Full-body deodorant: Why you don't need it – and how it could be harmful
July 16, 2024
Ladies: Put down the talcum powder and that full-body deodorant you bought after seeing it on TikTok. You’ve been sold a bill of goods, at the risk of your self-confidence and your vaginal health.
In my role as a board-certified gynecologist, not a week goes by without a worried female patient coming to see me about the scent or amount of moisture in her private parts. In most cases, the symptoms are not signs of illness or irritation – they’re indicators that the vagina is healthy and doing what it’s supposed to.
Unfortunately, society has misled many women to worry about the slightest smell from the vagina (the inside of a woman’s genitals) or dampness of the vulva (the outside of her genitals). Clever marketing teams capitalize on women’s insecurities, hocking deodorants, cleansers, and powders – even mystical fads like jade egg vaginal inserts – on social media platforms, encouraging women to rid their bodies of normal smells and moisture.
But many women don’t know that tampering with your vaginal ecosystem can lead to health consequences, some of which can be severe.
When the pH balance of the vagina is thrown off due to overcleaning or introduction of irritating dyes and fragrances, you become more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis, an uncomfortable bacterial infection of the vagina. For decades, talc-based baby powder was a go-to for absorbing genital moisture, but its use decreased amid controversy about possible cancer risks posed by asbestos that can be a component of the powder.
While there’s no evidence that full-body and vaginal deodorants can cause cancer or infection, these products are sold as a direct response to women’s insecurities about their bodies – not to support a medical need.
So, do you need a vaginal cleanser or full-body deodorant? The short answer is no. And we don’t offer them at the Lowe Foundation Center for Women’s Preventative Health Care at UT Southwestern.
But there are times when changes in odor and moisture could signal that something is wrong. Make the best health decisions for you by knowing what’s normal for your body and how to spot real symptoms of a woman’s health condition.
What’s normal?
- Clear, watery, and mucousy vaginal discharge: Normal discharge is thin, clear, white, or slightly yellow. This substance protects the vagina from infection and maintains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast.
- Sweat: It’s normal to sweat all over the body, including the vulva. Sweat is how the body keeps itself cool.
- Hair on the armpits, legs, and vulva: Society has normalized body hair removal, but it isn’t necessary for health. In fact, pubic hair can protect the vagina as a barrier against some germs and irritation from clothing.
- Mild scent: The vagina usually has a distinctive smell that is mild day to day. The smell may be stronger during or after exercise, sex, or stressful situations.
What’s not normal?
- Itchiness: Persistent itching in the vaginal area may indicate an infection or sensitivity. Itchiness accompanied by redness, swelling, or a thick, white discharge should be evaluated by a health care provider to see if you have a yeast infection.
- Brown or bloody vaginal discharge: Spotting between periods can be normal, but persistent brown or rust-colored discharge or abnormal bleeding may indicate an underlying infection, hormonal imbalance, or bleeding disorder.
- Fishy or strong odor: Especially when accompanied by grayish or greenish discharge, a strong smell may be a sign of vaginal infection, such as bacterial vaginosis.
- Pain during sex or urination: Burning, pain, or discomfort in the pelvis may be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI), pelvic inflammatory disease, or another underlying issue such as fibroids (a common uterine condition) or a sexually transmitted infection.
- Swelling or sores: Lesions in the genital area may be a sign of an ingrown hair or a viral condition, such as genital herpes.
Important note: Don’t try to disguise abnormal discharge and odor with deodorants and fragrances. This will not treat the root cause and could make the situation worse.
The best way to get back on track is to talk with a health care provider. There is no need to be embarrassed – we have seen and heard just about every symptom you can imagine, and we won’t judge you. We are here to help you feel better!
Clever marketing capitalizes on women’s insecurities, hocking deodorants, cleansers, and powders – even mystical fads like jade egg vaginal inserts – on social media, encouraging women to rid their bodies of normal smells and moisture. But many women don’t know that tampering with their vaginal ecosystems can lead to health consequences, some of which can be severe.
What is safe to put in and around your vagina?
Your vagina has its own self-cleaning ecosystem, and any outside substance may disrupt its delicate balance of bacteria. All you need are warm water and soap on the vulva – but keep soap and all other products not prescribed by your gynecologist out of your vagina.
Your health care provider may prescribe creams and suppositories for certain conditions. A legitimate provider will only give you treatments that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after being studied extensively for safety and effectiveness.
That’s a sharp contrast to many of the products you’ll see on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Even though some of the trendy full-body and vaginal “women’s health” products are backed by doctors, there may be a conflict of interest where money is involved. And there is a lot of money involved. The global feminine hygiene market is projected to nearly double from about $21 billion in 2022 to almost $41 billion by 2030.
Douching is particularly harmful, with studies showing that women who douche are at heightened risk for vaginal infections. Fragrances in vaginal deodorants are also highly irritating, and ingredients such as cornstarch that aren’t necessarily abrasive can still disrupt the pH of your vagina and vulva. That can cause infections, dermatitis, or folliculitis, a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are inflamed.
Women’s bodies can be smelly, sweaty, and hairy. You are human, and these are signs of a healthy, normally functioning body. While it’s important to recognize smells and sensations that could indicate a health concern, don’t be fooled by marketing campaigns that try to tell you to look or smell a certain way.
Take it from me as a board-certified gynecologist: Your vagina will be healthier – and your wallet will be happier – without those gimmicky and pricey products.
To talk with a gynecologist about women’s health and hygiene, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.
