Deodorant: The guide for a fresh and healthy choice

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June 20, 2025

Lena Sämann

  • Aesthetic Surgery & Dermatology
  • Beauty

Deodorant: The guide for a fresh and healthy choice

Which deodorant best suits my needs? Which ingredients are useful, which can be harmful, and what should I pay special attention to when choosing one?

A good deodorant is indispensable for many people - it ensures a long-lasting feeling of freshness and protects against unpleasant body odor. But with the wide range of products available, the question also arises: Which deodorant is right for me? And are certain ingredients potentially harmful? In this guide, you will learn everything important about deodorants, who should use which variant, and what to look out for when choosing.

What makes a deodorant?

A deodorant should primarily reduce or neutralize odor-causing bacteria on the Haut skin. These bacteria are the ones that cause the unpleasant smell when breaking down sweat products. Therefore, the focus of classic deodorants is on odor control.

Difference between deodorant and antiperspirant

Many people think that deodorant and antiperspirant are the same, but there is an important difference:

  • Deodorant: Neutralizes odors and reduces the number of bacteria. It does not significantly affect the flow of sweat.
  • Antiperspirant: Reduces sweat production by constricting sweat glands to allow less sweat to reach the skin surface. Typically, antiperspirants contain active ingredients like aluminum salts.

Many products are now available as a combination of both, but for those who only want to avoid unpleasant body odor, they usually opt for deodorant, while people with severe sweating issues also use antiperspirants.

Important ingredients in the deodorant

When choosing a deodorant, you should pay attention to the ingredients:

  • Antibacterial agents: Alcohol, triclosan, tea tree oil, baking soda, zinc, or silver ions. These inhibit the bacterial growth that causes odor.
  • Fragrances: For long-lasting freshness, however, they can cause irritation on sensitive skin.
  • Moisturizers: Aloe Vera, glycerin, panthenol or coconut oil to protect and care for the skin.
  • Aluminum compounds: Common in antiperspirants, e.g., aluminum salts such as aluminum chloride to constrict sweat glands.

Which deodorant is suitable for whom?

The choice of the right deodorant largely depends on individual needs, skin type and preferences:

For sensitive skin:
People with sensitive skin should opt for products without alcohol, fragrances and aluminum salts. Hypoallergenic deodorants with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil or tea tree oil are gentler.

For athletes:
High sweat production is common among athletes It's advisable to use a deodorant with a stronger antibacterial effect here. If you want to additionally reduce sweat, an antiperspirant is an option, although it's recommended not to use it daily to avoid burdening the skin.

For people with excessive sweat:
Antiperspirants with aluminum salts help reduce the amount of sweat. There are also special medical deodorants tailored to the needs of people with Hyperhidrosis are tailored.

For men and women:
While the fragrance and design options vary, their effectiveness is usually comparable. Men often prefer fresh-herb scents, while women prefer floral or fruity notes. Basically, the choice should be made based on taste and skin sensitivity.

For vegetarians and vegans:
Avoid deodorants with animal ingredients or tests. There are numerous vegan and cruelty-free alternatives.


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Natural, refillable deodorant by Wild, approximately 14 euros via DM

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Hypoallergenic and free from harmful ingredients by Hypogen, approximately 10 euros via hypogen.de

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Lightly scented gel deodorant by Susanne Kaufmann, free from aluminum and suitable for both women and men, 30 euros via susannekaufmann.com

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Hydrosis Control Anti-Perspirant Roll-On by Ducray, approximately 13 euros via shop-apotheke.com

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Vegan deodorant with probiotic enzymes and cornstarch from Malin + Goetz, 25 euros via malinandgoetz.com

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Deo Roll-on Natural & Strong by Lavera, approximately 6 euros via DM

What is harmful about some deodorants?

Aluminum compounds:
Aluminum salts are widespread in antiperspirants. It is debated whether they increase the risk of breast cancer or Alzheimer's, but there is no clear scientific evidence. For skeptical users, aluminum-free deodorants are an alternative.

Microplastics and chemical fragrances:
Many conventional deodorants contain microplastic particles that harm the environment. Likewise, synthetic fragrances and preservatives such as parabens can trigger allergic reactions or hormonal effects. Environmentally and health-conscious consumers therefore prefer natural products.

Alcohol:
Some deodorants contain alcohol, which can cause irritation on sensitive skin. Caution is especially advised after shaving or on irritated skin.

Advantages of natural and organic-certified deodorants

More and more people are choosing natural or organic-certified deodorants that are made without aluminum and harmful chemicals. You can learn more about this topic here at Premium Medical Circle.