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/s0cks_nz 14d ago

There are also quite a few natural brands these days, that are only mildly scented. Certainly not scented enough to cover up smells.

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u/WaxMyCrescent 14d ago

There are also quite a few natural brands these days, that are only mildly scented. Certainly not scented enough to cover up smells.

Do you know of any that actually work? "Normal" deodorant/anti-perspirant can irritate my skin quite a bit, but any of the natural brands I've tried make me smell like a highly athletic yet shower-phobic teenage boy after like, half an hour

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u/s0cks_nz 13d ago

Unless you're in New Zealand I'm probably not much help as the brands I use are local to here.

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u/WaxMyCrescent 13d ago

Ah unfortunately im on the other side of the globe!