8 Best Deodorant for Kids: Chosen By Real Moms

Jul 25 2022

7 min read

Editor’s note: This article also contains affiliate links, so we earn a small commission if you choose to buy ‒ at no extra cost to you. Happy shopping!

One moment you’re dealing with diapers, teething, and weaning, and the next, you’re on the hunt for the best deodorant for kids.

Yep, this motherhood gig is certainly quite a ride.

If your little one is not such a little one anymore, you may have noticed that their body odor is starting to take on a different scent.

Around puberty, which usually happens somewhere between the ages of 9 and 14, sweat glands really get to work, sometimes with some interesting-smelling results.

They might start breaking out into a sweat when they exercise, get hot, or experience extreme emotions.

And while that’s 100% absolutely natural, it might be time to see if they are interested in using deodorant.

Of course, baths and showers are important, but they may need a little extra BO boost to feel their best.

We’ll take you through the details.

In this article 📝

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Is regular deodorant safe for kids?

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What deodorant is kid-friendly?

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Is it best to use natural deodorants instead?

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What age should a child start wearing deodorant?

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What’s the best deodorant for kids?

Is regular deodorant safe for kids?

We usually refer to two different things when we talk about deodorant.

There’s the kind that deodorizes, meaning it freshens up or masks a smell.

And then there’s antiperspirant which stops sweating by blocking the pores in your pits.

So which type would be good to introduce to your kid?

And are there any that they should stay away from right now?

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What deodorant is kid-friendly?

Well, that depends on who you ask.

Antiperspirants can really help with sweating, which may make them feel less self-conscious.

Nemours Kids’ Health suggests looking for one that has somewhere between 10 and 20 percent aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex for the best results.

(As a cautionary note, there’s some research to suggest a link between cancer and aluminum salts. But this has been refuted by other scientists who say there isn’t enough proof to back this up.)

If you’d prefer, you can skip the antiperspirant route and instead go for a deodorant that neutralizes smell.

These typically don’t contain aluminum and are considered safe for children to use.

To avoid skin reactions, you may want to opt for a deodorant free of parabens (artificial preservatives) and artificial fragrances.

Is it best to use natural deodorants instead?

The topic of natural deodorant for kids is a complicated one.

That’s because it’s not always agreed upon what makes them “natural”.

Many of these products bill themselves as being plant-based and free of harmful ingredients that you might find in other kinds of antiperspirants and deodorants.

While marketers have jumped on the opportunity to bill natural deodorants as the safer alternative, as this recent NY Times article explains, there’s not much evidence to back this up.

In fact, unless you’re trying to avoid a specific ingredient because of an allergy or sensitivity, traditional deodorants appear to be just as safe as their “natural” alternatives.

So ultimately, you and your kid get to decide.

There’s no right way to do this — choose what feels best to you.

And if you can get your healthcare provider to weigh in on the decision, even better.

What age should a child start wearing deodorant?

There’s no exact age when children should start wearing deodorant.

It’s up to you and them to decide whether it feels right.

Puberty also happens at different times for different people.

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. And some kids experience body odor before puberty even hits.

For sensitive skin?: Yes

Scent: Mountain Mint, Sunset Bloom, Sweet Lime, Unscented, Vanilla

Application: Liquid roll-on

How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours

Free from: Baking soda, artificial fragrances/colors, parabens, phthalates, GMOs, aluminum, nut oils, propylene glycol

Other benefits: Water-based, allergy-friendly, cruelty-free

Price: $14.00

Buy it here

Puberty is filled with growing pains, sometimes uncomfortable transitions, and the learning of more than a few life lessons.

And being a mama to a teen comes with its own unique set of challenges.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Reach out to your Peanut community.

This is all a lot more doable when we tackle it together.

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Is it bad of me to think this or no?

My husband has been abroad for work (1 day and exploring for 1 day) for 2 and a half days which means I’ve had both kids (1 year and 4 year old) for 2 and a half days plus cooking, cleaning, taking them to clubs, bedtimes!
He came home late afternoon and said I’m so tired, I just need to chill. I said can you wash up whilst I sort kids dinner out, he said he’ll do it later which means he won’t do it and I’ll end up doing it so I said no do it now please otherwise I’ll end up doing it and he said well you have been home and I’ve been away so you’ve just been relaxing.
Don’t know what planet he is on but having the kids alone for 2.5 days is not relaxing. I was stressed!

When he was away, I did miss him and wanted him to come back but now he’s back, I want him to go away again😂
Is that bad?

Really bothered by this

A friend posted this and it really bothers me because that is exactly how she parents her kid, and it's rather unfortunate because when our kids hang out together, her kid has a meltdown at least 5x within an hour. We have know them for years and it's only gotten worse. My kids will concede to hers, because they don't want to see their friend crying, but it sucks because they give up so much of their toys and enjoyment to keep the peace. We aren't hanging out as much anymore but it's rather sad to think she doesn't intervene more in her child tantrums and just let's it slide

Is this normal

Let’s say you’re at a softplay with your 2 year old, and some friends & their toddlers.
You buy your 2 year old a kids meal - chicken nuggets, beans, and chips. They’re very happy with it and have almost eaten it all.
They’re sat at the table, fork in hand, consistently eating, and have one chicken nugget left.
Your adult friend comes over from behind you, picks up the last chicken nugget, and eats it.
There was no indication that your child wasn’t going to eat it, and they didn’t ask. They just took it with no warning and ate it right in front of you and your toddler.
How you reacting?

Are these men ok?

I get so sad seeing all the posts on here daily about women dealing with partners who are treating them horribly. I know it seems over represented because those of us with great partners don’t need to write posts asking for help, but I really hope most of us don’t have these kinds of men in our lives!

I tell my husband about these posts I see sometimes and he’s even shocked by some of the things these guys say/do.

Nobody’s perfect, and every relationship takes work. And becoming parents is a stress test unlike any other for sure, but seeing how many women get stuck in these relationships with men who aren’t interested in being better is so so sad😞

But is/was your partner helpful, loving, and supportive during your pregnancy/PP/etc? Was he a wonderful person but changed for the worst after becoming a parent? Has he put effort into becoming the partner you need him to be, even if he struggles?

Pouches

I’m not one of those mums who stand in the kitchen making every meal from scratch and batches of healthy snacks as I simply do not have time with other children and soon back to a full time job, but I do try give my weaning baby part of what we eat at meal times and will throw something healthy together if what we eat isn’t suitable. However, I do have some pouches in for convenience or a last resort. I’ve only used these a few times in the space of two months but she absolutely LOVES them. She will scream for more, get excited when she sees the pouch and will literally eat the whole thing. She’s underweight so this is massive for me seeing her eat so well, but the guilt is getting to me a bit! Anybody else like a little pouch every now and then and can make me feel a little better about giving her them😅

8 month old cry alllll the time?

I keep thinking I’m doing something wrong..

My baby has always been a crier, car seat, pram seat, nappy changes, outfit changes, nap times etc.. first 6 months we put it down to reflux, I had a lot of advice from HV/ GP as I was really struggling.

He’s improved with his reflux but I think now we are in a constant state of teething.. (he has 6 teeth now) or am I just making an excuse for his constant crying?

I can’t go on pram walks, I can’t go on drives, I have to constantly hold him/ entertain him for him to stop crying. I feel like there can’t be something up with him because the moment I hold him or entertain him he’s so happy and giggles/ babbles!

I’m just wondering if anyone is going through something similar?