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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 📝
- Is regular deodorant safe for kids?
- What deodorant is kid-friendly?
- Is it best to use natural deodorants instead?
- What age should a child start wearing deodorant?
- 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?
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.
Other tips to help them stay odor-free?
Bath or shower at least once a day.
And wear clothes made from natural fibers like cotton.
If they’re sweating excessively at rest, it’s probably a good idea to get them to the doctor.
Hyperhidrosis is a health condition that causes excessive sweating, even when you’re not doing anything strenuous.
This can lead to skin issues and may be a source of emotional distress. It’s worth checking in with your healthcare provider.
What’s the best deodorant for kids?
Now let’s dive into the best deodorants for kids, as chosen by our community of mamas on Peanut:
1. MONA BRANDS 100% Natural Deodorant for Kids
For sensitive skin?: Yes
Scent: Honeydew
Application: Push-up stick
How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours
Free from: Aluminum, alcohol, talc, petrolatum, parabens, artificial fragrances/colors, preservatives
Other benefits: Recyclable packaging, won’t stain clothes, 30-day money-back guarantee cruelty-free, vegan-friendly
Price: $12.98
2. Keep it Kind Fresh Kidz Natural Roll On Deodorant
For sensitive skin?: Yes
Scent: “Boys Blue” ‒ a cross between fresh linen and musk
Application: Roll-on liquid
How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours
Free from: Aluminum, parabens, harsh sulfates
Other benefits: Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly
Price: $9.99
3. Fresh Monster Natural Deodorant for Kids and Teens
For sensitive skin?: Yes
Scent: Beach Breeze or Gummy Burst
Application: Push-up stick
How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours
Free from: Aluminum, parabens, triclosan, phthalates
Other benefits: Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly
Price: $12.98
4. TBH Kids Deodorant
For sensitive skin?: Yes
Scent: Unscented
Application: Push-up stick
How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours
Free from: Fragrance, aluminum, parabens, phthalates
Other benefits: Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly
Price: $8.95
5. Grownish Deodorant for Kids 8 and Up (Pack of Three)
For sensitive skin?: Yes
Scent: Pear-Berry, Kiwi-Melon, Strawberry-Vanilla
Application: Push-up stick
How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours
Free from: Aluminum, parabens, alcohol, sulfates, GMOs, talc
Other benefits: Won’t stain clothes, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly
Price: $28.99
6. Tom’s of Maine Wicked Cool! Natural Deodorant for Kids (Pack of Three)
For sensitive skin?: Yes
Scent: Freestyle and Summer Fun
Application: Push-up stick
How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours
Free from: Silicone, artificial colors/flavors/fragrances, microbeads, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), animal fat, parabens, deithanolamine (DEA), formaldehyde, SLSs, talc, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), paraffin, polyethylene glycol, phthalates, aluminum
Other benefits: Cruelty-free, Certified B Corporation
Price: $11.97
7. Not My Mama’s Deodorant for Kids and Teens
For sensitive skin?: Yes
Scent: Daydream (Honeysuckle), Game Over (Clean Spice), Knock Out, Lavender, Pool Party (Sweet Citrus), Selfie Stick (Minty Fresh), Surfs Up (Sugar Melon)
Application: Push-up stick
How long it lasts: Up to 24 hours
Free from: Aluminum, paraben, phthalate, artificial fragrances, alcohol, propylene glycol
Other benefits: Non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free
Price: $14.00
8. Kobi Sport Deodorant for Kids
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
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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