What Is Full Body Deodorant—and Is It Safe?

Let’s be honest. The invention of the deodorant was a serious game changer for humanity. What was once a very stinky, slippery dilemma was instantly nixed by simply swiping a product over the offending area—that’d be your armpits—for a few seconds. (If only all of life’s biggest issues were that easy to tackle!) Now, people have started using deodorant everywhere on their bodies, with some products formulated specifically for head-to-toe usage. But is it safe to use full-body deodorant? We went straight to the pros for the answer on this one. 

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What Is Full Body Deodorant? 

Full body deodorants are products formulated for use all over the body. Some take on the familiar shape of a tube, while others are sprays, wipes, or lotions. 

“Most of them combine scent with antibacterial and moisture-absorbing ingredients to both reduce the bacteria responsible for odor and wetness respectively,” explains Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder BTWN. “While they can be used all over the body, they are really meant to be used where you feel bothered by odor.” 

In other words, you can pick and choose where you use deodorant. Maybe it’s on your feet, between your thighs, under your boobs, or wherever else you experience perspiration and odor. 

“The shift from using deodorant solely on underarms to a whole-body approach reflects a growing awareness that sweat and odor can occur in various areas, such as the groin, feet, and chest,” notes Kemi Fabusiwa, MD, an NHS doctor and  medical advisor Luna Daily. “Whether it’s ingenious or slightly unusual depends on individual preferences, but it signifies a growing market catering to evolving needs.” 

Did you know? Deodorant and antiperspirant aren’t quite the same. “Deodorants mask or neutralize odor-causing bacteria, while antiperspirants reduce sweat production. Some products combine both functions,” Dr. Fabusiwa explains. 

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Full Body Deodorant vs Regular Deodorant

Though you can technically use regular deodorant anywhere on the body, full-body deodorants are formulated a bit differently. 

“Full body products tend to contain more moisture absorbing ingredients than traditional deodorants and are often more heavily scented,” Dr. Jeffy says. “They are also more likely to contain bacteria-fighting ingredients. And certainly companies are trying to make application easier with things like sprays and lotions.” 

Our favorite options are Ban Underboob Sweat Shield Stay Dry Lotion ($10, My Kao Shop) Native Whole Body Deodorant Spray ($14, Native), Lume Lavender Sage Cream Tube Deodorant + Sweat Control ($21, Lume), and Bliss Lemon & Sage Refreshing Body Wipes ($8, Bliss World).

Is Full-Body Deodorant Safe to Use? 

Yes, full-body deodorants are considered safe to use. In fact, Dr. Jeffy goes so far as to say they’re downright genius. 

“Many people are bothered by their sweat and odor and it can be really distressing for their social and professional lives and their self esteem,” she says. “I have been telling patients for years to just use their deodorant or antiperspirant anywhere on the body they feel they need it.” 

Now that companies are making products specifically for body parts other than armpits, she says it’s normalizing this struggle and getting the discussion of treatment options out there. 

There is a general fear around deodorants, particularly those formulated with aluminum salts. Dr. Jeffy says “there is no definitive evidence that there is cause for concern here,” but if you are feeling worried then you can find many aluminum-free options on the market.