The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ms. Robert (Dumfries, Va, Usa) on 01/21/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
UnderArm Odor
Hello, I have read many posts here and tried several remedies. The most successful was Organic ACV, it has worked for almost 8mos, the most amount of time for any remedy so far. Well now I'm back to the normal horribly embarrassing smell I've had to deal with for 14 yrs.
I stopped deoderants last year, the ACV was effective but now when I use it, either apply and wash off, or apply w/ baking soda & leave on all day, it's almost like I have no protection. My arms smell horrible, and of course my clothes as well.
Is there any hope for me? It seems that almost any remedy I try may work for a few months then I'm back to the ususal stinky, strong odor!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Crazydogjack (New Castle, Pa, Usa) on 01/21/2010
I had the same problem. Never tried the ACV for it. I bought a crystal body deodorant stick at the health food store and it works great!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ms. Robert (Dumfries, Va, Usa) on 01/25/2010
@crazydogjack. Thanks for the advice. I will pay a visit to the health food store to get the crystal body deoderant stick. I will post results after sometime.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/26/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
ACV also worked temporarily for me. i did try the natural crystal deodorant roll on and it also stopped working. is the crystal deodorant stick better?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sugar (Candaba, Philippines) on 02/21/2010
help me to cure my armpit odor.. having this problems lessen my self confidence at all.. where can i buy crystal body deodorant stick here in philippines?? help friend..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mohini (Suva, Fiji) on 02/21/2010
I have tried using baking soda to get rid of under arm odor. I either just pat baking soda after my bath or mix it with a little talcum powder. I have noticed that inspite of intense sweating, my underarms do not smell. Try avoiding deo sticks, they are not good for the skin as they block your pores and do not let them "breathe". Hope this remedy helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 03/04/2010
Well as i stated before nothing seems to be working for me. I now think that the ordor is not coming from my underarms but from within my body somewhere. I notice it more when I have sinus issues. Could this be a connection?? Has anyone had anything like this or heard of anything like this before. Could the odor be connected to my sinus problems?? I don't take anything for my sinus problems now that i found out that antibiotics can do more harm than good. The smell that I have is a sweaty, stinky smell like I have been running or working out for hours. It usually happens when I am at work which is the worse time that it could happen. Anyone someone please help!! Ted you know of anything like this??
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marymichellehealth (Regina, Saskchewan, Canada) on 03/05/2010
Hi: regarding the meat thing, my husband is a huge carnivore! He salivates, i am sure, walking down the meat isle at the grocery store. He feels great on the paleo diet! No body odor! He is so clean! he does not even wear deoderant, nor does he have to?! So I dont think body odor is based on meat consumption.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marie (Crowthorne, Uk) on 04/14/2010
Please do NOT use crystal deodorants! They are actually aluminium in raw form. You are simply adding to a much worse long term problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 04/15/2010
Thanks Marie...I have been using the crystal deodorant and wondered about it's contents. The lady at the health food store said it doesn't have aluminum in it but I wondered about it. I'll stop using it now.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/16/2010
I use liquid Cristal roll-on convinced that it was safe. It says Mineral Salt Protection. Paraben free. But in the ingredients I see: Aqua, Potassium Alum, Cellulose. It is made in the USA. One doesn't really know what to use... what is safe and not! They do have a website so I will contact them.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/12/2013
Hi Ms Robert from Dumfries --just checking in to see if you found something that works. I have not found anything and again I am sitting at work with the same embarrassing issue of underarm odor and it has been 2-3 hours after I took a shower and can hear the whispers. People need to understand that we do not want underarm odor or BO but that is the hand we are dealt. It bothers me big time that I have this issue because at family gatherings I am constantly sneaking off to the bathroom to try to wash under my arms because I can tell that people smell it but don't say anything directly to you about it. This is sooooo embarrassing that if you do not have this problem, you for sure cannot understand the humiliation associated with it. Someone please help!
I did ask my doctor to test me for fungus and she just laughed and said, "You do not have fungus!" How does she know if she did not test me for it?? Another thing that I discovered in addition to sinus issues I also have allergies and a lot of the time I thought it was my sinuses it really could have been my allergies. Anybody have ideas on how this could be associated to underarm odor or bacterial under the arms?? It is more noticeable during the warmer months and when I am in the sun. the sun really triggers it and I try to not get close to anyone. I spend a lot of time to myself because of this problem. I know it is embarrassing to my kids when they are at family functions also. Not sure if they overhear people talking but sometimes the looks on their faces tell it all. Please, Please, Please somebody help me. I have tried just about everything on this site for this issue.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 06/12/2013
Read Your bodys many cries for water by Dr. Batmanghelidj.
