+5 votes
119 views
in Beauty & Style by

What is the exact difference between antiperspirant, body spray, cologne, parfum, toilette, deodorant, and perfume?

3 Answers

+5 votes
by

An antiperspirant, usually applied to the armpits, retards sweating.

A deodorant interferes with bacterial action on sweat or other bodily fluids to retard odors. Deodorants are often applied to armpits, feet and other body parts that may be subject to unpleasant odors.

Body spray is a (usually weaker) aerosol deodorant that can be sprayed anywhere on the body.

Perfume/parfum, toilette and cologne are all scents (in descending order of concentration) designed to give the user a pleasant odor. They do nothing to prevent unpleasant odors, except perhaps to cover them.

P.S. None of the above preparations works particularly well unless one has bathed/showered with soap and water beforehand. :O :D

+4 votes
by

Hi Dan,

I don't know the full answers to your Q, but I do know that anti-perspirant retards the action of the sweat glands, while deodorant still allows you to sweat naturally, while neutralizing body odor. When I was working, I felt it necessary to use anti-perspirant; now that I am retired I use only deodorant plus frequent bathing.

Perfume is higher quality than cologne, and more expensive. Perfume lasts longer, the scent is typically much softer, less pungent; generally better and more subtle.

+4 votes
by

Hello Dan,

T(h)ink and Virginia answered already your question, all I can add is some information about the lacking regulations on a series of health hazardous ingredients currently used in many care and cosmetic products, and even in toothpastes, perfumes and fragrant soaps, expected to be more natural:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2003/feb/25/healthandwellbeing.health2

http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and-Wellness/top-ingredients-to-avoid-in-personal-care-products

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-cunningham/dangerous-beauty-products_b_4168587.html

Is this page not working?

(or) the content is outdated?

Click here to see the recent version of this page

Is this page not working?

Click here to see the recent version of this page

...