Deodorant for the whole body may be the answer for those struggling on the hottest day of the year.

In the past few months major hygiene brands have flooded the US beauty market with whole body deodorants, with many firms planning on making such products available in the UK by next year.

One already for sale here is AKT London, launched by two former West End performers who found that no deodorant would keep them fresh during a week of performances wearing the same costumes.

Andy Coxon and Ed Currie met while performing in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Coxon told The Telegraph: “It was here performing eight shows a week under hot lights in the same costumes we realised no deodorant was working.”

The pair resorted to making their own product at home, resulting in AKT London’s whole-body deodorant balm intended for use “from head to toe”.

Its website says: “There’s nothing worse than having to deal with a sweaty back or chest.”

Whole-body deodorant is already popular in the US, provided by big brands such as Dove, operated by Unilever.

Research previously showed that people were often using their usual deodorant, intended for underarms, on other parts of the body including the groin, feet and chest.

Megan Smith, senior manager of personal care R&D at Unilever, said: “We’re finding that people are just struggling with body odour in general. Men, they’re focused around their chest and private areas, but for women, it’s under bras.”

Penny McIlvride, virtual clinic manager and lead administrator at skindoc.uk, told The Telegraph that skin on the chest, back and inner thighs can be more delicate than that on the underarms.

She said: “If you have sensitive skin, try products marked ‘hypoallergenic’ or those without harsh chemicals. But full-body deodorants are safe for use.

“In short, while full-body deodorants are generally safe for daily use, it’s crucial to pick a product that suits your individual skin type. If you have any bad reactions, I’d advise stopping use and seeing your GP or dermatologist.”

AKT London co-founder Coxon told The Telegraph that the formulation of the company’s balm is specifically made for use all over the body.

He said: “We have named our formulation Deo-Barrier Complex, a blend of natural minerals, powders and waxes that rest invisibly on the skin to absorb moisture without blocking your pores. It cleanses the skin, deodorises your sweat and keeps you feeling dry and protected with one application.”

At 1pm on Monday the temperature in London reached 33C (91.4F), exceeding the highest temperature seen so far this year of 32C, which was recorded at St James’s Park in the capital last month.

Much of the Midlands, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and south-east England will be hot and humid, with temperatures expected to exceed 30C.