Introducing the Complete Guide on How to Get Rid of Body Odor

What Causes Body Odor?

Have you started asking yourself “why do my armpits smell so bad?”. If you have, it's time to take action and learn how to get rid of body odor. But first, we need to take a look at what causes body odor so we know what we’re up against.

Sweat itself doesn't actually smell. Body odor is what happens when sweat meets the bacteria on your skin that creates the bad smell. Your body is home to a lot of bacteria, and when they mix with sweat, they create that distinct body odor smell we all know.

How to Get Rid of Body Odor

From improving your hygiene to selecting the right clothes and embracing the power of deodorants and antiperspirants, wondering how to get rid of body odor will no longer be an issue. Let's get into it.

Improving Your Hygiene

When it comes to body odor, great hygiene should seem like an obvious first step, but many of us may neglect our grooming routines. So keep the below in mind as the bare minimum to help combat any bad smells.

Start with a thorough and effective shower routine using a body wash or soap to scrub the areas where smells are most likely to lurk (armpits, chest, and groin). Once you’re clean, don't just step out of the shower and call it a day. It’s crucial to thoroughly dry yourself afterward. Moisture is like a magnet for bacteria, and wherever they lurk, body odor follows. By making sure you're dry, you're stopping body odor before it can even start.

If you’ve noticed a change in body odor recently, ineffective hygiene products may be to blame. Get yourself a bottle of our Aqua Bergamot Premium Body Wash, designed to keep you smelling fresh for up to 12hours.

Shaving Armpit Hair to Reduce Body Odor

Shaving or trimming underarm hair won’t stop you from sweating but it can help your antiperspirant get to the skin to keep you dry and odor-free. Whatever your underarm hair length, the right antiperspirant should keep you smelling and feeling great.

Choosing the Right Clothes

Your wardrobe choices aren't just a fashion statement – they can also be your secret weapon against body odor. Light materials like linen are your allies here, as they aid sweat evaporation and keep bacteria growth at bay. Planning a workout? Moisture-wicking fabrics are perfect for staying fresh during exercise, as they ensure sweat evaporates effectively.

Also, watch out for fabric softeners – they might make your clothes feel nice but they can actually get in the way of airflow, so the material ends up trapping sweat and body odor more easily.

Choosing the Right Fragrance Products to Eliminate Body Odor 

This wouldn’t be an article on how to get rid of body odor without mentioning the top grooming products that can make a difference. However, if you’re trying to eliminate body odor, not all products are created equal. Let’s break down the big four to see how they can help.

1. Antiperspirant

This works by preventing sweat at the source, forming a barrier that helps keep you dry and odor-free. How does it manage this feat? Thanks to the aluminum compounds it contains, antiperspirant reacts with the moisture on your skin, forming a plug in the sweat gland. It's a gentle but effective method that keeps you dry and free from sweat – preventing body odor at the same time.

If you’re looking for a fragrance product that works hard against sweat, check out our Apollo Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, formulated to fight sweat for up to 48h. But, if you want to understand this type of product a little better first, check out our full guide to antiperspirant.

2. Deodorant Sticks

Rather than blocking sweat, deodorants take on the task of making sure that sweat doesn't smell. They're your fragrance shields, containing ingredients that kill the bacteria that feed on sweat and create body odor. Take your pick from various scents and formulations, to match your style and skin type.

If you’re looking to eliminate body odor with a hardworking deodorant, check out our full guide to men’s deodorant.

3. Deodorant Body Spray

This one helps eliminate body odor in the same way your deodorant stick does, but that’s not all. While the deodorizing ingredients are busy combatting that odor-causing bacteria, deodorant body sprays also deliver a fresh fragrance that can be used more liberally compared to stick versions, helping to mask any body odor that might creep up later in the day.

If you’re looking for a dual-action hit of fresh fragrance and odor protection, try our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Spray, crafted by world-renowned perfumers to deliver irresistible fragrance and protection from body odor for up to 72h. For advice on getting the most out of yours, check out our article on men’s body spray.

4. Cologne

Now, cologne smells great, but it isn’t made to eliminate body odor.  However, once you’ve applied your deodorant or antiperspirant, cologne can be a great addition to leave you smelling great.

If you need help finding a fine fragrance, check out our ultimate guide to men’s cologne.

Goodbye body odor 

If you were wondering how to get rid of body odor, you should now be well-versed on how to smell effortlessly irresistible. With our helpful tips and product recommendations on how to eliminate body odor, you have all you need to step outdoors feeling fresh and confident.