What's with men's deodorant/antiperspirant in Taiwan?

Question

I've been in Taiwan for a while already and have figured out most of the oddities that bug Westerners. One thing that still puzzle me, though, is why it is so hard to find deo roll-on or spray (especially for men). In a subtropical country surely that's a daily neccessity. Yet, I just can't get a decent answer to this riddle. Where one would expect deodorant in a supermarket/department store, are rows of tubes of what seem to be some kind of body lotion. Does this perform the same function as deodorant? Please help.

Thanks guys. Rajeet next time I'm in Taipei (living in Taichung) I'll check out those places. Can also find that Rexona stuff (that often smells like baby powder) at Watson's here.
But it's still hard to find and still begs the question: What do the locals use? Are those tubes of body lotion their deodorant? Surely they also sweat (at least in summer). I'm curious.

Thanks Ajeet. Must say, like J.S. I've also also experienced some whiffs from locals but much less severe than if European or African races would not use deodorant in a subtropical climate. Thank heavens for deo in shops back home!

Jack D, fancy running into you in this section, boet! Ja, imagine not having deo available back home and sitting in some public transport. Lekker vrot!

Answer 1

Ok, I live in Taichung as well.

At the big new Wen-Shin road Karrefour (that was going to be Tesco) after you enter the store on the 2nd Floor I have seen 'adidas' brand deoderant near the mens grooming section recently. (near the food area you have to go on the escalator and its almost directly in front of you.) Its Ok. Smells fine to me.

I also have found it at a womens makeup/ accessory store called POYA in the tiny mens grooming area inside there. My wife dug it up. Its Gillette 'sport' stick. It looks like a clear jelly but when you open it its a semisolid 'normal' chemical covered round thing that we rub on our body.

POYA is all over the place here, a big one is visible near Feng-Jia night market across from the McDonalds there. The one I found it in is on Section 3 of WenShin road before you hit the Chong-De Road intersection. (If you go northwest towards Da-Ken its on your left side.)

Shaving the pits does make a difference in my opinion. But its annoying. The gel you speak of I have yet to try, unless its the mystery chemicals I have already been alluding to. If anyone asks about your newly shorn arm-locks, just grin and say you are a swimmer!

Answer 2

Hi,
At Watsons you can get a Fa and Rexona these cost between NTD99 ~NTD149.

You get a different variety at the EEC shop at the Main Hall of the Taipei Main Station that have imported Deodarant/Anti perspirant from the Philippines and like Avon, Rexona , Axel from NTD60~NTD75. All those mentioned above have a Men's range. It is also available at the Cosmos shop on Zhongshan N Road .

Great range of Deos (NTD50) and Inexpensive after shave also at Nangang Rd Sec 2, No 134 :Tel:[phone] (After2pm~10pm)

PS The EEC Shop has a great range of inexpensive Snacks like Corn chips, potato crisps, biscuits e.t.c. Cheez Wizz and Spam.

Additional Details:
I asked my Taiwanese friends, they dont use any deo or cologne and frankly they dont have any BO either, Infact neither does my GF!!

More Info:

Elite Express Co (EEC): Taichung Branch:
No. 184 LyuChuan West Rd, Taichung City
Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]


J.S. Maybe people dont perspire so much up in Taipei:):) more laid back.

Answer 3

Haha - snap!

Yeah, I had the same problems before. The deodorants here are really naff or should I say none existent. Even worse is the after shave! I've had to do with this dodgy blue lotion for the past few months as my supplies have already run out!

I think your best bet of finding anything is in Watsons (not all that good).

In a country that is so hot and humid a few of my friends have experimented with a few methods, one of the more popular methods includes shaving the offending body hair (drastic, I know) and then just using talc powder. It sounds stupid but it works.

Answer 4

Vango, aside from Watson's, you can also find body deodorants in Filipino Goods stores. There are lots of Filipino Goods stores in Taiwan. You just have to ask people around for the direction. They are usually located near the city train stations. When you come upon an FG store, inquire at the counter for a deodorant. There are many brands available, and Rexona is only one among many. Filipinos are well-known for being clean, and we like to smell good.

Answer 5

I stock up on the Rock when I am back in civilization, since one Rock only costs the equivalent of NT$140 and lasts me for more than 6 months. As for the locals, I have caught a pungent faceful of something coming from their bodies on occasion - I guess those people weren't Ajeet's M friends.

Answer 6

Hey same problem here on the mainland but luckily we have Walmart in Shanghai and can find a wide selection.