For the atmosphere at work, take some baking soda and put it in a container around your desk or under it or sprinkle on carpet under you and change the air as it sucks up the odors. I used it in trash can with dirty diapers... Dog vomit, spoiled meat, rotten fish and odor gone. Put a pouch of it in a small bag you carry or a pocket and it will help.
Stress causes bacteria to grow in mouth and body and the bacteria eat our mucus and sweat and make it stink when the bacteria organism poops it out. If it is your stress level then try supplements for stress like B's and D and magnesium.. Positive affirmations help your self esteem if your fear of body odor cause you more stress and a vicious cycle.... I had this with a dental problem. No issues in the mouth but pain and dentist problem that was constantly stressing me and I felt helpless... Every week appointment I had horrible breath but at no other time than those 6 months.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Te (Charlotte, NC) on 06/13/2013
You need to get rid of smelly clothes because the odor is trapped in it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (Some, Where, The Usa) on 06/13/2013
I remember reading somewhere that body odor can come a deficiency of one of the B vitamins. A TBSP of BSM may help... possibly some B complex.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary From Minneapolis (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/13/2013
Hi Mama To Many-thank you for your concern. I do appreciate each and every suggestion from everyone. I have high blood pressure just diagnosed a couple of years ago and high cholesterol also diagnosed a few years ago. I do take a diuretic for the hbp but nothing for the high cholesterol because I am afraid of what the statins will do to my overall health. This has been going on well before I was told that I had hbp or hc because I first noticed this problem 20 yrs ago but thouht it was my deodorants not working. Which caused me to change my deodorants multiple times. When I realized that the deorants were making me smell worse I stopped using them and have not used deodorant since. As for my digestion I guess I can say that it is not regular as it probably should be. do you think that could be the problem?? my digestive system?? God Bless You for Caring about others.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary From Minneapolis (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/13/2013
Hi Mama to Many- Yes I am embarrassed to say I drink coffee in the morning (at least three cups) and will have a couple of diet sodas occasionally. I do drink plenty of water as I keep a 32 oz jug in the fridge and try to drink a complete bottle every day. I don't have female symptoms because my periods stopped many years ago. I guess I went into early menopause. Not sure why it stopped but my doctors do not seem to be too concerned about that. Even with the coffee and diet sodas and the early menopause I had this condition before all of these came into play. I did not start to drink coffee or diet sodas until apprx. 5 yrs ago but the problem started many years before then.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary From Minneapolis (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/13/2013
Hi Kathy from Some, Where- What is BSM?? thank you for your concern.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 06/14/2013 184 posts
Hi Mama, You are so very correct, what you have suggested will not only get rid off bad odour but lot of other health problems. God bless you. Baldev
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mawgee (Shelton, Wa) on 06/14/2013
Hi, try magnesium oil for body odor. After shower spray all over body and rub in well (not on nipples or other sensitive parts). You can buy magnesium oil at health food stores. But you can also make your own with magnesium chloride flakes, much cheaper than buying the already made oil. I get mine online, but you can get them at health food stores also. Sometimes it burns a little the first couple uses but that goes away after couple uses. I hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrea C (Cardiff, Wales) on 06/15/2013
Hi xxxxxxxx I have found that B.O is stronger when your body is trying to detox some thing. I stopped using deodorant, and I can still smell it leaking outta my armpit's..... It's horrible!!!! I am also convinced, the MOLD, in my boyfriend's home has a lot to do with it. He will not have it!!!!! AND........... He work's as a printer... CHEMICALS. My health went seriously down hill since I've been with him. Now 'HE'S starting to show the same symptoms as me, you just can't tell some people. AND, the bloody DENTIST.... I had beautiful teeth and was a quick healer, before I went near them!!! I AM ANGRY....... I was being treated as a 'head case' for ag's, now I got a shopping list of problems. What I am trying to say is, look at your enviroment, and people you associate with. Also 'stress' will cause bad b.o, it's trial and error, trying to find the cause, and hearing other people talk about your problem will stress you out. If I were you I would tell them, "I know what you're saying behind my back, but I am unwell and have no control over my illness causing my BO problem!" That will shut them up! f they ask what is wrong with you, just say, "It's personal, I don't wish to discuss it thank you." I wish you luck. Love andrea c xxxx
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (The Usa) on 06/17/2013
Years ago when I lived in a house with a severe mold problem, we were near dismal swamp, I had a horrible perspiration stench. I also ate a lot of processed food. I was told to try "C_____-Dri" and it worked great. It has to be applied thin (it's roll-on) because it can cause itching if you use too much. After you get used to the amount you can tolerate it is a wonderful product. I could get it from a pharmacy at a discount because I purchased it by the case. I don't know if it is still on the market because I moved to an area that was dry and no longer needed it. I also stopped eating so much processed food. Could have been the combination of the two factors... I just don't know.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nancy (Cleveland, Ohio) on 06/17/2013
To Mary: I am very sorry you are suffering from this situation. Along with everyone elses suggestions, I would also advise you avoid caffeine while in the office or in the morning at least. Both coffee and black tea are known to cause terrible body odor. Best of luck to you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (The Usa) on 06/24/2013
Sorry for the delay, Mary... By now I guess you are aware that BSM is Blackstrap Molasses. I am in the process of trying to eat to heal and it's hard to sit here long enough read and answer, sometimes. There is a directory here on EC that defines abbreviations. I am not sure how to pull it up but I know I've seen it. Maybe someone will read this and advise.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathy (The Usa) on 06/24/2013
Mary... I neglected to advise you that if you are deficient in one of the B vitamins you still must take them all because if you don't, you can cause a deficiency in one of the others. Because the B's are water soluble they are not stored in the body and can be replaced every eight hours. I have seen bottles of B-Complex that contain 100mg. of all the B's. That may be better to try first since you don't know why you may be deficient.
I feel it's better to try to find the cause of the BO rather than cover it up.
Lye Soap
Posted by Sandy (Tulsa, Ok) on 01/02/2010
★★★★★
For the past few weeks I have had a terrible body odor. Read on here the other day. A couple of days ago I went to health food store to get a new bottle of ACV. Also picked up a bar of Lye soap. The next morning I decided to use the Lye soap. It worked! No longer have that odor. Washed my clothes and shaved some Lye soap in washer. They no longer smell either!
Lye Soap
Posted by Crzybeau (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) on 10/17/2010
Hello, what was the exact brand name of the lye soap you bought? thank you
Lye Soap
Posted by Ryan (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) on 10/10/2011
Hi, what kind of body odour did u suffer from and what did it smell like? Can u describe to me the smell of the odour? was it fishy, garbagey, fecal body odour, etc, etc? Also, I'm interested in hearing what kind of brand of lye soap u used!! Please let me know, by either replying to this post or send me an email! Thanks and take care.
Ryan.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Vidiz (Manila, Philippines) on 09/30/2011
I recently had a bad experience at my workplace awhile back and these guys kept talking in a non-discreet disrespectful way (maybe because they didn't have the guts to tell me I stank). Had a few close friends whom I kept asking if I did smell... Even asked my ex bf if I did and he said I never did. But these 3 guys talked about it and how they made rude and loud remarks, rubbing in my face that I smelled like onions or rotting squid or some degrading adjecive that they could think of... It really made me depressed and think if I really had body odor. I used antiperspirant/deodorant, the same one for 13 yrs... Then one day it stopped working. If I dont use it, I smell kinda musty in the armpit area. In the Philippines, it's mostly 95 F and up ALL YEAR ROUND and people here are so self-conscious about smelling, especially for women like me. I just want to get rid of the stink. I just hope MoM will work for me.
I already tried antiperspirant, didn't last because my underarm sweats a lot (like a lot).
Tried tawas crystals or potassium alloy crystals (powdered and the crystal), worked for awhile but I started stinking again after 2 weeks... Don't know why... Maybe the potency of the crystals?
Tried a local lime (Calamansi juice), put the juice in the underarms but I think when I sweat it worsens... The freshness just smells like vinegar almost hahaha
Latest experiment is to try tea tree oil after showering then putting on MoM... will it be more effective if I use baking soda after I let the MoM dry out?
