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Underarms, while underrated, are usually at the center of the conversation around sweat and deodorant. That is, until the personal care industry introduced whole-body deodorants.
If you’ve ever caught a whiff of yourself after a hot walk or stressful event, the recent boom in “all-over” products from brands like Native, Secret, and Dove might make sense. We can get clammy—and sometimes smelly—just about everywhere, from our inner thighs to our lower backs, underboobs, and groins. So the promise of a quick, head-to-toe refresh seems kind of genius—especially in the summer. But is it actually worth buying a deodorant for non-underarm areas, or would a swipe of your regular cucumber-scented stick do the trick anywhere on your body? Are there places you shouldn’t swipe on these whole-body formulas? And most importantly, do you actually need to worry if you smell a little…human sometimes?
According to the medical experts we spoke with, a whole-body deodorant can be helpful for BO beyond the pits. That said, there are also a few misleading promises. Here’s what to know:
Meet the experts
- Chris G. Adigun, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Center at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Susan Massick, MD, board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Samer Jaber, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City
- Jennifer Lincoln, MD, board-certified ob-gyn based in Portland, Oregon and author of Let’s Talk About Down There
- Kecia Gaither MD, board-certified physician in ob-gyn and director of perinatal services and maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
Business What are whole-body deodorants, exactly?
Broadly speaking, whole-body deodorants aren’t all that different from the stuff you slather or spritz under your arms, Dr. Adigun tells SELF. Both are intended to neutralize or mask BO—which, despite what you may think, doesn’t come from the sweat itself, but from its interaction with the bacteria on your skin.
To perfume over the resulting musk, then, deodorant formulas tend to rely on added fragrances or, in some cases, antibacterial ingredients to target the odor-causing bacteria directly, Dr. Adigun explains. Some even include absorbent, starch-based ingredients to soak up any excess moisture. That said, deodorants don’t actually stop you from sweating. (For that, you’d need an antiperspirant, which temporarily plugs your sweat glands to keep you dry.)
While pit and whole-body deodorants might work similarly, though, there’s still a reason they’re considered separate products—namely, their targeted formulas. “Traditional deodorants for the underarms aren’t designed to be used on your entire body,” Dr. Adigun explains, because skin on your groin, inner thighs, and between your butt cheeks, for instance, is more sensitive than your pits. So using a standard stick outside your underarms (especially one with potential irritants like baking soda, aluminum, or strong fragrances) could cause rash-like symptoms or even an itchy, inflamed reaction known as contact dermatitis, Dr. Massick tells SELF. On the other hand, whole-body formulas are made with those concerns in mind, skipping harsher deodorizers in favor of gentler antibacterials like mandelic acid, lactic acid, and zinc.
Business Are whole-body deodorants actually effective?
When it’s boiling outside, an “all-over” solution might sound like a summer game changer—and it can be if you’re self-conscious about body odor beyond the pits, Dr. Massick says. But before you start slathering on whole-body deodorant like lotion, it’s worth knowing that these products work better in some places than others. The reason? Not all sweat is created equal.
There are two types of glands that produce this sweat: apocrine and eccrine—and only the former is responsible for that body odor. “Apocrine glands are found primarily in the underarms, around the genitals, and around the nipples,” Dr. Jaber tells SELF—essentially, areas with hair follicles. Sweat here contains proteins, fat, and other substances that, when broken down by bacteria, generate an odor, hence why Dr. Jaber says “whole-body deodorants are best suited for those who sweat a lot in the groin or these particular areas.”
Eccrine glands, on the other hand, exist all over your body. They mostly secrete water and salt to cool you down, which explains why your back, arm, face, and chest may get sticky in the heat, sure, but they don’t actually stink (or require a tropical-scented fix).
Business Is whole-body deodorant safe to use everywhere?
While these bathroom staples can help you cover BO in certain crevices, some experts worry that the “whole-body” label might encourage folks to use them in places where they really shouldn’t—namely, in or around the genitals. Sure, all-over deodorants are marketed for external use, but some brands still reference “intimate areas” and portray actors shoving the stuff straight down their pants. So it’s easy to see how people might get confused.
The thing is, your privates and these types of products typically don’t pair well together, the gynecologists we spoke with agree. “Nothing should be placed internally that isn’t meant or prescribed to be there, because this is a sensitive mucosal surface,” Dr. Lincoln tells SELF. That especially includes essential oils and “natural” fragrances in deodorants, which can be super irritating and throw off your pH balance, leading to infections or even more odor. For the same reasons, even using whole-body deodorants near the genitals (say, on your inner thigh) can be risky. And sprays in particular might drift into sensitive parts of your vulva, like your labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
That’s not to say BO control is entirely off-limits below the belt, though—just be careful to stick to areas with hair follicles and choose the right product. “Creams and solid stick formulas are generally safer for the external genitalia, since they offer more controlled application,” Dr. Gaither tells SELF. It’s extra important to stick to fragrance-free formulas in these regions, too, both gynecologists say. “Because if the product does get near the vulva or into the vagina, the chance for bacterial disruption and chemical irritation is less than with a fragrance-containing one,” Dr. Lincoln explains.
As for vaginal “odor control”? It’s not only potentially unsafe—it’s unnecessary. Vaginas are self-cleaning, thank you very much. And as any medical professional will happily inform you, “It’s completely normal for your vagina to have a natural odor,” Dr. Gaither says. “A healthy one often has a mildly earthy, musky, or tangy scent due to the presence of beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.” In other words, it’s unrealistic for your genitals to smell like an edible arrangement or a fresh bouquet, despite how often marketing suggests otherwise.
Now, if you’re concerned about the odor because it smells fishier or stronger than normal, or you’re experiencing symptoms like itching, burning, pain, or changes in discharge, the experts we spoke with agree that these are signs to check in with a doctor…not mask it with a fruity perfume. That way, they can rule out factors like a bacterial infection, yeast infection, or sexually transmitted infection.
All that said, as long as you stick to expert-approved areas and targeted formulas, whether or not you want to try a whole-body deodorant comes down to personal preference. Unless a doctor advises otherwise, however, there’s generally no need to overhaul your entire routine even for everyday BO. No matter what, we’re going to sweat—and sometimes, we’ll smell. That’s part of being human, and no trend should shame you into believing otherwise.
Related:
- Is Underarm Botox Worth It? We Asked 6 Sweaty People for Their Honest Reviews
- How to Get Better Sleep If You Run Hot at Night
- Who Really Needs a Scalp ‘Detox’?
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Jenna Ryu