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Selecting a go-to deodorant can feel more complicated than it sounds. For starters, choosing how you’d like to smell all day is a personal decision. Plus, the sheer volume of deodorant options is immense, so if you find yourself paralyzed with indecision know that you’re not alone.
There is also the danger factor. A few widely-circulated articles have claimed that certain ingredients in deodorant like aluminum might cause cancer, kidney failure, or other diseases. So, it’s important to know the real level of risk (if there is any) to what you’re smearing on your pits every morning.
Other than that, the deodorant selection process comes down to just a few key points. How does it smell, how long does it last, and how will it affect my skin? While all of this is going to vary somewhat from person to person, we’ve identified a few reliable stand-by deodorants that most people can agree on.
What You Need to Know About Buying Deodorant
There are a few things to keep in mind when buying deodorant, as there are a surprisingly high number of myths about a pretty basic grooming product.
Deodorant vs. Anti-Perspirant: Deodorant only works to fight odor; anti-perspirant is the product that actually combats sweat and keeps you dry. There are some products that have formulas for both, but check the label before you buy and don’t expect your deodorant to do anything about your stickiness level.
Note: unlike body sprays, which just cover up odor with pretty scents, the best deodorants actually have odor and germ-fighting ingredients in them to not just mask smells, but to eliminate them as well.
Safety of Ingredients: Some scientific research has shown that certain compounds commonly found in deodorant, such as aluminum, parabens, and pthalates, can be absorbed by the skin and make their way into your bloodstream, but the studies showing whether this has serious negative consequences for your health are shaky and often contradictory. So far, no scientific evidence has proven these ingredients cause cancer or otherwise harm your health. That said, no one is going to blame you if you don’t want to risk it.
Priorities: Some deodorants do certain things better than others, so decide what’s most important to you, whether that’s the strength of the scent, how it feels when applied, or how long it’s going to last. Lighter deodorants may feel better against the skin, but they may not offer as much protection – and vice-versa. One less thing to worry about: all of our picks go on clear, so they won’t leave white marks on your clothing or skin.
