Full body deodorants are suddenly everywhere. Many of the major deo brands have launched their own version over the last year. Obviously, not everyone needs to use a full-body deodorant. But for very active people or people who sweat excessively, they are a great tool to add to your sweat-fighting arsenal. Unlike traditional underarm deodorants, full-body deodorants “often have a milder formula to be safe for sensitive body areas and they tend to include more skin-soothing and hydrating ingredients since they’re used on larger and more varied skin surfaces,” says Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity esthetician and co-host of the beauty-education podcast Beauty Curious. Full-body deodorants often use newer active ingredients like lactic acid or mandelic acid, which allegedly lowers the skin’s pH, making it more acidic and therefore an inhospitable place for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. And while these products may be called whole-body, you’re not actually supposed to use them like an all-over lotion. Instead, apply them to targeted areas of the body where you experience odor or are prone to sweating, like your feet, back, groin, or under your breasts, explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS.
But before we dive into the dermatologist’s recommendations, a note on vocabulary. Deodorants are generally broken down into two categories: anti-perspirants and deodorants. Anti-perspirants contain aluminum, which blocks the sweat glands to minimize sweat and cut down on the smell, while deodorants rely on a range of ingredients to absorb sweat and minimize odor (non-aluminum deodorants are often referred to as natural deodorants). To make sure there is something for everyone, I’ve included both types on the list below.
Best full-body deodorant overall
Founded in 2017 by OB/GYN Dr. Sharron Klingman, Lume is often credited as the first brand to really market full-body deodorant. Lume Whole Body Deodorant Plus Sweat Control cream uses both sweat-blocking aluminum salts as well as sweat-absorbing tapioca starch. Its other active ingredient is mandelic acid, which fights odor, while also evening your skin tone and brightening hyperpigmentation. “Its formulation is gentle yet effective, making it ideal for use on various body areas without causing irritation,” says Garshick.
Best (less expensive) full-body deodorant
For a more affordable option sans aluminum, Dove’s Whole Body deodorant is almost half the price. “It effectively reduces odor and contains gentle ingredients like lactic acid, glycerin, and vitamins B3 and E, making it great for sensitive skin,” says Garshick. “Its nourishing properties help maintain skin hydration and health.”
Best spray-on full-body deodorant
Native’s regular natural deodorants are extremely popular for their non-irritating formula and bevy of fresh scents, like coconut, vanilla, cucumber, and mint. Its full-body deodorant is no exception. “It is fast drying and very lightweight, so it’s like nothing was applied, but you feel fresher,” explains Crumm. And it’s extremely hydrating because it’s formulated with coconut oil and shea butter. While Crumm prefers the spray, the brand also makes a full-body stick version.
Best full-body deodorant wipe
If you want to break out the heavy hitter, consider these clinical-strength SweatBlock anti-perspirant wipes with an active ingredient of 14 percent aluminum chloride. While these are technically for the underarms, heavy-sweaters (such as myself) have been using them to spot treat other areas for years. (In my guide to dealing with underboob sweat, they came recommended by dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach). Unlike traditional anti-perspirants, the wipes need to be applied only once a week at night to keep the area dry for up to seven days.
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