Your teenager is not going to say, "Mum, I want to talk about my onion bags."
Why onion bags you may ask 🤔
That's what my husband Murray calls those especially stinky teenage armpits. I don't know where he got 'onion bags' from (and probably don't want to know). But it's a pretty accurate description.
Somewhere around puberty, every 'body' starts making body odour. It is normal, and it signals the start of a very long relationship with deodorant. The big question: what COULD that first product be. A natural choice could set your teen up for a life of health. Or a rollercoaster of products from 'influencer-driven beauty stores' like Mecca and Sephora in your house, and in your rubbish bins.
To help you we've created this parent's guide to a first natural deodorant for a teenager.
It Starts Earlier Than You Think (And That's Normal)
Healthdirect Australia says puberty in girls usually begins between 8 and 13 years, and in boys around 11 to 12 years, with some starting from age 9. It also says you may start to sweat more and notice more body odour, and that regular washing and using deodorant can help. Every kid runs to their own timetable, so start when you or they notice. More at Healthdirect on puberty for girls and puberty for boys.
Is Natural Better? It Depends What You Mean
Plenty of products say "natural". But there's plenty of 'cleanwashing' out there! Many products are marketed as natural, but a good check of their ingredients show they're anything but...
With Viva La Body we make it a lot easier. You can read and understand every ingredient, because we list EVERYTHING we use in plain language. Our deodorants are aluminium-free and bicarb-free, with no synthetic fragrance and no palm oil. They are handmade in Australia, vegan and cruelty-free, in a plastic-free tube.
The ingredient base is the same across all three scents: magnesium hydroxide, coconut oil, tapioca starch, shea butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride from coconut, candelilla wax, jojoba oil, rice bran wax and natural vitamin E. If you want to read more about why we use Magnesium check out: Aluminium vs Magnesium Deodorant: Why Magnesium Actually Works Better.
Stick, Not Spray
Viva deodorants are a solid stick in a push-up tube. No added water, no aerosol propellant, no plastic packaging. It goes on dry, with a soft, powdery finish. A little goes a long way, and the feel is not wet or sticky, which is something our own teenagers love.
Which One Does Your Teen Pick?
Three scents, one base. Here is the difference.
| Deodorant | Scent comes from | Good starting point if your teen |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitive Unscented Deodorant | No added essential oils. Fragrance-free. | Dislikes strong smells, or you want the fewest variables |
| Lavender Fresh Deodorant | Lavender oil and palmarosa oil | Likes a clean, calming, slightly citrusy scent |
| Patchouli Rose Deodorant | Rose geranium oil and patchouli oil | Wants something that smells like a person with taste |
If you are nervous about a reaction, start with the Sensitive Unscented Deodorant. It is made for sensitive skin and has no added essential oils, so there is simply nothing to react to. My husband (and our designer) Murray swears by it. As he says - "there's no smell, but I don't smell!" Can't argue with that logic.
Whichever you pick, if you do get any irritation please stop using it immediately and let us know. We are here to help.
How to Use It (Two Light Swipes, Less is More)
Teenagers do not do "a fraction". Show them once.
- Start with freshly washed, clean, dry underarms.
- Push up the base of the tube a fraction.
- Apply two to four super light swipes.
- Reapply through the day if needed.
The finish is dry, so it is tempting to keep going. Please don't. Over-applying builds up and leads to staining, and two light swipes is plenty. If the stick is hard to push up the first time, roll the tube back and forth on a flat surface a few times. In colder weather, hold it under your arm for a while to soften it first.
Keep it somewhere cool and dark, out of direct sunlight. A hot car all day is not that place.
The Handover (Without the Chat)
If you've managed to pin them down for a moment and explained the benefits of natural ingredients, no toxins and plastic free personal care, then set them loose on our website.
- Let them choose the scent. Three in the house beats forcing your favourite on them.
- Put it in their bathroom, not yours. Ownership matters to everyone. Put them in charge.
- They might need a reminder. Of our two girls, one has a routine - the other doesn't. Yet.
Nobody has ever learned something by being told what to do. Helping them experience personal care WITH you is what it's all about. Giving them agency to make good decisions with the right information is what it is all about. You are setting them on a path of natural wellness that they will (hopefully) pass onto their own families. It's worth the effort!
What to Read Next
A few of our other deodorant guides are handy once the stick is in the house. Your First Natural Deodorant: What to Expect in Week 1 covers the early days, and The Sensitivity Question covers reactive skin. For sporty teens, try Natural Deodorant and Exercise. For summer, there is Does Natural Deodorant Actually Work in Summer Heat? and How Often Should You Reapply Natural Deodorant in Hot Weather?.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should a teenager start using deodorant?
While there is no set age, Healthdirect Australia says puberty in girls usually begins between 8 and 13 years, and in boys around 11 to 12 years, with some starting from age 9. That is when body odour tends to show up. Timing depends on your child, so start when you or they notice.
Is natural deodorant better for teens than regular deodorant?
Not automatically - it just depends where your values lie. If you feel strongly about natural products and natural health then Viva offers a transparent ingredient list you can read without a degree. No aluminium, no bicarb, no synthetic fragrance and no palm oil.
Which Viva deodorant is best for a first-timer?
If you want the fewest variables, start with the Sensitive Unscented Deodorant. It is made for sensitive skin and has no added essential oils. If your teen wants a scent, Lavender Fresh and Patchouli Rose share the same base.
How do you apply a stick deodorant?
Push up the base of the tube a fraction, then apply two to four super light swipes to freshly washed, clean, dry underarms. Reapply through the day if needed. Light is the key word. Over-applying leads to build-up and staining.
Will it stain school uniforms?
The finish is dry, which tempts people to over-apply. Over-applying can cause build-up but we have never had an issue with staining at home. But show your teen how to apply and the school uniform should be fine.
Does it work for sporty teens?
They sure are. Our deodorants were developed in tropical Darwin, so they are built for neutralising odour. If your kids are doing a lot of sport, or having to move between PE and other lessons in a school day - they can reapply through the day as needed. For the full picture on sweat and sport, read Natural Deodorant and Exercise.
What if my teen gets a rash or irritation?
Stop using it. If irritation occurs, please discontinue use, and get in contact with us. We have a lot of experience with our products and different skin types. If you are worried about your teen's skin, check in with your doctor or pharmacist.
What do I do with the tube when it is finished?
The tube is cardboard. Cut it up and put it in your home compost, bury it in the garden or throw some soil in it and grow some flowers! If none of your fingers are green, you can always pop it in your home recycling bin.
Real talk.
Nobody is going to say, "Mum, I want to talk about my onion bags." So make it easy.
Help your kids pick a scent. The Sensitive Unscented Deodorant is the lowest-fuss place to start, and Lavender Fresh and Patchouli Rose are there when they have opinions.
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Two light swipes and they are ready to go.