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Frequently asked questions
We’ve collected the most frequently asked questions about Perspirex to help you find the answers you need.
What is the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant?
Often the terms deodorants and antiperspirants are used interchangeably, but there is in fact a significant difference between the two. Deodorants only mask odour, often by the use of fragrances, whereas antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat reaching the surface of the skin – and hereby effectively limits both wetness and odour.
How does Perspirex work?
Perspirex works so effectively thanks to the active ingredient Aluminum Chloride. The Aluminum Chloride reacts with water and protein in the sweat duct by temporarily forming a gel-plug reducing the amount of sweat from reaching the surface of the skin.
The plug will be expelled through the normal process of shedding dead cells from the surface of the skin, and over the course of a few days, the sweat gland will become active again. This process varies from person to person and takes from a couple of days up to a week, which is why you have to reapply Perspirex roll-ons every 5th day and Perspirex Hand and Feet every 3rd day, or as often as needed.
How does skin care systems in Perspirex work?
Perspirex comfort skin care system
Perspirex Comfort is formulated with a comfort skin care system that includes the soothing agent Biosaccharide Gum-1, which activates cell renewal and reinforces the quality of the skin barrier, and thereby limits irritation and discomfort.
Perspirex active skin care system
Perspirex Original, Perspirex Men Regular, and Perspirex Hand are all formulated with an active skin care system, based on Calcium Lactate, which minimises the risk of potential skin irritation by balancing the low pH.
How do you apply Perspirex?
Five steps for applying roll-on to the underarms:
- Apply Perspirex at night just before bedtime with just two strokes up and two strokes down in the middle of the armpit (where you have hair growth).
- Apply to completely dry, unbroken skin. Use a hairdryer on a cool setting if necessary.
- Before lowering your arms, please make sure the skin is completely dry.
- Wash with soap and water in the morning. This will not affect the effectiveness of Perspirex, whether you bathe or shower. No need to reapply – just apply Perspirex roll-ons every 5th night.
- You can apply a regular deodorant or perfume on top of Perspirex – this will not affect the effectiveness of Perspirex.
Three steps for applying lotion to hands and feet:
- Apply Perspirex at night just before bedtime.
- Apply a thin layer to clean, unbroken, and completely dry skin. If needed, use a hairdryer on a cool setting to ensure dryness before application. Let it dry.
- Wash with soap and water in the morning. This will not affect the effectiveness of Perspirex, whether you bathe or shower. No need to reapply – just apply Perspirex Hand or Foot every 3rd night.
Why should I apply Perspirex at night?
At night, the sweat glands are least active. Therefore, the water level in the sweat glands is low and the gel-plug forms more effectively in the sweat duct. This provides you with long-lasting protection against sweat and odour.
How much Perspirex should I apply?
Applying too much Perspirex can lead to skin irritations.
Perspirex roll-ons
Apply Perspirex roll-ons to clean, dry, and unbroken skin.
Apply two strokes up and two strokes down, evenly distributed in the centre of the armpit area where you have hair growth. This is sufficient to provide effective sweat and odour protection that lasts for up to 5 days.
Perspirex Foot
Apply a thin film of Perspirex to clean, dry, and unbroken skin on the soles of your feet with a cotton pad. This is sufficient to provide effective sweat and odour protection that lasts for up to 3 days.
Perspirex Hand
Pour a small amount into your hand and rub until a thin film of Perspirex covers the palms of your hands. This is sufficient to provide effective sweat protection that lasts for up to 3 days.
How often should I use Perspirex to get optimal effect?
When you start using Perspirex roll-ons, it is recommended to apply it for 5 consecutive nights. When you start using Perspirex Hand or Foot, it is recommended to apply it for 7 consecutive nights. To maintain protection for roll-ons, apply every 5th night, or as needed, and to maintain protection for Hand and Foot, apply every 3rd night, or as needed. This provides effective sweat and odour protection lasting up to 5 days with our roll-on antiperspirants, and up to 3 days with our hand and foot lotion antiperspirants.
Can I use my regular deodorant or perfume?
Yes, you can continue to apply your regular scented deodorant or perfume. This will not affect the efficiency of Perspirex.
Why is Perspirex so effective?
The active ingredient in all Perspirex products is Aluminum Chloride. Aluminum Chloride is used as it is extremely efficient in forming a long-lasting gel-plug in sweat ducts. Its effect has been well documented in both literature and in clinical tests.
The most widely used active ingredients in antiperspirants are aluminium salts. Aluminum Chloride is one of the most effective salts used in antiperspirants. Other antiperspirant salts are e.g. Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Sesquichlorohydrate, and Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Gly.
Why does Perspirex contain alcohol?
Perspirex Comfort is water based and does not contain alcohol. However, the rest of the Perspirex portfolio contains alcohol due to the following advantages:
- Cleans and disinfects the skin.
- Reduces odour development.
- Since alcohol is also a disinfectant, it is not needed to add preservatives in Perspirex.
- Alcohol quickly evaporates from the skin leaving the skin dry.
- Degreases the skin so that the formulation works uniformly on the skin.
