When you have grown-up kids, one of the main things you need to worry about is their body odor. If you decide that now’s the time to address your child’s body odor, you can choose either an antiperspirant or a deodorant. Here are some important things that you should know before buying the first deodorant for your kid.

When Should Kids Start Using Deodorant?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the child's age and personal health conditions and everyone's body chemistry is different. However, children may want to start wearing deodorant when they enter puberty, as hormone changes can lead to increased sweating and body odor. The age at which puberty develops can vary between individuals.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development states that girls typically enter puberty between the ages of 8 and 13, while boys typically enter puberty between the ages of 9 and 14.

Young children often have a harder time regulating their body temperature which can cause sweat glands to overproduce toxins that can lead to bad odor.

If your child seems particularly prone to sweating or has excessively foul-smelling perspiration, then you might want to consult with a doctor first before considering any changes in their hygiene routine, like introducing deodorant daily. After all, there could be an underlying medical condition that needs addressing.

What kind of deodorant is safest for kids?

Kids are constantly active and their body odor is inevitable. That's why it's important to find deodorants that are safe to use and won't contain fragrances or chemicals. You can find natural deodorants that are also effective, such as zinc oxide deodorants and baking soda deodorants. Always read the ingredients before using any product - even if it's labeled "safe for children."

What is a good first deodorant for kids?

There are many good deodorants for kids, but some of the most popular ones include Tom's of Maine Unscented Dry Deodorant Stick and Seventh Generation Organic Baby Lotion. These products are unscented and made with natural ingredients that can be gentle on the skin. Additionally, they work well to block odor without making your child sweaty or uncomfortable.

If you're looking for a more effective deodorant, then consider using aluminum-free brands like Honest Company Natural Deo Spray or Weleda Kids' Protection Creamy Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick. Both of these brands contain essential oils that help reduce body odor while also protecting from sweat and bacteria.

Finally, if your kid has sensitive skin or if you want to avoid chemicals completely, try Whole Earth Organics Mineral Powder Deoderant instead.

What Should Parents Look For In Children’s Deodorant?

Many cosmetics today contain harsh chemicals. Concerns about deodorant are common, particularly if it's for your kid. To keep your children healthy and secure, here are four things to consider:

1.Deodorant vs. Antiperspirant

When it comes to deodorant, people usually have two main options- antiperspirants and deodorants. However, the best option for kids may be natural deodorant. Deodorant is designed to mask body odor and antiperspirants are meant to stop sweat from building up making them better suited for those who sweat a lot (like athletes).

Antiperspirants usually contain aluminum salts or other chemical substances to prevent sweating and odor.

Deodorants contain compounds called parabens that help to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria. They also typically contain fragrances to mask body odor.

Some people have expressed concerns that aluminum and parabens may cause cancer. However, according to Penn Medicine, no medical evidence supports this claim.

2.Application Type

There are many application types for deodorant, but the most commonly used ones are deodorant sticks and creams. Making deodorant easy to use helps children build a routine.

It is best to choose a deodorant stick over aerosols as it is easier to apply in a mess-free manner and lasts longer than spray deodorants. Deodorants can be used year-round, but they work best when used during the summer months when kids spend more time outdoors playing or working out!

3.Scent versus Unscented

When it comes to kids’ deodorants, there are two main types- unscented and scented.

Most deodorants for kids are designed to be scent-free and often do not contain the same ingredients as adult deodorants. Instead, they usually rely on natural odor-fighting ingredients like baking soda or lavender oil.

The goal of kid's deodorant is to find one that is gentle on the skin and free from aluminum or chloride - both of which can irritate sensitive skin.

Parents should also be mindful of fragrance-free deodorants as children are more sensitive to fragrances than adults. It's best to stick with unscented natural-based deodorants instead of those containing synthetic fragrances.

4.Ingredients

To keep kids safe and free from any skin irritation or allergies, they must avoid using ingredients in their beauty products that may cause problems. Some of the most common ingredients to watch out for include aluminum, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

Finally, make sure the ingredients list does not contain any harmful chemicals.

Kids' deodorants should also have a fragrance-free option, be non-toxic, and be easy to apply- as many kids suffer from sensitive skin. If your child has sensitive skin that's prone to irritation or allergies, consider looking for a kid's deodorant that is dermatologist tested and free of aluminum.

Few ingredients you may want to avoid: 

-Triclosan: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned this chemical in antibacterial soaps but it’s still in many deodorants. Studies suggest triclosan contributes to early puberty, obesity, and infertility.

-Parabens: An International Journal of Toxicology study shows these artificial preservatives may interfere with estrogen levels.

-Artificial dyes and fragrances: A large percentage of the population is allergic to these substances, which are known to irritate the skin and cause a rash.

What If Deodorant Isn't Enough?

For kids whose deodorant isn´t enough, try using a body wash that also has antiperspirant in it. If that doesn't work, reach for an antiperspirant stick instead. Antiperspirants work best if they are applied regularly, so keep that in mind when choosing the best one for your child.

Talk to Your Pediatrician

Ask your pediatrician to evaluate your child for hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis or chronic sweating affects approximately 1.6% of adolescents and 0.6% of children worldwide. Children with hyperhidrosis may sweat through clothing daily, have low self-confidence and avoid social situations. 

Conclusion

Kids start sweating and odorizing at a young age, and they must start using deodorant as soon as possible to prevent body odor from becoming a problem. There are a variety of deodorants available that are safe for kids to use, and parents should look for clean ingredients. If deodorant isn't enough, consider using antiperspirants or body odor creams that are specifically designed for kids.