Intimate deodorants for men

In recent years, the men's personal hygiene market has experienced remarkable growth. Products that once seemed exclusive to women - such as face creams, serums and firming gels - have become part of many men's daily habits. But what about deodorants? In this context, some male intimate deodorants have also appeared, a type of product that is not usually associated with intimate hygiene but which generates some controversy.

As experts in men's sexual health, we feel it is important to explore this issue in more detail. Are we seeing a breakthrough in wellness and intimate hygiene, or is this a marketing-driven fad? Let's explore it in detail.

What is a male intimate deodorant?

While the name may sound novel, the concept is simple: a male intimate deodorant is a product specifically formulated to neutralise odours in the male genital and perineal area. Unlike a conventional deodorant, it is not designed for the underarms and does not contain the same types of salts or intense fragrances that could be aggressive to the skin in this area.

It usually comes in spray, cream or wipe formats, with ingredients designed to respect the skin's pH and avoid irritation. Many brands also include soothing extracts, such as aloe vera or chamomile, and mild antibacterial substances to help control the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

Why are men's intimate deodorants in fashion?

Let's be clear, men's intimate deodorants do not come out of nowhere. These products respond to several current trends:

On the one hand, we live in a society that is increasingly aware of the importance of self-care. Men are paying more attention to their bodies and their well-being in general. According to a report by Euromonitor International (2023), 64% of European men admit that they spend more time looking after their personal image than they did five years ago.

On the other hand, the rise in activities such as sport, cycling and the fashion for tight-fitting clothes (such as skinny trousers or boxer shorts) means that the genital area is more exposed to moisture and friction, conditions that can encourage the development of odours. In this context, male intimate deodorants are a convenient and practical solution.

Are male intimate deodorants really necessary?

From a medical point of view, a healthy man who maintains good daily hygiene does not, in principle, need a specific product to deodorise his genital area. Showering with a mild soap (ideally specific for the intimate area) is usually more than enough.

However, there are cases in which male intimate deodorants can be useful:

• Men who practice sport frequently and spend many hours in wet or tight sports clothes.

• Professionals with long working days when it is not possible to change underwear.

• Stressful or anxious situations that increase body sweating in general.

• Periods of intense heat or in countries with very humid climates.

The important thing to understand is that these products are not a substitute for proper hygiene, but can be a useful complement in certain circumstances.

Psychological effects: between well-being and insecurity

As sexual health experts, we are also interested in the emotional component associated with the use of male intimate deodorants. It is no coincidence that more and more men are asking in consultations whether they ‘should use something’ to smell better ‘down there’, especially when they are in the process of dating or at the beginning of a new sexual relationship.

On the one hand, the simple use of these products often helps to increase a sense of well-being and self-confidence. Feeling fresh and comfortable has a positive effect on the experience of sexuality.

On the other hand, it is also important to be aware of marketing messages that create insecurity about natural male body odour. In this regard, a study by Tiggemann and Slater (2014) on the influence of beauty standards on young men showed how advertising messages can exacerbate concerns about aspects of the body that should not normally be a source of anxiety.

The balance lies, as almost always, in a healthy, non-obsessive approach.

Precautions when using men's intimate deodorants

Not all products are the same. As with any product that can affect your health, such as intimate products, it is essential to read labels carefully and opt for a deodorant that:

• Is dermatologically tested

• Does not contain strong alcohols or perfumes that could irritate the skin or mucous membranes

• Respects the pH of the intimate area

• Avoids ingredients that could potentially disrupt the skin's natural microbiome

It is also important not to overuse it: occasional use or use at specific times is fine, but using it systematically several times a day could alter the balance of the bacterial flora, increasing the risk of irritation or infection.

Conclusion: Fad or revolution in men's intimate hygiene?

Our view is that men's intimate deodorants are not essential, but they can have a place in some men's self-care routine, provided they are used consciously and in moderation.

We should not fall into the trap of pathologising natural body odour. However, neither should we renounce tools that, when used well, can bring comfort and security.

In short, as in so many aspects of male well-being today, the key lies in information, common sense and a balanced approach that focuses on overall health, including in the sexual sphere.

References

• Euromonitor International. (2023). Men’s Grooming in Europe: Consumer Trends and Market Insights.

• Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(6), 630-643. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22254