There's no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant. Many start in their teens. Some start as soon as puberty starts to cause body odor, which can be as early 8 or 9 years old for some children. Then again, some never use it, even as adults.
Kids start to have body odor around the time puberty starts and hormones change. Usually, this happens when females are 8–13 years old, and males are 9–14. But it can also be normal to start puberty earlier or later. Bathing every day, especially after a lot of sweating or in hot weather, can help with body odor.
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.
Be proactive and respectful.
If your child is used to you being direct, simply telling them they need a shower and to use deodorant can do the trick. However, if your child is more sensitive or easily embarrassed, choose your words carefully.
There's no specific age for a child to start wearing deodorant or antiperspirant. Many start in their teens. Some start as soon as puberty starts to cause body odor, which can be as early 8 or 9 years old for some children. Then again, some never use it, even as adults.
Deodorant for Kids
Children generally enter puberty between the ages of 9 and 14. Around this time, they become more aware of their bodies and may begin to develop body odor. They may feel self-conscious about sweating and smelling. Deodorant is safe for your kids to use when they're ready.
“There is no specific age requirement for wearing deodorant. It can be sometimes as early as 8 or 9. Using deodorant to control odor is a personal preference,” she says.
Body odor in children mostly occurs as a result of poor hygiene but there are cases where kids with good hygiene have a smell to their sweat. Body odor is normal in kids starting early puberty. Some genetic metabolic diseases, like trimethylaminuria (Fish Odor Syndrome), could also cause body odor in children.
But a young grade-schooler who needs deodorant is within the normal range of development, says Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and author of Baby and Child Health. "Body odor at this age is usually a sign that the body is maturing and the hormones are changing," says Shu.
For some kids, bathing won't be enough to prevent body odour throughout the day, especially when they're active. Cummings recommends either a deodorant or antiperspirant. Deodorants work by covering up the smell of sweat, while antiperspirants actually stop or reduce the amount of sweat produced.
We all know armpits stink, but we don't expect it until puberty. It's not actually uncommon for younger kids to have armpit smells. This smell is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. And as long as your child doesn't have any other signs of puberty, and they're under the age of eight, it's not a concern.
While body odor in children can be hard to be around (and smell), it's perfectly normal. “As kids get closer to puberty, the adrenal glands start to 'wake up' a bit and activate sweat glands,” explains Dr.
Hormonal basis
It is normal for production of these hormones to increase (something we call adrenarche) and for pubic hair to appear after age 8 in girls or 9 in boys. The reason why this increase occurs earlier in some children is not known.
As your child approaches puberty, everything changes. Your child's hormones are changing, which stimulates their glands and increases perspiration, especially in the underarm and groin areas. That increase in perspiration combines with the bacteria that live on the skin creating the odor.
Keep it Kind Fresh Kidz Natural Roll On Deodorant
There are multiple versions available, suited toward girls or boys but none clog pores or leave ugly stains on clothing. This handy bottle is also a great option for sensitive skin as it's made without harmful chemicals like aluminum.
Antiperspirants use aluminum salts to block your apocrine sweat glands from stimulating underarm sweat. Aluminum free deodorants, as these are focused on blocking odor versus blocking sweat, contain antibacterial ingredients to kill those odor-causing bacteria that live off your sweat protein.
Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested
This means that every body wash we make has been approved by experts, and is safe for kids' skin, hair and eyes.
A Word From Verywell. It's certainly not unheard of for active prepubertal children, even those who practice good hygiene, to need to use deodorant. Since they're a little younger than average to need deodorant, talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns or if general hygiene tips alone don't help.
Kopari Aluminum Free Coconut Deodorant
Marmon's personal recommendations for the best deodorants for kids. It's easy to apply and feels gentle going on, an important factor for newbies. This Kopari deodorant includes coconut oil and sage oil, without any aluminum, parabens and phthalates.
Managing without deodorant
“If you stop wearing deodorant or antiperspirant, you can develop a stronger odor over time,” Doyle said. “When you stop using (such products) and sweat more, this creates a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal overgrowth, which can cause odor to become stronger.”