10 Natural Remedies for Body Odor

Let’s be honest: a strong body odor won’t make you the center of attention in a good way. Deodorant use has surged in the United States. Older individuals use it daily, while younger adults apply it multiple times a week—sometimes as often as 10 times! The battle against odor has become a chemical arms race, with all those multi-syllable ingredients raising concerns, prompting many to seek out alternatives.

Let's explore some effective deodorant substitutes that actually work. Whether you’re looking to avoid chemicals, save money, or simply need a quick backup when you run out of deodorant, we’ve got time-tested remedies—and a few clever new ones—that’ll keep you feeling fresh and smelling delightful.

10: Maintain Cleanliness

When it comes to tackling body odor, cleanliness is your most powerful defense. Here’s a quick dive into how sweat works: The eccrine glands, found almost everywhere on the body, release a watery, cooling sweat to help regulate temperature—think of it as your body's built-in AC. The apocrine glands, located in places like the armpits and groin, release a sweat that helps expel waste products, including fats. This sweat, however, is the culprit behind body odor. When bacteria feast on these substances, they produce waste that creates the unpleasant smell we associate with body odor. After an intense workout, your sweat may smell clean, but leave it for a few hours, and bacteria will turn it into something much less pleasant.

The intensity of body odor depends on how much sweat is produced by the glands and the amount of bacteria present on the skin. People with stronger underarm odors tend to carry two to three times more bacteria in that area than others. To prevent body odor, the best solution is to wash sweat and bacteria away consistently. Clean your underarms and groin area with soap and water (preferably deodorant soap) at least once a day, or more often if needed.

9: Practice Healthy Anger Management

Stress, anxiety, and excitement can ramp up your sweat production. If you’ve ever felt the sweat starting to build up under your arms before a big exam or when someone suddenly slams on their brakes in front of you, you know the effect stress can have on your body. Consider learning techniques like meditation and visualization to help you stay calm under pressure. This approach is beneficial in multiple ways: it helps regulate your body's natural sweat response, preserves your clothing, and allows you to practice a bit of mindfulness at the same time.

8: Manage Your Wardrobe

Old sweat is the smelliest kind, and there's nothing like the distinct odor of a T-shirt that's been worn for a day. The same goes for a suit jacket with visible underarm stains. Start fresh each day by showering and ensuring your clothes are just as clean as you are. A smart solution is to use sweat guards on garments that need dry cleaning after multiple wears. They attach with Velcro, making them easy to remove for home washing. You’ll stay fresher and save money on dry cleaning bills in the process.

7: Watch What You Eat

Hot weather isn’t the only thing that can make you sweat. Spicy foods like red peppers can get you sweating, too. Some food experts believe that the cuisines of hot climates use these fiery seasonings to help cool the body down, like natural air conditioning. It makes people feel cooler when the temperature rises. Unless you're surviving a desert vacation, consider cutting back on those spicy burritos or jalapenos. Your friends will appreciate it.

While you rethink that meal choice, you might also want to skip the garlic and onions. The sulfur compounds in these foods can intensify the aroma of your sweat, particularly when consumed in large amounts. The same goes for strong spices.

6: Protect Your Skin

If deodorants irritate your skin, try washing with an antibacterial soap like chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), or applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. These will kill the bacteria on your skin, slowing down their ability to reproduce and cause odor throughout the day. For extra protection, dust on some baking soda or talcum powder. Both are great at absorbing moisture from the skin's surface. You'll get both deodorant and antiperspirant benefits with this gentle yet effective approach.

5: Enjoy the Bath Towel Hug

Human skin is naturally slightly acidic, which makes it an unwelcoming place for many types of bacteria—when it’s dry. However, things change when it gets wet. Bacteria thrive on your skin as you sweat, but if you’re just a little moist, they settle in quickly. Warmth also helps them spread. In other words, your skin’s condition right after a shower is perfect for a bacterial bloom—unless you use soap and dry off thoroughly with a nice, fluffy towel.

4: Wage Germ Warfare

If you feel like you sweat more than others, you might be right. The number of sweat glands in the human body ranges from around 2 million to over 4 million. That’s right—millions! You probably know which areas of your body sweat the most—and where the scent is strongest. The underarms and groin have a large concentration of apocrine glands (the ones that produce fat-rich sweat), making them prime areas for extra attention. Think of it as your personal defense against odor.

The goal here is to thoroughly cleanse problem areas with a gentle antibacterial agent. Hydrogen peroxide is a great option. Use a 3% solution, about a teaspoon in 8 ounces of water. Apply it, then rinse it off. You can also try other household items with antibacterial properties, such as diluted isopropyl alcohol, witch hazel, apple cider or white vinegar, and lemon juice. (If you have sensitive skin or any skin conditions, check with your dermatologist before trying new products.)

3: Stay Dry and Loose

To avoid a wardrobe malfunction, pick clothes that will help you control perspiration. Keep in mind that the longer sweat lingers on your skin, the more unpleasant it will smell. You definitely don’t want to wear clothes that trap moisture. Opt for loose-fitting garments made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. In colder weather, choose layers you can easily add or remove as needed.

Fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin help keep your body drier and slow down bacterial growth. This process, known as wicking, uses capillary action to move moisture from your skin to the outer layers of fabric. Clothes made from synthetics, like polyester or microfiber, are often excellent at wicking moisture away [source: Ice Bike].

2: Salt Your Feet

While organizing your wardrobe and stocking up on antibacterial products, don’t overlook your feet. Keeping your feet trapped in shoes and socks all day creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that thrive in damp, dark environments. It’s no surprise that your athletic socks may be emitting a scent strong enough to wilt flowers. To combat foot bacteria, soak your feet in saltwater. Use one cup of salt for every quart of water, and avoid rinsing the salt off. Let your feet dry naturally. (If you notice your feet start cracking or peeling, take a break from the salt soaks for a few weeks.)

1: Stop Smoking

Smoking doesn’t just harm your health, age you prematurely, or ruin your smile. It also makes you stink. As you inhale, smoke travels through your lungs and spreads throughout your system. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, some of which damage your organs, while others are eventually expelled through your skin. When you quit smoking, your body will smell fresher – and you’ll likely live longer too [source: CDC].