Odaban Antiperspirant Spray

RRP: £10.49 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Excessive sweating and body odour causes sufferers untold misery and leads to a loss of confidence and much social embarrassment. Sweat dripping from the forehead, hands or underarms is a nightmare, however, this problem is now controllable. For 40 years, Odaban antiperspirant has offered targeted yet gentle help.

Odaban Antiperspirant spray is gentle and effective offering long lasting protection for most areas of the body. Whether making an important business presentation or holding hands on a date, no matter what the ambient temperature, Odaban will bring you freedom to concentrate and of course, a new found confidence. Dermatologists, Pharmacists, Podiatrists and Doctors have long recommended Odaban Antiperspirant spray worldwide. The convenient and unique pump spray is 100% free from perfumes and allergy inducing products.

Odaban is the most effective and safest antiperspirant for the control of excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) and the associated complications of body odour, sweat rashes, “Athlete’s Foot”, sports blistering and chafing, especially that experienced by the wearers of artificial limbs.

Odaban can be used to control the complications of excessive sweating for the below areas of the body:

• Head and Face
• Hands
• Feet
• Underarms
• Back and Front torso
• Intimate areas

How does Odaban work
Radio-isotope tests have shown that the active ingredients of Odaban do not stop the sweat glands from working. The drying effect of Odaban is produced by poral "plugs," formed from a combination of aluminium and skin protein. It is the partial blocking of the sweat ducts by these poral "plugs" that causes a re-routing of the perspiration to the blood capillaries where it is transported to areas of the skin from which evaporation can take place more easily or to the kidneys for excretion. The net result is to leave the treated skin area dry and without compensatory sweating elsewhere on the body.

Why is Odaban different
The unique, non-aqueous, silicone formulation helps prevent the skin irritancy experienced with other products; whilst Odaban's hermetically sealed container prevents the damaging water contamination associated with roll-ons and felt tip dispensers. Odaban's revolutionary pump spray also ensures an accurate and consistent dose that helps avoid over application; this means that even children and those with sensitive skins can experience the swift relief that comes with having dry skin."

--Packaging--

The white and blue spray bottle is slim and unisex - perfect for travelling. The spray mechanism allows for precise application and wide diffusion simultaneously.

--Application--

Apply onto clean dry skin at night. You can also apply talcum powder afterwards if your skin is sensitive. Wash off the deodorant in the morning. This is simple and quick to achieve.

--Appearance--

A clear spray that leaves no residue or white marks on the skin.

--Scent--

Clinical, really; at least this makes you feel like it will work even if it lacks a sense of luxury.

--Texture and consistency--

No sticky residue is left; it dries powder-light.

--Effects on the skin--

Sweat and chafing is effectively combated, and long-term too: the once-to-twice-weekly recommended use is accurate.

--Value for money--

Seems expensive, but is far more effective than commercial antiperspirants and is in line with other market leaders such as Driclor. I was sent mine for free by Odaban's PR, but would spend my own money on this. It works well and one bottle lasts ages. What more could you want?

perfect partners

Hand Cream, £9.55 for 75ml

Foot Powder, £10.50 for 50g

Perspirex Original Antiperspirant Roll-on

RRP: £8.49
also available in Strong and Comfort

--What does the promo say?--
"Perspirex Original Antiperspirant Roll-On is clinically proven to effectively control excessive sweat and odour. Perspirex Original provides long lasting protection from wetness and odour. Its unique active skincare system helps to reduce underarm irritation. Perspirex's unique patented formula is clinically proven to give strong and lasting protection against excessive sweat and odour. One application provides protection for 3-5 days. Its unique active skincare system helps reduce skin irritation. Perspirex Original is unfragranced and suitable for normal skin."

--Packaging--
This minute roll-on means it's perfect for travel as it can easily slip into any bag or pocket. The screw-top lid is secure and the roll-on mechanism itself works efficiently. The minimalistic colour scheme is also quite unisex and focused on the product's purpose.

--Application--
Apply to clean, dry skin before going to bed and ensure that the product has dried before you put on your nightclothes. In the morning, rinse off. You do not need to reapply the product after doing this. This procedure needs only be followed 2-3 times a week. So simple - but different to your usual deodorant, I expect (unless you have used a direct competitor such as Driclor - then the process will be familiar to you).

--Appearance--
The antiperspirant rolls on and dries colourlessly. No white marks are left on clothing.

--Scent--
Quite clinical; some would say even a little harsh. Put it this way: if you are looking for the floral or citrusy scents of standard deodorants, you won't find them here. However, this suits me fine, as curbing excess sweating is a greater priority for me than scent.

--Texture and consistency--
Rolls on and dries smoothly. No flaky white bits to contend with once it dries!

--Effects on the skin--
This definitely does what it says on the pack - it will curb excess sweating, no questions asked. However, just make sure you follow the directions in terms of not applying it too often, as skin can become overly dry and flaky otherwise. I usually alternate with a cream deodorant, such as Aurelia Probiotic, to keep the skin calm and smooth.

--Value for money--
It's ostensibly expensive, but remember you are only applying it every 2-3 days, so one lasts a very long time. I was sent mine for free by Perspirex's PR, but would definitely repurchase.

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Hand and Foot Lotion, £13.50

Sure 0% Aluminium Soft & Gentle Deodorant

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay fresh and confident all day with Soft & Gentle aluminium-free anti-perspirant deodorant. Scientifically developed with natural plant extracts, our unique complex provides effective sweat and odour protection whilst allowing your skin the freedom to breathe. Suitable for all skin, including very sensitive, and all the family."

--Packaging--
The pastel colours are pleasing and despite not having a separate lid, the spray mechanism is both secure and easy to use. 

--Application--
Hold a safe distance away, in a well-ventilated area, when spraying onto the underarm. Pretty easy really.

--Appearance--
Unlike most deodorants, no white marks! WIN.

--Scent--
Quite powdery, but truthfully, despite the three different scents available, any variations proved indistinguishable.

--Texture and consistency--
Not thick or grainy, but sprays invisibly onto skin, blending in immediately.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to have a gentle and moisturising effect, but does not deodorise for as long during the day as stronger deodorants (such as my tried and tested favourites, Driclor and Mitchum). I accept, however, that as a hyperhydrosis sufferer I will have a more difficult job than most in terms of finding something that I can truly rely upon. Nonetheless, the inclusion of sage and horsetail in the ingredients fits well with Soft & Gentle's promotion of seven steps to a healthy, natural lifestyle - #sgsteps - which consists of not only advising further use of more natural products, but also exercise, healthy eating, motivation, positive mental attitude, and conscious breathing.

--Value for money--
I was sent my deodorants for free, but £2.99 is worth it to me for the lack of white marks alone (and Superdrug has it on offer already, so you can even end up paying less). It's also very competitive with current market prices, so even if you switch from your current brand to give this a try, chances are you have nothing to lose. 

Dove Invisible Dry Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

RRP: £2.39

--What does the promo say?--
"Dove Invisible Dry Anti-Perspirant Roll On gives 24 hour protection without leaving any white marks on a remarkable 100 colours of clothing.  It contains 0% alcohol so is gentle on skin whilst being an effective deodorant."

--Packaging--
The roll-on that I was sent by Dove's PR is tiny - a real tapered bullet that's perfect for hand baggage! The silvery screw-on plastic lid adds a touch of sophistication, too.

--Application--
Just roll under your arms after showering or bathing. Easy peasy.

--Appearance--
I was a little worried as it visibly rolls on white. However, it quickly dries clear, and, as promised, leaves no white marks on a variety of clothing colours.

--Scent--
Cotton-like and fresh.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and dries quickly.

--Effects on the skin--
Does not irritate and provides effective anti-perspirant protection - and all without white marks on clothing or body.

--Value for money--
Even though some will prefer natural deodorants (an increasing trend these days), there are plenty of people who just want something that will do the job fast without staining their clothes. With this, you can stay dry and fresh all day for under £3, and without having to scrub off white marks either. Thanks, Dove.

Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant comes in a variety of formats - spray, stick and roll-on - and sizes (40ml to 250ml).

Dove Maximum Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Cream

RRP: £5.10

available in 3 varieties: Original Clean, Cucumber and Green Tea, and Lemon and Verbena

--What does the promo say?--

"Dove Maximum Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Cream Original gives you the maximum protection ever from Dove.  The strength you need combined with the beauty and care you expect from Dove:

• Provides scientifically proven protection against wetness
• Delivers all-day freshness through odour-fighting technology
• Cares for your skin with Dove 1/4 moisturising cream
• Features a significant fragrance to leave you feeling clean, fresh and beautiful.

The ultimate combination of protection and beauty for women seeking maximum wetness protection, whilst caring for thier underarm skin."

--Packaging--

For the original version (which I was sent by Dove along with the Cucumber and Green Tea version) the box is blue and white, with a couple of silver details (the drop around the "1/4" in "1/4 moisturising cream", as well as the Dove logo itself) and a blue and white band across the box which also gives the impression of sparkles. The dispenser itself is also mainly white with a few blue details. The opaque white plastic lid pulls off easily but closes securely and the click-wheel mechanism is easy to use.

--Application--

Dove suggests applying this to underarms before going to bed so that the technology used in the deodorant cream can be activated during the night, although it can also be applied in the morning, of course. Both methods work fine, with the recommended 2 clicks of the wheel being sufficient for each underarm.

--Appearance--

The white cream leaves no visible residue on skin or clothes. Result.

--Scent--

Original Clean delivers exactly that: a unisex scent that smells of freshly-washed laundry.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and absorbs easily. The days of sticky roll-ons and powdery sprays are gone!

