7 Best Whole Body Deodorants That Keep You Odor-Free From Head to Toe
If you've been seeing whole body deodorants lining store shelves and have wondered what they are and why should you get one, you've come to the right place! We've long used deodorants for our underarms but that's not the only area of our body that could use some deodorizing. Enter: Whole body deodorants. Applying these formulas to underarms and other areas of the body work wonders to fight odor and sweat. Here, skin pros share the reasons to try one, how to use them and the best whole body deodorants that actually work.
What are whole body deodorants?
Whole body deodorant is just how it sounds: a deodorant that you can apply to various areas of your body because, in reality, we don’t just get smelly or sweat in our underarm area. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, goes more in depth on what whole deodorants are saying, “deodorants are aluminum-free products that typically contain a fragrance to provide a pleasant smell and mask natural odor.”
Vineet Kumar, CEO of Native, says that a lot of people are sweating all over the body. And because of that, “we’ve found consumers are having to deal with compensating behaviors like multiple showers, changing clothes, keeping distance from others, using messy powders, dowsing with fragrance sprays, etc," he says. "But none of these solutions are designed to address odor at the source in a clean and effective way.”
This is where whole body deodorant comes in. Whole body deodorants typically come in various forms, including sprays, roll-ons or creams. They offer a convenient and effective solution for individuals seeking all-over freshness and confidence throughout the day. Women find it useful in the armpits, under the breasts and on the feet for example. And these formulas can even be used on the skin around your most sensitive areas.
Note: If you find that over-the-counter deodorant is insufficient or if you have excessive sweating, Dr. Zeichner recommends visiting a dermatologist for evaluation for a prescription solution.
Related: Armpit Detox: Why Dermatologists Say You Should Give Your Underarms Some TLC + How to Do It
Background on sweat glands + what causes body odor
Cassandra Bankson, medical aesthetician, says that there are two types of sweat glands within our bodies: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands “produce sweat on places like the arms to help you cool off during the hot summer day and normally don’t leave behind any smell.” While apocrine glands ”are in areas such as the armpits and groin. These also produce sweat, but the sweat that comes from these glands is filled with more substances, such as fats, sugars and other ingredients that bacteria love to feed on.” Why we end up smelling is because, “the bacteria feeds on this nutritional content in the sweat, [and] the bacteria produces waste products.” So using a whole body deodorant works by preventing, blocking or covering this process throughout the entire body.
For more on body odor, watch the below video from YouTuber and dermatologist Sam Ellis, MD.
The benefits of using a whole body deodorant
Whole body deodorants come packed with sweat-fighting powers that keep you dry and odor-free all day long — no matter how much you're exercising or how hot it gets outside. And they're not just about fighting odor. They also come loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients like moisturizers and vitamins to keep your skin happy and hydrated.
Bankson says that, “full body deodorants can also act as a chafing cream, helping prevent uncomfortable skin rubbing in sensitive areas, such as between the thighs.” In addition, whole body deodorants can also act as pH balancers. These products "can help bring skin back to an optimal pH of 5.5, which is where it functions best."
Some may be skeptical about placing these products on sensitive areas of the body, including the pelvic region and breasts. But Bankson ensures that these products are not only safe but beneficial to your skin. Often, these products come with ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera to moisturize and hydrate skin. And some even go the extra mile with soothing ingredients like chamomile or vitamin E to calm any irritation.
What’s in whole body deodorants?
Whole body deodorants often contain ingredients such as those with antiperspirant properties to reduce sweating, deodorizing agents to combat odor-causing bacteria and moisturizers like shea butter to soothe and hydrate the skin. “Some may include cornstarch, tapioca starch or baking soda to help absorb excess moisture," says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. In addition, she says, “some also may be formulated with ingredients that help to nourish the skin such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid as well as gentle exfoliating acids like lactic acid and mandelic acid.”
Related: Top Dermatologist: Glycolic Acid Is the Deodorant Dupe You Never Knew You Needed
How to use whole body deodorant
Using whole body deodorant is simple and effective. Start with clean, dry skin, ensuring there's no leftover moisture. Give the product a good shake to mix the ingredients, then apply generously. Wendy Goodall McDonald, MD, board-certified obstetrician gynecologist says, “since skin folds like the bikini line, underboobs and between the toes tend to have more odor-causing bacteria than others, these are great places to use a whole body deodorant. If you can get the bacteria-fighting ingredient in these tight spaces, body odor can be reduced.” Dr. Zeichner shares that it is important to, “hold the can 1 inch from the skin and spray in a continuous motion. When it comes to a body deodorant, applying too much will likely lead to an overpowering smell.”
After applying, let the deodorant dry completely before putting on clothes and reapply throughout the day as necessary. With regular use, whole body deodorant provides long-lasting freshness and odor control, keeping you feeling confident and comfortable no matter what the day brings.
Tip: Dr. Garshick recommends doing a test spot before applying the product all over the body. “When first starting to use a whole body deodorant, it is always important to do a test spot in a small area to ensure there’s no reaction."
The 7 best whole body deodorants
For our experts' favorite whole body deodorants to try out, keep reading!
Dr. Zeichner recommends this spray because it works for even the most sensitive skin. It's free of parabens, baking soda and talc — all igredients that can be irritating. Bankson also loves this product and shares, “they are one of the only deodorant brands that provides completely compostable products, down to the packaging.”
Designed for use on the whole body, including intimate areas, Garshick swears by this product. Why? It contains lactic acid, glycerin and vitamins B3 and E. It's also gentle on skin and won’t leave it feeling irritated. Also, apply it on the inner thighs to prevent chub rub (aka chafing).
Dr. McDonald says, “what makes Secret Whole Body Deodorant unique is that its 72-hour odor protection is clinically proven." "It’s gentle on sensitive skin and it goes on smooth and clear without pilling.”
For a cream that applies like a lotion, try this option from Lume that is a favorite of Dr. Garshick's and Bankson's. It works by acidifying the skin so bacteria can’t take over and produce any smell. Bonus: The brand also provides education about the causes of body odor to help to de-stigmatize it while providing an option to treat it.
Crystal Mineral Deodorant Spray
These products use salt to naturally keep odor-causing bacteria at bay. Bankson loves that it has simple yet effective ingredients—plus its results last 24 hours. And reviewers rave about how well they work and that it comes in an unscented version.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Whole Body Deodorant Cream
Made with melanin-rich skin tones in mind, this deodorant cream from SheaMoisture sinks into skin and boasts a fruity-floral aroma. And it also contains hydrating shea butter and moisture-absorbing cornstarch.
If you prefer a spray-on formula, then this deodorizing mist is for you. It's made with witch hazel and probiotics that keep skin healthy and nourished. Best of all, it comes in six amazing scents that keep you smelling fresh all day long.
For more of our favorite body products and tips, click through these stories:
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8 Best Body Scrubs for Smooth + Soft Skin by the Time You Step Out of the Shower
