Can We use Toothpaste As A Deodorant?

Some unconventional beauty hacks have gained unexpected popularity in the quest for freshness. And amongst the lot, the award for being the most popular hack goes to ‘Toothpaste as a Deodorant.’ While it may sound strange and unusual to many of you, there are people who like the idea of using Toothpaste as a deodorant substitute. The idea of repurposing Toothpaste as a deodorant has generated curiosity in many individuals who want a quick and readily available alternative solution to combat body odor. But Can Toothpaste Be Used As A Deodorant? Join us in this article as we unravel the truth behind this unconventional beauty hack.

Deodorants play an important role in providing that fresh feeling throughout the day. From the soothing minty sensation to the odor-fighting properties found in Toothpaste, individuals there are considering it as a viable and readily available substitute. However, whether Toothpaste can serve as an effective deodorant or not is the real question. Before using this DIY, learning about potential benefits, limitations, and risks is important. Let’s start with shedding light on whether Toothpaste can truly keep us smelling fresh beyond the confines of dental hygiene.

Will Toothpaste Banish Underarm Odor?

Toothpaste is an oral care product formulated for dental and oral hygiene. The role of Toothpaste is to clean our teeth and gums and leave our mouth with a fresh breath. Toothpaste also contains antibacterial properties that add to our dental health’s longevity. However, due to some antibacterial ingredients, hacks of Toothpaste as a deodorant substitute are going around the corner. However, it is not specifically formulated or intended for use as an underarm deodorant. Before blindly following this unconventional beauty hack, learning about Underarm odor and deodorants is important. 

The interaction between bacteria and sweat on our skin causes underarm odor. Our underarms contain two types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine produce odorless sweat, whereas Apocrine produces thicker sweat that has odor. Deodorants and antiperspirants commonly address the underarm odor issue leaving us with a fresh feeling for the day. These fragrance-based products contain aluminum compounds and antimicrobial agents that reduce swear production and combat odor-causing bacteria. Deodorants neutralize the smell produced by bacterias and thus helps us in smelling fresh.

Toothpaste as well contains some antibacterial properties, but it cannot substitute for Deodorant. Using this unconventional hack isn’t recommended, even temporarily. While Toothpaste, due to its minty scent, may mask the odor for a little while but it won’t effectively address the underlying cause. Additionally, toothpaste formulas are meant for oral use, and they may contain ingredients that can irritate the skin. Especially since our underarm area is sensitive, applying Toothpaste there isn’t safe at all.  

It is better to use a deodorant or antiperspirant specially designed to effectively combat underarm odor. Using such products neutralizes odor and provides long-lasting freshness throughout the day. 

DIY Deodorant

On days when deodorant isn’t readily available, you can use other DIY hacks to combat body odor. These hacks are common amongst DIY enthusiasts and are claimed to be helpful.

DIY Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Deodorant:

Things you will need:

• Baking Soda and Coconut Oil- 2 to 3 tablespoons each
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder- 2 tablespoons (It is optional if you want your DIY deodorant to absorb additional sweat moisture) 
• Essential oil- 10 drops (any oil that suits your skin)

How to prepare?

1. Take a small glass bowl and start mixing dry ingredients first, including baking soda and cornstarch/arrowroot powder.
2. Now take coconut oil and essential oil and mix them well with the dry ingredients. Stir them well until they form a paste. 
3. Now take a clean container and transfer the mix into the same. Let it solidify, and then start using it as your regular Deodorant. 

DIY Shea Butter and Tea Tree Oil Deodorant:

Things you will need:

• Baking Soda and Arrowroot powder – 2 tablespoons each
• Shea Butter- 2 tablespoons 
• Coconut Oil- 1 tablespoon 
• Tea Tree Oil- 10-15 drops 

How to prepare?

1. Start by using a double boiler/ microwave and melt the shea butter and coconut oil. Make sure both the ingredients dissolve well.
2. Now take a glass bowl and mix dry ingredients, including baking soda and arrowroot powder.
3. Now mix these dry ingredients with the melted shea butter and coconut oil and stir well until it forms a paste.
4. Further, add tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties and scent. Transfer the final product into a clean container, allow it to cool and solidify, and then start using it. 

PLEASE NOTE: When using any DIY deodorants, make sure you test them on a small area of your skin before applying them to your underarms. Underarm skin is super sensitive; therefore, applying any new product directly may lead to irritation or allergies.  

Side effects/ Downsides of using Toothpaste as a Deodorant

Toothpaste may substitute your Deodorant temporarily, but it isn’t a solution for combating underarm or body odor. Using Toothpaste as a deodorant can have multiple side effects. For instance:

1. Toothpaste formulas contain ingredients that are delicate for the skin, especially underarm skin. Toothpaste includes abrasives, actives, and chemicals that can cause irritation, redness, itching, or even a burning sensation. Therefore, using Toothpaste on the skin, regardless of the purpose, is not recommended.  
2. The ingredients used in Toothpaste, including flavorings, menthol, or other additives, can harm certain individuals. When used on the skin, these ingredients can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to skin rashes, hives, or other adverse skin effects.
3. Toothpaste is an oral care product and, thus, not formulated to address perspiration. Even if it temporarily masks odor due it cannot control or reduce sweating. As a result, using Toothpaste as a deodorant substitute may not effectively combat the primary cause of the underarm odor.
4. Toothpaste doesn’t have the ingredients required to effectively combat the bacteria responsible for underarm odor. Even if it acts as a temporary fix, it won’t provide adequate odor control throughout the day.
5. Using Toothpaste as a deodorant can leave stains and residue on your clothing. Since some toothpaste formulations contain dyes, the stains it leaves behind may be difficult to remove. Or in the worst-case scenario, it may result in discoloration or damage to garments.

Wrapping Up…

Overall, using Toothpaste as a deodorant isn’t a smart choice at all. Toothpaste is an oral care product and not a dedicated deodorant. It lacks specific ingredients to effectively control sweat and combat odor-causing bacteria. Therefore, use Deodorant that suits you best for optimal odor control and to minimize potential side effects.