Can I use Perspirex due to religious reasons?
The alcohol used in Perspirex products is not derived from the fermentation of fruits or grains, and it does not originate from facilities involved in the production of alcoholic beverages. The alcohol used in Perspirex is produced through synthetic petrochemical industrial processes and is supplied exclusively for technical and cosmetic applications. The alcohol is denatured and unsuitable for human consumption and is used solely for external application. Consumers should consider their own religious guidance when deciding whether to use the product.
Is Perspirex cruelty-free?
Yes, Perspirex is cruelty-free. According to the EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, it is forbidden to carry out animal testing of ingredients in the development of cosmetic products and finished cosmetic product. In accordance with this, no Perspirex product nor raw material used in Perspirex products have been subject to animal testing anywhere in the world, by or on behalf of Orkla Health.
Does Perspirex contain perfume?
No, Perspirex products do not contain perfume or other fragrances.
Does Perspirex contain parabens?
No, there are no parabens or other preservatives in Perspirex products.
What is the shelf-life of Perspirex?
Perspirex Comfort, Original, Strong, Men Regular, Men Maximum, and Hand are suitable for use within 12 months after opening.
Perspirex Foot is suitable for use within 24 months after opening.
Is it safe to use Perspirex antiperspirants?
Perspirex products are subject to the European Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009). This legislation requires a cosmetic product not to cause harm to human health under normal foreseeable conditions of use.
Each cosmetic product must undergo a safety assessment by a duly qualified safety assessor before being placed on the market. This assessment takes account of each of the ingredients and the intended use of the product. Only if the cosmetic product is concluded to be safe for human use, according to the requirements of the European Cosmetic Regulation (1223/2009), will the product be placed on the market.
Perspirex antiperspirants contain Aluminum Chloride. Aluminum Chloride has been safely used in cosmetic products for many decades. There is an ongoing attention in the media on the safety of ingredients in cosmetic products, including Aluminium salts in antiperspirant products.
The safety of Aluminium in cosmetic products has been evaluated by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The final SCCS opinion from March 2024 confirms the safety of Aluminium as currently used in cosmetic products. The SCCS opinions on the safety of Aluminium supports more than 20 years of overall scientific evidence developed by scientific and health authorities across the world, which shows no causal link between Aluminium used in cosmetics and ill health.
EU Regulation 2026/909 concludes that Aluminum in non-aerosol antiperspirants like Perspirex can be considered safe when used in a maximum concentration of 7,73 % (as Al). The maximum concentration in Perspirex products is less than half of that. The SCCS opinion therefore confirms that the current concentrations of Aluminum used in Perspirex products are safe for use.
The safe use concentrations for axilla antiperspirants are based on product application in the axilla twice a day. Perspirex products are normally only used 2-3 times per week, and the exposure to Aluminium from Perspirex products is therefore very low.
The SCCS also concludes that the exposure to Aluminium via daily use of antiperspirants and other Aluminium containing cosmetic products does not add significantly to the systemic body burden of Aluminium from other sources. Exposure to Aluminium may also occur from sources other than cosmetic products, and a major source of Aluminium in the population is the diet.
Is it dangerous to block for perspiration?
In order not to hinder the essential body functions related to sweating, we recommend not to use antiperspirant on more than 10% of the body surface. Perspirex is recommended for use locally, on body surfaces well below this limit. For instance, both armpits represent only 1% of the total body surface area.
When blocking some sweat glands, the sweating will often increase from sweat glands in other areas of the body. Preventing perspiration from the antiperspirant-applied areas will lead to a marginally increased perspiration from the rest of the body. This will automatically be regulated by the body.
Can I use Perspirex if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, Perspirex is safe to use, also during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Cosmetic products are subject to the European Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009). This legislation requires a cosmetic product not to cause harm to human health under normal conditions of use. Each cosmetic product must undergo a safety assessment by a duly qualified safety assessor before being placed on the market. This assessment takes account of each of the ingredients and the intended use of the product.
In a safety assessment for a product intended for adults, including pregnant and lactating women, every ingredient is reviewed regarding the risks for the mother’s health, the risks for the baby’s development, and the risks for the pregnancy progression. Only if the cosmetic product is concluded to be safe for human use, according to the requirements of the European Cosmetic Regulation (1223/2009), will the product be placed on the market.
Perspirex is produced according to prevailing cosmetic legislation, in all our markets. If you are in doubt regarding the ingredients of Perspirex in relation to pregnancy or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor for advice.
Can I get breast cancer from using Perspirex?
No, there is no evidence that Aluminium in antiperspirants could increase the risk of breast cancer. The safety of Aluminium in cosmetic products, including antiperspirants, has been evaluated by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The SCCS has thoroughly reviewed the available data on the use of Aluminium ingredients used in cosmetic products and considers them to be safe, based on worst-case theoretical cosmetic exposure. The SCCS noted that realistic cosmetic exposure might be comparable to the typical dietary intake of Aluminum
This is also confirmed by Cancer Research UK. A review of all the available evidence found no link between the use of antiperspirants and breast cancer (Cancer Research UK; www.cancerresearchuk.org).
