Whole Body Deodorant: What It Is and How It Works

One of the hottest new summer trends, whole body deodorant, is exactly what it sounds like — deodorant that you apply (via a spray or a cream) to your entire body, not just your underarms.

When you think about it, this type of product makes sense. Body odor affects more areas of our body than our armpits, after all. And since many whole body deodorants can be applied in places like your groin, thighs or feet, it might be the perfect way to keep you smelling fresh.

Take a closer look at whole body deodorant, how it works and how to select the best product for your specific needs.

In this article:

What is whole body deodorant?

Unlike traditional deodorant, which is only intended for your underarms, most whole body deodorants (sometimes called full-body deodorants) can be used for odor protection in areas such as your:

• Underarms
• Private areas
• Lower back
• Under breasts
• Thighs
• Feet

Whole body deodorants often come as a spray, a wipe or a cream. Make sure to read the product label for instructions.

For example, Secret Whole Body Deodorant Spray, Peach & Vanilla is a spray made with ingredients including alcohol denatured, dipropylene glycol and nitrogen.

Do whole body deodorants work?

Most of us probably don’t wonder how our deodorant actually works — we just swipe it on and go about our day. But for those of us who want to learn more about our BO, here’s a quick primer.

First, it’s helpful to realize that your sweat itself doesn’t actually smell or stink. Body odor comes from bacteria coming in contact with the sweat released from your apocrine glands, which are found in the armpits, groin and around the nipple.

This is the process your deodorant is targeting. Traditional underarm deodorant brands use chemicals to counteract your body odor and fragrances to cover it up. Whole body deodorants work similarly. The difference? You can apply them more widely across the surface area of your body — hopefully leading to better odor control — and you have more options when it comes to how to apply the product.

You also want to keep in mind that deodorant vs antiperspirant aren’t the same thing. Instead of primarily covering up a bad scent, antiperspirants work from the bottom up to decrease sweat.

Differences in whole body deodorants and underarm deodorants

There are a few key differences when it comes to whole body deodorants vs. underarm deodorants. Let’s take a look at three of the most common differences.

Body area

The most obvious difference between these two types of deodorants is where they can be applied. As the names suggest, underarm deodorant is only designed to be applied on your armpits, while whole body deodorant has a broader application area (we’ll cover this more in a minute).

Product format

Regular deodorant is most often sold as a roll-on or a stick. You can usually find whole body deodorant packaged as a mist/spray, a cream or a wipe.

Ingredients

If you compare the ingredients list of a traditional deodorant and a whole body deodorant side-by-side, whole body deodorant often tends to include essential oils, acids and plant- and mineral-based ingredients.

How to use whole body deodorant

You can find whole body deodorants in virtually every shape and size — men’s or women’s, cream or spray, scented or unscented, you name it.

While most of these options can be used in areas like your underarms, private parts, feet, back and thighs, always make sure to read the product instructions before use. Then spray on or apply the product accordingly.

It’s also a good idea to double-check with your health care providers, like your board-certified dermatologist or gynecologist, before using a new skin care product, especially one that is applied to your private parts.

Always perform a patch test before you use any new product over sensitive areas of the body.

Does whole body deodorant combat sweat?

Whole body deodorant is a deodorant, not an antiperspirant. This means it’s designed more to disguise body odor (or to absorb the sweat you’ve already produced) rather than to actually reduce sweat. If you’re looking for a product that will work to eliminate sweat, an antiperspirant is a better choice.

Benefits of whole body deodorant

We know whole body deodorant helps cover up body odor. But what else can it do — and should you choose it over “normal” deodorant? Take a look at these benefits.

Broader application potential

Whole body deodorant can be used in areas like your privates, feet, lower back and thighs. Since it’s a newer trend, there isn’t much research available yet on this type of deodorant as a separate product distinct from traditional underarm deodorant. But theoretically, applying it to your whole body and not just your pits may help improve your body odor all around.

Varied application formats

Whole body deodorant comes in several different product formats to choose from. Whether you prefer a cream, a stick, a spray or a wipe, there are a variety of options on the market.

The Dove Whole Body Deodorant Invisible Cream, Coconut & Vanilla, for example, has a mess-free applicator and rubs in clear.

Designed for most skin types

Since whole body deodorants are designed to cover many sensitive areas on your body, many product options out there are formulated to be non-irritating for sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you put whole body deodorant?

Most whole body deodorants are designed to be applied on areas like your underarms, lower back, private parts and thighs. However, always make sure to read the product instructions before use.

Do you need a whole body deodorant?

Not necessarily. Currently, there isn’t any research that proves whole body deodorant is more effective. But it can cater to personal preferences and sensitive skin. To get personalized advice on which deodorant is best for you, consult with your dermatologist.

How does whole body deodorant differ from regular deodorant?

Whole body deodorant can be applied on more locations of your body than traditional underarm deodorant. Typically, these deodorants also have ingredients specifically chosen for their applicability on various locations on the body.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.