Deodorant Use by Country 2024

Many factors--including genetic makeup, temperature, and social norms--contribute to whether people in different cultures choose to use deodorant. While deodorant is available around the world, it's more commonly used in some places than others.

People in the United States use more deodorant than people in other countries. People in Brazil also use deodorant frequently. Even in countries where citizens don't use deodorant, many use natural scents to mask body odor, such as herbs, natural perfumes, and other remedies.

Many people prefer antiperspirants to products that only work as deodorizers. Antiperspirants actually work to clog the body's sweat glands, stopping sweat from forming in areas where the product is applied. Deodorants simply mask the smell of sweat and body odor, rather than stopping the body from sweating in the first place.

In many areas of the world, people are beginning to turn to natural deodorant options, as concerns about the ingredients in antiperspirants and chemical deodorants is on the rise. Some people worry about the effect of stopping the body's natural sweating process, while others are concerned about aluminum and other ingredients present in many chemical deodorant products.

Availability of hygiene facilities can also influence whether most people in a country use deodorant. In an area where bathing and showering facilities are not readily available, people may be more accepting of and comfortable with body odor than in areas where these facilities are readily available. This may mean that they don't feel as compelled to cover up their body odor with chemical products.

An interesting study was published recently regarding genetics and body odor--it stated that up to 95% of people in East Asia have a gene that stops the body from producing odor. In these countries, people may feel less inclined to use deodorant, as there is no smell to cover up.