Most whole-body deodorant formulas do not contain aluminum salts—they are true deodorants and will not stop sweat.
What they will do is target odor-causing bacteria, many of them with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like lactic, glycolic, mandelic, and malic.
AHAs can reduce the pH of the skin and “higher skin pH has been associated with a higher concentration of odor-causing bacteria.”
This is how many of the armpit deodorants launched in the last few years—by Nécessaire, Drunk Elephant, and Kosas—are also formulated.
While these new whole-body formulas won’t plug sweat glands to stop sweat, some do contain ingredients to absorb it.
Just like your classic deodorant, these whole-body options tend to be fragranced to help mask any unwanted smells.
Instead of leaning into the powdery scents you might expect from a deodorant, though, these new formulas leave behind a lighter, fresher smell you might associate with your favorite body mist.
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