The armpits produce odor and moisture. It’s a fact. Luckily, there are deodorants, which have been helping us to keep these inconveniences at bay as part of the hygiene routine.
Always having one on hand away from home can help you quickly solve an embarrassing situation, especially at work. So consider also getting a travel size for your shoulder bag, or wherever you carry your personal belongings.
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Spray, stick or roll-on, which is better?
Deodorants are presented in three formats: spray, stick and roll-on. If we compare good quality products, their effectiveness is very similar. But each has a number of pros and cons that can help you decide:
Pros and cons of sprays
The biggest advantage of the spray over other formats is that it can be applied both to the armpits and on any part of the body. Because of this, many men use them as the only fragrance in certain situations.
If you don’t have time to waste in the mornings, spray deodorants will work well for you. The reason is that they tend to dry faster than sticks and roll-ons. Generally, you’re ready to leave in just a couple of seconds after using it. In addition, brands no longer use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in their manufacture. They destroyed the ozone layer, which protects us from ultraviolet radiation.
However, they have their disadvantages. The main, probably, is the need to use it in a well-ventilated place, since breathing it is not the most pleasant and beneficial activity in the world.
As for products, it depends very much on the odor preferences of each. Rexona Invisible Ice Fresh has good ratings due to its fresh fragrance, which tends to hold up all day. Biotherm, Nivea and Axe (offering a variety of odors to choose from) are other brands of spray deodorants worth considering.
Pros and cons of sticks and roll-ons
As far as sticks and roll-ons are concerned, their ability to combat sweating is considered to be slightly above the sprays. The reason is that they allow to apply a greater amount of product. Another aspect that overcomes spray deodorants is that there is no risk of breathing them every time they are used.
As for cons, note that they can leave residues on clothes. It is necessary to go carefully in this regard and wait a little before dressing, especially when it comes to black clothes. This is usually enough to prevent stains. Lastly, there is its status as a one-person product (the fact that, unlike sprays, it cannot be borrowed or shared), which can be considered both an advantage and a disadvantage.
L’Oréal Carbon Protect is probably the best reputable roll-on deodorant. Gillette and Sanex among the economical and Vichy among the high-end are other deodorants in roll-on and stick with the best ratings on the market.
Artificial deodorants vs natural deodorants
Perhaps the most important decision when buying a deodorant is not the format or the brand, but its composition. Artificial deodorants are quite questioned. Ingredients like aluminum, parabens or silicones are to blame. These could enter the bloodstream through the armpits and accumulate in the tissues by prolonged use. The body does not need these substances, so it’s a good idea to look at the labels before choosing a deodorant, as well as any other hygiene product.
Natural deodorants are considered safer. They are usually made with mineral salts that do not irritate the skin. Your armpits are likely to continue to perspirate, but they form a layer that prevents bad odor caused by bacteria. The most popular is alum stone deodorant. Its disadvantage is that it is necessary to moisten them with water before and after each application. Also the stone must be dried (e.g. with a towel) before storing it.
Schmidt’s is a brand free of aluminum, propylene glycol, artificial fragrances and animal cruelty. It offers neutral natural deodorants, as well as different natural fragrances, such as lime with bergamot. You can choose between balm or the typical stick.
Salt of the earth, Biotherm or Saltz are other brands that clearly indicate that your deodorants do not contain aluminum or parabens. Compared to ordinary deodorants, their prices are much higher. Is it worth the investment? For many people, yes, since betting on natural deodorants is a smart decision for health. On the other hand, it should be noted that, although it helps, it is not enough to completely get rid of chemicals. This is a practically impossible task, given that we live daily exposed to a large number of them.