Dove Sensitive Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant for Women 40ml

Product Overview

Dove Sensitive Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On, 40ml — a hypoallergenic antiperspirant made specifically for sensitive underarm skin, for both protection and skin care.

The Dove sensitive line exists because the underarm is one of the most easily irritated patches of skin on the body: it is thin, it is warm, it is enclosed, it is shaved, and then a fragranced product is applied to it every morning. Removing the fragrance load is most of what makes a “sensitive” formula work.

Deodorant, Antiperspirant and What Each One Does

They are sold side by side and they do different jobs:

• A deodorant does not stop sweat. It masks and slows odour, which is not made by sweat itself — fresh sweat is nearly odourless — but by skin bacteria breaking it down.
• An antiperspirant reduces the sweat, using aluminium salts that temporarily block the ducts. If wetness is the problem rather than smell, this is the one you need.

Two things make a bigger difference than which brand you buy: apply it to clean, completely dry skin, and apply it at night. An antiperspirant works far better applied before bed, when you are sweating least, and it survives the morning shower.

Do not apply any of them to skin that has just been shaved or waxed — that is where the stinging and the rash come from.

If Your Underarms Are Sore, Read This First

Most underarm irritation is not caused by the deodorant on its own. It is caused by the sequence:

• Shaving and then applying a product straight afterwards. Shaving removes the top layer of skin; anything applied to it stings and sensitises. Leave a day between shaving and deodorant if your skin reacts.
• Applying to damp skin, which dilutes the product and traps moisture.
• Layering fresh product over yesterday’s instead of washing it off.
• Fragrance. It is the most common allergen in personal care, and a sensitive formula is largely defined by having less of it.

If the skin is darkening rather than reddening, that is usually friction and shaving rather than the product — and it settles when you stop doing both so often.

How to Use It

1. Apply to clean, completely dry skin.
2. Apply at night. An antiperspirant works far better applied when you are sweating least; it sets overnight and survives the morning shower.
3. Two or three strokes under each arm — no more.
4. Let it dry fully before dressing.
5. Do not apply to broken, freshly shaved or already irritated skin.
6. Stop using it if there is a rash, and see a doctor if the rash does not settle within a few days of stopping.

Patch Test First

Before the first full use, put a small amount on the inside of your forearm and leave it for 24 hours. If there is redness, itching, burning or a rash, do not go on to use it.

Fragrance is the most common cause of a reaction in personal care products, and it is in almost all of them. If your skin has reacted to a scented product before, patch test this one properly rather than hoping.

Keep it out of your eyes. If it gets in, rinse with plenty of cool water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hypoallergenic actually mean?

It means the formula is designed to minimise the ingredients most likely to cause a reaction — chiefly fragrance and certain preservatives. It is not a guarantee: anyone can react to anything, which is why a patch test is still worth 24 hours of your time.

Is it an antiperspirant or just a deodorant?

An antiperspirant — it reduces sweat as well as odour.

How long does 40ml last?

Around two months of daily use. A roll-on wastes almost nothing, which is why it outlasts a spray of the same size.

Can men use it?

Yes. Sensitive skin is sensitive skin, and the only real difference between the men’s and women’s versions is the fragrance and the bottle.

I have sensitive skin. Is it suitable?

Patch test it first and see. Fragrance and alcohol are the two most common causes of a reaction in personal care products, so check the pack for both if your skin is reactive.