Please help me regarding this matter.
Thanks for the posts everyone. :)
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Curious (Kingston, Ny, Usa) on 09/30/2011
After showering and scrubbing armpits with soap, apply lemon juice to armpits. Do this right out of the shower after drying off. This seems to stop the odor. I am one who will be stinky if I don't use deodorant even a few hours after a shower, but this works.
Of course you could just try a different deodorant, some just don't work for some people, even if it has in the past.
Hope this helps.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 09/30/2011
Hi Vidiz, My husband had very bad problem with his body odor so after reading some posts here we stopped using soap in the shower. Soap is now only used to remove excess dirt or grease. Lemon (lime to expensive here) is applied under the armpits and nothing else and this works. At the beginning we would also apply the lemon a few mins before showering as well as it takes a few days of this before the smell becomes normal smell. The only soap we now use is an ayurvedic neem and lavender one with no glycerin and on rare occasions it is used as a shampoo. We also don't use any shampoos (not even the natural ones) and use borax water. Oh and also for the first week he still used the crystal deodorant but not now. To be honest we were surprised at how well this worked. We have now been doing this for about a year. A relative who would occasionally complain about my husbands odor, suggesting he needed to use deodorant (which he was already wearing) now does not complain.
We also had bad candida and now it is nowhere near as bad, so it may be worth doing the spit test to see if it is a problem for you as it can also contribute to odor problems. All the best.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Johan (Slidre, Norway) on 10/01/2011
Suggestions for body odor- Vidiz you should try magnesium oil. It helps for me.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 10/01/2011
Lemon worked very well for me as well and after a while I didn't need to use it as often! But the best thing was Chlorophyl tablets or else Spirulina, Chlorella and Chlorophyl powder. After taking this for a while I never smelled again! Before, even if I took a bath every day I mostly ended the day with bad odor!
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Debbie (Sterlington, Usa) on 10/03/2011
Try mixing cornstarch with baking soda and rubbing it under your arms. A nurse told me about this. It works!
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Jessica (Chicago, Il) on 10/03/2011
If you are having bad odors, you will need to do a really good detox. If your just talking of an alternative for deoderant, this is what I make for my boyfriend: I buy the liquid crystal salt deodorant spray and add 30 drops per 1oz to it of each of the following: patchoulli & cedarwood & sometimes frankinscence. For a female, I use 30 drops patchoulli, 30 drops cedarwood, and 30 drops of jasmine. Both of us get commented on it daily asking where to buy the cologne & perfume! LOL
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Dug (Virginia Beach, Va) on 10/04/2011
To Jessica from Chicago: what kind of liquid crystal deo. spray do you use to mix Patchouli Cedar wood oils? Thai Crystal Spray pump?
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Cientxa (Indianapolis, Indiana/usa) on 12/19/2011
I have ordered something that is being advertised on the internet that is a stainless steel bar-shaped (like soap). I have had the same problem since teens with excessive sweating and mustiness.
I cannot tell you how shocked and surprised I was that this steel "thing" actually stopped odor but in my case my skin became dry and squeaky clean feeling all day! I have been thanking the research and development gods for this discovery. I can't imagine using anything else for body odor ever again.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Kelly (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 01/19/2012
Hello, I have had the same struggle all of my life and I never thought about doing something different than deoderant until now. I am 33 years old now. I started using natural deoderants when I was 12 but they never really solved the problem so I would use the chemical deoderants and then natural deoderants bouncing back and forth.
I recently started using the crystal deoderant. I noticed that you have to get your underarms perfectly clean in order for it to work. If you wash with soap and (while still in the shower) smell your pits, and have any kind of odor; the crystal will not work.
I tried a mixture of Baking soda and water mixture. 1 TBSP baking soda to 8oz water and used an old shampoo bottle. Make sure you shake before you use. Since Baking soda is alkaline I used a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to bring the skin PH balance back to 5 to 7 ideally. Use 1 TBSP (ACV) to 8 oz water and use in a spritzer.
According to Home remedies web (ACV) is an effective natural bacteria-fighting agent that contains many vital minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine that are vital for a healthy body.
Once I used this combo; soaping up, rinse. Use the baking soda water, rinse. Then follow up with the ACV and rinse. I was able to get clean pits and then the crystal worked, as long as the crystal has been rinsed, make sure the crystal does not have an odor before you use it.
