FAQs: Fresh Answers to Questions about Ban® Products

How Ban® Products Work

What is the difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant?
Deodorants ONLY help to prevent odor while antiperspirants help prevent BOTH wetness and odor. Antiperspirants are also good deodorants because the active ingredients are both antibacterial and reduce sweat which is broken down by bacteria to form odor. Ban® products also include special ingredients to target specific sources of odor.
How do antiperspirants work?
Perspiration is created by the sweat glands when we are overheated or stressed. An antiperspirant is designed to stop perspiration by combining with the moisture to block the release of more sweat.
How does the product keep me odor free?
Body odor is caused when bacteria break down perspiration into smelly compounds. All Ban® antiperspirants/deodorants contain antiperspirant actives which reduce bacteria and perspiration. Ban® products also contain patented technology to target specific odors by either interfering with their generation or absorbing them.
What is stress odor, and why are Ban® Invisible Solids so effective in protecting from it?
The Ban® brand experts were the first to discover and address the two distinct types of stress related odors – spicy odor and s-odor. Traditional antiperspirant/deodorants merely mask odors and reduce odor-causing sweat in general. Ban® Invisible Solids, with Kihada extract and silver cancrinite, use patented, breakthrough technology to specifically target and virtually eliminate (not cover up) spicy and s-odor that other antiperspirant/deodorants may leave behind.
Are Ban® Antiperspirant Deodorant products antibacterial?
Yes, the active ingredients in antiperspirants are antibacterial by nature.
Which form of Ban® Antiperspirant Deodorant is most effective?
All of the Ban® products will significantly reduce perspiration; however, the invisible solids are the most effective. And Ban® Clinical Defense® roll-on has been designed to combine prescription strength odor protection with clinically proven 24-hour wetness protection.
How much product should I use?
Product use differs by individual. As a general guideline, try using 3-4 back and forth strokes of a roll-on or invisible solid per underarm. One turn of the wheel is usually enough for clear gel application.
Why doesn't the product go on clear as claimed? I see white marks on my clothes.
The product does go on clear and will stay clear on the skin. However, once the product touches fabric, the different ingredients can be absorbed into the fabric which causes the product to show as white. This is especially noticeable on darker fabrics. Ban® roll-ons will give you the least whitening. Experiment with the amount you use as well. Using excessive amounts will contribute to product rub off and will likely not offer any better protection.
How do I remove the white residue left on my clothes as I dress and touch my underarms?
A damp cloth should remove any marks left on clothing or try a dry brush to rub off any invisible solid marks.
Allow the spot to dry or blot with a dry/absorbent cloth or paper towel and then brush lightly to remove the powder stain. If the white marks are set or stubborn to remove, try pre-treating the spot with liquid detergent or spot remover and blotting with damp cloth. Follow recommended cleaning instructions for your garment.
Do I need to use Ban® products daily if I do not bathe daily? Is it still effective on Tuesday if I applied it on Monday?
The effectiveness of the product will vary for everyone. Some people find they do not need to use their antiperspirant/deodorant on a daily basis.
Can I use my antiperspirant to stop perspiration wetness in other areas of my body besides underarms?
Antiperspirants are not intended for use on any other part of your body.
Are Ban® products tested on animals?
No.

Storage Tips

Why does the clear gel become opaque or hazy?
Extreme temperature changes can cause the clear gel to become cloudy or discolor but this does not change the effectiveness of the product. However, it may also be cloudy if it has expired, in which case the product may not be as effective. Always check the bottom of the canister for the expiration date.
What is the shelf life of Ban® antiperspirant/deodorant?
Up to three years, unless an expiration date is on the package. Expiration dates are used to ensure you receive the freshest product possible.
Why do I need to shake the roll-ons?
Shaking the product ensures that the formula is properly mixed, much like Italian dressing. The formula works best when it is fully suspended.
Will extreme temperatures harm this product? (I accidentally froze it or left it in my hot car.)
If you completely melt an invisible solid product (expose it to temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit), the active ingredient may separate so the protection won’t be evenly distributed through the stick. You will not want to use the product if that happens. However, if it just gets soft, let it stand at room temperature and it should still be as effective as before.
Clear gel may become hazy if you freeze it, but it should still be usable when it thaws. Roll-on will also survive freezing. Just make sure you shake it to mix the formula when it returns to room temperature.

