Ah, deodorant. Most of us probably begin our day by swiping on sticks of the stuff, and have been relying on its body odor-reducing abilities for decades. But while deodorant sticks are easy to use, they do have some downsides: they can leave a white residue on dark clothes, they may irritate sensitive skin, and they only cover up armpit odors (not other body smells).
Another potential problem is the fact that many antiperspirants — a.k.a. deodorant products that don’t just cover up scents, but also make you sweat less — contain aluminum. Some studies have linked aluminum to breast cancer, kidney disease, and other conditions, but research is mixed on whether the amount of aluminum in antiperspirant sticks is great enough to build up in your body and cause health issues.
While using antiperspirants may be mostly safe, some women feel better using natural deodorants. But natural deodorants have their own issues; some people find them less effective, and The New York Times even reports that “there is no definitive evidence that regular deodorants or antiperspirants are worse for your health than natural deodorants.” You may not need to give up on your favorite deodorant, then — but did you know that there’s now an alternative to the traditional stick? These are deodorant pills, and many people on social media claim they magically wipe out body odor (not just armpit smells). So, what exactly are deodorant pills, anyway? And is it a good idea to try them? Read on to find out.
What are deodorant pills?
Dietary supplements that are readily available online or over-the-counter have rapidly grown in popularity as of late. The widely unregulated market of supplements — for everything from weight loss to hair growth to supple skin to stress relief — shows no signs of slowing down, so it's no surprise that deodorant supplements are having their day in the sun. These pills, available from brands like It Just Works and Body Mint, will supposedly reduce your body odor in a week or less. The companies that sell them also claim that because they’re not topical, the pills will eliminate all kinds of odors, including armpit odor, breath odor, foot odor, and vagin*l odor.
What’s in deodorant pills?
The main ingredient in deodorant pills is chlorophyll, a natural compound that occurs in green plants and gives them their color, and chlorophyll has been touted for its odor-reducing abilities for over half a century. While some studies have suggested that chlorophyll reduces odor, these studies are from decades ago, and the results may have been skewed by the placebo effect or the lack of a control group. Ultimately, no scientific evidence exists to support chlorophyll’s deodorizing properties, and further research on its efficacy in eliminating body odor is still needed. Anecdotally, however, many TikTokers who've tried these supplements claim to have seen (or smelled) impressive results.
Do deodorant pills have any side effects?
As is the case when starting any supplement, you should discuss deodorant pills with your doctor to make sure they won't interact with any of your medications or have any other adverse side effects. The chlorophyll in deodorant pills may have the strange (but harmless) effect of turning your bowel movements green, so be prepared for that should you decide to try them.
Should I take deodorant pills?
Our body odor naturally changes as we age, which can lead to feelings of embarrassment and frustration. So if you’re finding that your deodorant doesn’t work as well as it used to, you may want to try switching to pills — but if you choose to go this route, you should know that “there is no scientific evidence that these products are effective,” according to dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil. She also points out that there isn’t yet any information available on potential risks.
Like many dermatologists, Dr. Methil doesn’t think traditional roll-on deodorants and antiperspirants are necessarily unhealthy. In fact, some dermatologists even specifically recommend aluminum-based antiperspirants. Deodorant pills also tend to cost more than traditional deodorants and antiperspirants (a month’s supply can be upwards of $30), so it's worth considering how much you're willing to spend to reduce your natural musk.
There are many reasons why deodorant pills might appeal to you, like the lack of white stains and skin irritation, plus the promise of potential full-body deodorizing. But even though many users report that they work, you may want to take these claims with a grain of salt, and wait for the science to back it up.
So if you're finding that your deodorant doesn't work as well as it used to, you may want to try switching to pills — but if you choose to go this route, you should know that “there is no scientific evidence that these products are effective,” according to dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil.
“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.”
Is whole-body deodorant safe? Dermatologists said to be aware of a few things when it comes to these products — first, fragrance. "Generally deodorants are very safe," Jaber says. "The biggest issue potentially with deodorants is, if you have sensitive skin, fragrance can result in redness, itch and irritation."
Organic Parsley leaf, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Organic Peppermint leaf, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Magnesium stearate. Our powerful, all-natural proprietary formula gently helps cleanse the body from within by working to absorb the toxins in your system before they are excreted through the skin and breath.
Primally Pure's deodorants are known for being gentle on sensitive skin, making them a go-to choice for those with skin sensitivities. Its soothing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil provide relief to sensitive underarms, reducing the risk of skin irritation and rashes.
If you are just switching to natural deodorant, your body may need 1-3 weeks to adjust. But if you've been using antiperspirants your whole life, it could take a bit longer as the sweat glands in your underarms are going to go through quite the adjustment.
As consumers began applying underarm deodorant to their feet, groin or chest, according to WWD, the demand for full-body deodorant ushered in a new wave of products to fight the unfavorable stench throughout the day from household names like Dove, Secret and Old Spice.
“Never ever put anything with fragrance on or near the vulva,” Lincoln says. “You're just asking for a skin reaction.” Any fragrances, including those marketed as skin-safe or natural, can break down sensitive skin and cause infection.
Different from regular deodorants that are designed and tested for use on armpits, whole-body deodorants are designed and tested for use on pits, privates, and more (for external use only). Dr. Jones shared that four out of five gynecologists and dermatologists would recommend a whole-body deodorant!
So if you're finding that your deodorant doesn't work as well as it used to, you may want to try switching to pills — but if you choose to go this route, you should know that “there is no scientific evidence that these products are effective,” according to dermatologist Dr. Anju Methil.
Here's what you might experience during your journey: More Sweat – At the start, you may notice more sweat than usual. This happens because, unlike antiperspirants, natural deodorants don't block your sweat glands. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, it's actually a good sign.
Just as aluminum compounds are the antiperspirant active ingredient in deodorants, antibacterials are the active aspect of odor reduction. Antibacterial ingredients work to eliminate the bacteria that cause bad odors from areas where sweat is common.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil acts as an astringent to combat sweat-causing bacteria. Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and apply it to your underarms daily. Witch hazel: Use witch hazel on a cotton ball to contract skin tissues, reduce sweat production, and fight odor-causing bacteria. Apply after showering or bathing.
While there is no “direct link” between aluminum and cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, using an aluminum-free deodorant is better as you're not putting unnecessary chemicals in your body. Aluminum-free deodorants usually contain natural ingredients that are gentler on the skin.
According to dermatologist Salome Dharamshi, armpit detoxes are deep cleansing treatments designed to purge your pits of any bacteria or chemical build-up caused by deodorant, treat erosion caused by shaving, and remove dead skin cells and everyday congestion. Think of it as a detoxifying mask, but for your armpits.
“There is no need to take a break from deodorant, but if you are sweating so much that you need to use it multiple times a day, you should see a board-certified dermatologist who can recommend other options,” Lipner advises.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil acts as an astringent to combat sweat-causing bacteria. Soak a cotton ball in tea tree oil and apply it to your underarms daily. Witch hazel: Use witch hazel on a cotton ball to contract skin tissues, reduce sweat production, and fight odor-causing bacteria. Apply after showering or bathing.
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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