Deodorant: which type is best for female or male use?

You have to take several factors into account to know which is the best male or female deodorant. Know the hazardous substances of common models and see alternatives

passing on deodorant

Shaun Finn screenshots by Pixabay and Godisable Jacob via Pexels

First of all, a question: do you know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant? If the answer is no, take a look at the article "Are Deodorants and Antiperspirants the Same Thing?" before proceeding.

But even knowing the difference, there are still a few things you need to learn before checking which deodorant is best for you.

the deodorant

Let's know a little about the "protagonist" of this matter. Deodorant is a product designed to remove bad odors from certain parts of the body. This odor, popularly known as cecê, is produced by the contact of bacteria and/or fungi with sweat produced by a specific type of gland, called apocrine sweat glands, located in some parts of the human body, such as in the armpits. The condition is scientifically called axillary bromhidrosis.

To eliminate the odor generated, the deodorant has compounds that act as bactericides and bacteriostatics, killing and/or preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi in these regions. The most common compounds found in male and female deodorants are: triclosan, parabens, fragrances and aluminum salts (see more here). Some of them have potential negative effects on human health.

The deodorant is basically available in three classes: spray/aerosol, roll-on/cream and stick.

Aerosol

An aerosol is a mixture of two liquid components, the deodorant and an inert substance (propellant), stored in a container. Deodorant and propellant (usually a liquid gas) are injected at high pressure into the container. Because they are at high pressure, when the components are released, a jet is formed that sprays the deodorant and spreads it in the applied region. Because of the high pressure and spray of the spray, the aerosol provides a dry spray, which generally pleases those looking for male deodorants (since the aerosol does not stick to the underarm hair).

Spray

Usually the deodorant components in spray are presented in a purely liquid form, injected with lower pressure than the aerosol, because of this, the jet is considered more humid.

roll-on

The deodorant in the form of roll-on is applied directly to the skin by a ball system - when moved, it comes into contact with the substance present inside the package; after moving again she transfers the product to the armpit.

Cream

As the name suggests, deodorants in this format have the same shape as a moisturizing cream, some more "thick" and others "softer". The substances that make up the deodorant are dispersed in a cream, usually a moisturizer.

stick

the format stick is very similar to the roll-on, however it does not have a sphere for the transfer of the deodorant, the contact is direct. the deodorants stick they present themselves as gel or solid - a mechanism at the bottom of the package pushes the deodorant to the top, which makes contact with the armpit region.

Environmental and human health problems

Brazil is one of the countries in the world where the population bathes more frequently (average of 12 baths per week). Due to the fact that our country is predominantly hot (above 25ºC) practically all year round, Brazilians have a culture of frequent hygiene. Usually, bad smell is associated with lack of hygiene and, in everyday life, it is normal for people to opt for a more practical and quick solution - deodorants - but many still do not know the problems that male and female deodorants can bring to the environment and the user.

Compounds present in various deodorants, such as parabens, triclosan, aluminum salts and CFCs (currently banned), present or may present risks to men and women and to the environment. To learn more about the topic, read the article: "Know the components of deodorant and its effects".

parabens

Parabens are a specific type of molecule that acts as an effective preservative, widely used in cosmetics, some foods and in pharmaceutical products. However, especially in the case of female deodorants, research has proven the link between the presence of parabens in the body and the emergence of breast cancer. Studies, such as the one by Dr. Philipina Darbre da University of Reading, show that parabens have the ability to mimic (have the same or similar action) estrogen, which can cause problems such as breast cancer.

aluminum salts

Aluminum compounds, especially salts, are widely used in antiperspirants, in order to prevent the glands present in the armpits from producing sweat. Even though it is not the focus of the deodorant, some have the presence of these substances. There is currently a controversy linking the application of aluminum compounds in the armpits with the emergence of breast cancer, although this link has not yet been proven by any research. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) published an opinion on this issue, informing that so far no data capable of inferring the relationship between aluminum salts and the incidence of breast cancer have been presented (see the opinion here), but the risk is still present in female deodorants. In order to avoid constant contact with aluminum compounds, various aluminum-free deodorants are available on the market. (See more about aluminum here).

CFCs

Known as CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons were banned from all products in which they were present once their serious effect on the atmosphere was discovered. CFCs released into the atmosphere "destroy" the planet's existing ozone layer, which is needed to protect all life on Earth from ultraviolet rays. In addition to the destructive effect on the ozone layer, CFCs have a global warming power between 4,000 times and 10,000 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). Currently, CFCs have been banned from any product and replaced by hydrocarbons, such as butane, propane and even CO2, but it is always good to check if the deodorant you are buying does not use CFC as a propellant and remember that most of the propellants are flammable.

Triclosan is also a very controversial compound. Take a look at the full article we did just about him: "Triclosan: Unwanted Omnipresence".

What is the best male and female deodorant?

Now yes! It's finally time to answer the question!

Deodorants available on the market have different formats and properties, especially with regard to the way of application - which can end up causing irritation to the skin. Check the types and find out how to choose the male or female deodorant that best fits your lifestyle:

Spray/aerosol

It is advisable to use deodorant spray/aerosol for people who have a lot of hair present in the region where the product will be applied - in this format, the product dries faster and also has a light application, avoiding discomfort. It is a great male deodorant option.

roll-on/cream/stick

For people who have dry or sensitive skin and for the elderly it is more advisable to use a cream-shaped deodorant, roll-on or stick, due to its moisturizing properties, as normally the deodorant is mixed with a moisturizing substance or cream. It is also advisable not to share direct contact deodorants, such as creams, roll-on and stick.

How to apply?

Despite having the same function, deodorants in formats of spray/aerosol and roll-on/cream/stick have different ways and care at the time of application, both in female and male deodorants.

For any format, it is recommended to previously sanitize the region where the deodorant will be applied. All deodorants should only be applied once a day - they should also not be applied if the wearer is going to bed.

Spray/aerosol

Deodorants in formats spray/aerosol should be applied at a distance of 15 centimeters from the skin as they can cause burns if applied too close to the skin. As stated earlier, an aerosol is a deodorant and a liquid (or liquid gas) injected at high pressure into a container; on being expelled from this container, the substances exit at a high speed and pressure. The expansion of these substances creates the effect of a sudden drop in temperature, which can cause burns to the skin. It is not recommended to apply deodorant spray or aerosol in regions that have been freshly shaved.

roll-on/stick

Deodorants in the formats of roll-on and stick should be applied carefully to the skin, avoiding excess so that the skin can breathe.

Cream

The cream format should preferably be applied using a spatula, as direct contact with the fingers can infect the cream, thus reducing its validity and effectiveness.

alternative means

Due to the potential harmful to human health of substances present in industrial deodorants (as we mentioned a few paragraphs above), there are safer products and alternative ways to eliminate the bad smell from the armpits.

  • Using talc once a week helps to eliminate unwanted odors, but beware: talc is harmful if inhaled, so take it easy!
  • You can make a homemade deodorant free of these harmful substances. Learn with us!
  • You can find various deodorants free of harmful substances in our store (click here and access).


$config[zx-auto] not found$config[zx-overlay] not found