Staying physically active as an adult can be tricky. As crucial as activity is to your overall health and well-being, finding time to exercise, play sports or even include an evening walk in your busy routine can be difficult. This is where products like
disinfectant body wipes,
dry shampoo and whole-body
deodorants come into play. They can be very helpful if you bike to work or can only squeeze a workout in at your local gym during your lunch break. Do you need to attend a PTA meeting after playing a couple of rounds of frisbee golf with your kids? Then you may want to turn to a whole-body deodorant if you’re too busy to get a shower in before you’re off to your next commitment.
Your Guide to Full Body Deodorants
Odor reducing hacks
What are other ways to manage or reduce body odor? Before exploring options that mask or physically block body odor, consider these tips which, when combined with the right deodorant, could make a big difference.
Good hygiene
This may seem obvious, but showering regularly with
antibacterial soaps on your groin, armpits or feet can help reduce odor.
Well-rounded diet
Consider what you’re eating. “Foods especially known to cause worse odor [are] onions, garlic and spices with a more pungent, distinctive flavor such as cumin and curry. High protein or keto diets and extreme diets can [also] be a common culprit,” explains Dr. Susan Massick, a board-certified dermatologist at Ohio State University. She adds that “a well-balanced diet is a much more nutritious approach to healthy eating.”
Medical issues
They may not seem related but stress, anxiety, genetics, hormonal changes and obesity can affect your body odor, according to Dr. Massick, and even “medical conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders and hyperhidrosis, [which is] excessive sweating that can be localized to specific areas of the body or generalized,” can all impact how much you sweat and what you smell like.
How do deodorants differ from antiperspirants?
Now you may be wondering, what’s the difference between deodorants and antiperspirants? First off, deodorants – either the whole-body type or the traditional kind – work by using antimicrobial compounds, such as
triclosan, to destroy some of the bacteria which creates odor when you sweat, and to mask any remaining odor with fragrances. Antiperspirants, on the other hand, contain aluminum compounds that are designed to block sweat glands, keeping the skin’s surface dry and sweat free so that bacteria won’t proliferate and cause odor.
“Antiperspirants are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter drug,” explains Massick. “Companies must prove that their products are safe and must seek approval for a new antiperspirant to be released to consumers.” Deodorants, however, “are considered cosmetics and don’t require FDA approval. In general, these whole-body deodorants may be made of plant [or] mineral-based ingredients, as well as essential oils and acids to enhance an acidic pH level [which is not bacteria friendly].”
Are whole-body deodorants safe?
Both deodorants and antiperspirants can cause unwanted skin reactions.
“You can develop skin irritation and sensitivity to different ingredients, even if they are considered ‘all-natural,’” said Dr. Massick. “Common culprits include the very ingredients that mask odor [such as] fragrances, essential oils or scents.”
Some major cosmetic retailers advertise that whole-body deodorants can be used literally
everywhere (including the groin) but Massick warns that these products are for external use only.
“Never use whole-body deodorants inside your vagina. The vagina is self-cleaning and applying products internally can disrupt the vagina’s regular pH, natural flora and skin microbiome, leading to worsening odor.”
Speaking of odor
down there, Dr. Massick strongly suggests seeing an OBGYN if you feel that your odor is unusual or stronger than it has been in the past, as it might be a potential bacterial, fungal or sexually transmitted infection, and using deodorant is obviously not going to resolve the problem.
“Left untreated, some infections can lead to things like problems with fertility or getting pregnant in the future,” said Dr. Massick.
Read the label
Always read the ingredients when purchasing an item that you intend to apply to more sensitive areas of your body, such as between your thighs, under your breasts or even your armpits.
“Many products are advertised as vegan and free of aluminum, sulfates, phthalates and parabens,” states Dr. Massick, but that does not mean they will be free of fragrances, which are one of the top culprits in adverse skin reactions.
Fragrance sensitivity is becoming more common. She suggests starting with a small patch of skin when trying out a new deodorant before applying it to more sensitive areas.
“As a dermatologist, I caution about the use of products with a lot of perfumes or fragrances because people can develop irritant or allergic contact dermatitis if they have a sensitivity or allergy.” Immediately discontinue use if you experience any skin irritation.
Recommended products
We did some label reading for you. Here are products that will support an active lifestyle while keeping you smelling professional and clean.
EO’s Natural Deodorant Wipes
Exercising on the go? These individually wrapped deodorant wipes by EO are your new go-to! The fresh scent of organic lavender essential oil and alcohol eliminates signs that you’ve been biking to work or walking the dog on a hot summer evening. Plus, organic glycerin helps soften and hydrate your skin. Made with renewable plant fibers, you don’t have to feel guilty about throwing them away. Another benefit is that they’re free of aluminum, synthetic fragrances and propylene glycol.
Honeybee Gardens’ Deodorant Powder
A refreshing shift away from chalky or waxy sticks, Honeybee Garden’s Deodorant Powder is the perfect non-toxic alternative. It’s free of both aluminum and talc, and it uses the natural deodorizing power of baking soda combined with the absorbency of cornstarch and arrowroot. This velvety powder exudes a gentle floral scent and is most easily applied with a cosmetic puff for an overall odor reducing dusting effect. Try it in your shoes, too!
Tierra Mia Organics’ Deodorant Paste
With just a handful of natural ingredients and a creamy consistency, you can feel confident that this deodorant is effective at keeping you fresh all day. Containing shea butter, arrow root and baking soda that are both acidic and salty, it essentially minimizes bacterial growth. Essential oils of lemon verbena and lemongrass give it a fresh garden scent that can work for all genders, day or night.
Thai Deodorant’s Stone Crystal & Cornstarch Deodorant Body Powder
Struggling with strong foot odor or athletes’ foot? Consider using Thai Deodorant’s Body Powder. It’s made of ground crystals and cornstarch and is unscented. This powder is especially effective at keeping feet dry and clean, thus helping to prevent various foot fungi as well as odors. It’s also free of aluminum, talc and preservatives such as parabens, and the company doesn’t do any animal testing.
Routine’s Natural Deodorant Jar
If baking soda irritates your skin, consider Routine’s Natural Deodorant. It uses dietary magnesium, a mineral that can make your sweat smell better if you are naturally deficient. Also, magnesium reduces stress induced sweats by relaxing sweat glands, so it’s perfect for a big presentation or an important job interview. Routine’s Sexy Sadie Deodorant Jar is a mix of patchouli, ylang ylang, sweet orange, vanilla and champa essential oils, doubling as an amazing perfume while also keeping you calm and strong.
Body odor is a natural consequence of being human and is not something anyone should feel ashamed about. Managing and reducing odors is part of an overall wellness approach that includes eating a healthy diet, staying hygienic and keeping active. Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you stay fresh and clean so you can conquer another busy day with confidence!
