As a new mom, you probably prepared yourself for the roller coaster of emotions that come along with having a newborn. But, chances are, you didn’t prepare for (or sign up for) postpartum body odor, which, as you guessed it, is incredibly intense and often lingers far beyond the six-week mark.
Postpartum body odor is more common than you may think. According to Kathleen Bell, board certified women’s health nurse practitioner and international board certified lactation consultant, the culprit is likely the same you can blame for so many unpleasant postpartum symptoms: hormones. The good news, she explains, is that postpartum body odor is perfectly normal and rarely a sign of a larger problem. It’s also easily managed at home.
These hormonal shifts enhance the bond between you and your baby, helping facilitate breastfeeding and even helping your newborn know where you are—by your scent—notes, Rebekah Mustaleski, certified professional midwife and Motif compression director.
Due to the strong stench of postpartum body odor, which is often more intense than your pre-baby body odor, you may be in need of a new deodorant—not only one that’s more equipped to handle your smell, but also one that’s free from harsh chemicals or strong fragrances. “After you give birth, your skin might be more sensitive and your baby’s definitely is, so your previous deodorant can cause irritation,” says Mustaleski. “If you notice increased irritation from your deodorant, you should switch to a more mild or sensitive skin formula.”
Finding the best deodorant to combat your postpartum body odor is personal, and a product that works for you may not work for your friend. The good news? Innovation has come a long way in this area, and there are plenty of highly recommended deodorants to try out. What works for you may not work for a friend.
What to look for in postpartum deodorant:
You may need to try out a few deodorants before finding one that works for you. Some moms may find it best to tackle postpartum body odor with a natural option without harsh chemicals because it works best on their sensitive skin. Others may be more comfortable with a more traditional deodorant focused on combating the stench. Choose a deodorant that makes you feel comfortable and confident you don’t stink–so you can get back to focusing on yourself and your new addition.
Consider the following:
- Odor-blocking formula.
- Comfort and wearability.
- Ease of application.
- Ingredients that don’t irritate your skin.
The Best Deodorants for Postpartum Body Odor:
- Native Original Deodorant
- Humble Original Formula Deodorant
- Tom’s of Maine Complete Protection Aluminum-Free Deodorant
- Necessaire The Deodorant Gel
- Secret Outlast
- HATCH Fresh Mama Natural Deo
- Saltair Skincare Deodorant
Lume Whole Body Deodorant – Smooth Solid
Lume is a unique option for postpartum moms because it can be used for all body odor–from underarms and feet, to thigh creases and belly buttons. Founded by an OB/GYN, this deodorant is made with skin-safe ingredients (no baking soda, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, or talc) that block odor, rather than covering it up. For those who prefer it, there’s also a cream version.
What we love:
- Made to combat all body odor, not just underarms.
- PH optimization blocks odor, rather than masking it.
- Developed by a practicing OB/GYN.
What we would change:
- Select reviews note irritation at the start of use.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Ppg-15 Stearyl Ether, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Ozokerite, Stearyl Alcohol, Isododecane, Isopentyldiol, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder, Lauryl Laurate, Mandelic Acid, Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance, Silica, Panthenol, Caffeine, Ethylhexylglycerin
- Size: 2.6 oz, 2 pack
- Scents: Minted cucumber, soft powder, clean tangerine, toasted coconut, lavender sage, peony rose, fresh alpine, unscented
Buy now on Amazon; $28.10
Native Original Deodorant
Native became a well-known deodorant brand over the past few years, known for its simple formula and packaging, and all-day odor prevention. The stick deodorant is made from naturally derived ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda and magnesium hydroxide. Native doesn’t add ingredients like aluminum salts, phthalates or talc.
What we love:
- Simple, effective ingredients.
- Lots of scents, including seasonal.
- Also comes in a plastic-free option.
What we would change:
- Baking soda can irritate sensitive skin; however, their Sensitive Deodorant is free of baking soda.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tapioca Starch, Ozokerite, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclodextrin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Fragrance, Dextrose, Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Size: 2.65 oz
- Scents: Coconut & vanilla, sea salt & cedar, buttercream & french vanilla, powder & cotton, eucalyptus & mint, cucumber & mint, citrus & herbal musk, lilac & white tea, lavender & rose, sweet peach & nectar, charcoal, honey & white oak, black oak & amber, blackberry & green tea, grapefruit & bergamot, vanilla & sandalwood, jasmine & cedar, unscented, and a variety of limited-edition and seasonal options
Buy now on Amazon; $12.97
Humble Original Formula Deodorant
Humble stands by their tried-and-true 4-ingredient deodorant, made with baking soda, beeswax, non-GMO corn starch, and MCT oil—and without aluminum, alcohol, parabens, dyes, or artificial fragrance. Baking soda helps neutralize bacteria that causes odors, while cornstarch supports the absorption of sweat and odors that inevitably happen. Beeswax is naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and protects and soothes; MCT oil is made from coconut and moisturizes. And the array of scents offered all come from essential oils and botanical extracts.
What we love:
- Four simple ingredients.
- More affordable than others on the list.
- Made from 75% post consumer recycled plastic.
What we would change:
- Contains baking soda; try the sensitive-free option if your skin is easily irritated.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tapioca Starch, Ozokerite, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclodextrin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Fragrance, Dextrose, Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Size: 2.5 oz
- Scents: Bergamot & ginger, moroccan rose, palo santo & frankincense, patchouli & copal, black spruce, lavender & holy basil, lemongrass & sage, mountain lavender, rosemary & mint, Texas cedarwood & grapefruit, simply unscented
Buy now on Amazon; $11
Tom’s of Maine Complete Protection Aluminum-Free Deodorant
Tom’s of Maine has been around for longer than most, if not all, of the brands on this list, known for their affordable natural products. The vegan, aluminum-free deodorant now offers wetness protection in addition to helping with odor control. It lasts 24 hours and is made with no artificial fragrances or parabens.
