When and why do kids need deodorant? 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 for SpoonfulONE, tells Verywell Family. “However, some children do start developing body odor earlier.” 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. Our testers’ kids tried out some of both, and they reported back on the efficacy, smell, and texture of each product they used. In addition to its beachy smell, the deodorant feels great against the skin, according to our 13-year-old tester, thanks in large part to a roll-on application that’s “enjoyable to apply.” Plus, the clear formula doesn’t leave behind any white residue or stains, earning it 5 out of 5 stars for texture. Testing Notes: “This is definitely not cheap, but it’s enjoyable to apply, and the smell lasts all day. [My son] wore it eight hours, outdoors, and says he’ll happily use this every day going forward.” This deodorant earned another 5 out of 5 stars for its efficacy against sweat and odor. Our teen tester wore it for eight hours outdoors during a heat wave and had zero complaints. In fact, they still smelled the coconut fragrance after a hot and humid day at camp. Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Coconut | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, sage oil | Price at time of publication: $14 Testing Notes: “We love Tom’s! I have used it for years as an adult, and I love that I have the option to give my kids the same body odor protection (especially between showers!) without the chemicals.” The kids’ deodorant contains natural ingredients, like aloe and sunflower seed oil, that combine to make a gentle texture. According to our 11-year-old tester, the texture was nice and applied smoothly to the skin. Plus, the kids’ deodorant didn’t leave behind any stains or residue on their clothes. Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Freestyle | Active ingredients: Propylene glycol, aloe, and sunflower seed oil | Price at time of publication: $16 The deodorant rolls on clear for a simple application without white residue or stains left behind on clothes. While our testers loved how easy the deodorant was to apply, they noticed it goes on wet before drying quickly, which can take getting used to, so they gave it 4 out of 5 stars for its texture. Despite that mild flaw, this kids’ deodorant was flawless in efficacy and easily earned 5 out of 5 stars. Our tween tester applied the deodorant before heading off to summer camp, where they engaged in physical activity most of the day. “I loved that it kept my daughter smelling fresh after eight hours of being outside and doing sports and activities,” said our tester’s parent. Testing Notes: “My daughter tested this product, and if I had to use one word to describe it, it would be AMAZING! I had purchased other ‘natural’ deodorant products, and they didn’t work! My daughter put this on, went to summer camp for eight hours, ran around outside, played soccer, and we didn’t smell a thing! NOTHING! I was amazed!” Bonus: The women-owned company says the roll-on kids’ deodorant is even safe to use for stinky feet. Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Fresh honeydew | Active ingredients: Aloe, witch hazel, lavender, and white tea | Price at time of publication: $12 The deodorant aced scent and efficacy testing, earning 5 out of 5 for both. According to our 11-year-old tester, the deodorant has a “very mild and fresh” smell that resembles a fruity and powder-like aroma. After wearing the deodorant for a full day at soccer camp, our tester performed the sniff test. “I could not smell myself at all,” he noted. Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Powder | Active ingredients: Dicaprylyl carbonate, glycerin, triethyl citrate | Price at time of publication: $7 “After a day at camp, actively playing soccer, running around for eight hours, there was no smell at all,” said our tester’s parent. While the scent was light and not overpowering, its delicate smell left our tester wanting more. The natural deodorant is free of toxic chemicals and contains ingredients you likely have around the house, such as baking soda and coconut oil. Its texture felt smooth and not sticky, according to our tester. Plus, it didn’t leave any residue or stains on our tester’s clothes after a full day of wear. If you order directly from the Native site, the brand offers a subscription option that allows you to choose what you need and how often. You can even change the frequency, scent, and other options at any time. Type: Deodorant | Form: Roll-on | Scent: Powder and cotton | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, magnesium hydroxide | Price at time of publication: $15 Unfortunately, the fresh aroma of gummy bears didn’t hold up against our tester’s daily activities, like mild exercise. Our tween tester’s parent said the deodorant did a good job of keeping away a strong odor but noticed a mild armpit smell mixed with the gummy bear scent at the end of the day. “I would recommend this for kids that don’t really need deodorant yet, or maybe just need it a bit,” the parent said. “It has such a nice smell and is appealing to kids (both packaging, name, and scent). My daughter does love it and will continue to use it, but over time it might not be effective enough.” The tester liked the texture of the deodorant, though her parent rubbed the deodorant on the back of their hand and saw some chunks come loose. Additionally, they noticed it felt slightly greasy, but her kiddo had zero complaints about either issue. Plus, no stains were left behind on clothes because the deodorant glides on clear. Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Gummy Burst | Active ingredients: Coconut oil, tapioca starch, baking soda | Price at time of publication: $13 While Secret’s antiperspirant tackled sweat and odors without a hitch, it was the antiperspirant’s scent that our tester found to be just average. The 13-year-old said that while it didn’t smell good or bad, the overall scent was “fine” but “faint.” Type: Antiperspirant | Form: Solid | Scent: Light and fresh | Active ingredients: Aluminum chloride | Price at time of publication: $16 Hello deodorant is also available in several fragrances, like sweet coconut and fresh citrus. The fragrance-free version is what our tester tried–and it lived up to its name. According to our tester, there was “barely a smell,” making this an ideal option for those who want an unscented kids’ deodorant. Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Fragrance-free | Active ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, arrowroot | Price at time of publication: $16 Testing notes: “I didn’t smell my son’s pits from the moment he walked in the door after being outside for hours. That’s already a win. That pleasant smell seemed to last all night until bath time.” Type: Deodorant | Form: Solid | Scent: Happy With Lavender | Active ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, kaolin clay | Price at time of publication: $12
We Also Tested
Megababe Sunny Pits Daily Deodorant: While its smooth application was perfect for everyday wear, the floral scent was too strong and didn’t mask body odor as well after a lot of activity. Kobi Sports Deodorant: The unscented deodorant lived up to its fragrance-free promise, but our tester could smell his sweat at the end of the day. Lume Deodorant: This deodorant was a breeze to put on, but it had to be constantly reapplied in order for it to mask body odor.
How We Tested Kids’ Deodorants
Ten kids, tweens, and testers evaluated 17 deodorants by incorporating the hygiene product into their regular routines at home. We assessed each deodorant on several attributes, such as texture, efficacy, scent, and value. We also spoke with Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, MBE, FAAP, pediatrician, and chief medical officer for SpoonfulONE, and Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, about what to look for in a kids’ deodorant. Testers considered the texture of the deodorant and how it felt when applied to the skin. We asked them to be aware of any stains or residue left behind on clothes or skin and if the texture made application difficult. While some deodorants for kids glided onto the skin smoothly, others felt sticky or gritty. For scent and efficacy, we asked testers to apply the deodorant like usual to determine if the scent and ingredients were effective against sweat and odor. We asked testers (or their parents) to perform a sniff test following a full day of wearing the deodorants. Lastly, we carefully considered all other attributes in comparison with the price to assess overall value.
What to Look for in Kids’ Deodorant
Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant
While the terms are often used interchangeably, antiperspirant and deodorant are not the same. “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, like Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant, include aluminum that blocks the sweat glands, while deodorants typically do not. Teens and tweens going through puberty may find antiperspirants to be necessary. Younger kids can typically stick to deodorant to keep their armpits fresh throughout the day. Dr. Zeichner echoes Dr. Swanson, adding, “In younger kids, the issue is typically a foul smell, so I usually recommend straight deodorants. These products are aluminum-free and typically do not cause irritation.” For younger children, a deodorant, along with a balanced diet and consistent hygiene practices, should be enough to keep their smell in check. “As with any new personal care products, I always recommend a patch test or using it to the entire area,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “When performing a test, a small amount is applied to the skin to test for any potential irritation. Deodorants typically provide effectiveness all day, but you certainly can reapply a second time during the day if needed.” Before reaching for any 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.
Application Type
Deodorants and antiperspirants are available in a variety of forms: solid, roll-on, gel, crystal, and wipes. The type of deodorant your child uses will depend on their age and preferences. For example, our top pick, Kopari Aluminum-Free Deodorant, features a roll-on style that our tester found easy to apply. If you choose a solid deodorant, opt for one that goes on clear to prevent any white residue or stains on clothing. Additionally, be sure to check in with your child on the type they’d prefer to use or try.
Scented versus Unscented
For deodorant-reluctant kids, a sweet-smelling product can convince them to use it daily. Most deodorants for kids have options that have a light fragrance that isn’t too overwhelming. However, for scent-sensitive kiddos (especially those prone to allergies), a fragrance-free, natural-smelling option would be a better choice, such as the Hello Fragrance-Free Deodorant With Shea Butter. 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 Dr. Swanson. “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.”
Ingredients
The skin under your child’s arm is delicate, sensitive, and still developing. To ensure that their deodorant doesn’t cause a rash or otherwise irritate them, opt for a formula that is free from harsh chemicals, like Tom’s of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant. Many parents and caregivers opt for plant-derived 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.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. 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. Aluminum salts in deodorant are what keep us from sweating since they dissolve and stop sweat from producing in 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.
