Puberty. It’s a transformative period that’s exciting but sometimes creates turmoil inside and outside our bodies. Big changes are happening, so it’s understandable to feel unsure or even awkward talking about what’s going on.

When it comes to sweat, our mission here at Humble, is to normalize the experience and help dispel stigmas around perspiration and body odor. If you’re thinking about deodorant for yourself or your child, we have some body-friendly solutions and tips for you. Plus, we have some pretty amazing products for all ages and skin types to keep everyone in your family feeling and smelling fresh.

First, a primer on sweat

Sweat and body odor are part of being human. Sweating is a function of our body’s built-in cooling system. When you get too hot, your body secretes perspiration to cool you down. Off-putting odors can occur when sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin. It’s all normal and natural, and there are a handful of healthy habits you can adopt to feel your best.

When should kids start wearing deodorant?

For most, puberty begins between 9 and 14 years of age¹. During this transitional time, body hair emerges, acne may pop up, and body odor becomes a little more perceptible. This is a great time to help your child build good hygiene habits, and may be the right time for them to start wearing deodorant. Have an open dialogue with your child about the changes they’re experiencing and remind them it’s all completely natural.

Why should I choose aluminum free deodorant for my kids?

Some deodorants and antiperspirants contain chemicals and synthetic fragrances that interfere with the body’s natural sweating process. Young people’s bodies are still developing, and their skin can be sensitive. For kids deodorant, we recommend sticking to products with simple, high quality ingredients that are gentle on skin. Adolescence is a great time to introduce kids to making thoughtful choices about what they put in and on their bodies.

Kids deodorant from Humble Brands

Humble products are made with simple but effective ingredients and are safe for the whole family. “Nothing Bad” is more than just our slogan, it’s our promise. You will never find aluminum, alcohol, parabens, dyes, or artificial fragrance in any of our products.

Our aluminum free deodorants feature ingredients you may be familiar with and can feel good about. What’s more, our products are made cruelty-free, meaning they’re only tested on humans. We also make vegan & sensitive skin deodorant.

Kids deodorant: Where to start

Underarm skin is some of the most sensitive on your body. For adolescents who are new to wearing deodorant, we recommend starting with our Vegan & Sensitive Skin Deodorant Formula. Below is the complete list of active ingredients and their benefits:

• Non-gmo Cornstarch: Helps keep underarms dry
• Coconut Derived MCT Oil: Nourishes and moisturizes the skin
• Magnesium Hydroxide: Gentle but highly effective at neutralizing odor
• Candelilla Wax: Enables a smooth application with no mess

Our deodorants are scented only with botanical fragrances, including pure essential oils and botanical extracts. They come in a range of nature-inspired scents, and unscented.

Finding the right kids deodorant scent

How does body chemistry affect the way a scent smells?

Everyone goes through different hormonal and chemical changes throughout their life. This is part of what we call our “body chemistry”. The way a scent interacts with your natural chemistry will vary from person to person. This can change depending on hormone fluctuations, stress levels, and even what you eat. You can learn more about choosing the right scent for your body here.

Young people tend to go through a lot of hormonal changes as they mature. Certain scents that once “worked” with their chemistry may change. When this happens, we encourage you to try another scent.

There’s no rule that you have to stick with just one scent, even for deodorant. Choosing different scents for different moods is just another way to keep things fresh.

Are Humble deodorant scents good for kids?

We are serious about making great scents. Learn more about our scent creation process here. Our product scents are made using only pure essential oils and botanical extracts. We never use synthetic fragrances. Humble scents are inspired by nature and many are subtle enough to be completely appropriate for young people. No cheap or artificial scents here.

Additionally, our botanically-scented deodorants will leave your underarms smelling fantastic, but will not overpower other personal scents you may wear. We also make an unscented option in both our Original Formula and Vegan & Sensitive Skin Formulas.

Involve your child in selecting their scent or scents. They can try a range of scents from the comfort of home with our Discovery Kit. Simply pick out the scents you’re most excited about, or choose a Variety 3 Pack to try our top-selling scents.

What deodorant scents do kids like?

We asked the Director of Product Development, Kristin Moore, what her kids love. “My sons, 16 and 21 have been using Humble for years. My oldest likes Patchouli & Copal, and my younger son likes Black Spruce. My tween daughter loves the Vanilla & Cardamom holiday scent, so we stock up on that one, or she will use the Lavender Vegan & Sensitive Skin Formula as a backup.

Starting good body care habits for kids

Creating a thorough but efficient morning routine is a good lifelong habit. Keeping it simple is key. Here’s a good morning routine for kids and teens:

1. Wash face
2. Brush teeth
3. Get dressed
4. Brush hair
5. Apply deodorant

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, body odor happens when sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin. Keeping underarms clean is an easy first step to managing smell. If daily showers don’t happen, that’s ok. A washcloth bath works for the days in between. Opt for a gentle plant-based soap. And if body odor persists, then it may be time for a daily shower.

So much of adult life is mysterious, but taking care of your body doesn’t have to be. Building good habits now, and reinforcing them each day will help them stick. Get your kids excited about developing healthy habits by getting them involved in choosing their body care products. And above all, create a safe space for them to open up about concerns or questions they have about their changing bodies.