Imagine a world where every inch of you remains as fresh as a daisy on a spring morning. It may seem overkill if you often find yourself drenched in sweat and not smelling your best. Enter the full body deodorant products, also known as full body deodorants, that have become trending in the early 2020s. Both niche and mainstream brands such as Dove, Secret, Lume, Mando , Shea Moisture and Native, have launched or expanded their product lines to include full-body deodorants, increasing the product’s popularity.
But what exactly is full body deodorant? And is whole body deodorant necessary and, most importantly, safe?
What is a full body deodorant versus an antiperspirant?
Full body products are aimed at those seeking comprehensive odor and moisture control across multiple areas of their body. However, the key difference between full body deodorant and antiperspirant lies in their main functions.
“Deodorants mask the body odor associated with sweating, but they do not affect the amount we sweat.” Dr. My name is Ugonabo, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine told CNET. “In contrast, antiperspirants work to prevent us from sweating, generally with aluminum compounds that block sweat ducts.”
In other words, deodorants can prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria while masking these odors, and antiperspirants can reduce sweat production. Combination full-body deodorants and antiperspirants can ensure dryness and reduce odor in sweat-prone areas such as the armpits, feet, and groin.
Full body deodorants can come in the form of sprays, creams, or wipes, and are tailored to different application preferences and areas of the body. Since they are ideal for controlling body odor without disturbing natural sweating, this makes full body deodorants suitable for daily use and for mild to moderate odor problems.
Do full body deodorants work?
When sweating occurs, this is the body’s attempt to regulate its temperature. However, as soon as sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, there may be concern that this will cause odor in areas other than the armpits. Although all-body deodorants are designed to fight odor-causing bacteria and control overall body odor, some may question whether they really work. According to Dr. Ugonabo, that’s right.
“In my experience, body deodorant can be helpful in keeping areas of the body fresh and reducing body odor,” said Dr. Ugonabo. “It is formulated slightly differently than regular deodorant to allow for broad application across the body.”
Everyone’s body is different, so to gauge the effectiveness of your full-body deodorant, monitor your overall scent throughout the day. Check for reduced body odor and prolonged freshness in application areas. If a specific all-over body deodorant doesn’t effectively combat body odor, consider switching brands to one with different active ingredients. There may be a formulation that targets bacteria more effectively or one that better suits your body’s needs.
Is deodorant necessary for the whole body?
Full body deodorant isn’t necessary, but anyone looking to expand their overall hygiene routine and feel more confident about how they smell can benefit from the added odor protection that full body deodorants offer. Since all-body deodorants work largely to address odor in areas prone to moisture and bacteria, they can provide comprehensive odor control, making them a potentially ideal addition to personal care routines.
Full body deodorants can be particularly useful for active people who participate in intense physical activities or sports. Additionally, for people who live in hot or humid climates, full-body deodorants can help keep you fresh all day long.
“I would recommend [whole-body deodorant] “For areas like folds and high-friction areas like the groin and maybe under the breasts,” Dr. Ugonabo said. “However, it doesn’t do much to reduce the amount of sweat.”
That being the case, full-body antiperspirants can be beneficial if you tend to sweat when you’re stressed or if you have long days during which controlling your sweat will make you feel more comfortable. Lume is a brand that offers a deodorant-antiperspirant combo, combating sweat and body odor simultaneously with a single product.
While not required, full body deodorant fills a specific need, making it a valuable option for many.
Is whole body deodorant safe?
Full body deodorants are generally considered safe. Many believe this is because they use milder ingredients and do not contain aluminum. However, the safety of antiperspirants is a topic of debate.
As over-the-counter medications regulated by the FDA, antiperspirants must demonstrate their safety. While the FDA considers aluminum-based compounds to be safe and effective within a concentration range of 15% to 25%, depending on the compound, concerns remain about the safety of aluminum due to its possible link to cancer, particularly breast cancer. However, there has been no conclusive evidence linking antiperspirant use to cancer risk. For example, a 2021 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care Study found no conclusive evidence linking aluminum-containing antiperspirants and the use of hair dyes with the risk of breast cancer.
Deodorant ingredients for the whole body.
There may be no cause for concern due to the absence of aluminum. Still, like natural deodorant, full body deodorant may contain other ingredients that people should consider when choosing the best product.
As Dr. Ugonabo said, full-body versions are typically formulated with gentler ingredients compared to typical underarm deodorants, making them safe for use on various parts of the body, including sensitive areas. If you look at the ingredients list, you’ll see that brands often use plant and mineral-based ingredients, essential oils, and acids to combat odor-causing bacteria. However, caution should still be taken with these types of products.
According to US Dermatology Partners, people with sensitive skin should avoid products that contain certain ingredients, such as fragrances, parabens, and baking soda. These ingredients are common in deodorants and antiperspirants and can irritate the skin.
“In general, people who have sensitive skin should be careful with items that contain fragrance, as they can cause irritation. It is always helpful to start with a test area before applying widely. Also, avoid applying any of these products to broken areas. or open skin,” Dr. Ugonabo said.
People with sensitive skin may also want to choose products labeled hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and designed explicitly for sensitive skin.
Other ways to prevent sweat and body odor
While full-body deodorants and antiperspirants are effective solutions, there are other ways to manage and prevent these problems. Incorporating simple practices into your daily routine can significantly reduce sweat and odor, helping you feel fresh and clean all day long.
To prevent sweat and body odor, Cleveland Clinic recommends:
- Shower regularly: Daily showers with antibacterial soap help eliminate sweat and bacteria, reducing body odor.
- Use breathable fabrics: Breathable fabrics and loose clothing allow the skin to breathe and help control sweat.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Avoid strong-smelling foods like garlic and onion, which can contribute to body odor.
- Shaving or trimming body hair: Reducing body hair in sweat-prone areas can minimize bacterial growth and odor.
- Managing stress: Stress can cause sweating, so finding ways to reduce stress levels can limit sweating.
- Limit alcohol: Alcohol can increase sweat production, even causing night sweats, so reducing your consumption may be helpful.
For a potentially more effective approach, Dr. Ugonabo encourages exploring beyond lifestyle changes, stating: “Some people may consider using benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid under the arms, which may help reduce body odor by killing bacteria under the arm that can contribute to Apart from antiperspirants, I recommend patients consider seeing a dermatologist who can prescribe a topical or oral medication, or applying botulinum toxin (“botox”) to the armpits , which helps significantly reduce armpit sweating.”
