Do You Really Need Whole-Body Deodorant?

Since its inception in the late 19th century, deodorant has been a game-changing hygiene solution. And while regular under-arm deodorant has sufficed for over 100 years, we're seeing a sudden spike in the popularity of whole-body deodorant. Brands like Dove and Secret are on board, so should we all be replacing our go-to roll-ons with their more versatile counterparts? To get the lowdown, Glam spoke exclusively to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu, who posts helpful skin-related videos on Instagram and TikTok. She confirms that whole-body deodorant definitely has a few benefits that are worth looking into, even if people don't explicitly need to make the switch. 

"Whole-body deodorant is gaining popularity due to a growing awareness of body positivity and holistic approaches to hygiene and skincare," Dr. Liu explains. "As people become more conscious of how products affect their entire body, not just traditional areas like underarms, they're seeking solutions that address body odor wherever it may occur." In addition to a general shift toward holistic attitudes, Dr. Liu says that whole-body deodorant is becoming more popular due to "more natural and inclusive beauty standards." Since whole-body deodorants target odors from everywhere rather than just one area of the body, and they are often more friendly for those who have sensitive skin, they may be the perfect way to revitalize your hygiene routine.

The most obvious reason why whole-body deodorants are worth trying is their ability to control odor, which doesn't just come from the underarms. These products' formulas are designed to be applied to all external areas of the body, so you don't have to worry about sweat from other places, including the feet or crotch, causing odor. Since they do a great job at this, brands often highlight that whole-body deodorants are ideal for those who own their self-confidence. However, Dr. Jenny Liu reveals that applying whole-body deodorant to other areas can also help with certain skin conditions that arise from skin-on-skin friction or excessive moisture. 

"By maintaining a dryer environment, they reduce the risk of skin maceration and irritation that can occur in skin folds or other sensitive areas," she exclusively tells Glam. "Some formulations with ingredients like niacinamide can also support the skin barrier, potentially reducing susceptibility to various rashes." For this reason, whole-body deodorants may be a useful product for fungal infections in particular. Still, certain lifestyle factors can also make you a good candidate for using a whole-body option. 

Despite its benefits for personal hygiene, confidence, and skin health, whole-body deodorant isn't a necessity if you're happy with your current deodorant game. However, regular deodorant might not be cutting it for those with skin sensitivities. "Whole-body deodorants often differ in formulation compared to traditional underarm deodorants," Dr. Jenny Liu shares exclusively with Glam. "They're usually designed to be gentler since they need to be suitable for use on sensitive areas like the groin, feet, and under the breasts." While this may come down to less-harsh ingredients than you'd find in traditional deodorant, whole-body deodorants also tend to come in more skin-friendly formulas, like creams. "The ingredients often focus more on mildness and skin compatibility, incorporating elements like niacinamide for skin health or glycerin for hydration, whereas traditional deodorants might prioritize stronger antiperspirants or scents," Dr. Liu adds. 

Aside from those with skin sensitivities, people who experience excessive sweating could find whole-body deodorant to be life-changing. Athletes who train every day, gym frequenters who break a sweat multiple times a week, and even those who just live in hot or humid areas may benefit from a more comprehensive approach to controlling body odor.