What we love:
- Lower price point; drugstore availability.
- 24 hours odor and wetness protection.
- No aluminum, artificial fragrance, or parabens.
What we would change:
- Some reviewers note its unexpected wet texture when applied, though it dries quickly.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Organic), Glyceryl Laurate, Fragrance (Natural), Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate
- Size: 2.25 oz
- Scents: Lemon & bergamot, mandarin & ylang, rose & vanilla
Buy now on Amazon; $7.78
Necessaire The Deodorant Gel
Fans of Necessaire’s eucalyptus scent will appreciate the scent in deodorant form. This clear deodorant is technically gel, yet it’s not sticky and dries quickly. Made with 5% AHA and Niacinamide, it will keep your odor in check, while also treating hyperpigmentation and minimizing bumps in the underarm area. In addition to being aluminum-free, it also contains no baking soda, parabens, PEGs or synthetic fragrance.
What we love:
- Fast-drying, non-sticky gel.
- Benefits go beyond combating odor.
- Refreshing eucalyptus scent option.
What we would change:
- Hard to tell how much is left with new opaque packaging.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Mandelic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Gluconolactone, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Phytate, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Abies Sibirica (Siberian Fir) Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Limonene
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Scents: Fragrance-free, eucalyptus, sandalwood
Buy now on Amazon; $17.10
HATCH Fresh Mama Natural Deodorant
HATCH created this gentle deodorant for all skin types, but specifically to address sensitive and hormonal skin new mothers oftentimes face. After all, the brand itself is dedicated to expectant and new moms. The minerals and nutrients found in this deodorant – arrowroot, coconut oil, and lactobacillus probiotic—are what make it unique, supporting moisture absorption, neutralizing odor, moisturizing, and balancing the skin’s microbiome. And it’s made without aluminum or baking soda, with natural scents that come from Japanese citrus and chamomile.
What we love:
- Designed for hormonal skin.
- Natural Japanese citrus and chamomile scent.
- Packed with minerals and nutrients.
What we would change:
- Pricier than others on the list, but slightly larger in size.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, manihot esculenta powder, magnesium hydroxide, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, pentylene glycol, jojoba esters, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, fragrance/parfum*, glyceryl caprylate, stearyl alcohol, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, tocopherol, maltodextrin, lactobacillus ferment, amyl cinnamal, benzyl salicylate, citronellol, geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, limonene, linalool
- Size: 3 oz
- Scents: Fresh Mama (natural Japanese citrus and chamomile scent)
Buy now on Amazon; $22.80
Saltair Skincare Deodorant
If you’re looking for pretty, refillable packaging with a natural deodorant inside, check out Saltair. But it’s also the ingredients that make this deodorant stand out from others. Made with BHA, zinc ricinoleate, oils, and algae, it promises to protect against odors and exfoliate, smooth and refresh the skin.
What we love:
- No detox period, unlike many natural deodorants.
- Aesthetically pleasing, refillable packaging.
- Bullet three (short sentence here)
What we would change:
- Under 2 oz, so you get less than other brands (but it’s a 2 pack.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ozokerite, Tapioca Starch, Fragrance (Parfum), Zinc Ricinoleate, Water (Aqua), Salicylic Acid, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Saccharomyces Ferment, Lauroyl Lysine, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
- Size: 1.76 oz, 2 pack
- Scents: Santal bloom, pink beach, seascape, island orchid, black ride, lagoona, lush greens, exotic pulp, fragrance free
Buy now on Amazon; $22
Secret Outlast
Secret is one of those brands that’s been around for what seems like forever. You trust it’s going to deliver on odor protection–and Secret Outlast is popular because it’s a long-lasting anti-perspirant. Reviewers praise the deodorant for saving the day by keeping them dry, even in situations that would typically end up both sweaty and smelly.
What we love:
- Long-lasting odor protection.
- Goes on dry.
- Affordable price.
What we would change:
- More unique scent options.
Quick Facts:
- Ingredients: Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY 19% (Anhydrous), Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Kaolin, Cyclodextrin, PPG-14 Butyl Ether, Fragrance, C20-40 Pareth-10, Behenyl Alcohol
- Size: 2.6 oz
- Scents: Almond oil, argan oil, completely clean, protecting powder, tea tree oil
Buy now on Amazon; $6.62
One Last Thing: FAQ
What are signs my postpartum body odor is something deodorant won’t help?
According to Bell, signs you should check in with your healthcare provider are body odor that smells particularly bad or if the odor also comes with skin changes like rashes or hives. Hot flashes or excessive sweating during the day can also be a reason to get checked out, especially if it’s interfering with everyday life.
What else can I do to reduce excessive sweating during the postpartum period?
While it may feel unpleasant, Bell reassures moms that, more often than not, body odor doesn’t mean there’s a problem. Adding a second daily shower or switching to clinical strength deodorant are two potential solutions she suggests.
Do I need to change my deodorant after giving birth?
Mustaleski says, “You can certainly try changing your deodorant [if you have postpartum odor]! A change in scent or brand can help mask any unpleasant body odors, especially from yourself. You can also consider finding a stronger deodorant than you had previously used, like those that are formulated for athletes.”
I think I have postpartum body odor, but others around me don’t smell a difference. Why is that?
According to Mustaleski, “You might notice your smell more than you typically do, as your olfactory senses are heightened both during pregnancy and after delivery as a protective mechanism for you and baby, but your body odors are probably the same as they have been.”
