Body odor: Causes & how to control it naturally
Written by: Eva Stapic, founder of @myskinisgettingbetter and MYSK Online Beauty Store
More about me and my journey with acne: About me :)
Briefly explained (introduction)
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Body odor is not caused by sweat itself , but by skin bacteria breaking down components of sweat.
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Hormones, stress and menopause/perimenopause can change the amount of sweat, skin pH and microbiome – as a result, you smell “stronger” faster.
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Natural management means: soothing the skin, reducing deposits and keeping the underarm microbiome in balance – instead of stopping sweat completely.
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With a simple routine (gentle cleansing, light exfoliation, applying dry, a thin layer of deodorant) you can often get odor under control much better.
In today's stressful world, it's not easy to maintain stable hormones, energy levels, and inner balance throughout the day. Whether it's perimenopause, menopause, a demanding job, or "just hormones"—our body odor is something we often prefer to hide. You start your morning with a nice shower and a good perfume—but as soon as you're in the car or on the subway, the scent fades faster than you'd like.
And then you start to wonder – like many women do. My mother, my aunt, and even my neighbor, who recently came over for coffee, had the exact same concern:
Why do I smell "strong" even though I've showered, am wearing fresh clothes, and am using a great perfume?
Is it due to my hormones? Is it menopause that's changing my scent?
Let's approach this topic in a structured way.
Why body odor can change during perimenopause and menopause
During menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and decrease overall. This can lead to more pronounced fluctuations in body temperature – a real stress factor for the body. The result: increased stress-related sweating .
Important to know: Sweat itself doesn't smell. The odor only develops when bacteria on the skin break down components of sweat.
There are two types of sweat glands :
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Eccrine glands – produce watery sweat to cool the body
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Apocrine glands – located primarily in the armpits and groin – and odor-causing bacteria particularly "love" this sweat.
How does sweat become body odor?
The bacteria that cause body odor break down proteins and fatty acids in sweat . This process produces volatile compounds – and these are precisely what are responsible for the typical smell.
And here's the connection to perimenopause and menopause:
These bacteria are always present on the skin. But hormonal changes can:
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Increase stress-related sweating
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to change the pH value of the skin
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shift the balance of the skin microbiome
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increase the activity of the apocrine glands
The result is often:
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more intense smell
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A different scent than before (before menopause)
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Odor develops more quickly after showering.
Is it possible to reduce body odor naturally?
Yes – in many cases you can naturally reduce body odor. The goal isn't to "stop sweating." Sweating is normal. What's crucial is what happens after sweating : bacteria on the skin break down components of sweat – and that's how the odor is created.
The most natural approach is therefore to support a healthy, calm underarm "environment" – without overtaxing or irritating the skin.
Here are the most effective (and realistic) levers to pull:
1) Keeping the axillary microbiome in balance
You don't need to "kill" all bacteria – you need balance. Washing too vigorously, using harsh cleansers, or constantly scrubbing can stress the skin. And irritated skin can even subjectively intensify odor.
2) Support the skin's pH balance (especially in cases of sensitivity)
The skin's natural pH balance stabilizes it. When it's disrupted (by stress, hormones, or overly harsh products), odor often develops more quickly. That's why gentle cleansing and simple routines are often more effective than "stronger" products.
3) Reduce deposits (not just mask the odor)
Deodorant residue, dead skin cells, and sweat can trap odors. A gentle exfoliation 1-3 times a week (not daily) helps enormously – especially if you wear deodorant every day.
4) Breathable habits that actually make a difference
Small things make a big difference:
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Wear breathable fabrics (especially on hot days)
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Change sweaty clothes more quickly if possible.
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Let your underarms dry completely after showering before applying deodorant.
5) Patience during transition phases
When switching from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, a short adjustment period is normal. Keep your routine simple, apply a thin layer, and give your body some time.
Bottom line: Managing body odor naturally usually doesn't mean finding "the perfect miracle deodorant" – but rather a routine that keeps the skin calm, clean (not "drained") and free of build-up.
Ingredients that support a healthy microbiome
(Placeholder/section can be added here – e.g. ferment-based active ingredients, mild acids, absorbent powders, skin-soothing moisturizers.)