Also, according to the American Cancer Society, no epidemiologic studies exist, which report a statistical association between breast cancer risk and the use of antiperspirants.
Can I get Alzheimer's disease from using Perspirex?
No, a link between the use of Aluminium containing antiperspirants and Alzheimer’s has not been proven. The US Alzheimer’s Association also states that there is no evidence to suggest that Aluminium exposure increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The research community is generally convinced that Aluminium is not a key risk factor in developing Alzheimer’s disease. Public health bodies sharing this conviction include the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Health Canada.
As described above, the safety of Aluminium in cosmetic products, including antiperspirants, has been evaluated by the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The SCCS has thoroughly reviewed the available data on the use of Aluminium ingredients used in cosmetic products and considers them to be safe, based on worst-case theoretical cosmetic exposure. The SCCS noted that realistic cosmetic exposure might be comparable to the typical dietary intake of Aluminium.
Can Perspirex be used on children?
Children – pre-teenager
Do not use on children. Heavy perspiration rarely occurs before puberty. Perspirex Comfort can be used from the age of approx. 15 years. It is very important to read instructions carefully before use and always under parental supervision.
Children under the teen-age
If a child under the age of puberty has sweating problems, we recommend that you consult your GP or dermatologist to make sure that the sweating is not related to a disease. It may well be that there is no disease-related problem, and the doctor merely recommends using Perspirex Comfort.
What should I do if my skin gets irritated?
Mild skin irritations
In some cases, Perspirex may cause skin irritation. Skin irritation may occur when using extra-effective antiperspirants, containing Aluminum Chloride, like Perspirex.
Most of the skin irritations are temporary and occur during use in the first week of application. If consistent skin irritations or an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use.
To minimize the risk of skin irritations, the product should be applied according to the instructions for use in the insert leaflet.
More serious skin reactions
Some consumers experience more serious skin reactions, mainly if the product has not been used correctly. In such cases, it’s important to discontinue use of Perspirex immediately and consult a doctor.
Darkened skin in the armpits
Extra effective antiperspirants, like Perspirex, can cause irritation of the skin in the armpits, which in rare cases results in skin darkening. The skin irritation induces low-grade inflammation, which then can cause increased pigment. If this occurs, discontinue use and treat with a skin moisturizer.
Does Perspirex stain clothes?
Antiperspirants contain Aluminum, which is the active ingredient. Aluminum interacts with proteins in the sweat, and this combination, when transferred to the clothes, may result in staining. Also, the acidity of the Aluminum can cause fading and discolouration of fabrics.
When using Perspirex at night, the potential staining will be limited to the night-wear clothes. Perspirex should be washed off in the morning using soap and water, and therefore the day wear clothes should not be affected.
How to apply
Stop sweating. It’s as simple as sleeping
To minimise the risk of skin irritation and ensure full protection, all Perspirex antiperspirants must be applied at night to clean, unbroken, and completely dry skin when the sweat glands are least active. All it takes is a small habit change in your routine.
Our products
Life-changing protection against sweat and odour
Find the Perspirex antiperspirant that matches your perceived sweat level and problem. Explore the full range of antiperspirants for underarms, hands, and feet.
8
Intense Sweating
Perspirex Comfort is an extra-effective antiperspirant for you if you experience intense sweating and sometimes find sweat and odour problematic in your daily life. Formulated with a skin care system, it helps minimise the risk of irritation while offering clinically proven protection against sweat and odour for up to 5 days.
9
Heavy Sweating
Perspirex Original is an extra-effective antiperspirant for you if you experience heavy sweating and often find sweat and odour problematic in your daily life. Formulated with an active skin care system, it helps minimise the risk of irritation while offering clinically proven protection against sweat and odour for up to 5 days.
10
Extreme Sweating
Perspirex Strong is an extra-effective antiperspirant for you if you experience extreme sweating and find sweat and odour problematic every single day. It is our strongest roll-on and has a clinically proven protection effect against sweat and odour for up to 5 days.
9
Heavy Sweating
Perspirex Men Regular is an extra-effective antiperspirant for you if you experience heavy sweating and often find sweat and odour problematic in your daily life. Formulated with an active skin care system, it helps minimise the risk of irritation while offering clinically proven protection against sweat and odour for up to 5 days.
10
Extreme Sweating
Perspirex Men Maximum an extra-effective antiperspirant for you if you experience extreme sweating and find sweat and odour problematic every single day. It is our strongest roll-on and has a clinically proven protection effect against sweat and odour for up to 5 days.
Perspirex Hand is an expert antiperspirant non-stick lotion with an active skin care system to minimise the risk of skin irritation. It has a clinically proven protection effect against sweat for up to 3 days.
Perspirex Foot is an expert antiperspirant non-stick lotion. It has a clinically proven protection effect against sweat and odour for up to 3 days.
Our expertise
The life-changing formulas
Perspirex expert antiperspirants are the simple solution with clinically proven results. Formulated with a doctor-recommended active ingredient for excessive sweating, they have already made a difference for many people, helping them live with less sweat, odour, and emotional stress. Learn more about our extra-effective protection formulas.
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