How to Deodorize Body Naturally

Body odor can be embarrassing at times, but it’s a natural part of life. If you’re struggling with body odor, you’ll be glad to know that there are many ways to get rid of body odor naturally. Good personal hygiene, lifestyle changes, and the use of natural remedies are all methods of controlling body odor. However, you should see your doctor if you experience skin irritation, if your body odor changes, or if you have a sudden increase in sweating.

Table of Contents

Improve personal hygiene

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b7/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b7/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Shower daily to wash away sweat and odor-causing bacteria. Body odor is caused by bacteria reacting to sweat secreted by the sweat glands, so regular bathing is important. When bathing, you should use a mild soap based on vegetable oils to lather. The more soap bubbles and the longer you rub, the more effective the removal of bacteria on the skin.

Not all soaps are antibacterial, and you don’t have to use antibacterial soap, either. Try using peppermint castile soap in the shower. Peppermint oil has mild antiseptic properties and can help with body odor.
While a soapy bath is best, a shower with water is still better than no shower at all. It will be even more effective if you scrub with sand or a towel to remove bacteria and oil. This can be a problem in situations like camping.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/95/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/95/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Remember to dry yourself thoroughly. This is especially important in areas of the body that are prone to odor: the groin, armpits, and around the nipples. You also need to make sure the skin folds (under the breasts, groin, abdomen) are completely dry.

Avoid using cornstarch as talcum powder. Many doctors believe that corn starch can be turned into “fungus food”. You can use unscented talcum powder instead.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3d/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3d/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Eliminate bacteria breeding grounds to reduce odors. For example, shaving armpits can be helpful in reducing body odor. In addition, you should also regularly clean the inside of shoes, as this can be a favorable environment for bacteria to multiply.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/72/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/72/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Wear clean cotton clothes for ventilation. Wear natural fibers like cotton, silk or wool. If you sweat, synthetic materials with “evaporating” properties can be helpful, but you should switch to wearing natural fibers after you’ve showered and removed your sweat.

Cotton clothing allows the skin to breathe and reduces perspiration, so you can help keep your skin healthy, dry and odor-free by wearing cotton clothing.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c8/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c8/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid wearing closed-toe shoes with socks for long periods of time. Closed shoes will lead to foot odor if you sweat a lot due to lack of air circulation. This is even more true if you wear shoes with a breathable material. If possible, wear sandals, flip-flops or other breathable shoes as much as possible.

Lifestyle improvement

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1e/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1e/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Quit smoking . Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can both produce free radicals that are harmful to the body. These habits can also cause bacteria to form on the skin and cause odors.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/83/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/83/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Drink plenty of water to cleanse the body. Water is an excellent solvent that helps flush out all toxins from the body. Water is also a neutralizing agent and reduces the formation of bacteria in the intestinal tract. 8-10 cups of water a day will help you maintain healthy, hydrated and odor-free skin. ^{[1] X Research Source Erica Kasuli, MS, RD et al. Article on “Foods to reduce body odor”, 2009.}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c0/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c0/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Eat foods that contain probiotics to control bacterial growth. Probiotics are natural, beneficial gut bacteria that help control the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. ^{[2] X Research Source} Probiotics promote the growth of the bacteria lactobacilli bifidus which improves digestibility and reduces toxins in the gut. Products such as yogurt or buttermilk contain probiotics.

One cup of probiotic foods eaten daily is very beneficial and should be maintained continuously for 6 months. This food will help you improve your overall health, as unpleasant odors can be just a matter of digestion!

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8a/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8a/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Eliminate odor-causing foods from your diet. Certain foods can change body odor. Foods high in fat (fatty meat, poultry with skin, fried foods) and certain spices (curry, garlic, onions) can alter body odor. Eliminate these foods for at least 2-4 weeks to see if there is a difference.

Coffee and caffeinated soft drinks can cause unpleasant odors in some people.
Other foods and drinks that can cause body odor are: wine, asparagus, cumin, and red meat. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/39/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/39/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Eat enough green vegetables to help control odors. Not eating enough green vegetables is also a cause of body odor. Green vegetables contain chlorophyllin, a natural odor absorber. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Use natural antiperspirant products

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d2/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d2/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use antiperspirant products with natural ingredients. If you don’t like using traditional deodorants or antiperspirants, look for a natural alternative. Many popular products such as Tom’s of Maine and Kiss My Face are widely available in the market.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7c/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7c/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Make your own antiperspirant. You can find many different recipes online, but here is one that you can try. Mix ¾ cup of arrowroot powder and 4 teaspoons of aluminum-free baking powder. Melt 6 tablespoons organic cocoa or mango butter and 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil in a water bath. Stir the melted ingredients together with the dry ingredients, then add ½ teaspoon of conditioner to the mixture.

Store in a sealed glass jar. This mixture does not need to be refrigerated.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/92/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/92/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Treat body odor with an antiseptic solution of hydrogen peroxide. Mix 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water. Dip a cotton towel in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, wringing out excess water to wipe your armpits, groin, and feet.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d5/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d5/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-14-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-14-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use apple cider vinegar to kill bacteria. You can use apple cider vinegar to kill odor-causing bacteria. Soak your feet every day in a solution of 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts water. Pour the above solution into a spray bottle to spray underarms. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Apple cider vinegar is very powerful, and people with sensitive skin may experience unpleasant effects such as burning or itching. Therefore, you should test the solution on a small area of skin before using it, and make sure you have not just shaved the skin under your armpits.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a4/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-15-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a4/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-15-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-15-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Treat skin with tea tree oil to reduce sweating and body odor. Add 8-10 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of witch hazel. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and use it as a deodorant, especially after exercising. Witch hazel acts as an astringent and reduces perspiration. Tea tree oil has antibacterial effects. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Tea tree oil is well known for its antibacterial properties and strong yet pleasant scent.
When used topically, tea tree oil kills bacteria on the skin, thereby reducing the formation of toxins.

Understanding body odor

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/76/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-16-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/76/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-16-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find out what causes body odor. Body odor (also called bromhidrosis, osmidrosis or ozochrotia, or more simply BO) comes from the breakdown of proteins by bacteria, acid production, food intake, sweat production, and condition. overall health. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

People with diabetes, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), taking specific medications, or people who are obese are also at risk for body odor.
When we sweat, bacteria on our skin break down sweat and skin proteins into two main acids – the acids that lead to body odor. Two main acids (propionic acid and isovaleric acid) are produced by two different types of bacteria. Propionic acid is produced by propionibacteria and usually smells like vinegar. Isovaleric acid is produced by staphylococcus and often has a cheese odor – perhaps the same bacteria used in some cheeses.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/53/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/53/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Know which areas of the body are most likely to smell. Body odor usually comes from skin folds or in areas of skin that are covered or sweat easily – feet, groin, armpits, pubic and other hairy areas, navel, anus, and back. ears. Other areas can also sweat and smell, but usually to a lesser extent.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0b/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-19-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0b/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-19-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-19-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Understand that foot odor is different from other body odors. Foot odor may be slightly different from the smell in other areas of the skin. Feet have endocrine sweat glands, but because many people wear socks and shoes (mostly made of synthetic materials) for long periods of time and sweat cannot evaporate as easily.

Synthetic materials (as opposed to cotton and leather) typically trap perspiration and prevent evaporation, unless specifically designed to allow moisture to evaporate.
Non-volatile sweat often creates a favorable environment for fungus to grow – and many forms of fungus also produce unpleasant odors.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9c/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-20-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-20-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9c/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-20-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-20-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Consider other factors that affect body odor. For example, body odor can change with age. Pre-pubertal children don’t give off much of a scent. Androgens produced during puberty are associated with unpleasant body odors. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

When to get medical treatment?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2f/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px- Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-21-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2f/Get-Rid- of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-21-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-21-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Seek medical attention if rash or irritation occurs due to natural products. While natural remedies are generally safe, they can still irritate the skin, possibly even causing a rash. Both commercial and homemade natural deodorants can cause skin damage. If this happens, it’s best to see your doctor to see if treatment is needed. ^{[9] X Research Source}

You may notice swelling, itching, pain, and redness in the area where the natural products are applied.
Ask your doctor if they recommend a natural deodorant that’s right for your skin type.

See your doctor if natural products don’t control body odor. Often just taking care of your body is enough to control its odor. However, sometimes simply changing your lifestyle and using topical products isn’t enough. If this is the case, your doctor can find a product that’s right for you. ^{[10] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Your doctor may recommend that you try traditional deodorants if natural products don’t work. If that still doesn’t work, your doctor may prescribe deodorants.

See your doctor if sweating or body odor interferes with daily life. Everyone sweats and has body odor, not just you! However, it is likely that you sweat more or have a stronger odor than others. Fortunately, your doctor can help you with difficulties in functioning due to sweat and body odor. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Your doctor will usually find products that work for you.
Alternatively, your doctor may recommend a therapist to help you change your mind about sweating and body odor. This will help you feel more comfortable.

Ask your doctor if you suddenly sweat more. You probably don’t have to worry too much, but a sudden change in sweat production could signal that something is wrong. You should talk to your doctor to find out the cause of the increased sweating and the methods of treatment. ^{[12] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

If there is an underlying medical condition, you may need to treat it to reduce sweating.

Ask your doctor if you notice a change in body odor. A change in body odor can be caused by an illness. Don’t worry too much because it’s probably not a big deal. However, you should visit your doctor to find out the cause of the change in body odor to find a way to deal with it. ^{[13] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Your doctor will recommend a treatment for your underlying medical condition.

See your doctor if you have unexplained sweating. While not too much of a concern, night sweats can be caused by certain medical conditions or medications. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s causing your night sweats to find ways to get them under control. Your doctor can recommend treatment or recommend some lifestyle changes. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

For example, some medications for diabetes and depression can cause night sweats. Similarly, conditions such as anxiety, autoimmune diseases, infections, and some cancers also cause night sweats. ^{[15] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Advice

Certain types of seafood, such as tuna or swordfish, are high in mercury, a toxin that can cause an unpleasant body odor.

Steps