Now that I have cleaned the problem under my arms I am finding that my clothes are not not getting fully clean when laundered. When I wear a shirt that is not fully clean, all of the above work on getting clean pits is now destroyed. I decided to buy new shirts and start new and now the problem is totally gone.
Hope this helps,
Kelly
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Zheng (Pasay City, Manila Philippines) on 06/10/2012
I am really interested about milk of magnesia... Where can I buy this product?
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Umaga (Brea, California) on 08/17/2012
To Zheng from Pasay City, Manila Philippines.
I tried to look for Milk of Magnesia at the 2 most popular pharmacies in Metro Manila Philippines and they told me that the product was discontinued. Please reply if you did find one. Thank you.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Ms. A (Philippines) on 04/19/2015
I'm female 26 yrs old I have been battling for b.O for 12 years and counting. I almost try everything from vinegar, lemon, hydrogen peroxide, alum stone and diff kinds of anti antiperspirant deodorant and nothing works. I smell horrible like a onion. others make fun of me and uploded pictures of me on facebook im so ashamed. even if I wash, scrub my underarm pits daily take a bath regularly. and as I put deodorant I still smell. Don't know what to do. but im not losing hope searching every possible solution in the internet. Milk of magnesia have good feedback hope I could find MOM here. or if its available here in the Philippines ...
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 04/19/2015
Ms. A: you live in the Philippines so you should be using coconut oil!! Internally and externally!
Also, check out if there are foods that your body doesn't like. Try going gluten free for a bit, and/or dairy free, and/or sugar free.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 04/19/2015
Dear Ms. A,
I am so sorry you are dealing with this humiliating problem!
I agree with Mmsg--she is suggesting some internal things to try. I think she is getting at this being an internal problem, and not a cleanliness problem. She has great ideas.
One of my children, when he was about 8, had a terrible odor. He smelled like onions, just as you are saying that you do. I gave him Bentonite Clay, internally every day for a while and that solved the problem. So, daily use of something like that, or activated charcoal powder may be a help to you. You would want to take plenty of water with each. If you are constipated, I would not take either one until you have the resolved. It could make it worse, and if you are constipated, that is likely the problem.
If you can get some liquid Chlorophyll, you could take a couple of teaspoons a couple of times a day.
I would consider eating plenty of fruits and vegetables or drinking fresh juice, like carrot, daily. If you eat processed foods, reduce that as much as possible.
Epsom Salt baths a few times a week may be helpful for detoxification. 1 cup of Epsom salt per warm bath.
These are some ideas to start with.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heather (Colorado Springs, Co) on 11/17/2009
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Apple Cider Vinegar worked temporarily as a replacement for deodorant. I followed the advice here and started using ACV before I showered, rinsing it off after a few minutes, but not washing it off. The first time I used it I was thrilled. It lasted 2 1/2 days with absolutely no body odor. But the longer I used it, the less effective it was. After a month, it wasn't even lasting a whole day.
So I'm off to try the crystal deodorant in my quest for a natural deodorant that works consistantly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Al (Qc, Philippines) on 01/16/2012
Guys, try to check dove with 1/4 milk moisturizing soap to use for the underarms, it has zinc content. Then use GLYSOLID Glycerin Cream as your deodorant. Regularly eat green leafy vegetables, parsley. Eat fruits and vegetable rich in zinc and magnesium. Drink plenty of water, warm water if possible every hour. Avoid eating much meat, sweets and avoid soda. Go veggies..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Monique (Brooklyn, US) on 06/22/2014
I've had embarrassing odor for about 3 or 4 years and unfortunately cannot pin point when it started. Just started to realize people were moving away from me once they took a whiff. I suffer from body odor on the skin. My close friends tell me they don't smell anything, I'm crazy, but at school or work people try to move far away from me.
I'm curious to know has anyone tried parsley which is a natural body deodorant. I tried parsley fresh, I blend it with a juice or water and get great results but have to keep up with it everyday. another side affect is lowering the blood pressure so you have to be careful. Has anyone tried speaking with a dermatologist who would be able to explain or diagnose a skin condition, or can they even help. I feel so helpless and alone and when I went to my doctor he said I was crazy he didn't smell anything, it must be in my head.