Health

Do antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer?
Antiperspirants and deodorants are safe. There is no evidence of harm from the use of antiperspirants or deodorants. Extensive population-based case-control studies in addition to many extremely thorough epidemiological studies of breast cancer risk have been reviewed by internationally known experts and have not found antiperspirant use to be a risk factor for breast cancer.
Does the aluminum ingredient found in many antiperspirants contribute to Alzheimer’s?
There is no scientific evidence of any link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s. For more information, please visit www.alz.org and see Myth #4.
Are Ban® products toxic, my child just nibbled on some?
The products are non-toxic. However, you should ALWAYS call your doctor or poison control center if your child ingests a non-edible product. It should be noted that any product eaten might cause some indigestion.

Ingredients

Do Ban® products contain aluminum?
Yes, they contain an aluminum salt as the active ingredient that reduces sweat production. All antiperspirant active ingredients allowed by law contain aluminum.
Is there alcohol in Ban® antiperspirant/deodorant?
There are different types of alcohol. None of the Ban® products contain the type of alcohol that would sting or burn broken or irritated skin. The alcohols present are solid waxes, used to thicken a product and provide a dry skin feel. They will not burn or sting broken or irritated skin.

Clinical Defense® Roll-on

Does the product irritate skin?
Ban® Clinical Defense® roll-on is formulated to be mild to skin. Unlike most prescription antiperspirants, which use highly acidic Aluminum Chloride, Clinical Defense® roll-on uses one of the mildest actives, Aluminum Chlorohydrate, the same as current Ban® roll-ons. Clinical Defense® roll-on also contains skin conditioning emollients like petrolatum and mineral oil.
How is it different from other products in category?
Ban® Clinical Defense® roll-on is the ONLY roll-on proven to provide prescription strength odor protection and 24 hour wetness protection. Unlike some "Clinical Wetness" products, it was designed to protect against consumers #1 concern of preventing underarm odor. It also uses the same trusted active ingredient as other Ban® roll-ons, avoiding the Zirconium materials or harsh Aluminum Chloride active.
How is it different from other Ban® products?
Clinical Defense® roll-on is the only Ban® product which provides prescription strength odor protection AND 24 hour wetness protection. It also contains no water so provides a drier application than most typical roll-ons.
Who is this product designed for?
Ban® Clinical Defense® roll-on is designed for anyone concerned about underarm odor and maintaining freshness. It was designed to be mild to skin and contains a neutral scent intended for women or men.
How long does this product work?
Ban® Clinical Defense® roll-on provides prescription strength odor protection for up to 24 hours after application and is also proven to provide 24 hour wetness protection.
Can you use everyday?
All Ban® products are safe for everyday use.
Can you apply more than once a day?
One application per day should provide all the wetness and odor protection you need; however you may desire to reapply if you engaged in high activity or showered. Ban® Clinical Defense® roll-on can be applied either morning or evening or any time of day desired.
What do I do about excess sweating?
Everyone sweats differently and it is the body's natural mechanism for cooling. Sweating typically increases in response to temperature, exercise, or emotional stresses like anger, anxiety, nervousness or concentration. The underarm (axilla), palms, and feet tend to sweat more and are most responsive to stress triggers. For most people, regular use of Antiperspirant products, like Ban® antiperspirants, should help control wetness and associated odor in the underarm.
For a small percentage of people, sweating may occur at unusually high rates or at unusual times without a thermal, physical or emotional trigger. This can be due to overactive sweat glands or other medical conditions and is often referred to as "hyperhydrosis". For more information you can visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007259.htm or the International Hyperhydrosis Society and as always if you have concerns consult your physician.