Natural deodorants vs. antiperspirants
Over the years I've really tested everything – from classic aerosol sprays that feel fresh for five minutes but leave huge stains on clothes, to cheap drugstore deodorants (cheap for a reason – they often leave a "chemical film" on the skin), to very expensive options that still haven't solved the problem in the long run.
What I've learned: Body odor isn't just "your body" (stress, hormones, diet, lifestyle). A big part of it is also what you put under your arms every day – ingredients, texture, and how your skin reacts in the long term .
The simple difference
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Deodorants reduce odor (they target odor-causing bacteria and/or contain fragrances).
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Antiperspirants reduce sweating (mostly through aluminum salts that temporarily block sweat ducts).
No category is automatically "good" or "bad"—what matters is your body, your perspiration pattern, and your skin sensitivity. For many people (especially those experiencing irritation, residue, or changing odor patterns), the final choice often comes down to comfort + consistency .
Why ingredients are more important than most people think
The underarm area is sensitive – and you use products there daily. If a formula is too harsh, too heavily perfumed, or leaves a lot of buildup, it can lead to:
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Irritation or redness
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more residues on skin and clothing
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this "sticky film" feeling that makes the smell return faster
That's why I now pay much more attention to the quality of the formulation than to big promises on the packaging or the price. A deodorant that feels clean, is easy to apply thinly, and doesn't overwhelm the skin often works better in everyday life than something "strong" or overly perfumed.
What I look for in a natural deodorant (and why the INCI counts)
When I read a deodorant's ingredient list, I'm primarily looking for: odor control without irritation and a texture that doesn't "pile up" on the skin. In formulas like Corpus Naturals, these types of ingredients particularly stand out to me:
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Fermentation/enzymes for odor control (e.g. Saccharomyces ferment filtrates ) – often a gentler way to influence odor-producing bacteria.
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Mineral and powdery absorbers that feel dry and can reduce residues, e.g., diatomaceous earth, silica, and tapioca starch.
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Skin comforters/humectants (such as glycerin) to prevent the formula from feeling too drying.
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Water-based gel texture that glides easily and ideally dries clear (perfect if you hate white marks).
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Bonus for sensitive skin: aluminum-free and without baking soda , because baking soda is a common irritation trigger for many.
Here's how to create an underarm skincare routine that works (without irritation)
If your underarms start to smell faster or are more sensitive than before, the solution is rarely a single miracle product – it is usually a simple routine that soothes the skin and keeps the microbiome stable.
This worked best for me – especially during phases when my skin is more reactive:
Step 1: Clean gently (but thoroughly)
Underarms don't need harsh scrubs every day. A mild shower gel is usually sufficient. The goal is to remove sweat and build-up without stripping the skin – because irritation often makes odor seem worse.
Step 2: Exfoliate – but gently (1–3 times per week)
This is the step many people skip – and it can really make a difference. I use a body scrub, paying special attention to my underarms. Nothing harsh, just a gentle scrub to remove dead skin and product residue so deodorant can adhere more evenly.
Step 3: Apply deodorant only to completely dry skin.
It sounds trivial, but it makes a huge difference. After showering, I dry myself thoroughly (especially my underarms) and only then apply deodorant. On damp skin, the product can crumble, stick, or leave more residue on clothing.
Step 4: Use less than you think (and let it soak in briefly)
With natural deodorants, "more" isn't always better. I use a small amount and apply it in a thin, even layer – this prevents product saturation and reduces residue. Then I wait 30–60 seconds before getting dressed.
Step 5: Choose a formula that supports comfort – not just fragrance.
If you want a long-term routine, pay attention to: pleasant texture, no burning, no heavy build-up, and a fragrance that is not overwhelming.
That's exactly why I keep coming back to Corpus Naturals – it perfectly fits the "less is more" principle. It applies thinly, feels comfortable, and is ideal if you want performance without turning your underarms into a chemical experiment.
Step 6: Plan for a short adjustment period
When you switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant, your skin sometimes needs a little time to adjust. For 1-2 weeks , keep everything else simple (no new strong active ingredients under your arms) and focus on consistency: gentle cleansing, light exfoliation, and a thin application.