I have so many questions, can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar to drink/soak in? After the problem is resolved can I continue to wear my clothes or is it a vicious cycle?
Baking Soda
Posted by Phyllis (Weldon, Ca. Usa) on 09/27/2009
★★★★★
I make a baking soda deodorant that is creamy and goes on real easy and stays on in the arm pits real well. Just take any small container with a lid. Put in whatever amount of baking soda you want. Then add any lotion or hand cream you use. I also add a few drops of essential oil to make it smell pretty. Guys, I guess you coud add cologne or some other fragrence. Then I just stir it up, put on the lid and its ready to use.
Baking Soda
Posted by Princess Murray (Bridgetown, Barbados) on 10/05/2009
I am 33 years of age and started to have a body order problem recently about 1 year now, thanks to this site and hearing others review i now know i am not alone, and wishes to thank you all for the advice about using acv and baking soda, hope it works
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa Usa) on 07/29/2010
I tried it, and it WORKS! For the past three days I have been outside in high temps doing physical labor and I have had ZERO smell! I keep checking, and am amazed at my lack of B. O. - At first I thought it might be residual effect from the antiperspirant I was using (so effective you can even skip a day was their old ad campaign) - But no, after the second day I should have stunk, and I didn't! I also love that MOM is not chock full of chemicals like the stuff I was using. Anything that gets chemicals out of my life is a good thing. :-) Thanks for posting on this Cat - much appreciation! Carly
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Glo1965 (Woodbridge, Virginia) on 08/18/2009
★★★★★
Hello. First, this is an awesome website, I've gotten great advice! I have dealt with horrible, sweatty underarm odor for 13 yrs. I visited this site a few weeks ago and read a little about ACV. When you're in my shoes you'll try anything. I'm pleased to say that this has worked better for me than anything else I've tried. The doctor's have prescribed meds that burn, itch and sting; horrible side effects and more importantly they DON'T WORK!!! I've had a couple of days in this 3 weeks where I think it may have failed me. I apply with a dry cloth in the morning and when it dries I put on deod. Usually as long as I don't sweat I won't stink, so I know throughout the day when it's beginning to happen and there's nothing you can do! Does anyone have suggestions of a more effective way that I should use ACV? I read about applying a few minutes before showering and use plain water under my arms, I will try that today. In the meantime if there is any further advice I'd appreciate that!?..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dana (Queens, Ny) on 12/25/2009
(QUESTION) I did the Acv rinse and after I got out of the shower I reapplied and then applied deodarant after it dried. I do notice a difference, becuz If I don't use soap and deodarant I will just have the strongest odor! Just terrible. If I drink the ACV and Baking soda is water will that be better? And would U happen to know why ACV help with Body Odor? I'm really curious.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angela (Charlotte, Nc) on 08/10/2009
★★★★★
I am so very thankful for the remedies found on this site. I have had underarm issues for the last 30 years. I've tried everything from bathing in baking soda to using a men's deordorant---nothing worked!! Not until ACV. I am tickled at how well my self-confidence has hit the ROOF! I take a bath twice a week with 1cup ACV 1cup Baking Soda. Daily I use a cotton swab to wipe under my arms. I still use deordorant. However, I'm glad to say it's a woman's deordorant. Also, my next had an odor when I sweat. Therefore, I swab my neck everyday. In fact, my neck discoloration has gone away. I am African-American and figured my neck was naturally dark. Not anymore. Thanks Earthclinic for saving my LIFE!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by River City Girl (Richmond, Va, United States) on 10/21/2009
To Angela from Charlotte and others: When you rub ACV on your neck then go about your day...don't you smell like vinegar? I have your same trouble with the neck and upper chest smell. I tried peroxide on a cotton ball and it worked, but only for about 10 minutes :0( So do I have a choice? smell like vinegar or smell like body oder? What do you all use to not smell like vinegar? I'm blown away that so many of us have the same problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Mary (Minneapolis, Mn) on 01/27/2010
I too have the reaction to the sun as you do. Have you gotten any answers yet?? If so, can you please post them here or contact me.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Joseph (Thomasville, Nc) on 06/25/2010
I don't know what kind of reaction to the sun you are getting but...If you are taking antibiotics it is called photosensitivity. If your family has mediterranean blood, then it may be fungus. It kind of looks like darker patches of skin. If this is the case a dandruff shampoo (common blue store bought bottle) a couple of times a day works for me.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Ms. U (Manila, Philippines) on 09/13/2011
Ms. Crystal of Candaba, Pampanga please try to call me in this mobile number, we are sharing the same experience 639216835714/ 639336534541
Zinc
Posted by Lucy (Denver, Co) on 09/14/2016
Be careful about taking too much zinc in long run. Zinc can deplete copper and you might end up with other problems.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jenn (Duluth, Minnesota) on 07/15/2009
★★★★★
I am a twenty-five year old female that has horrible strong under arm odor. I cannot even handle how bad I smell sometimes! I have tried everything to a different deoderant every day, using men's deoderant, shaving twice a day to once a week, scrubbing my arm pits until they were raw, to the crystal deoderant,... needless to say nothing has worked. I either stunk really bad or sweated profuersuly, or both. All of my t-shirts have stains on them or they stink baad! I was reading through the body odor part on earthclicic.com and it said to use AVC. And I am willing to try anything, so I went out and bought ___ ACV. I figure that I will try anything for my body odor. I Dapped some on a cotton round and then dapped it onto my under arms and you would not believe it,.. I am still smelling fresh at the end of the day!! I DEFINATLY advise everyone to use ACV for under arm "deoderant"!!!
