"Whole-body deodorant" is the new supermarket buzzword, promising coverage for "pits, privates and beyond". But the science says only a couple of spots on your body actually need it.
Why only some sweat smells
Body odour comes down to two different types of sweat glands. Apocrine glands, found in the armpits and groin, produce a thicker sweat that bacteria break down into the compounds we recognise as body odour. Eccrine glands, which cover the rest of the body, mostly release water and electrolytes and don't cause smell on their own.
What's actually in a whole-body deodorant
Most whole-body products use moisture-absorbing ingredients like silica or arrowroot powder alongside antibacterial agents and fragrance, the same basic approach as a standard deodorant, just marketed for a bigger surface area.
The concerns experts are raising
Dermatologists cited in the report note these products can disrupt the skin microbiome on parts of the body that don't need the intervention, potentially leading to irritation, rashes or sensitivity. Some also argue the trend manufactures a problem, and a fair bit of shame, in order to sell the solution.
What to do instead
For most people, a regular shower plus a decent deodorant where sweat actually causes odour is enough. Persistent or unusual body odour is worth mentioning to a doctor, since it can be linked to diet, stress, hormones or an underlying condition rather than something a product can fix.
Read the full story from ABC News, 19 August 2026.
Related reading: Why Your Natural Deodorant Stopped Working (And What to Do) and Natural Deodorant and Exercise: What to Expect When You're Really Sweating.