On Perspiration

We produce sweat through two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine.

Apocrine glands develop in parts of the body with profuse hair follicles – including the armpits, groin and scalp – and open into those follicles beneath the skin. They’re activated during puberty, and linked to the formation of body odour.

Eccrine glands are situated throughout most of the body; by contrast with apocrine glands, they open directly onto the skin's surface. Generally speaking, they help us regulate body heat by facilitating evaporative heat loss through sweat. For those who tend to sweat profusely, these are usually the responsible parties (although apocrine glands may also play a role).

Sweat itself isn’t inherently malodourous; but when produced in significant quantities in the armpits, it provides a moist, nutrient-rich environment that supports bacterial growth. The bacteria that live on our skin constitute a microbiome; and the breakdown of bacteria in the armpit biome is the cause of body odour.

(Sweat production isn’t always symmetrical, which is why you might experience differences in sweat and/or odour between armpits.)

Many of us use deodorants and/or anti-perspirants to deal with sweat and body odour. Although ‘deodorant’ and ‘anti-perspirant’ are often used interchangeably, it’s useful to distinguish their roles.

ADDRESSING BODY ODOUR: DEODORANTS

Inhibiting body odour, as distinct from inhibiting sweat production, is a three-part process that requires an effective deodorant, which will:

• absorb some moisture in the armpits (but not prevent sweat production)
• inhibit odour formation by interfering with the bacterial breakdown process
• impart a pleasing fragrance to mask any unpleasant smells that do develop.

WHAT’S IN OUR DEODORANTS

Our aim in developing new deodorants is to offer refined formulations that remain as natural as possible, address body odour exactly as promised, and smell wonderful. 

Each deodorant in our range contains a combination of actives that affect different stages of the odour formation process. 

WHAT’S IN OUR ANTI-PERSPIRANT

Aluminium salts are the most effective means of ensuring that anti-perspirants block sweat flow. We carefully selected Aluminium Chlorohydrate, stabilised with Calcium Glycine for enhanced efficacy, as the key sweat-reducing, anti-perspirant agent for The Incessant Anxiety Geranium Anti-Perspirant Deodorant.

Combined with postbiotic Lactococcus Ferment Extract, which helps inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria, these actives are highly effective in reducing sweat and preventing odour.

We respect the choices of those who prefer to avoid personal care products containing aluminium salts, but whenever extra protection is called for, we are confident that all ingredients in this formulation are safe for use on the skin as well as efficacious.