Deodorant isn't just for armpits — here's where to use it and where to avoid it

A person applies deodorant to their underarm. [Getty Images]

"Can I apply deodorant somewhere other than my armpits?"

As summer heat drives a surge in deodorant use, more consumers are wondering whether they can apply it to their face, chest, feet or groin. So-called "full-body deodorant" products have recently hit the market, but experts say most amount to little more than a marketing strategy and urge caution.

Wirecutter, a product review outlet run by The New York Times, recently compiled dermatologists' views on which body parts are safe for deodorant and which should be avoided.

Experts said that for people who want to reduce sweating and discomfort, deodorant or antiperspirant is appropriate only for the armpits and feet. The groin should be avoided, and most people have no need to apply it to the chest, back, arms or legs, they said.

Deodorant on your feet? 'It actually helps'

A person sprays deodorant on their feet. [Getty Images]

The one body part beyond the armpits that experts consistently recommend for deodorant use is the feet.</span> For people who sweat heavily on their feet — athletes in particular — it can help prevent blisters and reduce odor when shoes come off.

Dermatologist Anieta Leszko said the skin on the soles of the feet is relatively thick, meaning "standard underarm deodorant or antiperspirant can generally be used there without issue."</span> "For people who sweat a lot on their feet, it can make a significant difference in daily comfort," she added.</span>

However, deodorant should not be applied to any area with broken skin.

The groin is strictly off-limits

Experts were emphatic that deodorant should never be applied to the groin. The skin there is</span> extremely thin and sensitive, making it prone to irritation from fragrances, antibacterial agents and aluminum compounds.

Dermatologist Agen Chan warned that antiperspirants in particular carry a high risk of causing painful skin inflammation by blocking sweat glands in the area.

Experts noted that products marketed as "designed for sensitive areas" or "recommended by gynecologists" have also appeared recently, but said many still contain fragrances and should be used with care. If use is truly necessary, they advised choosing a fragrance-free product that has undergone clinical trials and consulting a specialist first.

Chest, back and arms: no need to bother

The chest, back, arms and legs have a different sweat-gland structure from other parts of the body, which means there is little reason to apply deodorant to them.

The torso and limbs are dominated by eccrine glands, which regulate body temperature. The sweat they produce consists mostly of water and electrolytes and rarely causes odor.

The armpits and groin, by contrast, also contain apocrine glands alongside eccrine glands. When skin bacteria break down the protein-rich sweat secreted by apocrine glands, the characteristic body odor results. Experts say that if odor is the concern, there is almost no reason to use deodorant anywhere other than the armpits.

For people bothered by sweating elsewhere on the body, wearing moisture-wicking, quick-dry clothing is a more effective solution, experts advised.

Wirecutter noted that "sweating is a normal physiological process for regulating body temperature" and that consumers "don't need to be swayed by marketing telling them to use deodorant all over their body."

For chafing, use a dedicated product — not deodorant

Moisture and odor in skin folds are natural results of sweat and friction, not a hygiene problem. Applying regular deodorant to these areas, however, can make irritation worse.

Chan said deodorant should not be used to treat chafing, warning that "applying products containing acids, alcohol and fragrances to damaged skin can turn mild irritation into serious skin injury."

Instead, body powder, a product specifically designed for chafing, or a protective skin ointment is the more appropriate choice, she advised.

yckim6452@heraldcorp.com