Which works best: roll-on, stick or spray deodorant?
Most of us can navigate our life through the types of deodorant we’ve used. There were the aggressively perfumed and toxic sprays of the teenage years, that doubled up as a flirting technique along with sticky hair gel and awkward conversations. Or perhaps you can remember the talcum powder in your grandparents cabinet that left a floral puff in the bathroom whenever it was used. Or the time you dallianced with a rock crystal at uni to keep you smelling fresh.
The industry has caught up a lot since then, and we’ve all started to educate ourselves a bit more. Everyone’s wary of excess plastic packaging, the dangers of aerosols and the carbon footprint we all leave behind – which is why we take our natural deodorant choice very seriously. And we’re here to help you navigate the crowded shelves of self-care products.
First up – do you know the difference between antiperspirant and deodorant?
Before we take a deep dive into stick, spray, and roll-on deodorant, let’s first get to know the difference between an antiperspirant and a deodorant. The main difference between the two is their intended purpose. It’s all in the name. Deodorants deodorize, which simply means that they stop you smelling, and antiperspirants stop you perspiring (sweating). Nearly all antiperspirants on the market contain an aluminum compound, which works by helping to block every sweat gland in the armpit to prevent you perspiring.
However, different types of deodorant can have different effects on your skin and body. But what are the pros and cons of each, and which one should you use?
Stick deodorant: it’s small but can stain
A stick antiperspirant normally comes as a stick of gel or a solid formula that aims to reduce underarm wetness and control body odor. It is made by blending a whole load of active ingredients with waxes, oils, and silicones and molding the mixture into stick form.
Pros
- Travel size – ideal for airline hand luggage
- Controllable coverage – you can control the amount you use
- Discreet – can be applied subtly underneath your clothes
Cons
- Contains chemicals – usually relies on aluminium components
- Stain – can leave marks on your clothes
- Irritant – can be harsh on sensitive skin
Roll-on deodorant: stain-free but sticky
Similar to the stick deodorant, roll-on deodorants are a useful pocket-size solution. They’re made from liquid or gel ingredients that are rolled onto the skin, but they can leave you feeling damp under the arm.
Pros
- Stain-free – the liquid tends to be clear to prevent marks
- Pocket size – convenient and discreet application
- Controllable coverage – can use less product for better results
Cons
- Wet – can feel damp for a while after application
- Sticky – can leave some residue on clothes if it isn’t dry
- Difficult to reapply – tricky to add more when wearing clothes
Deodorant spray: quick to dry but hard to pack
When we’re talking roll-on vs spray deodorant, sprays can be easier to apply and feel a lot drier. Most companies claim that it offers 48 hours of protection and can dry within seconds, but it’s also not the best for the environment. While many manufacturers have improved their formulas, some research shows that it is still bad for the planet and our health.
Pros
- Easy to use – can be used on other parts of the body
- Dries quickly – you don’t have to wait long after application to get dressed
- Reapplies easily – can be sprayed inside clothes easily
Cons
- Cumbersome – less convenient to pack and difficult to control coverage
- Fumes – spray can be overwhelming if applying in a small space
- Bad for sensitive skin – can be harsh on skin, especially after shaving
So which one to choose? Will you think we’ve gone totally mad if we say none of the above!? We know it’s all down to your personal preferences, but we have good reasons to show you why your life will change when you start using a Deodorant Balm.
It’s all about the balm
Have you ever heard of a Deodorant Balm? We’re delighted to introduce you to the term, because we’ve spent a long time creating it. A Deodorant Balm is a great way to prevent body odor whilst also caring for your skin.
Taking a pea-size amount, you moisturise the balm into the skin with your fingers or an applicator (CAUTIONS). Just like using moisturiser on any other part of your body – you can also use deodorant balm on your chest, neck, back, or any place that needs it (also because it smells delicious). And there’s no need to feel grossed out about applying it to underarm hair, it’s the same as applying a hair serum when you step out the shower. It doesn’t feel sticky, but leaves a nice clean texture. A few other benefits include:
- Multi-use on all skin types
- Stops body odor
- Travel size
- Stain-free
- Applies easily under clothes
- Moisturises
- Absorbs instantly
- Controllable coverage
- Discreet
With our clever combination of natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, calendula oil and a smidgen of sodium bicarbonate (sometimes called baking soda), you’re not only being good to yourself, but the planet too. And with The Assistant key, you can squeeze out every last drop so you waste nothing and keep your deodorant going for around 2-3 months. We also deliver all of our deodorants in plastic-free packaging so you can be sure to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible.
Obviously, it’s all down to personal preference. It’s up to you to find the secret ingredients for rosy pits… but we can make the decision a whole lot easier for you to ditch that toxic teenage spray for good.