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Imagine a world where every inch of you stays as fresh as a daisy on a spring morning. It can seem overwhelming if you often find yourself drenched in sweat and not smelling your best. Enter deodorant products full body deodorant, also known as full body deodorant, which rose as a trend in the early 1920s. Both niche and mainstream brands such as Dove, Secret, Lume, Mando, Shea Moisture and Native have launched or expanded their product lines to include full body deodorants, increasing the product’s popularity.
But what exactly is a full body deodorant? And is it necessary, and most importantly, is deodorant safe for the whole body?
What is a full body deodorant vs an antiperspirant?
Full body products cater to those looking for comprehensive odor and moisture management for multiple areas of their body. However, the key difference between a full body deodorant and an antiperspirant is in their primary functions.
“Deodorants mask the body odor associated with perspiration but do not affect how much we sweat,” Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, told CNET. “In contrast, antiperspirants work to block us from sweating, usually with aluminum compounds that block the sweat ducts.”
In other words, deodorants can preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria while they mask these odors, and antiperspirants can reduce sweat. Full-body combination deodorants and antiperspirants can provide dryness and reduce odor in sweat-prone areas such as the underarms, legs, and groin.
Full body deodorants can come in the form of sprays, creams or wipes, catering to different application preferences and areas of the body. Because they are ideal for controlling body odor without altering natural perspiration, this makes full body deodorants suitable for everyday use and mild to moderate odor problems.
Do deodorants work for the whole body?
When a sweat occurs, it’s yours the body’s attempt to regulate its temperature. However, as soon as the sweat mixes with the bacteria on your skin, there may be concern about this odor in areas other than the armpits. Although full-body deodorants are designed to fight odor-causing bacteria and manage overall body odor, some may question whether they actually work. According to Dr. Ugonabo, they do.
“In my experience, body deodorant can be helpful in keeping body parts fresh and reducing body odor,” said Dr. Ugonabo. “It’s formulated a little differently than regular deodorant so it can be applied widely to the body.”
Everyone’s body is different, so to gauge the effectiveness of your full-body deodorant, monitor your overall scent throughout the day. Check for reduced body odor and long-lasting freshness in application areas. If a particular full-body deodorant doesn’t effectively combat body odor, consider switching to another brand with different active ingredients. There may be a formulation that targets the bacteria more effectively or one that better suits your body’s needs.
Is a full body deodorant necessary?
Full-body deodorant isn’t necessary, but anyone looking to expand their overall hygiene routine and feel more confident about the way they smell can benefit from the extra odor protection offered by full-body deodorants. Because full-body deodorants largely work to tackle odor in areas prone to moisture and bacteria, they can provide overall odor control, making them a potentially ideal addition to personal care routines.
Full-body deodorants can be especially helpful for active people who engage in vigorous physical activity or play sports. Also, for people living in warm or humid climates, full body deodorants can help keep you feeling fresh all day long.
“I would recommend [whole-body deodorant] for areas like creases and high-friction areas like the groin and maybe under the breasts,” said Dr. Ugonabo. “However, it doesn’t do much to reduce the amount of sweat.”
In that case, full-body antiperspirants may be helpful if you’re inclined stress sweat or you often have long days where sweat management will make you more comfortable. Lume is one brand that offers a combined deodorant-antiperspirantfighting sweat and body odor simultaneously with one product.
Although optional, full-body deodorant meets specific needs, making it a valuable option for many.
Is deodorant safe for the whole body?
All-body deodorants are generally considered safe. Many believe this is because they use softer ingredients and are aluminum free. However, the safety of antiperspirants is a matter of debate.
Like Over-the-counter drugs regulated by the FDA, antiperspirants must prove their safety. While the FDA considers aluminum-based compounds to be safe and effective in a concentration range of 15% to 25%, depending on the compound, concerns persist about the safety of aluminum because of its potential link to cancer — especially breast cancer. However, there is there is no conclusive evidence linking the use of antiperspirants to the risk of cancer. For example, a 2021 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care study found no strong evidence linking aluminum-containing antiperspirants and hair dye use to breast cancer risk.
Ingredients for body deodorants
There may be no cause for concern due to the absence of aluminum. Yet, like natural deodorantfull body deodorant may contain other ingredients that people should be aware of when choosing the best product.
As Dr. Ugonabo said, full-body versions are often formulated with milder ingredients than regular underarm deodorants, making them safe to use on different parts of the body, including sensitive areas. If you look at the ingredient list, you’ll see that brands typically use plant- and mineral-based ingredients, essential oils, and acids to fight odor-causing bacteria. However, care should be taken with these types of products.
According to Dermatology Partners of the USA, people with sensitive skin should avoid products containing certain ingredients, such as fragrances, parabens and baking soda. These ingredients are common in deodorants and antiperspirants and can irritate the skin.
“In general, people who have sensitive skin should be careful with items that have fragrance in them, as this can cause irritation. It’s always helpful to start with a test spot before applying widely. Also, avoid applying any of these products to broken or open skin,” said Dr. Ugonabo.
People with sensitive skin may also want to choose products that are labeled as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Other ways to prevent sweating and body odor
While body deodorants and antiperspirants are effective solutions, there are other ways to deal with and prevent these problems. Incorporating simple practices into your daily routine can significantly reduce sweat and odor, helping you feel fresh and clean throughout the day.
To prevent sweating and body odor, Cleveland Clinic recommends:
- Regular shower: Daily showers with antibacterial soap help remove sweat and bacteria, reducing body odor.
- Wearing breathable fabrics: Breathable fabrics and loose clothing allow the skin to breathe and help manage sweat.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: Avoid strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions, which can contribute to body odor.
- Shaving or trimming body hair: Reducing body hair in sweat-prone areas can minimize bacterial growth and odor.
- Stress management: Stress can trigger sweating, so finding ways to reduce stress levels can limit sweating.
- Limiting alcohol: Alcohol can increase sweating, even cause it night sweatsso reducing intake may help.
For a potentially more effective approach, Dr. Ugonabo encourages research beyond lifestyle changes, stating, “Some people may consider using benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid under the arms, which can help reduce body odor by killing the bacteria under the armpit that can contribute to In addition to antiperspirants, I recommend that patients consider seeing a dermatologist who can prescribe a topical or oral medication or perform botulinum toxin (“Botox”) under the armpits, which helps significantly reduce underarm sweating .
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