Deodorant and Perfume during Shiva
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Question
Is it permissible for a mourner during Shiva to use deodorant and perfume to prevent bad odor, or is it prohibited due to the prohibition of anointing?
Answer
It is permissible to use deodorant intended to prevent bad odor, and it is not included in the prohibition of anointing. However, perfume applied for pleasure is prohibited.
Source
As explained in Taanit 13: and as ruled by the Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 381, paragraph 2: "Regarding anointing, it is prohibited to apply even a small amount if it is intended for pleasure, but if it is to remove dirt, it is permitted; and certainly for healing, such as if he has sores on his head."
Therefore, deodorant not intended for pleasure is considered as removing dirt and is permitted. But perfume intended for pleasure is considered anointing and is prohibited.
In this regard, a mourner is less strict than on Yom Kippur, where it is explained at the beginning of Siman 614 that on Yom Kippur it is prohibited to anoint to remove dirt, but for a mourner, it is permitted.