Humidity and makeup never go well together. No matter how flawlessly you apply your base, it will smudge off faster than the duration you spent applying it. This cannot be helped at all. But most models, actors, and influencers who have to go in front of the camera daily cannot really afford to have patchy makeup. So what do they do? They prefer primer on their face, of course!
Using a primer can even out your skin and fill up any pores so that your face uniformly absorbs the makeup. Even then, primer can sometimes not keep the sweat from coming, so beauticians have to take it up a notch and develop better solutions.
Below, you can get into the detailed discussion on putting deodorant on the face instead of regular primer.
Deodorants vs Face Primers: What’s the Difference?
The two seem like a very unlikely pair, and that is because both serve very different purposes. Deodorants are designed to fight body odor brought on by sweating. They contain active ingredients such as antiperspirants and deodorizers that minimize sweat production and cover up bad smells, allowing people to feel refreshed and self-assured throughout the day.
These usually contain antiperspirants and aluminum salts that temporarily reduce sweat by blocking the sweat glands. They also contain ingredients that prevent bacteria that cause body odor. Tea tree oil and triclosan are the most common anti-microbial ingredients used. Finally, some deodorants also contain some fragrances to keep a fresh smell for combatting body odor.
Face primers, on the other hand, act as a layer between the foundation and the skin. Its primary function is to prepare the skin for the application of makeup. It also extends the duration of the applied makeup by controlling excess oil secretion and minimizing skin pores.
Silicone is a very common ingredient that is used to produce face primers. Silicon makes the skin smooth and velvety. This actively prevents the makeup from going into the creases of the skin and forming visible lines on the face.
Additionally, face primers may have some mattifying or glossifying agents depending on the finish the consumer wants.
Can Deodorant Be Used on The Face in Place of a Primer?
This sounds like an outright crazy idea, right? But here is the thing. Deodorants are also antiperspirants, which means that their function is to stop sweat. Therefore, technically speaking, they can indeed be used on parts of the face that sweat the most or have the most sweat glands – that is, the upper lip and the hairline.
With an ever-evolving beauty industry, there also come many innovative trends and hacks. Applying deodorant on the face is one such trend that has gained a lot of popularity because it is such a simple way to get a flawless makeup look.
This unlikely pair shares some common ground regarding ingredients, which is why a product meant for the underarms was even considered for the delicate skin on the face. Aluminum compounds that are present in antiperspirants act as a pore-clogging agent that reduces sweat production. Similarly, the silicon present in certain deodorants can also help in creating smooth skin.
Now, applying a deodorant on the face will obviously differ from how it is used on underarms. A soft foundation brush is taken to apply the deodorant in layers on the required skin parts.
Moreover, not all deodorants can be used on the face as they may cause irritation on the skin. Therefore, only those preferred, which have no strong smell and have a clear formula.
Can This Hack Be Used for All Skin Types?
This type of skin determines the effectiveness of makeup. And this is not just for this beauty hack, but this is true for all hacks and beauty products out there. Unfortunately, all people do not have similar skin types, and what works for one person may not be useless for another person.
The web is full of countless such beauty hacks, and with the rise of influencer culture, more and more influencers have tried the deodorant on face hack and found good results. This does not necessarily guarantee that it will work for you. Some may even experience side effects because of their skin’s constitution. This is not something that we can control as each individual has a unique skin characteristic.
People with oily skin types may greatly benefit from the oil-controlling aspect of deodorants as a face primer. Excessive oil secretion can ruin a beautifully done makeup look by bringing unnecessary shine to the face, especially on the forehead and cheeks.
A matte makeup made shiny by oil can look clumsy and unkempt. There are products such as baking powder and mattifying sticks to combat this issue, but all fall short in very humid temperatures. Therefore, the deodorant hack is worth a try for people with generally oily skin.
However, the same enthusiasm cannot be had by people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. If you are one of these persons who suffer from breakouts just by trying a newly launched product, then you know exactly what we are discussing.
Sensitive skin types are easily affected by certain products, and unless you know exactly what it is that is irritating the skin, acne will keep popping up. It is inadvisable for such skin types to apply deodorant on the face as it may worsen any existing skin conditions or trigger a new round of breakouts.
Therefore, one should always conduct a patch test before going headlong into committing to this new beauty hack. Choosing a suitable spot on your face to try the hack beforehand is an easy way to determine how your skin will react to it. Additionally, you should only go for deodorants that have a mild formula and are free of any fragrances. Also, needless to mention, the deodorant you use on your face should not be used on your underarms and vice-versa.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Deodorant on Your Face
The quest for having a base for makeup that will prevent sweat all day has brought us to this peculiar hack. Some might even call it unorthodox because, in reality, it is. That is because, while it works wonders, there are also some risks involved.
Benefits of Using Deodorant on Your Face
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Face Primers are generally much costlier than a simple deodorant that can be bought for half that price. This makes it inaccessible to many consumers. This is also the reason why many people do not even bother to prepare their skin with a primer and directly go on to apply foundation after cleansing. On the other hand, deodorants are an everyday household item that is available at every drug store, convenience store, etc., making it more cost-effective and plausible for people. With this hack, makeup enthusiasts can look flawless on a budget.
2. Controls Oil
Excess secretion of oil and sebum are the nemesis of makeup looks as they can totally ruin a look by creating an unwanted shine on the face. This is where the deodorants trump out as the go-to face priming product. The ingredients that comprise deodorants are made to absorb sweat and can often help control oil.
3. Combats Sweating
As already mentioned, deodorants are built to control perspiration or sweat. And in humid climates, sweat can be a significant problem for makeup enthusiasts. Therefore, deodorants can address this problem by controlling excess sweat and building a layer on the skin that resists humidity. This is especially beneficial for people who have a very active lifestyle and live in tropical or humid regions.
Associated Risks of Using Deodorant on Your Face
1. Irritation on Skin
This is the most important concern or risk associated with applying deodorant on the face. If you feel a burning sensation on your skin after applying deodorant, it could be a sign that your skin is rejecting the product. Facial skin is especially sensitive, and using deodorant on it could cause serious damage if it stings. Additionally, deodorant fragrances may contain preservatives that can trigger an allergic reaction. It’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals and consider switching to a different deodorant or skipping this hack entirely.
2. Breakouts
Acne breakouts are the reason why people with sensitive skin should exercise caution while opting to use deodorant as a face primer. That is because these products have a pore-clogging property that helps to block the sweat glands and control sweat temporarily. But if this is repeated on your face, the pores may get congested and filled with oil and sebum. This will directly lead to breakouts on your face where the deo has been applied.
3. Long-Term Side Effects on The Skin
All this considered, one would be wise to be mindful of the fact that deodorants are not meant to be applied to the delicate and sensitive skin of the face. Using it continuously for lengthy durations of time can ultimately not be good for the skin.
It may destroy the skin composition and balance, leading to the loss of the skin’s barrier. Once that happens, acne and other such skin issues will be an everyday problem. Therefore, you should be able to draw a healthy line between trying out new beauty trends for the sake of experimentation and maintaining your skin health.
Which Deodorants Are Safe to Use on The Skin?
Dermatologists would probably go mad if they heard people are trying this unorthodox trick to look flawless, but it is what it is. Since this rather bizarre combination of priming and deodorant has gained traction, the best way forward is to ensure people choose safe options for their delicate faces.
Lookout for these factors when choosing a deodorant for your face:
- Consider your skin type – Depending on what kind of skin you have, the deodorant you choose will also vary. For oily skin, those products with an oil-control property will be best. While for dry skin, go for hydrating formulas.
- Go for Non-comedogenic Formulas – This will not clog the pores and avoid potential acne breakouts.
- Only choose the ones without any Fragrance – Additional preservatives or perfumes that are added to make a deodorant fragrant can cause an allergic reaction.
- Always prefer Patch Test – No matter what product you buy, never use it on the face before conducting a patch test and ensuring that it does not cause any irritation on the skin. The areas of the face that you can choose for this are behind the ears on the jawline. Observe for a day, and if you see any itching or redness, then that product is not for you.
Additionally, refrain from buying deodorants that have a high alcohol content, as it can make the skin dry and flaky. Gentle antiperspirants with silicone-based formulas are the best for this purpose, even better if you choose an organic option.
Wrapping Up
All in all, it’s understandable why some people might want to use deodorant on their faces, but it’s important to be cautious about it. Don’t just grab any deodorant and apply it to your face, as a stick that’s been used under your arms could contain bacteria that might cause irritation or breakouts on your skin.
Remember that celebrities who use this trick have access to experienced makeup artists who can recommend the right product for them. You shouldn’t blindly follow the recommendations of popular bloggers when it comes to trying new products.
First, learn about your skin and its needs, and then choose products accordingly.
