How can we address unpleasant body odor?

Hygiene is the first step in limiting unpleasant odors. That said, contrary to popular belief, perspiration itself is odorless: it is the bacteria present on the surface of the skin that, by breaking down sweat, produce the compounds responsible for odors. Washing regularly therefore helps to reduce the proliferation of these bacteria and to remove the sweat residues that build up over the course of the day.

Certain areas of the body require particular attention, especially the armpits, feet, groin, and skin folds, where moisture promotes bacterial growth.

A daily shower is generally sufficient, but in cases of intense physical activity or very hot weather, this recommendation can be adjusted and you may take two. Also be sure to thoroughly dry the skin after washing and to change your towel at least once a week, as persistent moisture creates an environment that promotes the development of odors.

Note : Effective hygiene does not depend on using harsh products. On the contrary, cleansers that are too strong can disrupt the skin microbiota, which could paradoxically promote unpleasant body odors over the long term. It is therefore recommended to choose products that are suited to the skin's pH and free of harsh surfactants, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

The choice of clothing plays a much more important role in the development of unpleasant body odors than one might think. In fact, textiles are not neutral: they absorb sweat, retain moisture, and harbor bacteria, which then break down this sweat and produce odor-causing compounds. Certain fabrics promote this phenomenon even more, particularly synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. These fibers tend to trap odors and encourage the proliferation of specific bacteria, which can make odors more intense and persistent, even after washing.

A study conducted with 26 participants after an exercise session directly compared the odor and bacterial flora of cotton and polyester T-shirts. The results show that polyester garments are significantly more odorous and less pleasant than those made of cotton. This difference is notably linked to the increased presence of certain bacteria, such as Micrococcus species, which are found predominantly on synthetic textiles. In contrast, natural fibers like cotton appear to limit the proliferation of these microorganisms responsible for unpleasant odors. The study also evaluated a “hedonic value,” corresponding to how pleasant or unpleasant an odor is, measured on a scale ranging from very unpleasant to very pleasant. Polyester shows a lower hedonic value, meaning its odor is perceived as more unpleasant.

The figure below illustrates several parameters: hedonic value, odor intensity, and different qualitative characteristics (acidic, ammonia-like, “moldy,” strong, or sweat-related odors). The results show that polyester clothing has more intense and overall less pleasant odors than cotton clothing. Thus, choosing breathable garments made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, can make a real difference in everyday life. These materials allow better moisture wicking and retain less odor. Finally, changing clothes regularly, especially after physical activity, remains an essential habit to prevent the buildup of bacteria and unpleasant smells.

Deodorants are a common solution for reducing unpleasant body odors. Their effectiveness relies on several complementary mechanisms. Contrary to popular belief, they do not act only by masking odors: their main action is to target the bacteria responsible for producing these odors. Deodorants therefore generally contain three types of ingredients: antimicrobial agents to limit bacterial growth, fragrance agents to mask odors, and absorbent agents to capture moisture.

Note : Aluminium salts, although associated with antiperspirants, also have antibacterial activity and help reduce local moisture, thereby indirectly limiting odors. However, these ingredients are the subject of debate and are sometimes accused of being carcinogenic. This is why alternatives to replace them are being constantly explored.

For example, extracts from acetic acid bacteria have been shown to convert certain foul-smelling aldehydes into less odorous carboxylic acids, thereby reducing odor intensity without eliminating it completely. Other approaches rely on plant extracts, such as hops, whose α and β acids exhibit antimicrobial activity by disrupting the membranes of bacteria involved in body odors.

Essential oils are also a promising avenue. Rich in volatile aromatic compounds such as linalool, they exhibit antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria involved in body odors, notably Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium. Certain oils, such as oregano oil, have demonstrated an ability to effectively inhibit their growth in vitro. However, their use requires precautions because of their potential to cause irritation and their variability in composition.

Easy to use, deodorants are effective against unpleasant odors, provided they are carefully selected.

Diet has a real impact not only on breath, but also on body odor. Certain foods can in fact change the composition of sweat or lead to the release of volatile compounds via breathing and the skin. Foods rich in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, or certain cabbages, are particularly implicated: their metabolites can circulate throughout the body and then be excreted through the sweat glands, contributing to a stronger body odor.

In this context, certain dietary patterns may help reduce unpleasant body odors.

A study examined the impact of garlic consumption on body odor. Three participants consumed 45 g of cooked garlic, which led to a significant increase in skin emissions of volatile organosulfur compounds, particularly diallyl disulfide (DADS) and allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), identified as being responsible for the characteristic odor. These emissions gradually decreased over time.

These results confirm that garlic consumption can lead to a measurable increase in volatile sulfur compounds emitted by the skin, thereby contributing to the development of body odors.

However, garlic is not the only food capable of influencing body odor. Other dietary compounds can also be excreted through the skin or modulate the skin microbiota, thereby altering the perceived odor.

Even more surprising, an Australian study published in 2017 showed that men who consumed more fruits and vegetables had body odor that was perceived as more “floral and sweet.” This provides an additional argument for including them in the diet, beyond their well-established effects on health.

When unpleasant body odors persist despite good hygiene, appropriate clothing, and the use of deodorants, it may be relevant to consider other options.

In fact, certain odors may be linked to an imbalance in the skin microbiome, to excessive sweating or, more rarely, to an underlying medical cause. In these situations, only a healthcare professional can identify the root of the problem. In some cases, when bacteria or yeasts proliferate excessively, the physician may recommend the occasional use of antibacterial or antifungal treatments. This may involve using an antiseptic soap together with a topical antibiotic cream, containing for example clindamycin or erythromycin, applied for a few days. The goal is then to temporarily reduce the microbial load responsible for breaking down sweat into odorous compounds. Finally, if odors are accompanied by other symptoms, a more in-depth evaluation may be considered to rule out certain conditions, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

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• STEPHEN I. D. & al. Diet quality and the attractiveness of male body odor. Evolution and Human Behavior (2017).

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• CAI Q. & al. Deodorants and antiperspirants: New trends in their active agents and testing methods. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2023).

• SEKINE Y. & al. Deodorising garlic body odour by ingesting natural food additives containing phenolic compounds and polyphenol oxidase. Applied Sciences (2024).

• PARK D.-H. & al. Human body malodor and deodorants: The present and the future. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2025).