Deodorant is a common staple in many people’s hygiene lines, but after all these years, the product is now venturing beyond the armpits to conquer a whole new frontier: the entire body.
In recent months, the beauty market has been flooded with a host of new all-over deodorants, with all the major hygiene brands throwing their own offerings into the fray, from Dove and Ban to Secret and Native.
While each company has tried to put their own spin on the product (some offer bars while others opt for creams), the general concept remains the same.
Each formula aims to offer sweat and odor protection on all parts of the body, even the most intimate ones, from the breasts to the groin, and Ban has even gone so far as to launch specific products aimed at both the under-breast region and the the private parts. ‘.
Since there is a lot more territory to cover, the price of these products can often be higher than a regular underarm deodorant as well. A regular stick from Secret will run you just under $8, while their full body deodorant will set you back $11.97.
The product is intended to be applied to external areas of the body that also produce sweat, such as the feet, groin, and under the breasts.
Similarly, an Old Spice underarm deodorant stick is priced at around $7.50, while their full-body product costs $12.99.
While Ban’s underarm antiperspirant sells for around $5.49, the “private parts” deodorant lotion is priced at $9.99.
While these brands promote the product with fun scents like Tangerine and Coconut Vanilla, along with slogans claiming that it “applies like a dream,” is it really necessary?
According to dermatologists, it is most likely harmless, but it is not always necessary.
It is important to note that it also has a different function than a normal underarm deodorant.
“Full-body deodorants work to reduce body odor, but not sweat,” Mississippi dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky he told DailyMail.com.
He said there’s a difference between antiperspirants (the category many body deodorants fall into) and deodorants.
“Antiperspirants contain active ingredients like aluminum salts that reduce sweating, while deodorants contain ingredients that reduce odor without stopping sweating,” said Dr. Zubritsky, also known as @dermguru online, he explained.
“Deodorants (particularly full-body deodorants) typically contain active ingredients that reduce odor-causing bacteria on the skin, thereby neutralizing body odor, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, alcohol, or piroctone olamine.” , he added.
FEMAIL spoke to expert, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (left) and Dr. Margarita Lolis (right) to get their opinions on whether or not it’s a necessary product.
“These ingredients work by acting directly on the microbe or by lowering or increasing the pH of the skin to make it inhospitable for bacteria to live and thrive.”
The dermatologist said that if body odor makes you feel extremely self-conscious, it’s okay to apply a full-body deodorant.
Most brands also make it in cream or spray form.
“They can make a difference in the right person, but it’s not absolutely necessary,” Dr. Zubritsky told DailyMail.com.
However, if you are looking for a full body deodorant, you should look for those that contain clean ingredients.
“In general, these deodorants do not contain aluminum, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances,” says a New Jersey-based dermatologist. Dr. Margarita Lolis of skin surgery and laser specialists told DailyMail.com.
“Many people prefer to avoid these ingredients due to health concerns and skin sensitivity,” she explained.
But before applying the new product all over your body, Dr. Zubritsky recommends doing something called a patch test first.
If you are looking for a full body deodorant, you should look for those that contain clean ingredients (stock image)
A patch test involves placing a small amount on the skin, such as the inside of the arm, and seeing how the body reacts.
The dermatologist also suggested trying one that has no fragrance and not applying it all over the body, but only on the areas studied, such as the groin and feet.
“There are several on the market that are fragrance-free and contain moisturizing ingredients that should not cause irritation,” she told DailyMail.com.
“I would avoid it if you have open areas of skin or if you have certain skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa.”
This also applies to those suffering from conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis or eczema.
And, if your body odor still persists or causes major problems even after trying a full-body deodorant, Dr. Zubritsky recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist for a checkup.