Women face near-constant pressure to conform to society’s standards. One of the latest examples? Drugstore aisles and commercials pushing products that claim to mask certain “unpleasant” scents. They suggest that women need to change their natural body odor.
A new trend in women’s personal care products—whole body deodorants. These products promise to keep all parts of your body “fresh” and “odor-free.” The product originated among several smaller brands but has now become mainstream. However, whole body deodorants raise several significant questions. Is this trend truly driven by science or society, and are deodorants safe to use all over your body?
What Is Sweat?
To understand the sudden popularity of whole body deodorants (and odor-masking products for women in general) we must go back to the basics.
Sweat is your body’s natural way of regulating your temperature. There are two primary types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.
Your eccrine glands are found all over the body and produce a watery type of sweat that helps cool you down.
Apocrine glands are concentrated in areas with hair follicles like the armpits and vulva. They produce a thicker sweat that, when broken down by bacteria, can cause body odor.
Blocking too many sweat glands can prevent the body from cooling itself properly, which can be dangerous.
Antiperspirants v. Deodorants
When you go to the drugstore, there are typically three options to stop odor and sweat: deodorants, antiperspirants, or a combination of the two.
Deodorants work by using antimicrobial ingredients like triclosan (most common in traditional deodorants) or witch hazel (most common in natural deodorants) to kill odor-causing bacteria but do not stop you from sweating.
Antiperspirants, on the other hand, contain aluminum compounds that block your sweat glands. The FDA regulates antiperspirants as drugs, but deodorants are classified as cosmetics and face fewer regulations.
When thinking about whole body deodorants, it’s important to distinguish between the two, as using any antiperspirant ingredients all over your body could interfere with your body’s natural ability to cool you down. However, deodorants are less regulated and as such may include untested or even harmful ingredients.
Safety and Risks of Whole Body Deodorants
While they may sound novel and convenient, whole body deodorants do come with potential risks.
People report skin irritation as a common side effect, especially when used in more sensitive areas. Certain ingredients in whole body deodorants, such as fragrances and essential oils, can also cause allergic reactions. That’s one of the reasons why it’s essential to test any new product in a small area before you put it all over your body.
We can also look to history and the use of talcum powder, which was a common ingredient in many personal care and women’s cosmetic products to absorb moisture, until it was found to carry traces of cancer-causing asbestos.
Researchers can link the use of talcum powder around the vulva to ovarian cancer, though not all studies agree on the exact level of risk. However, this cautionary tale highlights the importance of understanding and evaluating the safety of any new products you choose to apply to your body.
Vaginal Health, Perfuming Products, and the Risks of Over-Cleaning
While whole body deodorants are generally considered safe for use on most parts of your body, do not apply them to your vagina or vulva. Applying any fragranced products to your genital area can lead to skin irritation and disrupt your vaginal microbiome and pH, which can cause infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Gynecologists describe the vagina as self-cleaning and recommend against using any products marketed as “feminine hygiene” or that claim to change the vagina’s scent. It’s normal for vaginal discharge to have a slight smell and requires no products to change its odor.
Natural Ways to Reduce Body Odor
Experts agree you do not need to use a whole body deodorant to reduce body odor. Whole body deodorants, while attractive, can cause more harm than good and only seek to mask our natural, normal scents.
However, people with conditions like hyperhidrosis, which causes the body to sweat excessively, may find such products beneficial but should always seek guidance from a healthcare provider first.
If you are looking for new ways to manage body odor, consider these natural, low-risk solutions.
Regular bathing with antibacterial soap can help reduce odor-causing bacteria. Paying more attention to your armpits, groin area, and feet, where sweat can stay trapped throughout the day, can be particularly helpful.
Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing can help minimize sweating. Cotton underwear and moisture-wicking fabrics are good choices, especially when the temperature rises.
Did you know certain foods, like garlic and onions, can influence your body odor? A balanced diet focused on less-pungent foods can help minimize unpleasant scents.
Overall, managing your stress and maintaining a healthy weight can also help keep body odor in check.
While whole body deodorants may seem convenient for managing body odor, it’s important to consider them with caution. If you do find that you’re experiencing an increase in sweat or body odor outside of a hot summer day or stress, make an appointment with a healthcare provider to help you identify any underlying causes.