I Tried Full-Body Deodorant—Here's The Good, Bad, & The Sweaty
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
As beauty editors, we always keep our ears to the ground when it comes to product trends and new launches. I'm not just talking about what hits our inboxes and desks on a daily basis, but also out in the wild: When I'm at the pharmacy, the grocery store, or wandering the aisles at Sephora — I truly live and breathe the stuff. Which brings me to recently, when a Jerry Seinfeld-esque internal monologue wondered, 'What's the deal with full-body deodorant?'
All of a sudden, they were everywhere. Claims like '72-hour odor control' (pretty sure showering regularly has this part covered?) and H2T protection seemed too good to be true. I knew I had to dig deeper.
'People sweat everywhere, not just the underarms,' explains New York-based dermatologist Shereene Idriss, M.D. 'The rise of 'whole body' formulas is a response to the fact that people are becoming more aware — and frankly, more self-conscious — about odor and sweating in other areas like the chest, back, feet, and yes, even the butt crack.' As far as sweaty spots go, I deal with boob and back sweat during the summer. But normally, I'd either just ignore it or hit my cleavage with a blast of my Dove antiperspirant; after all, it's more or less the same stuff…right?
According to Dr. Idriss, not necessarily: 'Formula-wise, yes, there can be differences,' she says. 'Whole body deodorants tend to be formulated with gentler, odor-neutralizing ingredients like baking soda, magnesium hydroxide, or even probiotic blends rather than the heavy-duty aluminum-based antiperspirants you'd find in clinical strength underarm products.' Sure enough, a closer look at product labels revealed ingredients like tapioca starch, coconut oil, and even niacinamide, which work to balance skin and absorb oil where needed.
So far, I was on board. However, during my research, I couldn't help but notice cheeky advertisements that not-so-subtly seemed to prey on women's shame around vaginal odor. This was problematic at best, and a health risk at worst. 'My concern with patients using whole body deodorants in the groin is that they could get into the vagina if patients do not use them sparingly, and these products could be irritating to delicate tissue,' says New York based-OB/GYN Isabel Blumberg, M.D. 'If a smell seems concerning, then a woman should see her doctor as that could be a sign of something clinical like a bacterial infection.' Her best course of action? Opt for underwear made from breathable fabrics and if needed, a liner to help keep things comfortable. 'Pads and liners, like ones from Carefree, are specifically designed for the genital region and are easy to change or swap out to keep you feeling fresh and clean,' she explains.
But perhaps most exciting (at least for those who only had 'powder fresh' or vague floral scent options to choose from growing up in the 2000s), whole body deos seem to serve double duty as both anti-B.O. protection and wearable fragrance these days. Dove's Sage & Lavender Cooling Whole Body Deo and Native's Sea Salt & Cedar Whole Body were among my most reached for, as was Curie's Santal Sage, which I would readily buy as an eau de parfum. Meanwhile, Daise dreams up deodorant (and corresponding body mists) in creative scent combos like Pear & Patchouli and Raspberry & Mint. (Not to mention, the tie-dye-inspired packaging brightens up any bathroom counter.)
So, where's a sweaty gal to go from here? I give whole body deodorants a green flag when it comes to refreshing underarms, chest, and back — especially during the day. That said, I'd love to see brands stop encouraging (subtly or otherwise) to use the stuff on the crotch. Below, a real-deal overview of the best ones I tried.
Dove Whole Body Deodorant, $11.99
Pros: Smells great, instant refreshing feeling
Cons: None!
I've been on the natural deo train for years now, but on days when I have a grueling workout class and don't want to worry about B.O. ruining the vibe, I'll use Dove's regular deodorant spray. To stress test the whole body version, I swapped this one in for my hot yoga classes and nearly couldn't tell the difference. It performs surprisingly well for an aluminum-free spray, and the Sage & Lavender scent was my favorite among all the deodorants I tested. The price is right, and it felt cooling and refreshing when I needed it most.
Native Sensitive Whole Body Deodorant Stick, $14 & Whole Body Deodorant Spray, $14
Pros: Felt and worked most like my normal deodorant
Cons: Minor issues with the spray nozzle
Along with Dove's spray, Native's OG stick is my daily deo of choice, and I have to say, I was super impressed with both the stick and spray versions of the brand's whole body deodorant. The scent options are elevated, and the stuff just plain works. I brought the Vanilla & Raspberry Whole Body Spray on a recent trip to Morocco, and it kept me feeling fresh and non-stinky during the hottest days in Marrakech. It's a yes from me!
Daise All Body Spray & Deodorant, $5.99
Pros: Unique scents, great packaging, very affordable
Cons: Doesn't last as long as I'd like
I really, really wanted to love this one, but I had some issues with Daise's All Body Spray & Deodorant. The scents and packaging are an 11/10, but as someone who lives in a hot climate and works out a lot, this just didn't last as long as I needed it to. That said, I think the accessible price point (in most cases, less than half of competitors') and the matching body sprays are a smart concept. And hey, this might work for you if you're not as sweaty as I am — and I love that for you! As for me? If the brand ever chooses to make an extra-strength formula, I will be the first in line to buy.
