The 10 Best Kids Deodorant of 2021

What to Look for When Buying Deodorant for Kids

Scent vs. Scent-Free

For your reluctant kids, a sweet-smelling deodorant can convince them to actually use it daily. Most deodorants for kids have options that have a light fragrance that isn't too overwhelming. However, for your scent-sensitive kiddos, a fragrance-free, natural smelling option would be a better choice.

But, if you feel your child's body odor is worsening, contact their doctor. "If your child’s odor doesn’t improve or worsens despite using an antiperspirant, a deodorant, and improving hygiene habits you can call your doctor," says Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer, SpoonfulONE. "Sometimes, children can have conditions that cause excess perspiration. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest running tests to confirm whether body odor is due to growing up, or other problems like an infection, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid."

Natural

The skin under your child's arm is delicate, sensitive, and still developing. To ensure that the deodorant that they are using doesn't cause a rash or otherwise irritate them, opt for a natural formula that is free from parabens, aluminum, and artificial fragrances.

Many parents and caregivers opt for natural ingredients because they are unsure of aluminum in their child's deodorant. However, there's no need to worry, Dr. Swanson says.

"There is concern by some that aluminum and other ingredients found in antiperspirants (parabens and propylene glycol) might be linked to an increased risk of some medical problems in life," Dr. Swanson explains. "This has not been proven in human studies and studies haven’t shown that applying these substances to the skin causes an increased risk of any disease. If you’re concerned about these ingredients, you can skip the antiperspirant and choose a gentle deodorant for your child or teen."

Antiperspirant vs Deodorant

While the terms are often used interchangeably, antiperspirant and deodorant are not the same. Antiperspirants are designed to limit sweat production while deodorant is designed to eliminate underarm odor. "Deodorants get rid of the odor of sweat by covering it up, and antiperspirants actually stop or dry up perspiration," Dr. Swanson tells Verywell Family. Most antiperspirants include aluminum in order to block the sweat glands while deodorants typically do not.

Teens and tweens going through puberty may find antiperspirants to be necessary while younger kids can typically stick to deodorant to keep their armpits fresh throughout the day. Before reaching for either product, read the ingredients and the description to be clear on what you are buying. If you aren't sure which is right for your child, always consult their pediatrician.

FAQs

When should kids start wearing deodorant?

It can be difficult to determine when your child should start wearing deodorant, but it's typically when they enter puberty. Because puberty can begin at a different age for every child, it's important to know it can begin as young as 9 years old and up to 14 years old.

There's really no specific age at which children can start using deodorant, but when children enter puberty, they start to develop body odor. That's when most parents and caregivers start buying deodorant for their kiddos. It's always best to read the deodorant's recommendations for age, but some deodorants are designed to work at night or right in the morning, so you'll want to know for sure what's recommended.

When your child begins wearing deodorant, it's a great time to go over hygiene basics with them and what they need to include daily. However, if your child has any concerns about their sweating or body odor, reach out to their doctor.

Is the aluminum in traditional deodorant safe for kids?

With so many different products on the market for hygiene care, especially with deodorants, it can be tough to know what's safe and what's not. A common ingredient in many pharmaceutical and even makeup products is aluminum, however, many parents and caregivers wonder if that's safe to put on their child's skin.

Aluminum salts in deodorant are what keep us from sweating since they dissolve and stop sweat from producing on your pores. Aluminum becomes a concern for those who have kidney problems because their body is unable to filter out the aluminum fast enough. If your child does not have any kidney problems, their body is able to process the aluminum on their skin better.

Dr. Swanson recommends that for children who want to start wearing deodorant early, you should opt for an aluminum-free choice. "I would not see any harm in a child who wants to use deodorant doing that at almost any age. I would however, recommend using an aluminum-free option," she says.