--Efficacy--

Works extremely well across the 48 hours stated (discovered when I forgot to apply deodorant one morning because I was too excited about going to Disneyland. Erm...yay?) and all in the heatwave-style temperatures we're experiencing at the moment, as well as in the throes of copious sightseeing. Yay :)

--Value for money--

Once you hit the £5+ mark you really need to work hard to convince people to purchase your deodorant (my usual choice, Mitchum, is only just over half this and is frequently on special offer too). There's no question that Dove's deodorant works very well and that its price point is in line with other deodorants conforming to similar standards and values. However, I do admit to feeling a little flummoxed: this product is basically exactly the same as Sure's Maximum Protection deodorant, which I also tested recently. The design of the dispenser is the same, the boxes are extremely similar, the product itself seems to be made to a similar (if not identical) formula, and even the wording on the boxes has basically been copied and pasted between the two products. This is perhaps unsurprising, since both products are made by Unilever, but I do wonder why Unilever has not tried a little harder to differentiate between the two products. Are the general public really this stupid? I'd like to hope not. In this case, then, I'd recommend you buy Dove's - but only really because it's 20p cheaper than its Sure counterpart. Both are equally effective, and your money goes to the same guys anyway.

Dove Natural Touch Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

RRP: £2.19

--What does the promo say?--

"Dove Natural Touch Dead Sea Minerals Roll-On 50ml is a anti-perspirant, anti-transpirant deodorant that gives up to 48 hours protection. Our only formulation with Dead Sea Minerals that helps keep your underarms moisturised, odour free and dry all day. 0% alcohol and with dead sea minerals renowned for natural skin moisturisation."

--Packaging--

While the whites and pastels used for this roll-on package are fairly endemic in the deodorant market, the Dead Sea minerals image and silver dove help it to stand out more on the shelf. The package is able to stand alone next to the sink or wherever you want to keep it, with the roller ball pointing down so that gravity helps the deodorant along, keeping the ball constantly lubricated (no constantly running the ball over your skin just to get a tiny amount of deodorant out!). The only criticism with this is that at times excess liquid can gather at the edges of the ball, so just be sure to wipe under your arms with the excess first.

--Application--

Roll over clean dry skin and allow to dry for a few minutes before getting dressed.

--Appearance--

A white translucent gel-cream which dries invisibly on skin. I did experience a couple of white marks on clothes while dressing (boo hiss) but I suspect I was not patient enough.

--Scent--

Clean, fresh - but funnily enough, not too salty.

--Texture and consistency--

Absorbs quickly into skin and is creamy yet light. The liquid keeps cool well and so is refreshing too. No irritation was experienced during use of this product.

--Efficacy--

I experienced a little more wetness with this deodorant than I did with Sure's newest deodorant (tested in March).  However, this was not too serious or visible (just slightly uncomfortable!) and it still seemed to prevent body odour effectively in spite of this, which is more important for me. So the claim that this deodorant "keeps you dry all day" perhaps doesn't stand up fully - but then again I have suffered from hyperhydrosis all my life, so I'm always going to be a tougher nut to crack and I'm sure most people won't have this issue. Underarms did feel moisturised though and as mentioned body odour is definitely prevented.

--Value for money--

This is over 50% less money than the Sure deodorant tested, so I am perhaps a little more predisposed towards it in this regard. One roller ball seems to last a long time, and the deodorant is mostly effective, so I would definitely consider purchasing from the brand again - even if as a hyperhydrosis sufferer I went for one of their heavier-duty lines, such as their Maximum Protection range (including their new and equally appealing Go Fresh scents).

perfect partner

Dove Anti-Perspirant Natural Touch Spray, from £2.49 

Mitchum Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

RRP: £2.49-£2.79, depending on scent and whether it's a roll-on or a spray

--Packaging--
Dark green packaging with the name of the product in white writing. Quite unisex packaging - they do make different products for women and men, but the packaging is quite similar for both.

--What does the promo say?--
"So Effective You Could Even Skip A Day™.
ANTI-BACTERIAL PROTECTION.
Clinically proven to provide 48-hour protection. Quick-drying, Non-stinging, even after shaving."

--Application--
Unscrew the lid and roll the ball of the deodorant onto your armpits after washing. Leave to dry for a few minutes before dressing.

--Scent--
Depends on the one you buy, but I find that all of the Mitchum range has a nice fresh scent that's neither inoffensive nor overpowering.

--Does it leave white marks?--
Only if you don't leave it to dry properly before dressing.

--Does it sting?--
No, not even after shaving (unless you cut yourself, of course).

--Does it work?--
It's without a doubt the most effective off-the-shelf deodorant I've ever tried, hence why I'm reviewing it here, even though it's not really a beauty product per se. I suffer from hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) so finding an effective deodorant was always slightly problematic, but I find that even one application per day stops you from smelling a bit nasty, and you're not having to reapply it throughout the day like with some deodorants.

--Value for money--
Truly excellent. One of these lasts quite a while and at less than £3, it's a steal. Perfect for hot sunny days (and any other day!).