Can I use deodorants on my penis?

Dear Reader, 

If you’re talking about using deodorant for its odor-fighting properties, then there are other, safer ways to keep things smelling fresh down there. While deodorants marketed for use in the genital region have gained popularity in recent years, they may still contain ingredients that can irritate the more delicate skin down under. Instead of deodorant consider wearing cotton underwear and cleaning your genital area with unscented soaps regularly to help keep the moisture and bacteria at bay. Keep the spritz under your arms and continue reading to find out about other scent defying options! 

How do deodorants and antiperspirants work in general? 

Deodorants and antiperspirants help to reduce body odor in different ways. When sweat is first secreted by sweat glands, it doesn’t actually have a smell. Instead, bacteria on the surface of your skin break down compounds in your sweat, causing the smell.  

Deodorants contain antimicrobial agents that kill or reduce the growth of bacteria, helping to stop sweaty smells in their tracks. They also often contain fragrances and odor absorbers that help to mask body odor. On the other hand, antiperspirants work by reducing sweat. They contain aluminum salts that interact with sweat to form a gel plug in the sweat pore. This prevents sweat from emerging onto the skin surface, keeping the skin dry and reducing the amount of sweat available for bacteria to feed on. 

What might cause penis odor? 

The genitals are an area of the body that can accumulate sweat and bacteria. Several factors could cause an odor including:  

• Smegma: Moisture, oils, and skin cells can build up around the shaft of the penis or under the foreskin. This can cause bacteria to grow, causing foul-smelling white chunks known as smegma. Washing well with mild soap and water under the foreskin can help eliminate smegma and odor. 
• Yeast infections: An overgrowth of yeast on the penis can cause redness, irritation, itching, and genital odor. Anti-fungal medication can help to clear up the infection.  
• Balanitis: This occurs when the head of the penis becomes inflamed and sore. It can be caused by a genital yeast infection, smegma buildup, or sensitivity to soaps or chemicals. 
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause genital odor.  

Is it safe to use deodorant on the penis? 

There isn’t much research on the safety of using deodorants or other hygiene products on the penis. However, most health care providers don’t recommend using deodorants in the genital region.  

Even products marketed as “natural” can cause irritation. Brands often claim that “natural” deodorants are safer because they don’t contain ingredients such as aluminum, artificial fragrances, sulfates, and parabens. Instead, they might use ingredients such as baking soda, activated charcoal, or tea tree oil, which have antimicrobial and deodorizing properties. However, natural fragrances such as essential oils that are often used in these products can cause skin irritation.  

If you really want to use a deodorant in the genital region, it’s recommended to use unscented solid deodorant and avoid products with baking soda, tea tree oil, or peppermint, which can irritate the skin. Deodorants marketed for use in the genital region may come with instructions. Some manufacturers suggest applying deodorant only on the shaft of the penis, between the legs, and between the butt cheeks, avoiding the head of the penis. If you decide to give these products a go, it may be a good idea to check frequently for skin irritation or reactions in addition to speaking with a health care provider.  

What can be done to prevent odor? 

To avoid odor in your nether regions, there are plenty of steps you can take to ensure your penis is feeling easy, breezy, and beautiful. These include:  

• Wearing breathable cotton underwear 
• Using unscented soap on the outside of your genitalia 
• Trimming pubic hair to prevent moisture, dirt, and bacteria from building up 
• Pulling back the foreskin to urinate if you’re uncircumcised 
• Bathing regularly 
• Cleaning the penis after sex 
• Not wearing underwear when sleeping 

If you’re concerned that your genital odor may be caused by an infection, it’s recommended to visit a health care provider. They may be able to help determine the root cause of your symptoms and provide treatment, if needed. 

Smell you later (just kidding)!