Deodorant for kids: Derms talk the right age for deodorant and the best ones for young skin
NBC News · LC · trust 46/100
NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more .
Lots of trusted brands — including Hello and Evereden — make deodorant just for kids. Tubby Todd; Amazon Table of contents Is deodorant safe for kids? At what age should a kid start wearing deodorant? The best deodorants for kids How to shop for deodorant for kids Do kids need antiperspirant? Frequently asked questions Meet our skin care experts Why trust NBC Selected? See 5 More We don’t always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad , how often you should wash your hair and more.
It used to be that as kids approached their teen years, they’d start incorporating deodorant into their routine. But these days, lots of kids are reaching for it before they’ve even turned 10 years old. Because of this, brands have poured into the kids’ deodorant space in recent years, with gentler formulas aimed at tweens and even younger children.
Dermatologists say the shift tracks a real biological change. “This reflects the fact that many children are entering puberty earlier than previous generations,” says Dr. Kristina Collins , a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas. “Body odor is often one of the first signs that the apocrine sweat glands are becoming active. If a child is experiencing body odor that affects their comfort or confidence, using a gentle deodorant can be appropriate.”
But is it safe for kids to wear deodorant? And if they’re going to, what should you look for in a formula? To get the answers to these questions, I spoke with Collins and another board-certified dermatologist.
Deodorant is generally safe for kids to use, including during those early tween years when body odor first shows up. That said, kids’ skin tends to be more sensitive than adult skin, so the formula matters more than it might for a grown-up reaching for whatever’s under the sink.
“Heavy fragrances may trigger irritation or allergic reactions and alcohol-heavy formulas can sting or dry out the skin,” says Collins. “If your child has sensitive skin, even ingredients that are ‘natural’ can trigger allergic reactions.”
Translation: It’s worth paying closer attention to labels and doing a bit of trial and error to find something that works for your child’s skin, rather than assuming any deodorant will do.
There’s no universal starting line for deodorant use and it really comes down to your child’s own body, not a birthday on the calendar. “It is based on when the sweat glands become active, which is different in everybody,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman , a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Most kids can start once body odor becomes noticeable, typically between the ages of 8 and 10.”
The easiest way to know it’s time is if you or your child start noticing a change in smell, especially after gym class, recess, or a hot day; that’s usually the signal that their apocrine sweat glands (ones located in your armpit that secrete oily sweat) have kicked in. At that point, introducing a gentle, kids’ deodorant can help with odor, comfort and confidence.
To come up with a list of the best deodorants for kids, I used expert guidance (find it below) to select options safe for younger skin. I also focused on trusted brands or products with at least a four-star average rating from hundreds of shoppers.
$ 15.00 Tubby Todd I regularly use Tubby Todd products and love how gentle they are, so their Deo Stick is an easy pick for sensitive skin. It’s aluminum- and baking soda-free, using tapioca starch and magnesium hydroxide (ingredients our experts say are gentle enough for kid skin) to absorb wetness and fight odor-causing bacteria. According to the brand, it is gentle enough for kids ages 6 and up.
$ 11.99 Amazon $ 11.99 Walmart Level Up Boys Deodorant is made specifically for young, sensitive skin. It has an Ocean Fresh scent and is free of aluminum, alcohol and parabens. Similar to the Tubby Todd option, it uses natural tapioca starch to absorb wetness. Reviewers note that the scent is pleasant without being overpowering, and say that it’s effective for 24 hours.
$ 19.00 Amazon $ 19.00 Sephora $ 19.00 Evereden Evereden’s deodorant has an aluminum-free formula that’s made without baking soda or silicones. It contains vitaminsE and B5 to nourish skin and it is dermatologist-tested, according to the brand. It also has a sweet scent of rose, strawberry, and vanilla.
$ 12.55 $ 13.99 Amazon Now 10% off This deodorant is free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, dyes and baking soda and contains shea butter to keep underarms soft and hydrated. It’s dermatologically tested and vegan, with a sweet watermelon and peach scent. The bright packaging is also appealing for younger kids.
$ 12.99 Amazon This deodorant delivers 24-hour odor protection without aluminum, parabens or phthalates, according to the brand. It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, glides on clear without white marks, according to parents who’ve bought it , and it comes in a playful gummy burst scent. Parents also say it helps kids who get sweaty and stinky in gym class or on the playground, and that they like that it isn’t irritating.
selected selected The best podiatrist-approved walking sandals to keep you comfortable all summer Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
Both Collins and Jaliman recommend starting kids with deodorant rather than antiperspirant, since most children simply need help with odor rather than sweat reduction (which is what antiperspirant does — more on that below). Beyond that, they suggest looking for gentle formulas with minimal, recognizable ingredients rather than long lists of additives.
For…
Read the original at NBC News →
Open in TruthVane →