Ok, first things first. Are you only sweaty? Or is the smell really bothering you? Is it a bit of both situation?

I learnt way too late deodorant and antiperspirant are two different things. Sometimes products are fantastic at doing both or a bit better at doing one. Other times, products only do one, and won’t do anything for the other.

• Deodorants help tackle body odour by neutralising or masking smells caused by bacteria, leaving you smelling fresh without stopping sweat.
  They’re perfect if you’re just looking to stay smelling not bad (if there’s no scent) or good (if it’s scented) throughout the day.

• Antiperspirants, on the other hand, go a step further by actually reducing sweat.
  They contain ingredients to temporarily block sweat glands, which keeps you drier, especially during workouts or long days. Many products combine both, so you can get freshness and dryness in one go.

Also think about where it’s going on your body. Places that don’t tend to smell, like our faces and hands, don’t tend to need deodorising properties.

Smellier bits like the groin, under arms, behind the knees and neck might need some odour fighting help- which is completely normal.

It’s worth noting however: If your odour or sweating if affecting your physical or mental health, it’s time to chat to your medical professional.

Small Thing’s Save The Day Sweat Reducing Primer: Antiperspirant

Shop: Save The Day – Sweat Reducing Primer, $45

Sweaty top lip? Pools of sweat on your forehead? This one might be for you.

The Save The Day Primer is ”A two-in-one antiperspirant facial primer to keep your face sweat-free. A daily sweaty-skin guardian, Save The Day ensures your makeup, sunscreen, and good mood stay on...”

For anyone battling facial sweat, especially if you’re wearing makeup, Small Things’ Save The Day Sweat Reducing Primer might be your perfect match.

This clever two-in-one product works as an antiperspirant and a makeup primer, perfect for keeping your face matte and your makeup intact even on the sweatiest days.

Formulated with aluminium chlorohydrate, it’s fantastic at reducing sweat on the face, while squalane adds a touch of hydration to keep skin from feeling dry or tight.

With seabuckthorn to boost collagen and horsetail extract to minimise pores, this primer gives a smooth, fresh base for foundation, sunscreen, or a barefaced day out.

The formula is fragrance-free, so it’s a good option for those who prefer minimal scents, and it’s waterproof, so it’ll stand up to long, busy days.

Benefits:

• Sweat Reducing & Water Proof

• Aluminium Cholorohydrate For Best Sweat Combating Results

• Smooth, Mattifying End Result

• Squalane For Hydration

• Horsetail Minimising The Appearance Of Pores

• Seabuck Thorn Boosting Collegen

• Fragrence Free

Skoop Skincare’s Hand Hero: Antiperspirant

Shop: Hand Hero, Sweat Absorbent Moisturiser, $32.95

Palms are sweaty, knees weak arms are heavy…Skoop Skincare provides anti chafe balm and hand cream for sweaty bodies.

If sweaty palms (or other spots) are a constant struggle, Skoop might be your match.

This sweat-absorbent hand cream goes beyond basic moisturising, absorbing excess moisture (sweat) and leaving your skin feeling dry and comfortable.

It’s an ideal pick for those with hands that tend to get clammy during the day or in nerve-wracking situations.

Hand Hero is aluminium-free and safe for daily use, offering gentle protection without the heavy-duty ingredients often found in antiperspirants- so it’s comfortable on the skin and doesn’t feel slimy or gross.

With a light, pleasant scent, this cream is versatile enough to use on other commonly sweaty spots too- like feet, the back of the neck, and even underboob.

It’s worth mentioning if chafing is another issue, Skoop also makes an amazing rich anti-chafe balm I love.

Chafing can be exacerbated by sweat, so it’s wonderful to have something that holds up to steamy days.

Benefits:

• Aluminium-free and safe for daily use

• Absorbs excess moisture, keeping skin dry

• Soothes and nourishes the skin

• Lightly scented for a pleasant application

• Suitable for hands, feet, back-of-neck, and underboob

First Aid Beauty’s Whole Body Deodorant Cream: Deodorant

Shop: First Aid Beauty’s Whole Body Deodorant Cream, $20

For those who want a full-body deodorant that smells fresh, First Aid Beauty’s Whole Body Deodorant Cream is a standout choice.

This deodorant cream tackles odour with AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), which work to neutralise bacteria on the skin and prevent unwanted smells.

Unlike a traditional deodorant stick, this cream can be applied anywhere — from underarms to areas like the chest, back, or thighs.

The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and comes with a refreshing, light citrus scent that isn’t overpowering.

Dermatologist- and Gynaecologist-tested, it’s made for some super sensitive bits.

Benefits:

• Sweat-activated cream with odour-fighting AHA's targets odour at the source where you experience unwanted body odour

• Formula has a Fresh Citrus scent and is aluminium free to be gentle on skin and keep you smelling fresh

• Free of Aluminium, Dyes, Parabens and Phthalates

• Dermatologist + Gynaecologist tested

• Vegan, Non-Comedogenic, Gluten-Free, Nano-Free, Parthenolide-Free

Which One’s Right for You?

So, should you reach for deodorant, antiperspirant, or both? It depends on what you need most and where you’re wanting to apply.

Deodorants are your go-to for managing odour — ideal if you don’t sweat heavily but want to keep smelling fresh.

Antiperspirants are best if your main concern is sweat, particularly for high-energy activities or hot days.

And if you need both, look for a combination product that gives you the best of both worlds.