Curie Deodorant & Body Spray, $16
Pros: Gentle on skin, travel-friendly size, non-aerosol
Cons: A little pricey
I've tried Curie's stick deodorant before and loved it, so I had high expectations for the spray. Right off the bat, I liked that the size was purse- and gym bag-friendly since I like to reapply during the day as needed. Second, this was the only non-aerosol spray I tried, which — depending on where you live — makes the empty bottle easier to recycle. I was pretty impressed with its performance (I didn't notice any stinky pits during testing), but if you really like that dry-touch feeling from your deodorant, this one doesn't deliver that as effectively as some others I tried. But if you don't mind a little (not a lot) moisture — and reminder, none of these are labeled as antiperspirants, and none contain aluminum — then by all means, party on.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Teen Survives Being Struck by Lightning in Central Park, but Admits One Decision He Made 'Wasn't the Best Idea'
A New York City teenager was struck by lightning in Central Park on June 19 Yassin Khalifa was enjoying a picnic with friends when the storm started, and he suggested they wait the rain out under a tree 'Apparently, I'm pretty lucky, because my spine was directly against the tree and no nerve damage happened,' Khalifa saidA teenager is speaking out after surviving a lightning strike in New York City. Yassin Khalifa, a 15-year-old high school sophomore, was struck by lightning while spending time in Central Park on Thursday, June 19, according to WABC-TV New York and The New York Times. Though he fell unconscious for a few minutes, he only sustained second-degree burns and is expected to make a full recovery. After enjoying a picnic with his friends near the East Meadow, a severe thunderstorm set in, according to WABC. Khalifa told the outlet that he decided to ride out the storm under a tree, which he admitted "might not have been the best idea." The bolt of lightning struck the tree he was leaning on around 3:40 p.m., the New York Post reported, and Khalifa lost consciousness for a short time after the strike. By the time an ambulance arrived to take him to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, though, Khalifa was awake and alert. Additionally, Fox 5 New York reported that according to officials, the teen was also burned on impact as he was wearing a metal chain. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Apparently, I'm pretty lucky, because my spine was directly against the tree and no nerve damage happened," Khalifa told WABC-TV. "So I'm pretty happy about that." In the case of lightning strikes, one in ten people die, The New York Times reported in 2017, though it remains one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the United States. The thunderstorm in Manhattan was part of a string of severe weather along the East Coast on June 19, affecting parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Retail Traders Just Sent This AI Health Stock Soaring 60%
Oscar Health (NYSE:OSCR) has exploded nearly 60% this week, adding close to $2 billion in market cap without a single press release or earnings update. The real catalyst? A retail trading frenzy. OSCR became one of the most-mentioned names on r/WallStreetBets, and trading volume followed suitnearly 50 million shares changed hands on Wednesday alone, the second-highest in the company's history. Options activity lit up as well, with call volumes hitting a record 152,414 that day, and another 95,000 contracts moving by Friday morning, nearly triple the norm. Beneath the surge is a company with serious revenue momentumup 48% in 2023 and 57% in 2024. Adjusted earnings per share reached $0.92 in Q1 2025. But Oscar isn't just selling insuranceit's selling a story. Management brands the company as a health-tech platform, powered by AI and run on what it calls a continuous hackathon model. That pitch, familiar to anyone who's followed high-multiple tech names, is likely helping Oscar catch a more generous valuation than traditional insurers. Retail traders appear to be buying into that promise. Another factor? The Kushner connection. Joshua Kushner, vice chairman of Oscar's board and brother to Jared Kushner, has remained a prominent name in business and politics alike. That visibility might be adding an extra layer of speculation to the mix. But for now, the stock's movement is being driven more by momentum than fundamentals. Oscar is just $3 shy of its all-time highand the retail crowd seems determined to carry it the rest of the way. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
CBS News
4 hours ago
- CBS News
NYC-based organizations offer support for LGBTQ+ youth as suicide hotline option is terminated
New York City-based organizations are highlighting the need for resources for LGBTQ+ residents after the Trump administration announced it will end LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention services in a few weeks. The Trevor Project has been helping LGBTQ+ youth for decades and started providing specialized support for LGBTQ+ callers to the 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline in 2022, but it has received a stop work order effective July 17. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said LGBTQ+ callers can still rely on hotline's general services, but advocates say this will greatly impact LGBTQ+ youth. "There's someone here to help you" "LGBTQ+ youth in our country are experiencing a mental health crisis," said Mark Henson, the Trevor Project's interim vice president of advocacy and government affairs. "That's the reason why these services were set up, so that tailored care can be available to help keep them alive." According to the nonprofit organization, 39% of LGBTQ+ young New Yorkers seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 12% attempted it. A recent study also revealed LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. "If this program goes away, the question is will they feel comfortable reaching out?" Henson said. The Trevor Project says it will continue to provide crisis services through its own hotline, but it will be a lot harder. Henson has a message for LGBTQ+ youth struggling with mental health. "You deserve the right for support, and there's someone here to help you," he said. For more information on the services offered by the Trevor Project, visit Unique services available for LGBTQ+ youth in NYC The Queens Community House in Forest Hills has unique services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, including a drop-in center. "We see that those individuals often feel more welcome and safe in dedicated programming and thrive there," Executive Director Ben Thomases said. "They know they're gonna be understood. They know that people are going to see them for who they are." Thomases said the organization is also doing work in schools throughout the borough to make that environment more welcoming, as well. For more information, visit Jewish Queer Youth (JQY) offers support to young Jewish New Yorkers struggling to find acceptance in their communities. "Cutting services for LGBTQ youth through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline will really have devastating and deadly consequences," Executive Director Rachael Fried said. "The fact that it exists, it sends a message that queer youth actually matter." There's still a few weeks before the youth service is eliminated. Advocates are petitioning and pushing for lawmakers to step in. In May, more than 100 House members signed a letter urging the health department to preserve the LGBTQ+ option, and seven senators signed a similar letter. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call or text 988 to speak with a trained, caring counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also chat online with a counselor at
