What a Dermatologist Wants You to Know About Using Whole-Body Deodorants

If you’re wondering, “How do whole-body deodorants work?” it’s good to know that when used as directed, they’re safe to use all over to eliminate body odor.

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If you’ve used regular stick deodorant your whole life, you probably know that a few swipes under your arms each day only goes so far. Whole-body deodorants are a new-ish type of body care product that’s meant to help users who want to neutralize body odor as a result of perspiring all over — not just from the armpits. If you’ve been curious to give one a try, you may be wondering, “How do whole-body deodorants work? And are you really supposed to use them everywhere?”

We asked a dermatologist for her expert insights on how whole-body deodorants work, where they’re best used, and what to look for in a formula. Read on to learn what you need to know.

How do you use whole-body deodorants?

Whole-body deodorants come in stick, cream, spray, and powder form just like regular deodorants. Using a small amount of product, you can apply the deodorant topically to experience fresh scent wherever you tend to sweat (and smell) the most.

“[Whole-body deodorants] can be used on any part of the body externally to help with body odor control,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “While both whole-body and regular deodorant serve the same purpose of odor control, whole-body deodorants are able to target specific areas of the body such as the feet or groin area that would not be suitable for armpit deodorant,” Dr. Graf adds.

Basically, a whole-body deodorant is fair game to use under your arms, breasts, or belly, all over your feet, and even on the parts between your legs — yes, really! However, Dr. Graf stresses that body deodorants are for external use only.

How do whole-body deodorants work?

When we sweat, we also tend to smell — this is due to a reaction of the bacteria on our skin coming into contact with our perspiration. Whole-body deodorants work by neutralizing the odor-causing bacteria and absorbing moisture. However, some also have antiperspirant ingredients that block sweat.

Using a whole-body deodorant may be especially useful for people who have hormonal fluctuations due to menopause or perimenopause. Menopausal people or those with certain medical conditions may experience increased sweating without strenuous activity.

What are the best ingredients to look for in a whole-body deodorant?

It’s always a good idea to read the ingredient label before you add a new product to your skincare routine. In a whole-body deodorant, some important ingredients to look for include the following:

• Tapioca and aluminum starches, which absorb sweat
• Niacinamide and squalane, which soothe skin and provide moisture barrier protection
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which that exfoliate the skin
• Prebiotics and antioxidants, which support the skin barrier

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a formula that does not contain parabens, baking soda, or any fragrance. Dr. Graf also recommends doing a patch test first to ensure the whole-body deodorant doesn’t cause a reaction. If you have any concerns, consult a dermatologist to confirm if a specific whole-body deodorant will fit your needs.

Finally, remember that sweating is normal and necessary. You can minimize how much you sweat by wearing loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen and washing regularly.