How can unpleasant body odour be remedied?

Hygiene is the first step in limiting unpleasant odours. That said, contrary to a common misconception, sweating itself is odourless: it is the bacteria present on the surface of the skin which, by breaking down sweat, produce compounds responsible for the smells. 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, notably the armpits, the feet, the groin and the skin folds, where moisture promotes bacterial growth.

A daily shower is generally sufficient; however, in the event of intense physical activity or very hot weather, this recommendation may be adapted and you may take two. Also take care to dry the skin thoroughly after washing and to change your towel at least once a week, as persistent moisture creates an environment conducive to the development of odours.

Note : Effective hygiene does not require the use of harsh products. On the contrary, cleansing products that are too strong can disrupt the skin microbiota, which could paradoxically promote unpleasant odours in the long term. It is therefore advisable to choose skincare products adapted to the skin’s pH and free from harsh surfactants, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).

The choice of clothing plays a far more important role in the development of unpleasant body odour than is commonly assumed. Textiles are not neutral: they absorb sweat, retain moisture and harbour bacteria, which then degrade this sweat and produce odorous compounds. Certain fabrics promote this process more than others, particularly synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon. These fibres tend to trap odours and encourage the proliferation of certain bacteria, which can make smells more intense and persistent, even after washing.

A study conducted with 26 participants after a sports session specifically compared the odour 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 higher presence of certain bacteria, such as micrococci, which are found predominantly on synthetic textiles. Conversely, natural fibres such as cotton appear to limit the proliferation of these micro-organisms responsible for unpleasant odours. The study also assessed a “hedonic value”, corresponding to how pleasant or unpleasant an odour is, measured on a scale ranging from very unpleasant to very pleasant. Polyester has a lower hedonic value, which means its odour is perceived as more unpleasant.

The figure below illustrates several parameters: hedonic value, odour intensity, and various qualitative characteristics (acidic, ammoniacal, “musty”, strong, or sweat-related odours). The results show that polyester garments exhibit more intense and generally less pleasant odours than cotton garments. Thus, favouring breathable clothing made from natural fibres, such as cotton or wool, can make a real difference in everyday life. These materials allow better moisture wicking and retain odours to a lesser extent. Finally, changing clothes regularly, especially after physical activity, remains an important habit to prevent the build-up of bacteria and unpleasant smells.

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

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

For example, extracts from acetic bacteria have been shown to convert certain malodorous aldehydes into less odorous carboxylic acids, thereby reducing the intensity of odours without completely eliminating them. Other approaches are based on plant extracts, such as hops, whose α- and β-acids exhibit antimicrobial activity by disrupting the membranes of the bacteria involved in body odour.

Essential oils are also a promising avenue. Rich in volatile aromatic compounds, such as linalool, they possess antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria involved in body odours, in particular Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium. Certain oils, such as oregano oil, have demonstrated an ability to effectively inhibit their growth in vitro. Nevertheless, their use requires caution due to their irritant potential and the variability of their composition.

Easy to use, deodorants are effective against unpleasant odours, provided they are chosen carefully.

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

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

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

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

However, garlic is not the only food capable of influencing body odour. Other diet-derived compounds can also be excreted through the skin or modulate the skin microbiota, thereby altering the odour that is perceived.

Even more surprisingly, an Australian study published in 2017 showed that men who consumed more fruit and vegetables had a body odour perceived as more “floral and sweet”. This provides an additional argument in favour of including them in the diet, beyond their well-established effects on health.

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

Indeed, certain odours may be linked to an imbalance in the skin microbiota, to excessive sweating or, more rarely, to an underlying medical cause. In such situations, only a healthcare professional can identify the root of the problem. In some cases, when bacteria or yeasts proliferate excessively, the doctor 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 aim is then to temporarily reduce the microbial load responsible for breaking down sweat into odorous compounds. Finally, if unpleasant smells are accompanied by other symptoms, a more in-depth assessment may be considered in order to rule out certain conditions, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

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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).

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