Mini takeaway:
For me, the game changer wasn't "stronger deodorant", but a calmer, consistent underarm routine: gentle cleansing, light exfoliation, completely dry skin and a thin layer instead of overdoing.
What you should look for in a natural deodorant (and what I personally use)
When choosing a natural deodorant, I look for three things: comfort for sensitive skin , no white residue , and a texture that can be applied thinly (because too much product almost always backfires). In my routine, I like to use Corpus Naturals Deodorant Stick (Neroli) because it feels light, glides on smoothly, and—if I use it sparingly—is one of the few formulas that doesn't leave that typical chalky residue.
White marks, residue & texture: How to apply natural deodorant correctly
A common concern with natural deodorants is whether they leave white marks or visible residue on skin and clothing. In most cases, this depends on two things: the formulation and the amount you use. Cream-based deodorants and finely milled mineral formulas tend to blend more easily with the skin – especially if you use a small amount and warm it briefly between your fingers beforehand.
As you can see in the photo below, the texture is smooth and creamy with minimal residue. For the cleanest result: apply a thin, even layer to completely dry underarms and wait 30–60 seconds before getting dressed.
Quick tips against residues:
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Use less product than you think (you can always add more).
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Apply only to dry skin (dry thoroughly after showering).
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Let it soak in for one minute before putting clothes on.
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If marks do appear: gently rub them off with a dry cloth or briefly "wipe over the fabric" before you go.
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If you see discoloration, it doesn't automatically mean that the deodorant isn't "working" – often the formula is simply rich and you're applying a bit too much for your skin and your climate.
1) Why do I smell of sweat again so quickly after showering?
Mostly due to bacteria and residue (deodorant film, dead skin). Showering removes sweat, but not always the build-up. Gentle cleansing and light exfoliation 1-3 times a week often helps the most.
2) Can menopause change body odor?
Yes. During perimenopause/menopause , estrogen fluctuations , hot flashes, and stress-induced sweating can change the odor – not because sweat “stinks,” but because pH and microbiome shift.
3) Why do my armpits smell stronger during perimenopause?
This is often due to increased stress-related sweating , more active apocrine glands , and an altered skin environment. This can cause odor to return more quickly after showering.
4) What is better: deodorant or antiperspirant?
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Deodorant reduces odor (bacteria/fragrance).
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Antiperspirant reduces sweating (blocks sweat ducts, usually with aluminum salts).
For those with sensitive skin or residue, many are more satisfied in the long run with deodorant + a good routine .
5) Does baking soda help against body odor?
For some, yes, but it can cause irritation (redness/burning) because it's highly alkaline. If you're sensitive, it's best to choose a baking soda-free product and opt for a mild odor control.
6) Which foods can increase body odor?
Typical triggers: garlic/onions , spicy foods, alcohol , lots of red meat, highly processed foods. Insufficient water intake can also intensify the odor.
7) What kind of diet helps against body odor?
More water , a high-fiber diet, plenty of vegetables, less alcohol/spicy foods. For some, it also helps to temporarily reduce strongly scented foods and observe what changes occur.
8) Can stress make body odor worse?
Yes. Stress activates sweat (primarily apocrine), which is more nutrient-rich for bacteria. The result: stronger and faster odor . Stress management combined with a stable routine often brings noticeable calm.
9) What can I do naturally to combat body odor?
The most effective basics:
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Clean gently ,
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Lightly exfoliate 1-3 times per week .
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Deodorant on completely dry skin ,
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Apply a thin layer and allow it to absorb briefly.
10) Why do I get white spots or residue from natural deodorants?
Usually due to using too much product or applying it to damp skin. Solution: use less , spread thinly, wait 30–60 seconds. On clothing: briefly rub with a dry cloth.
11) How long does it take to switch from antiperspirant to natural deodorant?
Often 1–2 weeks . During this phase: Keep the routine simple (no new strong active ingredients), apply consistently, apply thinly and avoid build-up.
12) When should I see a doctor if I have a change in my body odor?
If the odor suddenly changes drastically , accompanied by itching, discharge, pain , recurring infections, severe night sweats, or if you generally feel that "something isn't normal," then get it checked out (e.g., skin, hormones, metabolism).
Note: This article is not a substitute for medical advice. For severe or persistent skin problems, please consult a dermatologist.