Whole body deodorant: does it work and is it safe?

Sweat on its own has almost no smell. Body odor appears when bacteria on your skin break down the sweat made by glands in places such as the underarms, groin and feet. That is why most fixes work by reducing sweat, bacteria or both.

Quick answer: Antiperspirants (usually aluminum salts) reduce sweat; deodorants reduce odor-causing bacteria or mask the smell. Whole body deodorants are deodorants made for skin folds, feet and other areas, often with mild acids. They are for external skin only. Daily washing, breathable fabrics and good drying also help a lot.

Why does body odor happen?

Your skin has two main types of sweat glands. Most of the body has eccrine glands, which make mostly watery sweat to cool you down. The underarms and groin also have apocrine glands, which make a thicker sweat that skin bacteria like to feed on. When bacteria break it down, they create the smell.

Many things can change how strongly you smell:

• Heat, exercise and stress, which make you sweat more.
• Hormonal changes, such as puberty, periods, pregnancy and menopause.
• Food and drink, such as strong spices or alcohol, can change odor for some people.
• Clothes. Tight or synthetic fabrics trap sweat against skin.
• Some medicines and health conditions, including diabetes and kidney or liver problems (see "When to see a doctor").
• Feet. Sweat trapped in closed shoes is an ideal place for bacteria.

For many people no cause is found, and that is normal. Body odor is common and usually easy to manage at home. See sweat and body odor for more.

Deodorant vs. antiperspirant

Both are sold for the underarms. See deodorants and deodorant actives for the ingredients involved. Some products combine both actions.

What is a whole body deodorant?

A whole body deodorant is a deodorant made to be used on more than the underarms. They come as creams, sprays, wipes, sticks and gels. Many include mild acids such as mandelic acid or lactic acid, which are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). The idea is that a slightly more acidic skin surface is less friendly to odor-causing bacteria. This is a reasonable idea, but independent studies of these products are limited, so treat claims about long-lasting protection with caution.

Where they are meant to be used (external skin only):

• underarms;
• under the breasts and in other skin folds;
• feet and between the toes;
• inner thighs;
• the outer skin of the bikini area, if the label says it is suitable.

Where not to use them:

• broken, irritated, freshly shaved or waxed skin;
• eyes, lips and the inside of the nose or mouth;
• the inside of the vagina or other mucous membranes. The vagina cleans itself, and a change in vaginal odor is a reason to see a doctor, not to use a deodorant.

Sun note. AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun. The US FDA advises using sunscreen with AHA products. If you use an acid-based deodorant on areas that get sun, such as the underarms in a sleeveless top, wear sunscreen or cover up. See AHAs.

Fragrance. Fragrance can irritate or cause allergic reactions in some people. People with sensitive skin may prefer fragrance-free products. Patch test any new product on a small area first.

Is aluminum safe?

The National Cancer Institute says there is no scientific evidence that underarm antiperspirants or deodorants cause breast cancer. Some scientists have suggested a possible link because aluminum compounds could be absorbed through the skin, but studies have not confirmed a meaningful effect, and a 2014 review found no clear evidence that aluminum in these products raises risk. If this worries you, you can choose an aluminum-free product, and you can talk to your doctor. It is a personal choice.

Habits that help most

The NHS suggests a simple routine for body odor:

• Wash the armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap, and dry them well, especially skin folds.
• Choose breathable, natural fabrics and loose clothes rather than tight, synthetic ones. Moisture-wicking sportswear can help when you exercise.
• Change moisture-wicking socks at least twice a day, and rotate your shoes so they can dry out fully.
• Wash clothes regularly, especially workout clothes and anything worn close to the underarms.
• Think about your triggers. Cutting back on very spicy food or alcohol may help some people.
• Consider hair. Hair can hold sweat and bacteria. Trimming or shaving underarm hair may reduce odor for some people. See shaving products if shaving irritates you.

Your pharmacist can suggest stronger antiperspirants, foot powders, clothing shields and gentler soap alternatives. A body wash for daily use should be gentle, since scrubbing and strong antibacterial products can irritate skin.

What not to mix

• Acid deodorants right after shaving or waxing. Skin is more likely to sting. Wait a day or use a milder product.
• Several products at once. If you use an antiperspirant at night, an acid-based whole body deodorant at the same time may irritate. Try one at a time.
• Heavily scented products on skin folds, which can be sensitive and prone to rubbing.
• Any deodorant on broken or rashy skin.

How long until it works?

A deodorant works as soon as you apply it, though how long it lasts depends on you, the product, the weather and your activity. An antiperspirant can take a few days of regular use to reach its full effect. If you see no improvement after a couple of weeks of good habits, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if:

• body odor does not improve after you have tried self-care, or it affects your confidence or daily life;
• your odor suddenly changes, or smells fruity, fishy or like ammonia;
• you sweat heavily when you are cool or at rest, or sweat soaks through clothes, which can be a sign of a condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) that dermatologists can treat;
• you have night sweats, fever or unexplained weight loss;
• you have a rash, redness, pain or discharge in the underarm or groin area;
• you notice a change in vaginal odor, itching or discharge.

Doctors can offer options such as prescription antiperspirants and other treatments for excessive sweating. Do not stop any medicine without asking your doctor first.

FAQ

Can I use my underarm deodorant everywhere?

Not necessarily. Underarm formulas are not always made for other areas and can irritate sensitive skin. Use products labeled for the body part you want to treat.

Does shaving reduce body odor?

It may help some people, because hair holds sweat and bacteria. It is not essential, and you should not shave if it causes irritation.

Do armpit masks make a difference?

There is little evidence that armpit masks reduce odor. Regular washing and a suitable deodorant or antiperspirant do most of the work.

Is it okay to use deodorant if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are unsure about a product, especially one with strong active ingredients, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using it.

Why do I still smell after using deodorant?

Deodorant fades through the day, sweat can build up in clothes, and bacteria can live in fabric. Washing clothes often and changing sweaty ones can help more than adding another product.

Sources

• Body odour (BO) (NHS)
• Hyperhidrosis: FAQs (American Academy of Dermatology)
• Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer (National Cancer Institute, NIH)