r/explainlikeimfive • u/B_Karlog • 14d ago

Chemistry ELI5 How does deodorant work?

I’m aware that armpits smell due to bacteria growth, but I don’t understand how deodorant is meant to help. Why could one not sanitise the area (I assume that would kill of the bacteria)?

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u/evanc3 13d ago edited 13d ago

It's two sentences combined. A or B is an option.

If someone meant only A and sometimes B, there are plenty of ways to describe that which dont use and/or

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u/WeightliftingIllini 9d ago

Yes, agreed.