Do antiperspirants really "block" sweat? A scientific explanation of the mechanism

Sweating is a natural mechanism for cooling the body: every day, a person releases at least half a liter of sweat, even without intense physical activity. At the same time, it can cause an unpleasant odor, so many people use antiperspirants or deodorants to control it. Although these products are used in the same way, their effects differ.

Understanding this difference allows you to choose personal hygiene products more successfully and effectively control odor. writes ScienceAlert.

How do antiperspirants work?

Antiperspirants work on a single principle: their active ingredients block sweat secretion at the glandular level. Most often, these are aluminum salts or zirconium-aluminum compounds, which, in interaction with water, form a temporary "plug" and prevent sweat from reaching the surface. Thanks to this, bacteria on the skin do not receive substances to break down, which reduces the formation of unpleasant odor.

How do deodorants work?

Deodorants do not block perspiration, but rather act on the odor: they reduce the number of bacteria, mask unwanted aromas, or absorb volatile molecules. Some ingredients can alter the skin's pH level, making it less favorable for microorganisms. New approaches are also being developed to inhibit bacteria's ability to produce odor or to neutralize its precursors.

Underarm products contain not only active ingredients but also additional components such as preservatives, fragrances, and substances for ease of application. Deodorants help eliminate odor, while antiperspirants reduce perspiration. Combined products that offer both functions, such as antiperspirants with fragrances or antimicrobial additives, are also available on the market.