Deodorant used to be just for your armpits, but if you take a look at supermarket shelves (and TikTok videos) you’ll notice a trend emerging: whole body deodorant. One of the earliest products to hit the market was Lume (pronounced loo-mee), a body deodorant developed by US based OB-GYN Dr Shannon Klingman.
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Dr Klingman developed a whole body deodorant after seeing how body odour, no matter where it came from, was chipping away at people’s confidence, particularly women. She realised that what many assumed were internal issues, like odour from intimate areas, were actually caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat and fluids. And it wasn’t just happening in the armpits. The same process was playing out across body bits including under-boobs, folds, feet and groin. So, she set out to create a solution that tackled these other body bits.
How do the ingredients used in Lume differ from traditional deodorants? Dr Klingman says Lume uses a patented technology to combat odour. "Mandelic acid, a gentle AHA, keeps the skin's pH low enough to stop odour-causing reactions. We don't use any fragrances to mask or cover up body odour. We've done third party clinical testing on pits, feet, and privates before the product ever reaches the market, and they're also tested by dermatologists."
We also asked Dr Klingman why traditional deodorants aren't appropriate as an all-over body deodorant. "We don't know the testing protocols of other deodorants marketed for underarms only, but typically if they're marketed for underarms then they're only tested on underarms and not other areas of the body. Some may also contain ingredients that may be ok for underarm use but irritating on privates."
Here’s a list of whole body deodorant products currently available in Australia.
Lume Whole Body Deodorant
Lume Whole Body Deodorant provides up to 72 hours of clinically proven odour control and is formulated for use across the entire body, including underarms, feet, underboobs, thighs, buttocks, and external intimate areas. In Australia, Lume comes in a cream and stick format.
The formula is also clinically proven to help brighten skin and reduce redness and hyperpigmentation with regular use. It’s aluminium-free, baking soda-free, and free from parabens, phthalates, and SLS.
The two formats are available in three scents:
- Clean Tangerine
- Lavender Sage
- Soft Powder
Now available at Woolworths. RRP: $25. Find out more here.
Rexona Whole Body Deodorant
Rexona Whole Body Deodorant is formulated to provide up to 72 hours of odour protection for multiple areas of the body beyond the underarms. It’s designed for use on commonly sweat-prone areas such as the chest, back, thighs, and feet. The range is aluminium-free, dermatologically tested, and suitable for everyday use. Rexona also offers a range for men.
Two formats are available:
- A spray for quick application (RRP $12.50)
- A cream for targeted use on delicate areas (RRP $14)
Scents include Fresh Citrus and Wild Rose (for women) and Ocean Rush and Active Fresh (for men).
Available at major retailers. Find out more here.
Dove Whole Body Deodorant
Dove Whole Body Deodorant provides 72-hour odour protection for multiple areas of the body beyond the underarms, such as thighs, chest, back, and feet. The range is aluminium-free, paraben-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Three formats are available:
- A stick that offers odour and anti-chafe protection, infused with vitamins B3 and E for nourishment (RRP $16)
- A spray formulated with 5 per cent nourishing oils. Note: the spray is not for intimate area use (RRP $14)
- A cream designed to help balance skin pH and absorb excess moisture, containing 1.25% lactic acid (RRP $16)
All formats are available in Raspberry & Rose scent, and Lavender & Camomile scent. The range is dermatologist- and gynaecologist-approved, and PETA-Approved Vegan.
Available now at major retailers. Find out more here.
First Aid Beauty Whole Body Deodorant
This deodorant is a sweat-activated cream formulated to control odour at the source using odour-fighting AHAs. It is suitable for use on multiple areas of the body, including underarms, feet, thighs, under-boobs, tummy folds, and external intimate areas.
The formula is aluminium-free and lightly scented with Fresh Citrus. It is dermatologist- and gynaecologist-tested, and designed to be gentle on skin. It’s free from aluminium, dyes, parabens, and phthalates. It’s also vegan, non-comedogenic, gluten-free, nano-free, and parthenolide-free. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin on areas prone to body odour.
Available from Sephora (RRP $30)