Deodorant vs Perfume: How Do They Differ?

When it comes to hygiene, most people rely on their scents to prevent having an unpleasant body odour. This is why the market offers a wide variety of deodorants and perfumes. However, many confuse deodorants with perfumes. But are these products really interchangeable? Or is one better suited than the other for certain situations? Read on to find out more about the difference between deodorant and perfume.

Importance of Choosing the Right Scent

• Boosts Confidence

One of the most crucial justifications for picking the right scent is that it makes you appear confident. Your scent is the only thing that arrives before you and stays behind when it comes to leaving an impression. So one of the best ways to project confidence is a strong, good-smelling scent. Nothing conveys confidence more effectively than your signature perfume, even more so than a firm handshake and good clothes.

• Makes You Look Presentable

When we smell good and pleasant, others tend to think of us as being attractive and presentable. Hence, to seem presentable, it's crucial to pick the right scent.

• Let’s You Stand Out Among The Crowd

Beyond just smelling good, your distinctive scent also has other benefits. You stand out from all the other people in the room thanks to its mesmerising smell. The right scent helps make a positive impression on the people meeting you and people love to recognise you with a good scent.

What is Deodorant?

Deodorants kill the bacteria that cause body odour by blocking sweat pores, preventing bacterial growth or reducing perspiration produced by your body. Deodorants eliminate or mask body odours. They can be applied anywhere on the body where sweat accumulates, from underarms and feet to fingers and toes.

Deodorants fall into two categories:

1. antiperspirants
2. non-antiperspirants

Many people don't realise that their bodies still produce sweat, even when they feel dry. Antiperspirants contain aluminium salts (FDA-approved) that treat excessive sweating (1) and prevent body odour by preventing bacteria growth in the sweat. Antiperspirant deodorants also reduce underarm discolouration due to ageing or sun damage.

Non-antiperspirants mask body odour with fragrances or alcohols rather than aluminium compounds. They are less effective at cutting down on sweat—but some people prefer them because they're natural instead of artificial products. The alcohol content in these products evaporates quickly; this allows your body's natural bacteria to break down sweat and release its pungent odours.

Which one is better for me?

If you feel uncomfortable about sweating or if your shirt becomes soaked with sweat, an antiperspirant may be effective for you. If the smell of your body is more bothersome than sweaty shirts, try an aluminium-free deodorant instead.

It's important to feel confident using an antiperspirant or non-antiperspirant that works for you and helps keep your body odour at bay.

Deodorant serves the following purposes:

• It helps neutralise body odour caused by bacteria and sweat.
• People use it on other body parts, such as their feet.
• It is a low-cost way to keep yourself smelling fresh.
• Antimicrobial agents in deodorants act against the bacteria that produce body odour. (2)
• It is a personal hygiene product that helps you feel confident about yourself.

Deodorants don't prevent sweating completely. However, they help reduce the amount of sweat released by your body—so apply more if you notice that you're starting to smell during the day.

What is Perfume?

Perfumes are products that make you smell good and mask body odour. While perfume may cost more than deodorant, they contain the same ingredients. Perfume is a mixture of essential oils, alcohol and water that we spray on our bodies to smell good. Although deodorant and perfume are essentially the same product, knowing how they differ will help you choose the right one.

Most perfumes are made for one gender or both: male, female, and unisex. Most women's perfumes have fruity, citrusy, floral or single-note scents like vanilla—while most men focus on musky or woodsy base notes.

You can try Revlon’s Love Her Madly® Perfumed Body Spray  or Charlie® Crystal Chic Perfumed Body Spray. With notes of floral softness, this fragrance will envelop your emotions with a scent that lingers for hours.

Perfume comes in many different forms:

1. eau de parfum (EDP)
2. eau de toilette (EDT)
3. eau de cologne (EDC)
4. eau de fraiche
5. Cologne

EDPs have a more concentrated amount of essential oils, lasting up to 15 hours. Meanwhile, EDTs are stronger than EDPs and tend to only last 5-8 hours before dissipating.

EDC is a light fragrance made from citrus fruits and has the fresh, invigorating aroma you would expect from that ingredient. EDCs last around four hours on average but can be as long as 10 hours. Plan your day when you want the fragrance to last and choose accordingly.

Eau de Fraîche is a light, fresh fragrance with a floral aroma. It lasts around 6-8 hours but lasts as long as 10. Charlie Red Eau Fraiche Natural Spray & Charlie Red PBS is a good choice if you want something that is not too overpowering but has a long-lasting effect on your skin.

Cologne is made of less concentrated essential oils than perfume and lasts about two hours on the skin, although it may last longer if sprayed onto clothing. It's a light fragrance with notes of citrus or orange oil. Fragrances for men have traditionally been masculine and spicy but have recently seen new scents, such as citrus, musky or wood notes. 

Try Revlon 24 Seven® - Platinum Perfumed Body Spray and Revlon 24 Seven® - Mercury Perfumed Body Spray. These scents are fresh, sporty and long-lasting, making it easy to switch from morning activities to evening events. They appeal directly to younger men who want their perfume not too traditional or old-fashioned.

A perfume serves the following purposes:

• It adds a pleasant scent to someone's body.
• Perfumes make people feel more confident about themselves.
• Perfume alters mood, reduces anxiety and stress, improves concentration and sleep patterns.(3)
• Perfumes are available in different concentrations and strengths and are priced accordingly.

Difference Between Deodorant and Perfume

The main difference between deodorant and perfume is that the former controls body odour while the latter enhances it. It is common for body odour to occur when sweat is broken down by bacteria on the skin and gives off an offensive odour.(5) Even though body odour often occurs due to poor hygiene, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Deodorants can help mask or reduce body odours so they do not interrupt daily activities.

Here Are Some Ways Deodorant Differs From Perfume:

• The functional difference between deodorant and Perfume: Unlike deodorant, perfumes are applied directly to the skin. While deodorant absorbs moisture from your skin and reduces bacteria growth, perfume ingredients mainly contribute to a pleasing fragrance.
• Composition in deodorant and perfume: Deodorant contains an alcohol base that ranges from 15-25 per cent, depending on the brand; this helps to dry out your underarms, reducing bacteria growth. A perfume is typically made up of several ingredients, such as water, alcohol and essential oils.
• Degrees of intensity: Perfumes usually contain stronger fragrances than deodorants, because deodorants have a milder smell that won't overpower your perfume.
• Cosmetic value: Deodorants and perfumes are both cosmetic products that can improve your appearance. Deodorants can prevent full body odour, while perfumes can make you smell fresh and clean.

The best way to tell whether you want deodorant or perfume is to consider its purpose. If you want something with a pleasant smell to wear daily, buy some perfume—if not, stick with deodorant. Try Charlie Gold Perfume by Revlon, a sensual and pleasing fragrance that gratifies the wearer. It contains notes like rose, jasmine, peach and sandalwood, creating an intriguing smell when worn.

Body Spray, Deodorant or Perfume, which one is better for you?

Well, it depends on your needs. Deodorants prevent body odour by absorbing moisture from your skin and reducing the activity of the bacteria that causes odour.

A body spray is a perfume or deodorant sprayed onto your body as an aerosol. Body sprays nowadays come without gas as well.

On the other hand, perfumes add scent to clothing or make your body scent more pleasant (or more noticeable). One way to determine whether you want deodorant or perfume is to figure out how to use it. If you wish to have a pleasant-smelling scent for everyday use or special occasions, go ahead and buy a good perfume—if not, stick with deodorant.

If you want to make an impression, go for Revlon'sRevlon's 24 Seven - Krypton Perfumed Body Spray — a floral fragrance that will make you stand out.

Conclusion

Deodorants eliminate odor by killing bacteria on the skin, while perfumes create a pleasant smell all day. Deodorant fragrances are made of very little oil and so won't stain fabrics if accidentally applied—unlike many perfume varieties. Perfume and deodorants come in an assortment of types appealing to both men or women.

Revlon also offers a wide range of perfumes and body sprays to freshen up your look. You can find fragrances that match your personality, whether you want to smell sexy or simply fresh. Shop online or in-store at Revlon for great deals on deodorants and perfumes for men and women.

Revlon is one of India's leading beauty and personal care brands, offering a wide range of products that include makeup, hair colour, nail paints and skincare. For more information about Revlon's products visit its website at Revlon.co.in.

FAQs

Q.  Can I use both deodorant and perfume?

A: It is ok to layer your deodorant and perfume or cologne. Many people do so to prevent body odour and add scent to their day.

Q. Is it ok to use deodorant every day?

A: Some people experience irritation when applying too much of a favourite fragrance; others are fine with their usual amount. If you have sensitive skin and wear your favourite scent frequently, use it sparingly just in case it irritates you.

Q. How to Make Your Perfume Last Longer?

A: There are a few ways to make your perfume last longer. The first is to apply it to dry skin, as the heat of your body will help the fragrance permeate better. You can also use it in layers, starting with one spray on each wrist and one on your neck. Then you can reapply later in the day for an extra scent boost if desired.

Q. Which lasts longer perfume or deodorant?

A: Perfumes last longer than deodorants due to their aromatic essential oils. Deodorant, on the other hand, evaporates more quickly but has the advantage of lowering body smell due to the ingredients it contains.

Q. Is perfume stronger than deodorant?

A: In comparison to perfume, a deodorant is considered more effective in combatting bacteria that cause body odour. Hence, if you're seeking a fragrance to keep your body smell under control, a deodorant might be a better choice. Get your hands on the spellbinding fragrances from Revlon. 

Q. Can we apply deodorant on clothes?

A: The most effective way of applying deodorant is on clean skin post-shower. Deodorant should never be directly applied on clothes, doing so may not give you that long-lasting scent and freshness as it would do when applied to skin directly. However, you must hold the deodorant container 10 to 15 cm away from your armpits while using a spray deodorant.

Q. Is it okay to put perfume on my armpits?

A: It is advised not to directly spray perfume on your armpits as it may cause skin irritation.

Q. Is deodorant for skin or clothes?

A: Deodorants are applied directly to your armpits. But, it is advised to keep your face at a little distance while spraying the deodorant on your body or armpits.