Is Deodorant Ever Safe to Wear Down There?

“When people come to me with concerns about controlling vaginal odor, the first question I ask is, ‘Why do you feel that you need to?’” Lincoln says. “We want to get to the root of who or what is making you feel bad. It could be that you’re self-conscious because it’s been normalized for women to think this, but there’s actually no odor beyond your normal scent.”

So what should a vagina smell like? “Some describe it as a light musty odor,” Lincoln says. “Like any body part that has discharge, it’s certainly not supposed to smell like nothing.”

When you should be concerned is when it’s clearly a foul-smelling odor that’s different from your usual scent. An infection might cause a very strong or fishy smell, Lincoln says. Often, but not always, it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, burning, painful discharge, or sores. 

“If you’re concerned that you have an infection, go see the doctor before any self-treatment, whether it’s using a deodorant or taking over-the-counter meds,” Lincoln says. If there really is a problem and you’re self-treating it with something that’s totally inappropriate, it’s just going to make it worse.”

It’s not only the ingredients but also the marketing. Some “natural” brands use fear-based tactics to get people to pay a premium for their so-called safer products, while some brands use shame-based tactics to convince women they should be embarrassed by the way they smell.

The purpose of deodorant—for armpits or other parts—is to fight odor by inhibiting the odor-causing bacteria in your sweat. Some deodorants marketed as “natural” use ingredients such as baking soda, activated charcoal, and tea tree oil for their antimicrobial and deodorizing properties. And manufacturers claim these products are safer because of the lack of controversial ingredients, such as aluminum, artificial fragrances, sulfates, and parabens.

“This list represents a lot of the flawed logic behind ‘clean beauty,’” says Ranella Hirsch, MD, a dermatologist based in Cambridge, Mass. "Natural product brands stoke people’s fears to sell alternatives that are often more expensive but not always gentler on the body," Hirsch says. Baking soda and natural fragrances, like essential oils, seem innocent enough, but Hirsch says they are frequent causes of dermatological irritation.

Deodorants marketed for use in genital areas are especially problematic because while armpit deodorants are sold to all, most products geared for the private parts are very much targeting women.

“Whenever you introduce shame-based marketing into something that has to do with feminine hygiene, you’re in a whole different arena, and you really have the ability to do much more harm,” Lincoln says. “We already have patients who come in embarrassed of their labia, hair, and scent. These products take advantage of those insecurities because if we feel bad, dirty, and shameful, we’re going to spend money to buy these things.”

Studies have shown that vulvovaginal hygiene products may increase women’s susceptibility to urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections. There may also be a link between the use of talc-containing products (like some deodorants) and an increased risk of ovarian cancer, says Lincoln, but studies are conflicting. 

That’s why experts advise against using these products. If you really want to use a deodorant down there, you can consider an unscented solid deodorant. “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.

Our experts also advised that you check to make sure the product doesn’t contain baking soda, tea tree oil, or peppermint—which can cause irritation and unpleasant tingling.

Apply the deodorant in the groin fold. If you use it on your vulva, use as little as possible and keep it on the outside part only, never on the inner lips, Lincoln says. And never put any deodorizing or cleansing product (aka douches) inside your vagina. 

Douches mess up the vagina’s microbiome and can cause adverse health effects, such as bacterial vaginosis, cervical cancer related to increased risks of contracting human papillomavirus infection (HPV), and upper genital tract infections that can result in infertility.

Lincoln also says to continuously keep an eye out for irritation because you could be using deodorant for months with no issue, and then all of a sudden, you could have a reaction. “If that happens, stop use immediately,” she says. “And if you’re worried, get it checked out.”

Lincoln has tips for dealing with sweaty, smelly situations without spending more money and falling prey to harmful marketing schemes. “There’s not a whole lot to it,” she says. “Less is more.”

Stop wearing synthetic skivvies. Wear breathable cotton underwear instead of synthetics, which trap moisture and cause more bacteria to grow, leading to more discharge, and more scent. 

Use unscented body wash and soap. Scented products and washes can be irritating and cause more discharge. Instead, use unscented soap or just plain water to wash the external genitalia. 

Avoid wearing panty liners. Some people use panty liners to battle odor, but they actually trap discharge and sweat, making you smell more.

Sprinkle on some cornstarch. It’s really great for absorbing odors. Pat it in the groin area—again only on the outside parts—before you get dressed.

Take it off. Try not wearing underwear when you go to bed. And if you sweat, change your underwear during the day.