What to Do If You’re Sensitive to Antiperspirant Products

Antiperspirant products are a staple in personal care, which explains why you can find your favorite at any convenience store or supermarket. But did you know that people only started using this sweat-blocking solution in the 1900s? Since then, cosmetic companies have constantly changed their antiperspirant ingredients to find the most effective and risk-free formula. Despite these efforts, there’s still the possibility of developing antiperspirant sensitivity. While skin reactions can occur the first you use a product, they can also be triggered even if you’ve used the same deodorant or antiperspirant product for years. Keep reading to learn the signs of antiperspirant sensitivity. Plus, find out how you manage sweat without setting off a reaction.

Deodorants and antiperspirants are different – though many products targeted to sweat and body odor feature both. The takeaway from every deodorant vs. antiperspirant debate is that the former stops B.O. by either eliminating odor-causing bacteria or masking pungence. On the other hand, antiperspirants reduce sweat by blocking the sweat glands. While they've gotten flak some years ago, the American Cancer Society confirms that antiperspirant products are safe for use and have no adverse consequences to your health. Since sweat creates a breeding ground for the stink-producing bacteria to thrive, it makes sense why these go hand in hand.

People with antiperspirant sensitivity are not doomed to a lifetime of sweat and B.O. Your underarm skin may become sensitive to a specific product yet show no allergic reactions to others. After all, many things cause skin sensitivity.

According to research published on Contact Dermatitis, fragrance is the most common cause of skin allergy. Deodorants usually have high amounts of fragrance mix II, chemicals also in lotions, shampoos, and soaps. Other ingredients that can cause skin irritation are parabens, alcohol, and aluminum. 

Antiperspirant sensitivity is a skin condition that may cause:

Itchy skin

Peeling skin

Redness

Bumps or hives

Swelling

In most cases, the symptoms subside on their own. To determine whether your antiperspirant is to blame, stop using it for a week. If the symptoms stop showing, switch to another underarm product. Consult with a doctor if the inflammation remains or worsens.

Not all antiperspirant products have allergy-causing ingredients. Follow these tips to prevent skin irritation from antiperspirants and keep your underarms cool for the summer.

Get your antiperspirant. Use the ingredients list as your guide to check for triggering ingredients. Stick to antiperspirant products with little to no fragrance and are free from ethanol and other irritants. Try Rexona Women Shower Clean Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-on with 0% alcohol and a dermatologically tested formula. Beyond being perfect for sensitive skin, it keeps you dry and smelling fresh for up to 48 hours.

For redness-prone skin, look for antiperspirants with anti-inflammatory ingredients like Rexona Women Natural Brightening Fresh Sakura Roll-on Antiperspirant Deodorant with licorice extract. A study from Pharmaceutical Biology reported that compounds found in licorice can soothe contact dermatitis. It’s a double win because licorice extract provides skin-brightening effects.

Like your skincare products, do a patch test before using a new antiperspirant. Collect a small amount of product using your finger or a mini spatula. Then, apply it on the upper or lower part of your underarm. Leave it on for as long as you can, preferably up to 24 hours.

If you feel any itchiness or see redness around that area, you might want to reconsider. On a positive note, you’re one product closer to your antiperspirant match.

If there’s a be-all skincare ingredient, it’s aloe vera. Nature’s most powerful wonder soothes redness, reduces itchiness, and moisturizes the skin in one application. Aloe vera can help treat wounds and inflamed skin. However, aloe vera is not a replacement for over-the-counter rash medication.

Sensitivity to antiperspirant products is a manageable condition. If you follow the abovementioned tips, you can reduce your irritation risk.