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.

The 10 Best Kids Deodorant of 2022

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One of the signs of puberty is increased perspiration and related odors, but when it starts depends on each child. "Children can begin to develop body odor around the time of puberty, generally between ages 9 and 14," Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer, SpoonfulONE, told Verywell Family. "However, some children do start developing body odor earlier." As your kiddo's body starts to change, you may notice an increased body odor that is persistent despite showering and bathing regularly. This is a sign that it's time to introduce your child to deodorant or antiperspirant.

Deodorants are designed to cover up the odor caused by sweat while antiperspirants are designed to block sweat glands and stop a person from perspiring, therefore preventing odor. For younger children, a deodorant along with a balanced diet and consistent hygiene practices should be enough to keep their smell in check. For your tweens and teens that are in the thick of puberty, an antiperspirant is more suitable and can help them feel confident all day long.

Find the best deodorant for kids that is comfortable, easy to use, and makes them feel good about themselves.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant at Amazon

Great for boys or girls and sensitive skin, it's natural and free of parabens while it promises 24 hours of odor protection.

Best Roll-On:

Fresh Kidz Natural Roll-On Deodorant at Amazon

Since it’s a roll-on, the deodorant goes on smoothly without any stickiness while it has a fresh, natural fragrance.

Best Fragrance-Free:

hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant with Shea at Amazon

For scent-averse kiddos with sensitive skin, this fragrance-free formula is made with tea tree oil and shea butter.

Best Organic:

FoodGradeOrganic Natural Kids Deodorant at Amazon

Suitable for boys or girls, the product is lightly scented with essential oils and is free of concerning elements like aluminum.

Best Charcoal-Based:

Fairy Tales TBH Kids Deodorant at Amazon

The charcoal works to absorb underarm wetness while the coconut oil neutralizes any body odor and hydrates the skin.

Best Coconut Oil-Based:

Kopari Coconut Deodorant at Amazon

Lightly coconut-scented and made with a unique blend of coconut and sage oil, it glides on smoothly without any sticky residue.

Best Scent:

Native Vegan Deodorant at Amazon

Aluminum-free and available in a variety of sweet scents, they're safe for kiddos and go on smoothly.

Best Antiperspirant:

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant at Amazon

Ideal for older kids experiencing puberty, it provides three times the sweat protection than regular antiperspirants.

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Dove Aluminum-Free Deoderant at Amazon

Perfect for sensitive skin, while it's not an antiperspirant, it effectively eliminates odor while providing hydration.

Best for Tweens:

Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant at Megababebeauty.com

Invisible, alcohol-free, and paraben-free, it's ideal for tween girls who enjoy a fragranced formula.

Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant

Kids will love the wicked cool branding of this pick while parents will appreciate that this product is natural, safe, and free of parabens, aluminum, artificial preservatives, and artificial fragrances. Parent reviewers praise this product as a great first deodorant and find the fresh scent suitable for all kids.

The claim of 24-hour odor protection seems to ring true and the product does not irritate users' sensitive skin.

Designed for young, sensitive skin, this roll-on has options for boys and girls. The natural, aluminum, paraben, and alcohol-free formulations have fragrances that are natural, fresh, and clean smelling.

Since it’s a roll-on, the deodorant has a pleasantly smooth application that won't bother your child. It is a little wet, so may need a few moments to dry, but it isn’t sticky once it dries. Parents praise the subtle smell of this product and find it really works well, especially for kids from 8 to 14 years old.

hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant with Shea Butter

For scent-averse kids, try this fragrance-free formulation that glides on smoothly and is perfect for boys or girls. Made with ingredients like arrowroot, tea tree oil, and shea butter, this choice does not include aluminum or baking soda, so it’s not likely to cause irritation or stain clothing.

With 24-hour protection, eco-conscious kids will appreciate that the formula is packaged in 100% previously recycled packaging and is recyclable. Reviewers, especially those with sensitive noses, praise this as a truly fragrance-free option.

Specifically made for kids, this food-grade (yes, safe enough to eat, though not recommended) deodorant is free of the elements that may cause concern like aluminum or aluminum compounds, alcohol, carcinogens, dyes, preservatives, parabens, beeswax, gluten, corn, soy, or anything artificial.

