When you think of sweat and B.O., you’ll probably imagine the trusty deodorant stick you use daily. But full-body or whole-body deodorant is becoming a thing, with brands like Dove and Lume creating sprays and creams that you can use all over your body.
If you’ve completed a majorly intense workout, or experienced the dreaded pre-date nervous sweats, you may have feared that your regular deodorant wasn’t doing enough. In these situations, perhaps a full-body alternative would put your mind at ease.
How full-body deodorants work
Full-body deodorants eliminate bacteria that cause bad odor. They contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and malic acids to reduce the skin’s pH because when this gets too high, it causes bacteria that makes you smell. Some full-body deodorants also contain sweat-absorbing ingredients, such as tapioca starch.
The good news? They don’t have the powdery fragrance you’ll associate with an armpit deodorant, as many full-body deodorants have a fresher, tropical smell.
Full-body deodorants can be in a cream, spray, or roll-on formulation to make it easy for you to apply them all over your skin or specific areas that are prone to sweat.
But wait – do you really need one?
Full-body deodorants might seem appealing, but you don’t necessarily need them. While you can’t go a day without armpit deodorant unless you want to receive unwanted looks from your co-workers, you don’t technically need a head-to-toe deodorant. Even though you sweat all over your body, such as your stomach or back, it doesn’t tend to smell unless bacteria mixes with it.
Generally, as long as you follow healthy hygiene practices, such as showering daily with antibacterial soap and wearing breathable fabrics that help your skin stay cool, you’ll keep your sweat and body odor under control, negating the use of full-body deodorants.
That said, there are times when you might feel like you need a full-body deodorant, such as if you lead a highly active lifestyle.
You could also use full-body deodorants as an alternative to body fragrances or perfume. They’re a healthier alternative because of their skin-safe ingredients. Choosing plant-based ones will reduce your exposure to chemicals, while making you smell nice and feel confident.
Are full-body deodorants safe?
Deodorants that you use all over your body are generally regarded as safe because they have milder ingredients than what you’ll find in underarm deodorants. Many brands contain plant or mineral ingredients and essential oils.
There are some precautions to bear in mind, however. If you have sensitive skin, you need to be careful with full-body deodorants by choosing fragrances and hypoallergenic products.
You’ll also need to proceed with caution when using whole-body deodorants on your nether regions. Although some of these products are labeled safe for private areas, you should never use them inside your body. They are only safe for external use.
If you want to use full-body deodorants because you have excessive sweating that’s not related to exercise or heat, such as hyperhidrosis, it’s best to consult with a doctor because you might need something stronger, such as prescription antiperspirants.
Best full-body deodorants to try
If you’re interested in trying a deodorant for your body, go for one that’s free of harsh or irritating ingredients, such as baking soda and aluminum salts. Here are some top picks.
- AKT, The Deodorant Balm. This is an aluminum-free body balm that feels like a moisturizer when applied to skin. It’s made with natural ingredients and comes in five scents, with fragrance notes such as mandarin, neroli, mint, and yuzu.
- Native Whole-Body Deodorant Spray. With vegan ingredients, this full-body spray offers 72 hours of odor protection and doesn’t contain baking soda, aluminum, talc, or parabens, making it safe for sensitive skin. It’s also quick-drying.
- Dove Whole Body Deo Invisible Cream. This is a dermatologist and gynecologist-approved deodorant cream that decreases odor while boosting skin health with vitamins and glycerin. It doesn’t contain parabens or aluminum. It comes in a fragrance-free option that’s hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
The idea of smelling good from head to toe is appealing, which is why full-body deodorants have created lots of hype. Although they’re not something you have to wear every day like your under-arm deodorant, they do have their perks, such as nourishing your skin and boosting your confidence.
