Whole Body Deodorant Is Everywhere — But Do We Really Need It?
Dermatologists weigh in on the hottest trend in body care.
The beauty space is never short of new products that claim to be non-negotiable additions to our routines. Although skincare lovers now cringe at the thought of not wearing SPF on a daily basis, new products like whole body deodorant are also attempting to set themselves apart as essentials. But, in the sea of buzzy products and TikTok fads, it can be impossible to distinguish what’s really worth adding to your daily rotation.
When it comes to sweat and body odor, we can all be extra conscious when the summer months roll around — especially with our feeds serving as a constant reminder of why it’s unacceptable to smell bad. For this reason in particular, dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman says that the rise of products like whole body deodorants might actually speak to our raised awareness of odor in general. “I think the rise of whole body deodorants is really tied to social media and a broader cultural shift toward body care that goes beyond the basics. People are paying more attention to how they feel and smell throughout the day — and not just under their arms,” she tells Hypebae.
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Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley C King has similar findings, citing that the popularity of whole body deodorant comes from the perceived need to eliminate any and all odor that lingers on our bodies — which is only further amplified on social media. Because of this, consumers have become increasingly skeptical of whether or not whole body deodorant is an actual science-backed product that drives results, or if it’s just another unnecessary product that we’ve been conditioned to buy.
Above all else, dermatologists stress that whole body deodorant should be treated like an additional step in your routine, rather than an actual medical necessity. Of course, Dr. Kopelman acknowledges there are exceptions to this rule, particularly for individuals that experience excessive sweating. “For most people, though, traditional underarm deodorant and good hygiene are usually enough,” she says. If you’ve never dabbled with whole body deodorant, you can rest easy knowing you’re not exactly skipping a vital step.
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Although it’s not exactly a non-negotiable, there are many reasons why someone might want to use whole body deodorant. For those of us with demanding schedules, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel finds that they’re an effective way to freshen up throughout the day. “When you need to freshen up post-workout or don’t have time for a shower, [whole body deodorant] is a great option. They are easy for on the go which makes them appealing and trendy,” she says.
Beyond that, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the claims whole body deodorant makes. Aside from just treating odor beyond your armpits, Dr. King says that whole body deodorant also aims to absorb moisture, inhibit bacteria and sometimes soothe the skin — citing Dove’s Whole Body Deodorant in particular as suitable for sensitive skin and protective of the moisture barrier.
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At the same time, Dr. Kopelman warns that it’s important to manage expectations when it comes to trendy products like whole body deodorants. Contrary to what people online might say, it’s not so much a miracle product — but rather an extra step to eliminate odor on top of your usual routine. Additionally, results don’t always look the same on everyone. “These aren’t clinical-grade antiperspirants, and results can vary depending on your skin type and activity level,” Dr. Kopelman tells Hypebae.
Whether you’re a firm believer of the whole body deodorant hype or are hesitant to give in — just like most body care, it’s all about personal preference. Even though social media and advertisements will attempt to convince you that whole body deodorant is just as important as SPF or brushing your teeth, dermatologists are here to remind us that smelling good is proof enough that you’re doing just fine.
While you’re here, read about how Hayley Williams and Brian O’Connor founded Good Dye Young.
