In recent years, the beauty and personal care market has been flooded with a growing category of deodorants designed for more than just your armpits. Now, products that promise “whole-body” odor control are hitting the shelves, targeting everything from your groin to your feet, with bold marketing statements suggesting their benefits for private areas. But how effective are these products, and should you be using them? Experts weigh in.
Whole-body deodorants, often marketed in sprays, sticks, or creams, are products that aim to fight odor beyond the traditional underarm area. They promise to target body odor in other spots like the groin, feet, and even the back, areas that are commonly associated with microbial growth and the development of body odor.
Dr. Marisa Plescia, vice president of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, recognizes the surge in demand for these products. She notes that, following the success of deodorants targeting more specific regions like the armpits and “intimate” zones, brands are now expanding their offerings to cover the entire body. “It is clearly a trend right now,” Plescia comments, as more brands recognize that certain areas, like the groin, can be more prone to odor.
At their core, most whole-body deodorants function in much the same way as traditional deodorants. They absorb sweat using ingredients like arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, or magnesium carbonate. These powders, combined with pleasant fragrances, aim to neutralize body odor without the use of aluminum salts, commonly found in antiperspirants.
However, some brands are taking a more innovative approach. Dr. Chris Adigun, a dermatologist from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, highlights products that incorporate antimicrobial compounds to target the bacteria responsible for body odor. For example, Lume, a brand leading the whole-body deodorant market, uses mandelic acid—an alpha hydroxy acid known for its antibacterial properties.
Magnesium hydroxide, another key ingredient in natural deodorants, is also gaining traction. It works by altering the skin’s pH, making it less conducive to the growth of odor-causing bacteria. The brand Curie, for instance, uses witch hazel and other “post-biotics” derived from beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus to fight bacteria at its source.
While whole-body deodorants may seem appealing, experts suggest that they might not be necessary for everyone. From a biological standpoint, not all sweat glands contribute to body odor. Apocrine glands, which are concentrated in the armpits and groin, secrete a sweat rich in fats and proteins. This provides a breeding ground for odor-producing bacteria, leading to the smell we associate with body odor.
On the other hand, most of the body’s sweat glands are eccrine glands, which release a watery, odorless sweat. Therefore, using deodorant on areas that don’t produce the same kind of sweat may not be necessary or even effective. Dr. Adigun points out that the limited need for deodorants outside of the typical odor-prone areas suggests that whole-body deodorants may be more of a marketing gimmick than a functional necessity.
Moreover, Dr. Plescia warns that the push to use deodorants everywhere might not be sending the best message. She questions the cultural implications of promoting the idea that we need products to “fix” ourselves everywhere, which could reinforce feelings of insecurity. “Is that really a great message to people?” she asks, emphasizing the potential harm of over-marketing body products in ways that suggest we smell bad naturally.
Using deodorants everywhere on your body may not come without risks, especially if you have sensitive skin. Dr. Jeanine Downie, a dermatologist from Montclair, New Jersey, notes that many patients with sensitive skin experience irritation from the ingredients commonly found in these products, such as pentylene glycol or phenylpropanol.
There is also concern about using deodorants near sensitive areas, particularly the genital region. As Dr. Adigun points out, the vagina maintains a delicate balance of microflora, and antibacterial ingredients can disrupt this balance, leading to conditions like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Even if the product claims to be for “external use only,” it’s important to be cautious about what you apply near such sensitive areas.
Whole-body deodorants offer an intriguing solution to odor control, but they may not be as essential as their marketing suggests. While some innovative formulas are effective at targeting bacteria that cause body odor, experts caution against applying deodorant everywhere, especially on sensitive areas where it could do more harm than good. As with any personal care product, it’s important to listen to your body and choose products that are suited to your needs and skin type. If you don’t suffer from body odor everywhere, you might be better off sticking to traditional deodorants for the areas that need it most.
