After undergoing a breast cancer surgery — such as mastectomy or lumpectomy, with or without lymph node removal — you’ll want to take care of your skin gently and safely. If your procedure involves your underarm or armpit skin, you may feel unsure about using deodorant.

Members of MyBCTeam have asked each other about their favorite deodorants or what alternatives worked for them after surgery. “I’m nervous about wearing deodorant after my lumpectomy. Does anyone have recommendations?” one member asked. “I tried cornstarch and alcohol, but it didn’t work. Please help. I’m starting to smell like a bull!”

This article discusses safe, gentle options to help manage body odor after surgery, as well as when it may be safe to start using deodorant again and which ingredients to avoid.

Your Underarms After Breast Cancer Surgery

Surgery is a common breast cancer treatment and may involve removing some or all of the breast tissue. Depending on how far your cancer has spread, your oncologist (cancer doctor) may recommend a procedure such as:

• Lumpectomy — Removes the tumor and some nearby tissue
• Mastectomy — Removes the entire breast
• Axillary lymph node dissection — Removes all the lymph nodes in the armpit

You may be able to use a roll-on antiperspirant or deodorant after two weeks and a spray after six weeks.

After surgery, the skin near your incision will be extremely sensitive while it heals. You’ll likely be given gauze or bandages to cover and protect the area. Your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding deodorant for one week or even several weeks after surgery.

Their advice will depend on the type of surgery you had, how fast your body heals, and the kind of deodorant you use. If you’ve had a mastectomy or lymph node removal, your doctor may tell you to wait two weeks before using a roll-on or six weeks for a spray deodorant.

To protect your healing incision and avoid skin irritation, wait to use deodorant until the incision is fully closed. It’s also best to avoid shaving your armpits until healing is complete to reduce the risk of infection or reopening the incision.

Some MyBCTeam members have said that their underarm odor became more noticeable after lymph node removal or breast surgery. “I had a mastectomy four months ago and a lymph node dissection,” one member wrote. “Recently, I’ve had horrid axillary body odor, just from that side. Even after a shower, it’s still there. Has this happened to anyone else?”

Another member replied, “Are you wearing deodorant on that side? There are several nonaluminum breast cancer-approved ones. I have to wear clinical deodorant because I smell. I’ve found Crystal essence helps.”

Deodorant Recommendations From MyBCTeam Members

Once your doctor or surgeon gives you the go-ahead to use deodorant, you might be unsure about your options. Many MyBCTeam members have found that all-natural deodorants and powders work well after breast cancer surgery.

“Is there a specific kind of deodorant to wear, or can you just use any kind?” one member asked. “I have been told different things, and I would just like some input on the subject.” Several members offered suggestions:

• “I use Crystal deodorant that you can get at any Walgreens.”
• “I switched over to Tom’s of Maine natural deodorant. It smells good and works great. Plus, it doesn’t have aluminum and such in it.”
• “I’ve used Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Roll-On from Walmart for years.”
• “I’ve been using the natural deodorant from Lush. It comes in a block, and it works well.”
• “I use Lafe’s — it’s all-natural and aluminum-, gluten-, and propylene glycol-free. I have the lavender kind.”

Some members mentioned that they have underarm odor despite using their preferred deodorant. One shared, “I use Arm & Hammer, and it works well. However, some of my gowns smell awful, especially the ones I’ve had on during hot flashes.”

Another member suggested an alternative: “Ammens Medicated Powder, instead of deodorant, has helped me. It comes in a white 11-ounce bottle with blue lettering. I’m still using it after five and a half years.”

Deodorant Ingredients To Use With Caution After Breast Cancer Surgery

Some ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants can irritate sensitive skin, especially after breast cancer surgery.

Aluminum Salts and Parabens

When choosing a deodorant, you’ll find some products labeled as deodorants and others as antiperspirants. Deodorants help reduce body odor, whereas antiperspirants temporarily block sweat glands to stop you from sweating, usually with ingredients like aluminum salts.

Parabens are preservatives that help prevent bacteria and mold from growing in products. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), parabens are safe, but today they’re mostly used in cosmetic products like makeup and are less common in deodorants.

You may have heard about claims that these ingredients can raise breast cancer risk. That can feel alarming — especially after a diagnosis and surgery — but current research shows that using deodorants or antiperspirants doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer.

However, aluminum salts and parabens can irritate skin that’s healing after surgery. Antiperspirants temporarily clog pores, so they may be too harsh for sensitive underarms during recovery.

Phthalates

Phthalates are sometimes added to deodorants and other scented products such as lotions and shampoos to make the fragrance last longer. The FDA doesn’t consider this a safety concern in cosmetics, but some studies link phthalates to skin reactions such as sensitivity and eczema. If your skin is still healing, it may be best to avoid phthalates.

Ingredients that Can Cause Allergic Reactions

Some deodorant ingredients can trigger allergic reactions. Common culprits include:

• Added fragrances — Cause allergic skin reactions in 1 percent to 4 percent of the general population
• Aluminum salts — Can lead to itching and discoloration in people with sensitivities
• Moisturizing ingredients such as propylene glycol and lanolin — May cause irritation

Triclosan

Triclosan, another chemical that prevents bacterial growth, is found in some deodorants and other products like toothpaste, kitchenware, and even clothing. Triclosan has been linked to side effects such as endocrine (hormone) dysfunction and may be especially unsafe for people who are pregnant or nursing, as it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk.

Safer Deodorant Choices

When buying deodorant, try to avoid products containing ingredients that could cause problems, especially while your underarm skin is healing. Keep in mind that even aluminum-free deodorants can cause irritation. Look for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options instead.

After breast cancer surgery, some people prefer to use an all-natural deodorant under the affected arm and another antiperspirant under the unaffected arm. For personalized recommendations and advice about when it’s safe to start using deodorant again, talk with your doctor or oncology care team.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What deodorants or alternatives have you used after your lymph node removal surgery or mastectomy? Let others know in the comments below.