Most deodorant sprays fulfill the same basic function: they prevent underarm odor by eliminating the bacteria which cause it. Beyond this common function, however, individual products can vary widely. Three common areas in which products vary are scent, formulation, and dispensing mode. To choose the best product for you, it is helpful to first decide which features you want from your spray. After establishing a deodorant spray “wish list,” you can select a product which fulfills each of your needs.
You may wish to choose your deodorant spray based on its scent. Sprays are available in an extremely wide variety of scents, many of which are intended to be gender-specific. Women’s sprays often have a floral or fruity scent, for instance, while men’s sprays can often be described as musky or woodsy. Non-scented sprays are also widely available, and make a good choice for those with skin sensitivities. Unfortunately, most retailers discourage the removal of product packaging prior to purchase, and therefore you may only be able to smell a product after buying it.
If you are concerned about applying artificial chemicals to your skin, you may wish to opt for a natural deodorant spray. This type of spray generally uses all-natural ingredients such as plant oils to discourage bacteria growth and mask body odor. In addition, it often contains skin-nourishing elements like aloe vera, and is frequently produced using cruelty-free methods. Natural deodorant can be found in health food and vitamin stores and online. Two potential drawbacks to this type of product, however, are that it may be more expensive than other sprays, and may not work as effectively.
Dispensing mode may also be an important consideration when choosing a deodorant spray. The two types of spray dispensers available are aerosol cans and hand-pump bottles. Both of these dispensing modes have advantages and disadvantages. Aerosol can dispensers distribute deodorant in an even, fine mist, but the chemicals used in some versions may be damaging to the environment. Conversely, hand-pump bottles are usually environmentally friendly, but they may distribute too much or too little of their contents onto the skin.
After deciding which deodorant spray features are most important, you can choose a product which meets each of those needs. It is important to note, however, that everyone’s skin chemistry is unique, and thus a product might not perform as you expect it to. Therefore, finding the best product for you may require some trial and error.