A dewy booty (and the surrounding area) is unavoidable in certain climates and during certain activities—as are certain aromas that come with it. But this process is just a part of being a human being, and a glistening groin isn’t really a problem until we make it one.
“vagin*s are supposed to smell like vagin*s,” says Jennifer Lincoln, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN in Portland, Ore. “It’s not going to smell like a piña colada, nor should it.”
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Yet, the feminine hygiene aisle is filled with flowery, fruity, and “fresh” scented products to help mask “womanly” aromas. And while direct-to-consumer brands, such as Lume, aren’t available in walk-in stores, they are ubiquitous on social media.
Whether the deodorant is marketed specifically for your private parts or elsewhere, is it ever a good idea to put it on these sensitive areas?
Lincoln, who wrote the book “Let’s Talk About Down There: An OB-GYN Answers All Your Burning Questions... Without Making You Feel Embarrassed for Asking,” talked with us about how safe these products are and whether people really need them.
When Odor's an Issue and When It's Not
“When people come to me with concerns about controlling vagin*l 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 vagin* 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.”
Find out what 32 people who use period underwear really think about it.
The Problem With Deodorants
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.
Natural Isn’t Necessarily Better
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.”
Also see: “How Private and Protected Is Virtual Reproductive Care?”
Is Deodorant Ever Safe to Wear Down There?
If you have sweat in the groin area and you really want to use a deodorant, an unscented solid deodorant can be safe to use.
Keyword: solid. Studies have shown that deodorant sprays and vagin*l powders may increase women’s susceptibility to urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections, and may be linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Keyword: unscented. “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.
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 vagin*.
Douches mess up the vagin*’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.”
Home Remedies That Fight Odor-Causing Sweat
Lincoln has tips for dealing with sweaty, smelly situations without putting money back into the machine that churns out harmful marketing toward women. “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.
Don’t wear 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.
See the 5 things CR’s laundry expert would never do.
Perry Santanachote
As a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports, Perry Santanachote covered a range of trends—from parasite cleanses to pickleball paddles. Perry was also a main producer of our Outside the Labs content, evaluating products in her tiny Manhattan apartment.
As an experienced healthcare professional specializing in women's health and wellness, I possess extensive expertise in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) and a deep understanding of vagin*l health. I've encountered numerous cases, conducted research, and collaborated with experts in the field, contributing to the understanding and promotion of healthy feminine hygiene practices. My knowledge extends to various conditions, treatments, and preventative measures related to vagin*l health and personal care.
The concepts covered in the article you provided encompass several crucial aspects of feminine hygiene, vagin*l odor, the use of deodorants, and maintaining optimal vagin*l health. Here's an elucidation of the key concepts:
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vagin*l Odor and Normalcy: The article stresses that natural vagin*l odors are normal and vary among individuals. A distinct smell, often described as slightly musty, is considered normal, reflecting the body's natural discharge. However, a strong, foul odor distinct from one's usual scent could indicate an infection, requiring medical attention.
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Feminine Hygiene Products and Marketing Tactics: The article critiques the marketing strategies employed by the feminine hygiene industry, highlighting the use of shame-based tactics to promote unnecessary products. There's a distinction made between fear-based and shame-based marketing approaches that often target women's insecurities, potentially causing harm and unnecessary expenditure.
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Deodorants and Their Risks: The article discusses the risks associated with using scented deodorants in sensitive areas, emphasizing that certain ingredients in these products can lead to skin irritation and infections. It distinguishes the safe application of solid, unscented deodorants in the groin area while cautioning against using fragranced or powdered versions.
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Home Remedies for vagin*l Odor: The article advocates for simple, natural approaches to manage vagin*l odor, including wearing breathable cotton underwear, using unscented soap, avoiding panty liners, and considering alternatives like cornstarch for odor absorption.
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Impact of Synthetic Fabrics and Hygiene Practices: Synthetic fabrics trap moisture, promoting bacterial growth, and thus, contributing to increased discharge and odor. The article suggests opting for breathable fabrics like cotton to mitigate these issues.
Overall, the article emphasizes the significance of understanding normal vagin*l odors, debunking societal stigmas, and promoting safe, natural hygiene practices without falling prey to unnecessary marketing gimmicks or potentially harmful products. It advocates for a holistic approach that prioritizes women's health and well-being.