Suitable for boys or girls, the product is lightly scented with essential oils and has a mild fresh scent. Highly praised by reviewers, parents feel good about their kids using this product and assure that it smells good and truly works.

This ash-colored charcoal-based deodorant is designed to beat the funk and nourish your tween's skin at the same time. Charcoal absorbs underarm wetness and draws toxins out from the skin while coconut oil can neutralize the body’s odor by removing the odor-causing bacteria and hydrating the skin.

Fragrance-free, it’s appropriate for both boys or girls. Reviewers note it works well but does take some getting used to since the product can be a bit firmer in texture, but it softens on contact with skin or can be warmed up in the armpit before using.

4.8

Made of 100% plant-based materials, this all-natural deodorant includes a unique blend of coconut water, coconut oil, and sage oil. Not surprisingly, the product is lightly coconut-scented and glides on smoothly without any sticky residue.

While not specifically formulated just for kids, this product is well-loved by many reviewers and a great option for those looking for natural deodorants. A bit more expensive than other choices, try this product if all-natural, plant-based products are important to you.

If the deodorant buy-in is tough for your kiddo, they may be convinced by Native's wide variety of scents that include blends like tropical coconut and vanilla, rejuvenating cucumber and mint, candied sweet almond and honey, and so much more. These aluminum-free products feel light and fresh and go on smoothly. Strong enough for adults, Native products are safe for kids and a variety of scents are available in multi-packs or sampler packs so your kid can find their signature smell (all while still using deodorant).

Secret Clinical Strength Soft Solid Deodorant

While not suitable for younger kids, this clinical strength product is an ideal option for teens going through puberty and who are very concerned with their sweating. Gentle on skin, this option provides three times the sweat protection than regular antiperspirants.

Available in a few formulations and scents, teens may appreciate the “Sensitive Unscented” formula since it provides skin-soothing conditioners to tender underarm skin and doesn’t have any overwhelming odor. If excessive sweating is a constant issue, it’s best to discuss it with your child’s pediatrician.

If your kiddo has especially sensitive skin and you’re looking for an inexpensive drugstore option, this Dove deodorant fits the bill. Made without alcohol and aluminum, this formulation has unique moisturizers that Dove is known for. While not an antiperspirant, reviewers appreciate how effective this option is for eliminating odor—it’s strong enough for adult men and truly is an odor-free product.

Tween girls will love this all-natural deodorant. With simple yet stylish branding, your tween can choose from scents like “Rosy Pits,” “Sunny Pits,” and “Beachy Pits.” Invisible, alcohol-free, and paraben-free, this brand is founded by an inspiring female entrepreneur who promotes body positivity in a fun and inclusive way.

If your tween is a fan of the deodorant, try the brand’s other products including a “Thigh Rescue” friction stick and “Bust Dust,” an anti-boob sweat powder.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right deodorant for your child will depend on your preferences as well as their age. For younger children that are just starting to use deodorants, Toms of Maine will keep them funk-free for an entire day. For your tweens and teens going through puberty, Secret Clinical Strength can help them feel confident and odor-free.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. While not the mom of teens yet, a deodorant discussion has happened in her house. While Maya is a huge Megababe fan, her oldest is drawn to the variety of scents from Native.

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Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

When should kids start using deodorant? (For parents)- nemours kidshealth.
Is Deodorant Harmful for Your Health?

The 10 Best Kids Deodorant of 2022

The right deodorant for kids

Best Overall: Tom's of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant

Best Roll-On: Fresh Kidz Natural Roll-On Deodorant

Best Fragrance-Free: hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant with Shea Butter

Best Organic: FoodGradeOrganic Natural Kids Deodorant

Best Charcoal-Based: Fairy Tales TBH Kids Deodorant

Best Coconut Oil-Based: Kopari Coconut Deodorant

Best Scent: Native Vegan Deodorant

Best Antiperspirant: Secret Clinical Strength Soft Solid Deodorant

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dove Aluminum-Free Deoderant

Best for Tweens: Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant