6 Stinky Sweat Truths You Need To Know

Raise your hand if you sweat. Ok, that's everyone! Recently, I attended a panel discussion, hosted by Secret and led by the Secret Research & Development (R&D) team: Janine Miletic, Secret Brand Director,  Melody T. McCloud, M.D., and Barrie Drewitt, Odor Grader, Princeton Consumer Research.

It was an eye-opening experience and I learned some new things about sweat got to try the latest from Secret: Freshies Invisible Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant On-The-Go (tiny & mighty). Oh yeah, and I smelled a stranger’s armpit, for the sake of this story. 

Here are 6 sweat truths: 

1. Sweat Doesn't Smell

Contrary to popular belief, sweat itself is not smelly. When bacteria from our skin interacts with sweat and “food” (protein, acid and oils) from our glands, molecules are produced that create that bad smell.

2. Antiperspirants vs. Deodorants

Antiperspirants and deodorants are not the same thing! Deodorants mask underarm odor with a scent and help to reduce bacteria that adds to that odor. Antiperspirants go one step further to prevent excess odor and wetness by forming plugs, which are activated by sweat.

3. Not all sweat is created equal.

There are two types: heat sweat and stress sweat. Each type is produced by a different gland – Eccrine or Apocrine. Eccrine glands are all over the body and release sweat when you are hot. Apocrine glands are only in some parts of the body, and release sweat when you are stressed. Sweat from Apocrine glands, or stress sweat, smells worse!

4. What's Up With Parabens

Despite what some consumers might think, and the fact that some products are marketed as “paraben-free,” parabens are not an active ingredient in any antiperspirants.

5. Aluminum Causes Diseases

In fact, aluminum compounds are the only actives approved by the FDA. There is no conclusive evidence that links the use of antiperspirants with an aluminum ingredient to diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. Reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, the National Cancer Institute and the Alzheimer’s Association have backed these claims. If women feel more comfortable using a natural product, the choice is totally up to them! Just remember, natural products are deodorants, not antiperspirants, so they do not have the same ability to prevent odor and wetness.

6. Sweet Dreams

The ideal time to apply antiperspirant products is before bed. At night, our bodies produce enough sweat to pull the product into our ducts, yet still at a relatively low activity level so excessive sweat is not produced, which creates a less ecacious plug.

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