“It’s not about pathologising these areas, but recognising that if someone chooses to use a product there, it should be formulated appropriately for that environment. The vulvar area, for example, naturally sits at a pH of about 3.8 to 4.5, while underarm skin is closer to 5.5 to 6.5,” she says.
“Whole body deodorants currently generally share similar active ingredients with underarm products … The primary difference is formulation for broader application, like the creams and sticks,” says Dr Purusothaman.Credit: Getty Images
So how different are these new products? Is it all marketing?
“Current whole body deodorants generally share similar active ingredients with underarm products… The primary difference is formulation for broader application, like the creams and sticks,” says Purusothaman.
It’s also important to differentiate between a deodorant and an antiperspirant, says Purusothaman. Deodorants generally work by breaking down the sweat and the odour compounds released by bacteria. Antiperspirant stops sweat by plugging the sweat ducts and chemically inhibiting the sweat gland.
“ Most [whole-body deodorants] don’t contain sweat-controlling aluminium salts like traditional antiperspirants for the underarm, but some do,” she says.
How safe is it to use everywhere?
Dermatologist Eshini Perera recommends caution to people with sensitive skin, especially skin irritated by fragrance.
“These are among the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis or irritant reactions. Many people with sensitive skin or dermatitis flare easily from fragrance mixtures,” she says.
Perera also suggested avoiding labels that say “unscented” as they may still contain neutralising fragrances and to opt for “fragrance-free” labels.
“I’d strongly recommend patch-testing a small area, on the upper arm, for 24 to 48 hours before use. If I were advising a patient, I’d recommend starting with fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas with minimal additives, and watching for burning, itching or rash.”
Perea says that the risk she sees with a whole-body deodorant is overuse, misinterpretation of the product and skin barrier disturbance, particularly in sensitive areas.
Could it help with skin chafing?
Purusothaman says these products won’t help with chafing.
“Chafing results from friction combined with moisture. It’s a mechanical problem, not primarily an odour problem … Deodorants, particularly those containing alcohol, may actually worsen chafing by drying skin. Some cream formulations might provide minimal barrier effect, but that’s incidental to their marketed purpose.”
What actually prevents chafing:
- Lubricant barriers: Petroleum jelly, specialised anti-chafe balms, e.g. with zinc oxide.
- Moisture-wicking fabrics: Reducing synthetic materials, opting for cotton.
- Proper fit: Clothing that doesn’t create friction points.
- Moisture management: Powders (cornstarch, talc-free formulas) that reduce wetness and when skin has healed, aluminium-based products sparingly.
While the products are marketed for safe use in intimate areas, Purusothaman is wary of endorsing internal or near-internal genital application.
“The vagina is self-cleaning, and external genital skin doesn’t require special products beyond basic hygiene,” she says.
For the vulva specifically, the mucous membranes are far more permeable and products that disrupt the vaginal pH can increase the risk of complications like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
“This is why formulation really matters: it’s the difference between providing someone with a product that meets their preferences safely versus creating new problems,” says Purusothaman.
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