperspirants: These not only prevent odor but also actively reduce sweat production by blocking the sweat glands.

For example, if you're engaged in physical activities or spending time outdoors, you might prefer the best antiperspirant for excessive sweating to control both wetness and odor. However, if your primary concern is just odor, a deodorant may suffice. Many products today combine both deodorant and antiperspirant properties, offering double protection.

If you want to learn more about the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants, we’ve got you covered here.

Maximize the effectiveness of your antiperspirant by following these simple dos and don'ts:

Do’s

• Use antiperspirant on days when you’re likely to sweat more, such as during exercise or in hot weather.
• Apply antiperspirant after showering, preferably at night, to allow it to block sweat glands more effectively.
• Shake your antiperspirant spray well before use to ensure the active ingredients are evenly distributed for full protection.

Don’ts

• Don’t apply antiperspirant to broken, irritated, or freshly shaved skin, as this could cause discomfort or irritation.
• Don’t get dressed immediately after applying a spray antiperspirant. Give it a moment to dry completely before wearing clothes to avoid staining or reducing effectiveness.

Following these tips will help you get the most out of your antiperspirant, keeping you dry and fresh throughout the day.

Finding the best deodorant antiperspirant that suits your lifestyle and skin type is essential. Whether you prefer roll-ons or sprays, NIVEA offers a variety of options to suit your needs.

For Women Who Prefer Roll-ons

We recommend our NIVEA Fresh Natural Anti-Perspirant Deo Roll-On. This product offers 48 hours of reliable antiperspirant protection, thanks to the NIVEA ∞ INFINIFRESH formula. Additionally, it’s formulated with 0% alcohol, making it gentle on the skin while keeping you fresh and dry.

For Women Who Prefer Sprays

If you prefer a deo spray, the NIVEA Pearl & Beauty Deodorant Spray is an excellent choice. Enriched with pearl extracts and avocado oil, this spray not only provides 48 hours of protection but also leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s perfect for women looking for a long-lasting antiperspirant that also nourishes the skin.

Explore more options in our NIVEA deodorant range.

For men, choosing the best antiperspirant can make a significant difference in how fresh and comfortable you feel throughout the day. Whether you prefer roll-ons or sprays, NIVEA offers powerful options designed for long-lasting protection.

For Men Who Prefer Roll-ons

We recommend our NIVEA Men Fresh Power Anti-Perspirant Roll-On or the NIVEA Men Fresh Active Anti-Perspirant Roll-On. Both offer 48 hours of reliable protection and are powered by the NIVEA ∞ INFINIFRESH formula, designed to keep you dry and fresh for extended periods.

For Men Who Prefer Sprays

For those who prefer deo sprays, our NIVEA Men Deep Impact Deodorant Spray is a fantastic choice. With the power of black carbon, this spray ensures long-lasting freshness and contains 0% alcohol, making it gentle on the skin while providing effective protection.

All these products are available in both roll-on and spray forms and are dermatologist-approved for daily use to get rid of body odor and armpit smell.

Browse our full range of men’s deodorants here.