Understanding cultural perspectives is an essential aspect of fostering empathy and promoting inclusivity in our diverse world. Exploring the customs, traditions, and practices of different cultures allows us to broaden our horizons and challenge our preconceived notions. In this blog, we delve into an intriguing question that often sparks curiosity: Why don’t Indians wear deodorant?
Join deodorantreview as we embark on a journey to understand the cultural nuances behind personal hygiene practices in India, shedding light on the factors that shape these choices. Through this discussion, we hope to promote understanding, respect, and appreciation for the rich diversity that exists within our global community.
Body odor is heavily decried in India. Indian homes have long relied on perfumed talc powders like Santoor and Ponds to remove odors. Deodorants, which are perceived as less expensive substitutes for pricey perfumes, are becoming more and more popular among young, aspirational Indians who have more money. In reality, deodorants dominate the men’s grooming sector in India.
Why do Indians Smell?
Indians’ hygiene has little to do with how they smell on the body. The majority of Indians frequently take showers and practice decent hygiene. Therefore, we claim that just because your Indian coworkers smell, they are not dirty. The heavy meals and spices they eat are what give them their bad body odor. The ingredients used in Indian cuisine are considerably dissimilar from those used in Western cuisine.
We can assure you that, even if you don’t use deodorant, your skin will smell like them if you ingest too much of components like garlic, fenugreek, and fennel. These substances can ruin your body’s natural odor and cling to your pores for a very long time.
The fragrance of an Indian is not always that of a person. It’s due of the herbs and spices they employ in their food, as we just mentioned. Their clothing stinks because it has absorbed these pungent elements from the atmosphere. There will be lingering odors from cooking in the air, on the person, and in the garments around. As a result, they transport these scents everywhere.
Nowadays, the majority of people use deodorants or antiperspirants to disguise their odor because they are aware of how they smell. For certain Asians, though, it doesn’t seem to be the case. According to several reports, Indians in particular don’t seem to utilize deodorants and antiperspirants.
Although not fully accurate, a sizable section of them, particularly the Swadeshi tribe, do not utilize these things, which is sufficient to form a broad generalization. So, why don’t Indians wear deodorant?
Why don’t Indians Wear Deodorant?
The opinions expressed below may be our own, but we only use data from studies, polls, and our own experience to share this information with you. So, don’t rely on them too heavily. Besides, there are also many very good reasons for the question why don’t Indians wear deodorant? And here is our answer:
1. Cultural Preferences of Indians are Different
There are a number of explanations for why some Indians do not use deodorant as frequently as those in other nations. somewhat as a result of their culture. Strong smells, including those from deodorants, are thought to be obnoxious or overwhelming in many regions of India.
In India, regional differences in hygiene standards are also significant. In one place, something that is typical could seem unusual. It might not be as hot and humid everywhere in India. Therefore, the locals there might not believe that they require deodorant like everyone else.
It truly comes down to protecting tradition and culture for certain Indians. You see, people respect scent but in a natural way in many parts of India. To give skin or clothing a delicate scent, they enjoy using essential oils and botanicals. It is known as Attar.
But artificial and potent deodorant odors aren’t truly a part of their history. Such travel is almost regarded as disrespectful or offensive in some places. Instead of synthetic aromas that stay on your face, they favor soft, natural scents.
According to Jains, wearing deodorant will completely eradicate any microorganisms under your arms. That would also go against their religion, which teaches respect for all life, because germs are living things. Their faith teaches them that all living things, including bacteria and insects, ought to exist in peace and freedom without human interference.
2. Indians Feel Comfortable with Their Unique Body Odor
Some Indians don’t use deodorant because of a long-standing custom. The use of synthetic smells has been condemned by religious texts, rituals, and naturopaths. These antiquated treatments nevertheless hold true today, as does the avoidance of microorganisms that “kill.”
India has used fragrant talcum powders like Santoor and Ponds for ages to give their homes a nice aroma. The majority of the time, these individuals are at ease with their natural body odor.
It is considered impolite by many adherents of the teachings to avoid strong odors. For instance, according to Jain philosophy, every living thing, even bacterium, is respected. It is common practice to use natural methods and refrain from using chemicals.
It actually just depends on what they choose for themselves for some Indians. Not everyone likes the feeling or aroma of deodorant; some individuals find it to be offensive. You will experience discomfort if you’ve ever applied it and thought it was excessively greasy or thick under your arms. These smells might also be too potent for skin that is sensitive. They would therefore want to skip it if they don’t care about that.
On top of that, habits develop over time dependent on your routine. There is no pressure on you to start using deodorant if no one else in your family or neighborhood does. In general, traditional practices are more prevalent in areas like hygiene.
Not to mention, Indians are capable of having a wide range of microorganisms on their skin without it smelling. So it seems needless to use deodorant. Everything is dependent on what individuals are accustomed to in their local communities.
3. Indians are Concerned about Their Health
If at all possible, a large percentage of Indians prefer to use solely natural products on their bodies. They choose to buy healthy, natural alternatives instead of things that are packed with chemicals.
