You put on deodorant this morning, and by lunch you're not so sure it's working. Body odor that breaks through deodorant is really common, and there's usually a simple reason.
Deodorant and antiperspirant aren't the same thing
Deodorant fights odor. Antiperspirant reduces how much you sweat. Many products do both, but natural deodorants are deodorants only. They help with smell but won't keep you dry. If wetness is part of the problem, you may want an antiperspirant, at least on hot or stressful days.
Common reasons odor breaks through
- Applying to damp skin. Deodorant works best on clean, completely dry skin.
- Applying antiperspirant in the morning. It works best at night, when you sweat less and it has time to work.
- Your clothes. Synthetic fabrics can hold onto odor even after washing. Try breathable fabrics, and wash workout clothes promptly.
- Stress sweat. Sweat from stress tends to smell stronger than sweat from heat.
- Food and drink. Garlic, onions, spicy food and alcohol can all change how you smell.
- The wrong formula. If you've just switched to natural deodorant, it can take a few tries to find one that works for your body.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your body odor changes suddenly without an obvious reason, if you sweat so much it disrupts daily life, or if you have night sweats. Heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a medical condition with real treatments.
Shop deodorants and body odor solutions, shipped right to you.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice.