You may want to keep your child a baby forever, but kids grow up fast. Soon, they’re starting kindergarten, learning how to ride a bike, and before you know it, they’re going through puberty.
Kids start puberty at different ages. Puberty causes undeniable physical changes in your child. Children grow taller, develop breasts, and their voices may deepen.
Puberty is also when children begin to grow body hair. As underarm hair develops, you may notice a distinct odor coming from your child. Just about every parent expects their child to start wearing deodorant by their teenage years.
But some children develop body odor at a much younger age. It’s not uncommon for a parent or child to start thinking about deodorant as early as 8, 9, or 10 years old. You may feel your child is too young for deodorant. However, the truth is that there’s no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant.
Each parent and child has to make a decision together based on what they feel is best. If you and your child decide that now’s the time to address their body odor, you can choose either an antiperspirant or a deodorant.
Some people use these terms interchangeably or feel that antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing. But there are clear differences between the two. An antiperspirant is a product that stops perspiration, and a deodorant is a product that eliminates odor caused by sweat.
Some products function as both antiperspirants and deodorants, but this isn’t always the case. Since sweat is usually the underlying cause of body odor, you may want to look for products that specifically control perspiration. Although antiperspirants can be effective, some people have concerns about the potential harmful side effects of these products.
If you need a product to mask your child’s body odor, and you prefer a product that doesn’t contain aluminum, parabens, or other similar ingredients, there are many natural deodorants for kids. Here are some options:
Since deodorants don’t contain ingredients that stop perspiration, these products only control your child’s body odor, not sweating. The good news is that young children typically don’t sweat excessively.
Understand that children respond differently to natural products. If a natural deodorant doesn’t produce the necessary results immediately, give it a few days to allow your child’s body to adjust to the deodorant. If this doesn’t work, your child may respond to a different type of natural deodorant.
Natural deodorants are safe, but your children may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients. In fact, your child could just as easily be sensitive to an ingredient in a deodorant as to one in an antiperspirant.
Before applying either of these products to your children’s underarms, you may want to test it on a small section of their body, such as the back of their hand. Look for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as flushing, bumps, or itchiness. If a reaction doesn’t occur, it’s likely safe for your children to apply a larger amount under their arms.
If you check the label of antiperspirants in your bathroom or on a retail shelf, you’ll find brands containing the ingredients aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium.
These ingredients work like a plug by constricting and stopping up sweat glands. If applied daily, your child may stop sweating altogether or sweat only a small amount. Children and teens can use antiperspirants.
This includes brands such as Certain Dri, Old Spice, Secret, and several other well-known products on the market. While aluminum-based antiperspirants are effective against sweat, aluminum and other ingredients found in antiperspirants (parabens and propylene glycol)
However, studies haven’t shown that applying these substances to the skin increases the risk of any disease. If you have concerns about these ingredients, consider skipping the antiperspirant and opting for a gentle deodorant suitable for your child or teen.
If you don’t want to expose your child to the ingredients in purchased antiperspirants or deodorants, you can also make your own deodorant at home using a variety of ingredients such as coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils.
There are a variety of simple recipes online. A basic concoction might include mixing:
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder
- 4 tbsp. of coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp. of an essential oil like tea tree or lavender
Combine all the ingredients, then melt and pour them into a used deodorant tube or another suitable container. Since essential oils and other natural products are largely unregulated, it’s difficult to evaluate the safety or efficacy of any individual product.
It is important to discuss the use of these essential oils with your child’s pediatrician.
Although there are no direct research links between essential oils and hormonal balance, research in this area is ongoing. In this recipe, you can use any scented oil, such as tea tree oil or lavender, as its primary purpose is to mask body odor and improve the scent over that of sweat.
Since homemade and natural deodorants are mild, these products may not be as effective as other types of deodorants. To control body odor throughout the day, your children may need to reapply deodorant after physical activity or on particularly hot days.
Your children can also take additional steps to control body odor. These include:
- bathing at least once a day
- showering after activities
- changing their clothes, socks, and underwear every day
The best deodorant for children with sensitive skin includes ones that are gentle on the skin by avoiding fragrances and aluminum, since these ingredients can cause irritation.
Yes, a 7 year old can wear deodorant if they start to develop body odor.
Bacteria mixes with sweat to cause underarm odor, meaning anyone who sweats can have it, including young children.
Body odor is common in children and teenagers, especially when they’re going through puberty. There’s no cause for alarm.
Speak with your doctor to determine the cause of body odor issues if your child’s odor doesn’t improve or worsens despite using antiperspirant, deodorant, and improving hygiene habits. Sometimes, children can have conditions that cause excess perspiration.
In rare cases, your doctor may recommend running tests to confirm whether body odor comes from puberty or other conditions, such as an infection, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid.