How old must a child be to start wearing deodorant?

Kylene - posted on 11/16/2011

I Agree with a few of the moms who have concerns with the chemicals in deodorants - particularly antipersperants. #1 the aluminum based ingredient has been linked to contribting alzeimers (amongst other things) that's not anything I'd want to start early for my children. However, if he needs it,there are a few aluminum-free deodorants out there. I love using Tom's Citrus scent. Finally if body odor is an issue (which is common during puberty of course) you might be able to combat it a little with diet. I hear a diet high in meats and some other foods I can't think of can contribute to body odor. Also failure to eliminate waste regularly will definitely contribute. If he just wants to smell good you can have a blend of pure essential oils made up for you. If used correctly they're harmless and do not have all the nasty additives of colognes or deodorants

Stefanie - posted on 11/15/2011

When they start smelling underarm funky is when they can start wearing deodorant. My daughter was 5 years old when she started wearing deodorant because she needed to, I was 7.

Brooke - posted on 11/15/2011

Don't get him an antiperspirant until puberty. You can however buy him deodorant. Old Spice is wonderful, my boys have used it since they were 6. You can also get the AXE spray deodorant.

Sandi - posted on 11/15/2011

I hate the spell check! Endocrine.

Sandi - posted on 11/15/2011

MMy daughter had to start at 3 because of an enduring condition. She's 10 now and often forgets to awful results. If he wants to, let him. Make sure you get just deoderant. Kids need to sweat. Toms of Maine has a good one. If you get the unscented, you can treat him to his own cologne (Axe, a Bath and Bodyworks spray, etc)

Dian - posted on 11/15/2011

there are many natural products that he could use. Mine were 12 when they started to sweat

Liz - posted on 11/15/2011

sure why not. that way when he's older and actually NEEDS it, he'll already have formed a habit of putting it on.

Chelly - posted on 11/15/2011

I use Thai stick, which is a crystal without aluminum. If my 7 year old ask for deodorant I wouldn't mind her using that. Most deodorants are loaded with chemicals and I'd say to those

Robbin - posted on 11/15/2011

My little guy is 8 and he likes wearing the AXE deodorant.... he says he wants to smell good at school.. I have since found out he has a crush on a girl and wants to make an impression. I don't encourage it but if it means keeping his hygiene up... and it makes him feel good.. I let him. I want him to have good self esteem and feel good about himself but need to know that he is way to young to making impressions on girls. Really? at 8.. oh I don't like this young start. Will have to put chains on him... lol I think it's harmless.. but that is my opinion.. as long as he's clean and is happy... that is all that counts in my books! :D

Sarah - posted on 11/15/2011

not to sound psycho, but i can't imagine that the added years of all those metals and chemicals being absorbed through the skin is a good thing... I think if my llittle one wanted to wear deoderant, i would get something without the aluminum in it atleast... I'd try to find a natural type... they might not be the most effective when serious odors and sweat start (hormone years), but it would let him feel grown now without added chemicals.

Michelle - posted on 11/15/2011

I would say that if he wants to wear deodorant then let him. There's nothing wrong with him learning good personal hygiene at 7 years old. Just see if you can get him one for sensitive skin, or even find one made specifically for children, as they are available.

Bonnie - posted on 11/15/2011

I don't think there is any special age. If they need it, they need it.

Sharlene - posted on 11/15/2011

My 8 yr old son wears deodorant,There nothing wrong with that I turn around and say to him, what are you trying to impress the girls are we!!!!!!!!!! LMAF

Aimee - posted on 11/15/2011

My 7 yr old nephew uses deodorant only because he wants too. I dont see a big issue in it.

Teresa - posted on 11/15/2011

Why does he want it? If he doesn't stink.... I'd say no. If he does stink... yes.

My girls have needed it since around 8.5... it is REALLY bad when they forget (almost 10 now)....

~♥Little Miss - posted on 11/15/2011

When they start smelling??? I don't see any reason he cannot use it.