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How Does Deodorant Work

How Does Deodorant Work

Have you ever found yourself in an awkward situation? Hanging out with friends on a hot summer day, only to raise your arms and realize that your armpits are damp with sweat, giving off an unpleasant odor. Well, you're not alone. Body odor is a common concern. Fortunately, we can manage it effectively with the right product: the deodorant. 
 
Woman using deodorant
 
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes of body odor and how deodorant works. We will also learn the differences between deodorant and antiperspirant, helping you determine which option is more beneficial to you. Finally, we will introduce our exceptional deodorant balm, which is a thoughtful solution designed to keep you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day. 
 
 

What Causes Body Odor?

 
Does the body odor come from our sweat? The answer is no. The body odor results from the interaction between our sweat and the bacteria that live on our skin. It typically occurs in areas with a high concentration of sweat glands, such as the underarms and feet.
 
Sweat glands are located on our skin. They mainly produce and release sweat. The human body has two main types of sweat glands, which we'll explore in the content below.
 
  • Eccrine glands

Eccrine glands are distributed across the entire body and open directly onto the skin. They produce a watery sweat that is odorless. It's composed primarily of water and minerals. Additionally, this type of sweat helps regulate body temperature. When our body temperature is too high, eccrine glands will produce sweat to cool down the surface of the skin.
 
  • Apocrine glands

Apocrine glands are primarily located in areas such as the underarms and other private parts. They produce thick sweat composed of proteins and lipids. 
When the proteins and lipids are broken down by bacteria, they become the main source of body odor.
 
Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus are the common bacteria that live on our skin. They can break down sweat and produce volatile fatty acids, such as trans-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid. It causes an unpleasant odor, which is mostly found on the underarms.

A woman using towel to wipe off the sweat.
 

How Does Deodorant Work?

 
  • Bacteria growth control

As we mentioned in the previous section on how body odor occurs, the interaction of bacteria and sweat is the main reason. To regulate the growth of bacteria, deodorant contains ingredients known for their antibacterial properties, such as alcohol and zinc lactate. Zinc lactate is a chemical compound that provides an antimicrobial effect, which makes it commonly used in deodorants. Some deodorants also include natural ingredients, such as botanical extracts and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has exceptional bacteria-fighting properties, protecting your body against unpleasant smells. 
 
These ingredients control the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin's surface, effectively preventing the formation of unpleasant body odor. This antibacterial feature is the key to keeping our skin fresh and odor-free.
 
  • Skin pH regulation 

Bacteria tend to thrive in environments that are neutral or slightly alkaline. When the skin's pH level becomes neutral, it provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, leading to the formation of body odor. Thus, maintaining a slightly acidic skin environment is essential to inhibit the unpleasant smell. A lower skin pH level makes it more difficult for them to survive, thus reducing the chances of odor development.
 
Deodorant usually contains acidic ingredients like lactic acid, which lower the pH level of our skin, maintaining an acidic environment that controls bacterial growth. Thus, the deodorant effectively minimizes bacterial activity on the skin. This function prevents body odor, contributing to overall skin health by supporting the skin's natural defense barrier.

A woman holding flower.

  • Odor absorption 

Ingredients such as baking soda or activated charcoal are commonly used in the deodorant. They can effectively absorb odor molecules, providing an excellent deodorizing function. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural alkaline compound. It neutralizes odor molecules, preventing them from interacting with bacteria. As a result, it is less likely to produce body odor. Activated charcoal is a porous substance that has a large surface area. It is good at absorbing impurities and odor molecules. This feature makes activated charcoal exceptionally effective in managing body odor. 
 
These ingredients provide a natural and efficient way to control and absorb body odor. These deodorant formulas offer long-lasting freshness and a clean, comfortable feeling to the users.
 
  • Fragrance Masking 

One of the effective methods to fight against the unpleasant body odor is to cover it up with fragrance. Deodorants often mask body odor with a pleasant scent. In addition to covering the smell, the fragrance also enhances the overall user experience. Popular scents which are widely used in deodorants include floral, citrus, and woody notes. Floral scents, such as lavender or rose, offer a soft and calming aroma. Citrus-based fragrances, like orange or lemon, bring a refreshing feel. In contrast, woody scents like cedarwood and sandalwood add a warm and grounding effect.
 
These natural scents contribute to an exceptional freshness, offering a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. This is especially beneficial in hot or humid environments when sweat and body odor are more likely to occur.

Flowers and deodorants.
 
 

Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

 
When it comes to sweat control and underarm care, many people find it difficult to choose between deodorant and antiperspirant. Although both products serve different purposes, understanding their key differences can help you select the right product for your needs. 
 
As we mentioned earlier, the deodorant aims to eliminate body odor. On the other hand, the antiperspirant is designed to reduce the amount of sweat. Most of the antiperspirants contain aluminum salts, which temporarily block the pores on the surface of our skin. 
Although this process effectively reduces underarm wetness, it also interferes with our body's natural sweating mechanism.
 
In contrast, the deodorant does not prevent you from sweating. Instead, it eliminates body odor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and neutralizing odor molecules. As a result, using deodorant is an ideal choice for those who prefer a mild solution to fight against body odor, controlling odor without disrupting the normal perspiration function.

A woman paying with credit card.


Conclusion

 
In conclusion, understanding the cause of body odor and how deodorant works is key to making smart personal care choices. We've explored the roles of sweat glands and how deodorants combat odor with antibacterial ingredients and fragrances. Moreover, we clarified the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. 
 
If you're looking for freshness, long-lasting fragrance, and a natural formula, Fermic's deodorant balm offers a reliable and effective solution. Our deodorant balm features green tea extracts from Mt. Ali, which contain rich catechins. Catechin is a type of phenolic compound found in tea, berries, and cocoa. It is known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which inhibit body odor. Unlike antiperspirant, our deodorant balm does not contain aluminum salts and other ingredients that block sweating, ensuring that your body's natural sweating system continues to function normally. Contact us for more information about the OEM and ODM services.
 
 2025-08-27
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