Some ideas argue that Indians do not use deodorant for health-related reasons. Aluminum and parabens, two hazardous substances included in deodorants, can harm the body’s hormonal balance, cause cancer, and induce inflammation. Additionally, these substances are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, which can result in allergies and other diseases.
Some people may react negatively to substances like alcohol or aluminum. Additionally, scent is a common allergy. You should also think about skin issues. Deodorant might not be the best choice for you if you already have eczema or if skin issues run in your family.
To apply deodorant is not worth having red underarm rashes when you wake up in the morning. If you are aware of your sensitive skin, opting for natural alternatives is safer. Additionally, it makes sense to steer clear of anything that can aggravate delicate skin if that is how it has always been.
Why use so many chemicals when natural deodorants are highly effective? Without using anything too powerful, sprinkle baking soda under your arms for effectiveness. For both themselves and the environment, Indians are concerned about these issues.
It’s one of the least expensive goods on the market right now, but it’s also one of the most polluting. In order to reach the most number of individuals possible in the shortest amount of time, it is distributed via aerosols and plastic packaging. Deodorant for the 2 billion people on the planet requires about 9 million plastic water bottles annually.
Due to the chemicals in deodorants and probable environmental effects, some Indians may choose not to use them. People that care about the environment have started to favor natural ingredient eco-friendly substitutes. The drive for sustainable practices and a reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals, which is more pervasive globally, is integrated into the trend toward eco-friendly products.
4. Indians are Concerned about the Budget to Get a Deodorant
Deodorant is thought to have been invented by deodorant manufacturers hoping to boost their sales in order to counteract Westerners’ natural sensitivity to body odor. Deodorants, however, aren’t particularly on the radar for many elderly Indians or those who live in rural areas. It’s not always possible to advertise for that kind of stuff in rural places.
You might not be aware that there are now things that can aid further if you spend your entire life believing that specific cleanliness practices are sufficient. Deodorant, in my understanding, is a product for India’s young, urban population. Older people and people from rural areas often ask, “Why do I need that?”
Deodorants are not widely used in the nation, which is understandable, but one major factor that may prevent Indians from using them is their cost. Given that India has one of the greatest percentages of poverty in the world, this is understandable.
Deodorant and other supplementary hygiene products are frequently the first things people run out of when money is truly tight. And many little towns in the countryside lack the chance. Many individuals think it is a waste of anything if it is not vital for life.
Deodorant can be hard to locate in small, outlying department stores, so this is another factor to consider. Rich urbanites are the only ones for whom it really makes sense, because it keeps kids busy all the time. A bar of soap should last a long time and is more affordable for some people.
In a recent survey conducted in India, many of the participants who either did not use deodorants or used them only occasionally cited the high cost of the items as the cause. If antiperspirants and deodorants were less expensive, some think they would be used more frequently.
So, why don’t Indians wear deodorant?
Numerous cultural, economic, and social variables can help us understand why Indians don’t use deodorant. In India, people’s decisions for personal grooming are influenced by a variety of factors, including their rich cultural heritage, varied climatic conditions, economic inequalities, and long-standing cultural customs.
The need to raise knowledge and understanding must be prioritized over asking why some Indians don’t use deodorant. By having open talks, we may dispel the stigma associated with personal hygiene decisions and recognize cultural variety in practice. Promoting inclusion and fostering a more accepting society can be done by highlighting the value of respecting other cultures and the role that individual grooming preferences have in preserving cultural history.
Survey on Deodorant Usage among Indians
A survey on body odor and deodorant use was conducted among young people in north, west, and south India. Additionally, respondents believed that it was challenging for customers to stick with one brand of deodorant due to the abundance of products on the market with comparable efficacy and marketing.
Approximately 87% of respondents think that how they show themselves has an impact on their social confidence. At least 78% of respondents claimed that other people’s body odor is a social nuisance. In social encounters, the usage of scented hygiene products (deodorants and perfumes) is undoubtedly seen.
Deodorant is familiar to 51% of survey participants, however they do not purchase it due to its expensive cost. If the costs of these goods continue to drop, about 69% of respondents said they would frequently purchase deodorant.
Deodorant sales are also affected by consumer views that the products are irritating to the skin and allergic-provoking. Deodorants do not fulfill the promise that they will reduce body odor, according to the common opinion of consumers, who also believe that they do not last all day.
Many survey participants indicated that they preferred deodorant product packaging that was small and in the form of a roll-on or cream. Both men and women across all polled regions of India stated these two preferences in unmistakable terms.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the question of why don’t Indians wear deodorant is a complex one that requires understanding and respect for cultural perspectives. It is important to recognize that personal hygiene practices vary across different cultures and should not be judged solely through one’s own cultural lens.
While factors such as climate, traditions, and personal preferences may contribute to this choice, it is crucial to approach such discussions with empathy and an open mind. By seeking to understand and appreciate cultural differences, we can foster greater understanding and acceptance in our diverse world.
