How to Neutralize Body Odor
Don’t despair, there are three simple steps to conquer body odor.
No one likes feeling whiffy. Raising your arm and realizing your deodorant has gone on vacation isn't a pleasant experience. The most common causes of changes in body odor are hormones, stress or anxiety, hot weather, exercise, environment, diet, and nonbreathable fabrics.
The change in odor can happen quickly. One day, your underarms are fine, and the next, you are afraid to raise your arms. I know how this feels, as it happened to me. It was an awful experience. I’m now passing on what I’ve learned to help you conquer it, too.
How I researched how to stop body odor
When I have a question on anything from how to get out old stains to which skincare product lives up to the hype, I head over to Reddit. Yes, Reddit is more than the Wedding Shaming, JustNOML, or the Am I an Asshole communities. Reddit’s various skin care communities have helpful information created by real people who try every product out there. Scanning the communities, I noticed I was not the only person dealing with this issue. I took their advice and tried it, and it worked. I’m now passing it on to you.
The three-step method on how to neutralize body odor
Switch out your soap. Purchase salicylic acid-based acne soap instead of using whatever’s handy in the shower to clean your pits. I chose Target’s Up and Up brand. It worked a treat, but then the store discontinued it. Here are other options:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Face Wash $9.88
This is the GOAT of acne washes. Pick up the 9.1 oz size at Walmart or online.
Equate Oil-Free Acne Wash $5.77
Equate is Walmart’s store brand. Speaking from experience, there is little difference between store and big-label brands. This oil-free acne wash is the same size as Neutrogena’s. You can pick it up at your local Wally World or order it online.
Cetaphil Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Cleanser $10.49
Cetaphil launched its salicylic cleanser this past summer. Designed for every skin type, including sensitive skin, it has been clinically tested to banish acne. The cleanser also exfoliates skin, leaving your pits, face, or wherever you use it feeling clean and soft. Find it at Target stores nationwide or pick it up from their website.
Glycolic acid is your friend. Not only does glycolic acid improve skin texture and remove hyperpigmentation, but it also restores skin damaged by the sun. It can be used on the feet to soften and smooth, dry, scaly skin. Glycolic acid is a whizz at dissolving dead skin cells and ingrown hairs and fights bacteria that cause stinky sweat. You don’t need a lot of the product. Apply it with a round cotton pad, or place a small amount in one palm, rub palms together, and apply palm-to-pit. I have sensitive skin, and the below products have never caused “fire pits,” AKA a bad reaction. Here are the products I use:
Courtesy of Ulta The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 240 ML $13.00
The large bottle will last a long time if you only use it on your underarms. I buy it at Ulta in-store and online. With each purchase, I earn points that I can use for products or services. Unlike Sephora, I get my points back if I purchase something and then return it. If you’d prefer a smaller bottle of glycolic acid to try it out, the 100ml can be bought directly from The Ordinary.
Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Daily Cleansing Pads $23.03 for 100 pads
When traveling, I toss glycolic cleansing pads in my kit bag. I use them to freshen my skin after being stuck on a plane or as part of my cleansing routine. Nip & Fab’s glycolic acid pads also contain hyaluronic acid, which is gentle on sensitive skin and brightens skin tone when used on the face. Amazon offers one-day delivery.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads With Glycolic + Lactic Acids $20.00 for 28 pads
First Aid Beauty’s pads contain glycolic and lactic acids with AHA. I’ve also used them when traveling on short trips. The combination works well on sensitive skin. If I use the wrong product on my underarms, they’re on fire for days. First Aid Beauty’s glycolic pads are kind to sensitive skin.
Opt for a 48 or 72-Hour Deodorant. Shower at night, do the above two steps and then apply deodorant. This system does work. I’ve tried it. Not only did I try it, I did it every day. However, I live in New York City. When the outside temperature drops below 55 degrees, the heat automatically turns on in my building. My building is prewar, which means I have steam pipes and an old-fashioned radiator. Death Valley is cooler than my apartment. Living in this peculiar biome has led me to shower in the morning instead of at night. If you’re a morning shower person, good news. Doing the three steps in the morning works perfectly.
Here are the deodorants I have found to be effective in combating body odor and gentle on sensitive skin.
Sure Invisible Solid Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, Unscented, 2.6 Ounce $2.24
I don’t care how “old school” or “uncool” this deodorant looks; it works. It stops sweat and odor, and most importantly, works on sensitive skin. Bonus round: It’s much cheaper than the popular brands. It’s currently on sale at Amazon (I just bought two of them).
Suave Sweet Pea & Violet 48-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick, 1.2 Ounce $1.69
I don’t know why this is the only version of Sauve’s 48-hour antiperspirant and deodorant doesn’t cause a rash on my skin, but it safe for skin that is really sensitive like mine. You can find the stick in the travel section in any Target store or buy it online.
Degree Ultra Clear Black & White Pure Clean 72-Hour Antiperspirant and Deodorant, 2.6 Ounces $6.39
Degree’s long-lasting antiperspirant and deodorant won’t stain clothing and keeps you dry for hours. You can find it at Target or online.
At the Gym
If you go to the gym regularly, pick up a travel size of the Hibiclens Antiseptic Antimicrobial Cleanser. It does double duty as a face and body cleanser and kills bacteria that causes odor. Walmart has the travel size (4 oz) for $12.97.
Bonus Round:
If you’ve done all of the above, and things aren’t sweet smelling, laundry may be the answer.
Laundry
You may find that using the three-step method has subdued body odor. However, when wearing some clothing, including gym clothes, do things still seem a bit rank? It’s not you. It’s the fabric. Certain synthetic fibers, such as polyester, neoprene, nylon, faux fur, and the like, trap odors because they are not breathable fabrics. There are three things you can do to release the trapped scents.
1.Use less detergent. If you add a lot of laundry detergent to a wash, you’re effectively coating your laundry with soap. That coating traps body odor.
2.Stop using fabric softeners. You have heard that it’s not a good idea to use fabric softeners in the wash or dryer, as they coat towels, making them less effective for drying bodies, dishes, and pets. Fabric softeners, be it sheets or liquid, like too much laundry detergent, coats your clothing. This, in turn, traps odors.
Use stain removers that treat odors AND stains.
Courtesy of Hex Hex Performance Hex Stain & Stink Remover (Fragrance Free) Various prices.
Hex’s stain remover was created specifically to de-stink workout clothing. Well, and any clothing that gets extra stinky. I discovered it while researching a “How to clean anything” article. Hex does the job well. It sold out everywhere except on DoorDash.