Wa `alaykum as-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Use of provocative perfumes is forbidden for both men and women; the prohibition is even more pronounced in the case of women as the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade women from going out wearing perfumes. He said, “If a woman goes out wearing perfumes to elicit the attention of men, she is displaying adulterous inclinations.”

However, this in no way means women should go out with bad odors. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah is Beautiful, and He loves beauty.” Therefore, ugliness is not the Sunnah. It is ugliness to go about with foul odors; hence it is only reasonable to deduce that women are allowed to wear light deodorants or cloth fresheners that are not considered provocative.

The purpose of the interdict against wearing provocative perfumes is to deter men from harboring lustful thoughts towards women. Thus, it is simply due to the mercy of Allah to save us from the evil inclinations inherent in our own souls.

In conclusion, there is nothing wrong about using deodorants or light scents that are not provocative.

Allah Almighty knows best.