Antiperspirants are personal care products that are used to reduce or prevent sweating and body odor. They are available in various forms such as sprays, roll-ons, sticks, and creams. Here are some details about antiperspirants:
Ingredients:
- Aluminum-based compounds are the most widely used active antiperspirant ingredient because they effectively plug up sweat ducts to temporarily stop the flow of moisture to the skin.
- Deodorants contain fragrance to mask the smell of perspiration.
- Some antiperspirants and deodorants contain phthalates, which are partly what makes smells stick. Phthalates are typically present in any product with a fragrance that lingers after it’s been used or applied.
Positive:
- Antiperspirants can help reduce sweating and body odor, which can improve personal hygiene and confidence.
Negative:
- Some research suggests that aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants, which are applied frequently and left on the skin near the breast, may be absorbed by the skin and have estrogen-like (hormonal) effects.
- One common antiperspirant component -- a group of chemicals called parabens -- has been linked to breast cancer, but that link is questionable, at best.
- Some deodorants and antiperspirants contain toxic ingredients, according to some experts.
- Some people may be allergic to the ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants, which can cause skin irritation and other symptoms.
Ingredients or materials:
- Aluminum-based compounds are the most widely used active antiperspirant ingredient.
- Deodorants contain fragrance to mask the smell of perspiration.
- Some antiperspirants and deodorants contain phthalates, which are partly what makes smells stick.
