Antiperspirant and deodorant: two different principles
An antiperspirant contains aluminium salts. They narrow the openings of the sweat glands, so less sweat reaches the skin surface. A deodorant does not change how much you sweat; it deals with odour. Fresh sweat hardly smells. The typical odour only develops when sweat is broken down on the skin by the skin's natural flora. A deodorant binds or masks these odour compounds.
So the most important expectation when you switch: you keep sweating as you would without an antiperspirant. The only difference is that odour is kept in check in another way.
What a deodorant cream does
A deodorant cream is a firm, creamy deodorant that you apply with your fingers. According to their ingredient lists, the two forpeople deodorant creams contain:
- Potato and corn starch: absorb moisture, so your underarms feel drier.
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): binds odour compounds.
- Shea butter, sunflower oil and candelilla wax: give the creamy texture and care for the skin.
- Only in the Lemon version: essential oils of bergamot and lemongrass for the scent.
Neither contains water, aluminium salts or alcohol.
Antiperspirant and deodorant cream compared
| Antiperspirant | Deodorant cream | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | aluminium salts narrow the sweat gland openings | binds odour, starch absorbs moisture |
| Sweating | noticeably less | normal |
| Odour | develops less often because there is less sweat | is bound |
| Format | usually spray or roll-on | firm cream in a tin |
| Applying | spray or roll | massage in a pea-sized amount with your fingers |
| Reapplying | rarely needed | as needed, for example after sport |
Making the switch: what to expect
After switching from an antiperspirant, many people feel they sweat more or smell stronger than before. The sweat glands are working without restriction again, and that is noticeable at first. In our experience this usually settles after a few days to a few weeks – but how long it takes varies from person to person.
- Plan the switch for a quieter week, not right before an important appointment.
- Cotton or linen lets your underarms breathe better than dense synthetic fabrics.
- Wash your underarms thoroughly in the morning before applying the deodorant cream.
- On long days, take the tin with you to reapply.
How to apply the deodorant cream
- A pea-sized amount per underarm is enough.
- Warm it briefly between your fingers, then massage a thin layer into clean, dry skin.
- Do not apply it right after shaving; give your skin a few hours – ideally shave in the evening.
- Do not use on broken or irritated skin. If your skin turns red or stings, pause use.
- Too much cream can leave marks on dark clothing; a thin layer absorbs better.
Frequently asked questions
Will I sweat less with a deodorant cream?
No. A deodorant cream does not change how much you sweat. Starch absorbs some moisture, but the sweating itself stays.
Why do I smell stronger in the first few days?
When you stop using an antiperspirant, more sweat reaches the skin again. This is common when switching and usually becomes less once your underarms have adjusted.
How often do I need to apply the deodorant cream?
Usually once in the morning. On hot days or after sport, you can wash and apply a small amount again.
What if my skin reacts to the deodorant cream?
Pause use until the redness has gone. You can read more, including about the ingredient baking soda, under Baking soda in deodorant. If the reaction persists, seek medical advice.
Deodorant creams from forpeople
- Sensitive Deodorant Cream, 50 g, €8.90, without added fragrance and without essential oils
- Deodorant Cream - Lemon, 50 g, €8.90, with essential oils of bergamot and lemongrass
Read more: Baking soda in deodorant · How well does natural deodorant cream work? · Without fragrance and essential oils · How to read an INCI list · Natural cosmetics standards explained
