For kids, body odour is a very normal part of growing up and often occurs well before puberty. That said, we need to take a step back and actually decouple body odor from perspiring, or sweating. They are 2 very different reactions and warrant different approaches. Read on!
As parents we have all experienced it; your kid comes from school, and you notice a new smell in the air. While this change is totally normal, many Canadian parents begin asking the same question: whether to buy deodorant or antiperspirant. And, of course, safety quickly becomes a major concern.
Deodorant Vs Antiperspirant
First let’s determine the difference between body odor and sweat.
Myth: Sweat is smelly
Fact: Sweat is actually odorless! It’s true; sweat on its own actually carries no odor at all. Sweat is our body’s natural way of cooling down, it’s our way of self regulating and bringing our body temperature down when we are active. Odor starts to appear when normal bacteria (that could live under our arms for example) mixes with sweat.
Now knowing this, the question becomes, do we want to stop the sweat, or just the odor. And the answer is simple; we want to stop the odor. We definitely do not want our bodies to stop sweating, as we want this natural cooling effect to continue (especially in our kids).
Many people use the words “deodorant” and "antiperspirant" interchangeably, however they are not the same, and tackle two very different challenges. Deodorants address body odour by neutralising the bacteria that causes our bodies to smell. Many formulas also use natural fragrances and essential oils to control odour, allowing the body to sweat naturally.
Antiperspirants are designed to reduce sweat by temporarily blocking sweat glands. They usually contain aluminium-based components that prevent moisture from being released.
POV: Deodorants Are Better than Antiperspirants for Kids
The choice for us is simple: sweat yes, odor no.
Deodorants Work With Our Bodies
Kids are active, and are running, jumping, climbing, and of course sweating. Deodorants are designed to manage their odour without blocking sweat glands. They support the body's natural process, making them a safer alternative to antiperspirants.
Gentle on Young Skin
Youth tend to have skin that could be more sensitive and warrant gentle personal care products. Natural deodorant formulas are safer for their skin while still being effective against odor control. Remember to always test patch your natural deodorant the first time you use it.
Natural Deodorants are Aluminum Free
Some antiperspirants today contain aluminum-based compounds that may block sweat glands under the arms. For younger kids especially, we want to encourage sweating, not stop it! Hence many parents are migrating to natural deodorants that are aluminum free to block the odor but will encourage sweating.
What to Look For In Kid-Friendly Roll-On Deodorants
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a natural deodorants:
- Key Ingredients: Look for Coconut oil, Shea Butter & Aloe vera
- Texture and application: Choose non-sticky and easy-to-apply formulas
- Scent: Mild and natural scents that are not over powering
- Skin Sensitivity: Hypoallergenic or mild products designed for sensitive skin
Conclusion
For most kids, natural deodorants are a practical choice because they offer the right balance of effectiveness and gentleness. Establishing a personal care routine can be fun and simple for our kids, we just need to guide them and ensure they have safe and effective products to choose from.