As New York City endures a sweltering heatwave, an increasing number of residents are foregoing antiperspirants and deodorants, a trend that is amplifying the sensory experience of the city's already pungent summer air. This shift, fueled by a mix of environmental consciousness, perceived health benefits, and a desire to disrupt less with personal care products, is leading to increased frustration among commuters encountering strong body odor in crowded public spaces.
Some individuals, like 36-year-old hairstylist and carpenter Kate Caretta, view antiperspirants as an unnecessary expense and believe natural body hair can help wick away moisture. "I just don't see it as something that's necessary -- like, if I smell, I'll just wash myself," Caretta stated, adding that she doesn't consider herself a particularly smelly person and believes disrupting the body's natural biome less is beneficial. She also finds that masking natural scents with other products can sometimes worsen the odor.
Social media platforms have become a venue for public commentary on the issue. Content creators have shared videos expressing dismay over the increased B.O. on public transport and sidewalks. One creator urged New Yorkers not to opt for "all-natural, all-organic deodorant" during extreme heat, advocating for conventional products with chemicals to prevent smelling "like utter trash and B.O." Another echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for aluminum-based deodorants in the intense New York City heat.
Thomas McGuigan, a 28-year-old film editor and associate producer who identifies as a wellness fanatic, has also stopped using traditional underarm products. He opts for a botanical body spray from a local health store. His decision stemmed from a college talk about toxins and chemical additives in mainstream personal care products. "I was just like, ‘OK, I don’t want these metals and toxins inside me anymore,’" McGuigan explained, referencing a similar sentiment to the documentary 'Super Size Me.' He now vets his toiletries using resources from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and believes that using chemical antiperspirants clogs pores and prevents the body from sweating out toxins. McGuigan stresses the importance of showering regularly to maintain cleanliness when not using traditional products.
However, dermatologists assure the public that conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are safe. Dr. Jessica Weiser, a board-certified dermatologist, stated that sweat glands primarily regulate body temperature and are not a significant source of detoxification. She clarified that the skin absorption of aluminum, a common ingredient in antiperspirants, is minimal and poses no significant health risk, according to major health organizations. Weiser also suggested using antibacterial soap during hot weather to further reduce body odor.
Terry Tatossean, a 49-year-old health coach, recounted a personal journey where perimenopause caused a strong, persistent underarm odor that traditional products did not resolve. After a three-year research period into potential dangers of ingredients like aluminum, she decided to stop using all underarm hygiene products cold turkey. Following an initial period of intensified sweating and odor, she found that her sweat's scent significantly diminished. Tatossean, familiar with the city's summer heat and public transport, emphasizes that while she has chosen not to use antiperspirant, it is crucial for individuals making similar choices to remain considerate of others in shared spaces, particularly during stressful commutes.
"I absolutely don’t think it’s OK to purposefully not shower, be super stinky and raise your arms on the subway," Tatossean said. "If you are making the choice not to wear antiperspirant or deodorant … you [should be] considerate to other people."