How Does Antiperspirant Work?

Everyone wishes wet underarms were a thing of the past. Well, they can be! Find out how to stop sweating with antiperspirants for women and discover what makes them different from deodorant.

Back to basics - how does antiperspirant work?

We delve into science to understand the sweating process and the difference between deodorant and antiperspirants in all their formats.

What is antiperspirant?

Antiperspirant is a skincare product that helps reduce underarm sweating. This is not to be confused with deodorant, which is only there to combat the bad odour.

Antiperspirants work by blocking the pores on the outer layer of your skin, reducing the amount of sweat allowed to the surface.  

What roles does aluminium play in all of this?

Aluminium salts are included in antiperspirants to help reduce the sweat flow in the underarm area. The salts restrict access to the upper part of the sweat glands so that it is more difficult for sweat to be released.

The aluminium salts also play a part in minimising the smell associated with sweat, by reducing the number of bacteria linked to odour production.

The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant

Deodorants help to prevent body odour by minimising the bacteria that foster on fat and proteins in your sweat. With antiperspirants, this lack of bacteria growth is what stops the smell, but it is the ability of antiperspirants to temporarily block the pores that reduces sweating.
How to reduce sweating with antiperspirants

Spray

Antiperspirant sprays are ideal for on the go. They apply in a semi-dry mist, meaning they soak in quickly and efficiently. Need to freshen up at work? A quick spray with antiperspirant and your colleagues will be none the wiser. No tell-tale wet patches, just a beautiful scent. 
How to reduce sweating with antiperspirants

Roll-on

Roll-ons, just like sprays and sticks, are very precise. With the ball roller, you can direct the caring formula where you need it most.

However, unlike sprays, you have to be sure that your roll-on antiperspirant has completely dried before dressing to avoid wet patches on your clothes.

How to reduce sweating with antiperspirants

Stick

Antiperspirant sticks deliver a creamy formula, which is dermatologically approved for different skin types. The NIVEA Pure & Sensitive Antiperspirant Roll on formula provides gentle care and offers 48-hour effective regulation of perspiration for dry armpits.

Digging deeper - how does antiperspirant work?

Discover the benefits of certain antiperspirants and get tips on how to stop sweating with antiperspirants that suit your lifestyle.

Anti-staining – antiperspirants that protect your clothes

There are two things most women want when it comes to antiperspirants: effective sweat-protection and no stains on their clothes.

With NIVEA Invisible for Black & White Roll-On Antiperspirant, you can have the best of both.

Thanks to special technology, the formula protects your clothes from white marks and yellow stains.

So what does this mean for your clothes? The NIVEA Invisible for Black & White range ensures your black clothes stay black and white clothes stay white for longer. 

Antiperspirants and shaving

NIVEA Pure & Sensitive Antiperspirant Spray is caring and especially formulated for sensitive skin. While frequent shaving might irritate your skin, this antiperspirant will offer long-lasting protection and a smooth skin-feeling.

Dos and don’ts for using antiperspirant

  • Do Use antiperspirant to reduce sweating and odours - deodorants help you to freshen your underarm
  • Shake your antiperspirant well before every use to get the full protection you need
  • For better efficacy apply antiperspirant after your evening shower before going to bed

  • Don't apply antiperspirant to irritated or damaged skin
  • Get dressed before your antiperspirant has had time to dry completely