Is there any chemical difference between women’s and men’s antiperspirant? (2024)

Asked by: Gavin Rhys, Cardiff

No, they just have different fragrances – and packaging. The chemicals that do the hard work are generally the same.

Deodorants target bacteria with antibacterials, while antiperspirants reduce sweat levels with aluminium- or zirconium-based chemicals. These react with sweat to form polymer plugs that prevent perspiration escaping from sweat glands. Body odour develops when bacteria on our skin start to break down sweat using enzymes.

According to Swiss research, bacteria feasting on male sweat produce higher levels of a cheesy, rancid chemical called 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid (HMHA). Meanwhile, female sweat provides more of the sulphur-rich 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (MSH) chemical, reminiscent of onions and tropical fruit.

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Is there any chemical difference between women’s and men’s antiperspirant? (2024)

FAQs

Can men use women's anti perspirant? ›

Although most deodorants will be marketed as specially designed for either men or women, when you look at the science, there's not much difference. The active ingredients that fight those smelly bacteria work the same way no matter what gender you are.

Is it okay for a woman to use men's deodorant? ›

Yes, of course! There's nothing wrong with using a men's deodorant. The only difference, as we explained it , is that the fragrances used are different. It is the same as with any perfume.

Why is men's deodorant cheaper than women's? ›

These price differences in seemingly identical products are part of what is called the pink tax. This isn't an actual tax that is tacked on at the end of your receipt like sales tax. Instead, the products marketed toward women are frequently priced higher than those that target men.

Is secret deodorant strong enough for a man? ›

"Secret antiperspirant is strong enough for a man but made for a woman"

Is there a difference between mens and women's antiperspirant? ›

Rest easy, although body odour differs between genders, you can use each other's antiperspirant as they do the same job. No, they just have different fragrances – and packaging. The chemicals that do the hard work are generally the same.

Why does men's antiperspirant work better? ›

While there is no proof that men's deodorant works better than women's deodorant, some women prefer deodorants created with men in mind. On average, men's deodorant is cheaper per ounce than women's deodorant. In theory, the fragrances used in men's deodorants might be better at masking body odor.

Is it okay to put deodorant on your privates? ›

Never ever put anything with fragrance on or near the vulva,” Lincoln says. “You're just asking for a skin reaction.” Any fragrances, including those marketed as skin-safe or natural, can break down sensitive skin and cause infection.

Is men's antiperspirant stronger than women's reddit? ›

Mens deodorant is stronger than womens and is cheaper than the expensive clinical strength womens. Old spice has some neutral smelling ones that work amazing.

Does men's deodorant have aluminum? ›

Aluminum isn't found in deodorants. Most antiperspirants, on the other hand, do contain aluminum. Two-in-one products — meaning they're both a deodorant and an antiperspirant — will also include aluminum. Antiperspirants help you sweat less by blocking your pores, the tiny openings in your skin that sweat comes out of.

What is the number one men's deodorant? ›

The Best Deodorant for Men, Recommended by Testers:

The Extra-Strong Pick: Salt & Stone Extra Strength Deodorant, $20. The Antiperspirant Pick: Miles Antiperspirant (2-Pack), $18. The Antiperspirant Spray Pick: Dove Men+Care 72-Hour Dry Comfort Antiperspirant and Deodorant Spray, $9.

Is the pink tax a real thing? ›

The pink tax is not an actual tax, but many apparel products designed for women have higher import tariffs than men's counterparts. Hundreds of products and services have been found to have a pink tax. A handful of state and local governments have regulations to prohibit gendered price discrimination.

Can a woman use Old Spice deodorant? ›

Yes! Although the fragrances used in Old Spice deodorants have been designed for men, they can be worn by women. Fragrances is a personal preference and so Old Spice deodorant is suitable for use by both women and men.

Why not to use secret deodorant? ›

The product also contains Dimethicone, a silicone emollient, which coats the skin not allowing toxins out. It may promote tumors and accumulate in the liver and lymph nodes. Yikes. The good news is that there are some safer options out there that actually work.

Can I use men's deodorant as a woman? ›

Can a woman wear men's deodorant? It's easy to grab the nearest deodorant when you're getting ready in the morning. But can men and women really use each other's skin care products? The answer is yes!

How many swipes of deodorant should a man use? ›

Usually, a couple of swipes will have you covered. If you're more of a deodorant body spray guy, you've got options. A few seconds of spray under each arm is essential, but don't stop there. For an extra boost of fragrance, spray the number '7' across your torso.

Is it OK to use feminine deodorant? ›

Never ever put anything with fragrance on or near the vulva,” Lincoln says. “You're just asking for a skin reaction.” Any fragrances, including those marketed as skin-safe or natural, can break down sensitive skin and cause infection.

What's the difference between men's deodorant and antiperspirant? ›

What's the difference? It's simple. Deodorant protects against odour, while antiperspirant protects against sweat too. Deodorant will help keep you fresh, whilst antiperspirant helps to control sweat, perfect if you want to avoid underarm wetness.

Can you put antiperspirant on your private area male? ›

I don't recommend putting commercial antiperspirant on your crotch,” says dermatologist Anthony Rossi. “The skin [down there] is very sensitive and it can become really irritated from traditional antiperspirants.”

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