The “Daily Healthy Habits” survey, conducted by Datafolha and coordinated by Unilever, reveals that the majority of Brazilians like the feeling of being odor-free: 89% of people interviewed said they use deodorant daily. However, Brazilian women are more careful about smell compared to men. When it comes to the relationship with one’s smell, six in ten women interviewed in the survey (60%) say they are very concerned about their body odor, while 55% of men say they have this concern.
The study, which interviewed 2,202 people across the country, showed that many men in the country are aware of and concerned about body odor, but women are more concerned. They also feel more bothered when the bad smell comes from someone else. Of those interviewed, 70% said they were very bothered by other people’s bad odor, compared to 59% of male interviewees.
The survey on Brazilians’ relationship with body odor was developed by Datafolha and Unilever in May this year to support the arrival of Rexona All Body to the Brazilian market, with the aim of controlling odor in other parts of the body. This desire of Brazilians to smell good placed Brazil among the first countries to acquire the new category of deodorants, complementing the personal care routine already carried out with underarm antiperspirants.
“Rexona kills all types of bacteria that cause bad odor in other parts of the body, such as the feet, breasts and intimate areas, except for the mucous membranes,” says Alessandra Rebokas, development coordinator at Unilever. “All Rexona All Body deodorants have undergone dermatological tests to ensure their suitability for the intended use. The product in cream form is also approved for use on the external area of the female genital area,” highlights the professional.
Daily hygiene is associated with greater well-being and acceptance
“It is important to look at body care not as an obligation, but as a ritual of well-being and self-esteem,” highlights Marcel Alex Soares dos Santos, dermatologist and professor of medicine at São Leopoldo Mandich College, in Campinas.
In a dermatologist’s evaluation, there is a strong emotional component to the fact that women pay more attention to their natural body odors. “Many women associate bad odor with neglect and loss of femininity. This is accompanied by fear of judgement, shyness during sexual intercourse or fear that people close to them will notice the smell. Every woman has her own smell, influenced by bacterial flora, hormones and even diet. Our role is to guide them so that they know how to distinguish between a normal smell and a pathological smell, preventing it from causing shame or feelings of guilt,” highlights Marcel Alex dos Santos.
For the relationship with body odor to be more natural and harmonious, frank conversations are necessary to demystify natural body odor. The dermatologist adds: “We encourage people to talk about their body odors, whether with their doctor, with people close to them, or with whomever they feel comfortable with, as silence and shame increase insecurities with the body.”