As a perfume lover, I love to smell great. Matter of fact- I love it when the perfume I am wearing is noticeable and has an impressive longevity. However, sometime I just want to spray perfume on my feet. I am sure there are lots of people who have considered spraying perfume on their soles or feet. so, can you put perfume on your feet?

You can put perfume on your feet but it will not give you optimal performance. Spraying perfume on your feet can also lead to unpleasant odors and foul smells. This practise is particularly ill-advised for those with sensitive foot skin, potentially causing irritation, itching, and dryness. You should apply perfume to areas considered pulse points which are neck, wrists, ankles and behind the ears.

in this blog, you will understand why it is a bad idea to apply fragrance on your feet.

Related Posts

6 Reasosns Why You Should Not Apply Perfume on Your Feet

Applying perfume on your feet may not be the most ideal practice for several reasons, including the risk of foul smells. Here are some reasons why you should avoid applying perfume on your feet:

1) Sweat and Odor

Feet’s heightened sweat production makes them susceptible to unpleasant odors when perfume is applied directly. In my personal experience, I once sprayed my old sneakers, forgetting they hadn’t dried properly.

The mix of perfume and lingering moisture resulted in a temporary improvement, but after an hour at a party, a stinky smell emerged, I had to leave the party early.

So, yeah…. it can potentially create a bad effect rather than the intended pleasant fragrance.

2) Chemical Reactions

Spraying fragrance, like cologne or perfume, can lead to chemical reactions due to the interaction between the fragrance compounds and the skin’s natural oils.

In my experience, I’ve observed that certain fragrances can change scent notes or intensity based on individual body chemistry. This is attributed to the varying pH levels, skin moisture, and oils among people.

The chemical makeup of fragrances, often containing volatile compounds, can react with skin chemistry, impacting the overall scent.

Factors like temperature and humidity further influence these reactions, making fragrance application a dynamic and personalized experience.

3) Sensitive Skin

The skin on your feet, being thicker and tougher, is less receptive to fragrance application due to the alcohol and other chemicals present in perfumes.

These compounds can be harsh, causing irritation, dryness, or triggering allergic reactions. Recently, a friend of mine shared her experience after spraying perfume on her feet. Within a short period, she developed a severe rash and persistent itchiness.

However, Spraying perfume on feet may work for some people but if you have skin sensitivity , then you should avoid it all together. Rather, you should apply perfume on your pulse points ( wrists, neck, ankle ).

Below is an image illustration on where you should apply fragrance;

4) Evaporation

The thicker skin on the soles affects how perfume interacts. Perfume is designed to evaporate gradually, releasing its fragrance over time.

However, the dense layers of thick skin on the soles make them less conducive to retaining scents compared to areas with thinner skin layers.

This affects the effective absorption and diffusion of any fragrance and may result to a less pronounced and shorter longevity and low performance.

5) Unusual Application Site

Applying perfume to the feet is unconventional, deviating from typical pulse points on the body. The fragrance may not be as noticeable or appreciated due to the thicker skin on the soles, hindering effective scent absorption.

Traditional pulse points, with thinner skin ( wrists, neck, behind the ear ) enhance the perfume’s projection and longevity.

The feet, not being a common application site, may diminish the overall performance.

You may have a really good fragrance but then applying it in the feet reduces its sillage, longevity and it may not even be noticeable.

6) Risk of Slipping

Applying excessive perfume on the feet poses a risk of creating slippery skin, potentially causing accidents, especially on smooth surfaces.

I once faced a close call when I sprayed too much perfume on my feet in a restroom during a date—four sprays, to be exact. The slippery sensation nearly led to a mishap, I would not advise any one to do it.

Is It Okay to Put Perfume in Shoes?

Using perfume in shoes may mask unpleasant odors temporarily, but it doesn’t address the root cause. Instead of resolving the issue, it merely covers it up, creating a temporary fix.

If your shoes have a persistent odor, it’s crucial to tackle the underlying problem.

Ensure good foot hygiene by regularly washing your feet with soap, paying attention to the areas between your toes. Change your socks daily to prevent the build up of bacteria and moisture.

Additionally, consider using cedar shoe trees( Buy on Amazon), which can help absorb moisture and eliminate odors, maintaining a fresh environment for your shoes.

You will effectively combat and prevent foul smells in your shoes.

Where Should You Not Put Perfume on Your Body?

Avoid applying perfume near sensitive areas like the eyes and genitals, as the alcohol and chemicals in the fragrance can cause irritation.

Additionally, refrain from spraying directly on your armpits, especially after shaving, as it may lead to discomfort.

Applying perfume to your hands might also transfer the fragrance to your face when touching, potentially irritating the eyes.

Which Body Part Is the Best to Apply Perfume?

Body PartRecommended for Perfume Application
Neck✓
Wrists✓
Ankles✓
Behind the Ears✓
Feet✗ (Not recommended for optimal fragrance)
Source: Scenturban

The best body parts to apply perfume are pulse points, where blood vessels are close to the skin’s surface, enhancing fragrance diffusion.

Common pulse points include the wrists, neck, ankles and behind the ears.

The warmth of these areas helps activate and radiate the perfume, creating a longer-lasting and more noticeable scent.

Should I Put Perfume on My Feet?


You should avoid applying perfume directly to your feet. The skin on the soles is thicker, making it less conducive to retaining scents.

Furthermore, the fragrance may not be as noticeable or appreciated compared to applying it on pulse points like the wrists and neck.

Also, cologne or perfume contains alcohol, which can be harsh on the skin, leading to irritation and dryness especially if you have senstive skin.

You also want to prevent slippage as Applying too much may create a slippery surface, posing a risk of accidents, especially on smooth surfaces.

I encourage you to opt for conventional pulse points for a more effective and safe application.

There is an Exception, When is it okay to Apply Perfume on Your Feet?

Applying perfume to the feet can be acceptable under specific conditions.

One is that you should opt for a subtle fragrance, ensuring it complements rather than overwhelms.

You also have to ensure that you do not have skin irritation , and maintain excellent foot hygiene by washing and keeping your feet clean regularly.

If these conditions are met, applying perfume to the feet can be a good idea and a personal choice.

Final Thoughts

While applying perfume to the feet may be unconventional, it can be acceptable with subtlety, skin sensitivity awareness, and good foot hygiene.

Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in fragrance application, and individuals should choose what suits their comfort and style while considering the impact on others.

Thanks for reading!

By It's Bhet

Hi, I'm Bhet ... I am both a writer, fragrance lover and a painter. When I'm not writing or painting, I travel around, mostly on weekends . You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @ It's Bhet. Shoot me a message!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Translate Site»
error: Content is protected !! Scent Urban. All Rights Reserved!