Smelly Armpits? Learn the Causes and How to Get Rid of Them Effectively

Sweating and body odor are actually normal, especially after exercising, when feeling hot, or under stress. Both are natural bodily responses to temperature and emotions.

Interestingly, not all sweat causes odor. Sweat itself is odorless. The smell appears when sweat mixes with natural bacteria on the skin.

Apocrine glands: the culprit behind armpit odor

The body has two types of sweat glands: eccrine (which help cool the body) and apocrine glands.

Apocrine glands are mostly found in the armpit and groin areas. 

They produce a thick fluid rich in protein. When skin bacteria break down this fluid, it releases a characteristic odor — sharp, sour, or even onion-like.

When odor signals a skin problem

If your body odor suddenly changes or becomes stronger even after good hygiene, it could be due to an underlying medical issue, such as:

• Bacterial infection (including MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) that affects hair follicles in the armpit.
• Hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating even without physical activity.
• Hormonal changes, such as puberty or menopause, can increase apocrine gland activity.

Why body odor persists even after Bathing

You shower twice a day, wear clean clothes, even use perfume — yet the smell won’t go away? You’re not alone.

Here are several reasons why body odor may linger despite proper hygiene:

1. Incorrect deodorant use

Many people believe applying deodorant right after a morning shower is best. In fact, the most effective time is before bed at night.

According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, antiperspirants work by temporarily blocking sweat glands, which is most effective when they are less active — at night.

Applying deodorant at night gives the active ingredients enough time to absorb into the skin and stay effective the next day. So, if odor persists despite deodorant use, try switching to a “nighttime deodorant routine.”

2. Armpit hair trapping bacteria

Armpit hair is natural, but it can trap sweat and bacteria. When sweat gets caught in the hair, bacteria have more time to break down proteins and produce odor.

Hairy areas are also harder to clean thoroughly. Research in Skin Research & Technology found that shaving or waxing the armpits can help reduce body odor by decreasing the number of bacteria on the skin.

3. Bacterial buildup on the skin

If showering isn’t enough to remove odor, there might be stubborn bacterial colonies on your skin.

Our skin hosts a mix of good and bad bacteria, but when this balance is disturbed, the “bad” bacteria can overgrow — especially in moist areas like the armpits.

Make sure to dry your armpits well after bathing and wear sweat-absorbing fabrics. Moist environments are ideal for bacterial growth.

4. Diet-related causes

Certain foods can cause strong body odor when their compounds are released through sweat, including:

• Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
• Garlic and onions
• Red meat
• Strong spices, such as curry or cumin
• Spicy foods
• Alcohol and caffeine

Try reducing these foods to see if your body odor improves.

5. Skin infections

If the odor comes from one armpit or is accompanied by bumps or pus, you may have a skin infection, such as folliculitis or Staphylococcus aureus infection.

This condition causes inflammation and unpleasant odor. Avoid shaving until the bumps heal and keep the area dry.

Best hygiene practices to reduce armpit odor

Smelly armpits can hurt your confidence, especially if the odor persists even after showering. The key isn’t just bathing, but maintaining proper armpit hygiene.

Here are some effective and safe ways to naturally reduce armpit odor:

1. Use antibacterial soap

Washing with antibacterial soap helps remove sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells that cause odor. Choose soaps with natural antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil, neem, or benzoyl peroxide.

2. Try double cleansing

If odor persists, use a two-step cleaning method. Start with antibacterial soap to eliminate bacteria, then follow with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to keep skin healthy and hydrated.

3. Dry thoroughly after bathing

Bacteria thrive in moist areas. Make sure your armpits are completely dry before dressing. Use a clean towel or a hair dryer on the cool setting.

4. Exfoliate weekly

Armpit skin also needs exfoliation to remove dead cells and prevent bacterial buildup. Use a gentle scrub or mild chemical exfoliant (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) 1–2 times a week for smoother, fresher skin.

5. Apply deodorant correctly

Deodorant isn’t just about masking odor. Choose one with antibacterial and antiperspirant properties. Apply it on clean, dry skin — ideally before bedtime, when sweat gland activity is lower and the ingredients absorb better.

6. Shave armpit hair regularly

Armpit hair traps sweat and bacteria. Shaving helps keep the area clean and makes deodorants more effective. Always use a clean razor and apply a gentle moisturizer afterwards to prevent irritation.

7. Choose breathable clothing

Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture. Opt for cotton, linen, or bamboo fabrics that absorb sweat and keep your skin cool.

If your armpits feel itchy, sore, or develop dark marks due to deodorant irritation, care for your skin with wund+™ Regeneration Cream or wund+™ Scar Gel, which help soothe irritation, repair the skin barrier, and prevent scarring or hyperpigmentation caused by friction or irritation.