Deodorants for kids and teenagers: When should they start using deodorant?

What age should kids start wearing deodorant? 

There’s no set age that someone has to start deodorant. As most parents know, teens develop at completely different speeds. Boys and girls may not start wearing deodorant at the same time. The American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, doesn’t recommend a specific age for teens to start using deodorant, instead it’s a totally personal decision, based on preference, activity levels and lifestyle. It’s also a good idea to talk to your medical professional to discuss what’s best for your child’s particular needs. It’s much less about a specific age that your kid should start wearing deodorant and much more about the signs their body is giving them that it’s time. 

Signs your child is ready to wear deodorant

Kids often start to want and need to wear deodorant during puberty. According to the NIH, girls typically start puberty between ages 8 and 13 while boys are between the ages 9 and 14. Signs that your child might be ready to wear deodorant include:

1. They have a consistent body odor that does not go away with showering
2. They have started gym class or team sport that use locker rooms for changing
3. Their friends are wearing deodorant
4. They want to wear it 

Tips for talking to your kids about deodorant 

Approaching the deodorant conversation with kindness and understanding is important, especially if your teen has body odor. Body odor is normal and you don’t want to embarrass them or make them feel uncomfortable. Tips for starting the conversations include:

• Pick a private place where you can talk without interruptions from siblings or friends
• Ask them if they want to wear deodorant
• Have a deodorant ready for them to try and create plan to get a different one if they don’t like the one you selected for them 

How to pick the best first deodorants for your teen

There are so many brands and types of deodorants available that selecting the best deodorant for your child can be really difficult. The good news is there are lots of options and a lot of right answers! We recommend finding a deodorant that aligns with your kid’s needs, such as the Dove Advanced Care Sensitive Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick. Your child’s first deodorant does not have to be a teen-specific formula. Just look for something mild that your teen likes the scent of. Or if you’re able to, let them pick it out! They may want to try a few different scents before they find one that they’re happy with and that works for them.

Establishing a routine and continuing the conversation

Creating a routine can help make sure your teen remembers to incorporate deodorant into their daily lives, without you nagging them.

• Tell them about your application routine: This is a new thing for them so they may not know how or when they should be applying deodorant. Share your routine with them, including situations when you re-apply throughout the day. 
• Have multiple options available: Kids are always on the go and have a lot to remember. Put deodorant in convenient places (bedroom/bathroom, gym bag, sports bag, etc.) so they have less chance of misplacing it and don’t have to remember to pack it every day. 
• Ask them if they need more: When you are doing your weekly shopping ask your teens if they need anything. If you notice they are getting low or they haven’t gotten new deodorant in a while.

Be patient with your kid as they enter this new chapter in their health and beauty routine. While they might be a little embarrassed talking with you about it, they definitely don’t want to be embarrassed by their body odor in front of their friends!