We don’t always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often you should wash your hair and more.
It used to be that as kids approached their teen years, they’d start incorporating deodorant into their routine. But these days, lots of kids are reaching for it before they’ve even turned 10 years old. Because of this, brands have poured into the kids’ deodorant space in recent years, with gentler formulas aimed at tweens and even younger children.
Dermatologists say the shift tracks a real biological change. “This reflects the fact that many children are entering puberty earlier than previous generations,” says Dr. Kristina Collins, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas. “Body odor is often one of the first signs that the apocrine sweat glands are becoming active. If a child is experiencing body odor that affects their comfort or confidence, using a gentle deodorant can be appropriate.”
But is it safe for kids to wear deodorant? And if they’re going to, what should you look for in a formula? To get the answers to these questions, I spoke with Collins and another board-certified dermatologist.
Is deodorant safe for kids?
Deodorant is generally safe for kids to use, including during those early tween years when body odor first shows up. That said, kids’ skin tends to be more sensitive than adult skin, so the formula matters more than it might for a grown-up reaching for whatever’s under the sink.
“Heavy fragrances may trigger irritation or allergic reactions and alcohol-heavy formulas can sting or dry out the skin,” says Collins. “If your child has sensitive skin, even ingredients that are ‘natural’ can trigger allergic reactions.”
Translation: It’s worth paying closer attention to labels and doing a bit of trial and error to find something that works for your child’s skin, rather than assuming any deodorant will do.
At what age should a kid start wearing deodorant?
There’s no universal starting line for deodorant use and it really comes down to your child’s own body, not a birthday on the calendar. “It is based on when the sweat glands become active, which is different in everybody,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Most kids can start once body odor becomes noticeable, typically between the ages of 8 and 10.”
The easiest way to know it’s time is if you or your child start noticing a change in smell, especially after gym class, recess, or a hot day; that’s usually the signal that their apocrine sweat glands (ones located in your armpit that secrete oily sweat) have kicked in. At that point, introducing a gentle, kids’ deodorant can help with odor, comfort and confidence.
The best deodorants for kids
To come up with a list of the best deodorants for kids, I used expert guidance (find it below) to select options safe for younger skin. I also focused on trusted brands or products with at least a four-star average rating from hundreds of shoppers.
I regularly use Tubby Todd products and love how gentle they are, so their Deo Stick is an easy pick for sensitive skin. It’s aluminum- and baking soda-free, using tapioca starch and magnesium hydroxide (ingredients our experts say are gentle enough for kid skin) to absorb wetness and fight odor-causing bacteria. According to the brand, it is gentle enough for kids ages 6 and up.
Level Up Boys Deodorant is made specifically for young, sensitive skin. It has an Ocean Fresh scent and is free of aluminum, alcohol and parabens. Similar to the Tubby Todd option, it uses natural tapioca starch to absorb wetness. Reviewers note that the scent is pleasant without being overpowering, and say that it’s effective for 24 hours.
Evereden’s deodorant has an aluminum-free formula that’s made without baking soda or silicones. It contains vitaminsE and B5 to nourish skin and it is dermatologist-tested, according to the brand. It also has a sweet scent of rose, strawberry, and vanilla.
This deodorant is free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, dyes and baking soda and contains shea butter to keep underarms soft and hydrated. It’s dermatologically tested and vegan, with a sweet watermelon and peach scent. The bright packaging is also appealing for younger kids.
This deodorant delivers 24-hour odor protection without aluminum, parabens or phthalates, according to the brand. It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, glides on clear without white marks, according to parents who’ve bought it, and it comes in a playful gummy burst scent. Parents also say it helps kids who get sweaty and stinky in gym class or on the playground, and that they like that it isn’t irritating.
Related
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
How to shop for deodorant for kids
Both Collins and Jaliman recommend starting kids with deodorant rather than antiperspirant, since most children simply need help with odor rather than sweat reduction (which is what antiperspirant does — more on that below). Beyond that, they suggest looking for gentle formulas with minimal, recognizable ingredients rather than long lists of additives.
For kids with sensitive skin in particular, both dermatologists recommend opting for fragrance-free options or those with only light fragrance, since heavier scents and unnecessary extras are more likely to cause irritation on young, developing skin.
Do kids need antiperspirant?
Deodorant and antiperspirant often get lumped together, but they do different jobs. Deodorant works by masking and reducing odor, while antiperspirant actually blocks sweat production, typically using aluminum-based compounds.
“For most children, deodorant alone is sufficient because it helps reduce odor without affecting the body’s natural sweating process,” says Collins. “Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts that temporarily reduce sweating and are typically only necessary if a child has excessive sweating that interferes with daily life. If excessive sweating is present, it’s worth discussing with a pediatrician or dermatologist to determine the best treatment.”
In other words, reach for deodorant first, and don’t feel pressure to introduce antiperspirant unless your child is dealing with sweating that goes beyond the normal, everyday kind. And even then, talk to a doctor before you add aluminum and other ingredients to their body care routine.
Frequently asked questions
Not as much as the packaging might suggest. “The biggest differences are usually in the fragrance and marketing,” says Collins. “Children’s deodorants often use milder fragrances and are more likely to be formulated for sensitive skin. But from an ingredient standpoint, many are very similar to adult deodorants.”
In many cases, the kid-focused branding is less about a fundamentally different product and more about making an everyday routine feel approachable for a first-time user.
Deodorant alone isn’t the whole equation. Both Collins and Jaliman emphasize that good hygiene habits are just as important, if not more so, in keeping body odor in check. That means taking daily showers or baths, especially after sports or physical activity, and wearing clean clothes and breathable fabrics that don’t trap sweat and bacteria against the skin.
Building these habits alongside deodorant use can go a long way in helping kids feel fresh and confident as their bodies go through changes.
Meet our skin care experts
At NBC Selected, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Kristina Collins is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology in Texas.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and author of “Skin Rules.”
Why trust NBC Selected?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers wellness, beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about whether deodorant concealer really works, if beauty pillows actually ward off wrinkles, the benefits of tranexamic acid and more. I’m also a mom of two who is studying up for the days when my kids hit puberty. For this story, I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists on what you should know about kids’ deodorant.
Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
