Applying deodorant to your feet may seem like an unusual idea, but there are actually some potential benefits. Here’s a look at whether using deodorant on your feet is safe and effective.
What Does Deodorant Do?
Deodorant is designed to eliminate or mask body odor that comes from sweat and bacteria on the skin. The active ingredient in most deodorants is an antimicrobial agent that stops odor-causing bacteria from growing. Common active ingredients include aluminum salts, alcohol, and baking soda. Deodorant may also contain fragrances to help cover up odors.
When applied under the arms, deodorant minimizes odor in an area where sweat glands are concentrated. But since sweat glands are all over the body, could deodorant work on smelly feet too? Let’s explore.
Why Do Feet Smell?
There are over 250,000 sweat glands in the feet, more than any other part of the body. When your feet sweat, the moist environment allows bacteria to thrive, producing unpleasant odors. Wearing shoes and socks creates a warm, humid pocket of air that encourages sweating and bacterial growth.
Factors that can make foot odor worse include:
- Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating
- Fungal infections like athlete’s foot
- Poor hygiene
- Thick calluses on feet
- Certain shoes and socks
So the feet are prone to odor, making them a potential target for deodorant. But will applying an underarm product to your feet work?
Can You Use Deodorant on Your Feet Safety?
Dermatologists say that deodorant is generally safe to use on the feet. The underarm and foot skin are similar in thickness and sensitivity. Just be sure to use an antiperspirant-free deodorant formulated for sensitive skin to minimize irritation.
Start by washing and fully drying your feet first. Then apply a thin layer of deodorant all over the soles, tops and in between the toes. Rub it in until fully absorbed. Focus on areas that sweat the most or develop calluses. Reapply once or twice a day, especially before putting on shoes and socks.
The main safety precaution is to avoid getting deodorant between the toes. The snug space can trap debris and lock in moisture, increasing infection risk. Consider using a deodorant spray or powder instead of a stick or gel to easily reach the feet without touching toes.
Does Deodorant on Feet Work to Curb Odor?
Using deodorant on clean feet can help curb odor in a few ways:
- Antimicrobial ingredients inhibit growth of odor-causing germs. This effect lasts for hours after application.
- Fragrances in deodorants mask foot odor. Look for fresh scents like tea tree, eucalyptus or mint.
- Deodorants make feet inhospitable for bacteria. This reduces odor over time with continued use.
- Powder deodorants absorb sweat on contact, keeping feet dry.
- Cold deodorant sensations soothe sweaty feet.
- Stick deodorants glide over calluses and soles, removing dead skin and bacteria.
- Alcohol in deodorants kills some odor-causing bacteria.
So while deodorant isn’t a cure for smelly feet, it can temporarily suppress odors. Keeping feet clean, dry and exfoliated also helps control bacteria. Wearing moisture-wicking socks, avoiding tight shoes, and treating fungal infections are other preventive steps to take.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Foot Deodorant
While deodorant is generally benign on the feet, there are a few downsides to consider:
- May cause irritation, rashes or allergic reactions in sensitive skin
- Doesn’t address root causes of foot odor like hyperhidrosis
- Masking scents may bother those sensitive to fragrances
- Can transfer to socks and shoes, resulting in slippery surfaces inside
- Must be reapplied frequently to maintain effects
- Not meant for excessive foot sweating or fungal infections
Deodorant alone cannot eliminate foot odor long-term. Coupling it with hygiene, breathable footwear and treatments for sweaty feet and athlete’s foot will improve results. Discontinue use if any unusual reactions occur.
Applying your regular underarm deodorant to clean feet can temporarily suppress foot odor. The antimicrobial ingredients curb bacteria growth while fragrances overlay unpleasant scents. It’s a quick, convenient way to freshen feet. But use caution around toes, watch for irritation, and don’t expect miracles. Addressing the root causes of foot odor with hygiene, foot care and treatment will give you clearer, longer-lasting relief. But in a pinch, swiping on deodorant can help you avoid scaring strangers away with smelly feet.