Natural vs. Antiperspirant: Why Make the Switch?

There are some big differences between a product labeled “deodorant” and one that’s labeled “antiperspirant.” In fact, many people think deodorants and antiperspirants are interchangeable. They’re located in the same aisle, so shouldn’t they work the same? The truth is, they both work but in separate ways.

Our goal as a natural deodorant company is to inform people about our product and philosophy as much as possible. Part of that is educating people that deodorants and antiperspirants are completely different things.

Antiperspirants rely on aluminum to work

The active ingredient in antiperspirants is aluminum, which plugs sweat glands shut to stop perspiration. While there are reports out there that claim aluminum is a factor in breast cancer, studies have not found a direct link. Whispers about aluminum, however, have gotten people to think deeper about what they are putting into their bodies. Popular antiperspirants also contain parabens, another worrisome ingredient oftentimes found in beauty products. Used as preservatives, parabens are inherently synthetic and they mimic estrogen, which can disrupt the natural balance of the body’s endocrine system. Another problematic-yet-common ingredient in antiperspirant is synthetic fragrance, which – besides being formulated out of hundreds of unregulated and undisclosed ingredients (yep, all hiding inside that one word “fragrance”) – is only there to cover up stink with pretty flowers and ocean breeze. More often than not, antiperspirant fragrance only mingles with your stink, causing that dreaded “B.O.-dorant” smell – you know the one.

Unlike antiperspirants, natural deodorants do not contain any synthetic or potentially toxic ingredients. This is a big plus for people who are mindful of what they are putting into their bodies. There is no worry about any synthetic, unhealthy ingredients going into the skin, which helps put people at ease – especially when the natural deodorant is so effective, nobody misses the bad stuff!

Most natural deodorants control odor, not sweat – PiperWai does both.

Our bodies are covered in two kinds of sweat glands, but only the ones in your armpits, groin, and feet produce the kind of sweat that will stink. Sweat secreted from these glands, called “apocrine” sweat glands, is odorless but contains fatty acids and proteins that interact with the bacteria on your skin, in turn, releasing odor. The sweat that comes from the “eccrine” sweat glands all over the rest of your body doesn’t have the same chemical makeup as the apocrine sweat, which is why your armpits smell and your inner elbows don’t.

Antiperspirants get their name because they completely prevent perspiration by artificially clogging sweat glands. Deodorants keep sweat glands open and fresh, but halt bad odor at the door by attacking the bacteria on your skin, so the sweat continues to be odorless. No need for any powder-fresh, ocean-mist fragrance as long as your natural deodorant is up for the task!

So, what category does PiperWai fall into?

PiperWai is a natural deodorant, but it’s definitely in a different league than all the others. What makes us different from all other natural deodorants is that we were the first to use activated charcoal to help neutralize odor and absorb moisture. While some of our customers experience a little unscented natural wetness when they use PiperWai, the activated charcoal is a powerhouse at absorbing moisture and odors way better than some of our competitors. Because of this special ingredient, most customers do not experience any wetness at all. In fact, so many people tell us that PiperWai works better than their clinical-strength antiperspirant that we can’t help but wonder if PiperWai is in fact the holy grail to natural deodorants – no odor, no sweat, and no B.O.-dorant smell – sounds like a win-win!

With PiperWai, odor is neutralized, sweat is absorbed and you are left smelling fresh and confident knowing that only natural ingredients are going into your body.

Now we leave you with the big question: which one will you choose?