Antiperspirant or Deodorant for Hands: What Is the Difference?

In short: a deodorant deals with odour: it masks it or reduces bacteria, but does not stop sweat. An antiperspirant reduces sweating, usually thanks to aluminium compounds. For damp palms you need an antiperspirant, because odour on the palms is usually not the problem.

The difference in one table

Where odour comes from

Sweat itself hardly smells. Odour appears when bacteria on the skin break sweat down. So a deodorant acts on odour and an antiperspirant on the amount of sweat.

What to choose for the hands

If what bothers you is damp palms (grip, keyboard, mouse), you need an antiperspirant: see hand antiperspirant cream. If you only want a pleasant smell, a deodorant is enough, but on the palms odour is usually not the main issue.

An ordinary underarm antiperspirant-deodorant does not always suit the palms: composition and concentration may differ, so check the manufacturer's instructions and advice.

What medical sources say

According to the NHS, for excessive sweating antiperspirants are advised instead of deodorant, including stronger ones sold without prescription and those prescribed by a doctor. NHS. More on when it is normal: sweaty palms.

Cautions

• Do not apply to broken skin.
• Patch-test a small area.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and mucous membranes.
• If irritation occurs, stop using it.
• If pregnant or with chronic skin or kidney conditions, consult a doctor.

How to apply

See how to apply hand antiperspirant cream.