Baking Soda
Posted by Sasha (Savanna-la-mar, jamaica) on 07/13/2009
since baking soda has such a wonderful effect in dealing with body odors, can it be taken orally? The bacteria tha causes body odor, i know the baking soda can quench it for a while but for a longer lasting freshness, will drinking baking soda do the body any harm?
Baking Soda
Posted by Jeremiah (San Diego, California) on 07/07/2009
★★★★★
I have found that in regards to body odor, patting on about 1/4 to 1/2 of a handful of baking soda onto each armpit AFTER drying off after my morning shower, then rubbing it around really helps with my armpit odor (which can be quite odorous). It also helps absorb some of the negative chemicals I use from my ___ body spray/deodorant, and the best part is that the baking soda keeps the smell of the ___ spray there for a few days in case I forget to apply either the baking soda or the ___ spray for a day or two, a habit which I will never endorse, since personal hygiene is a must, but I'm pretty sure you knew that already ;-)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Atlanta55 (Athens, GA) on 07/06/2009
★☆☆☆☆
Hi Everyone, I've been trying the ACV method (putting a general amount on before I shower, then rinsing - no soap!), and it's not working...how long did it take those of you who were successful to see results? I also tried baking soda under my arms for a couple of days, with no success....I'm also drinking ACV, so hopefully that will work...
No antipersperant or deos work for me - I've even tried perscription strength with no success, so I'm getting frustrated!
Did anyone find that they had to do this for a while to see results?
Thanks!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelly (Chicago, Il) on 08/06/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I too have an issue and the ACV is not working. I even went out and bought the organic with "Mother". Applied it, waited 3 minutes, took a shower (no soap), also did not use any deo or antipersperants, but as soon as I start to get a little hot, I might as well jump back in the shower. I have been doing this for over a month, and it still hasn't worked. I even tried to do another application at night before I went to bed, but the morning had the same results.
Has drinking acv worked any better for you?
I've read that if your body was low on B vitamins, zinc and magnesium that you might have body odor. So I am trying to eat more foods with those in them. If that fails, I might just take those kinds of vitamins. If that fails as well, I'm not sure what else to do. I've even went to the dermatologist who prescriped something that smelled like rotten eggs that burned my pitts, but still did not work. I think that might have been for someone that has excessive sweating, but I don't have that, just the smell. And of course my left side is worse than my right.
I was curious if anyone read anything about hormones being out of whack might have anything to do with this. I'm only 30, but I guess that might be a possibility. I'm willing to try almost anything to not have the odor anymore.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maury (Nr. Baltimore, Md.) on 08/06/2009
For body odor try zinc ointment, and you can sprinkle on some talc free powder if you want to smell nice.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kje10959 (Bedford, Nh) on 08/07/2009
I too had bad underarm odor. I tried the ACV and it sort of worked but I kept at it. I realized that the odor was coming from the residue of the deoderants (all natural ones) that had remained in my clothes. After several washes of all my shirts the residue is finally gone and so it the odor. You can try spraying your underarm area on your shirts with white vinegar or a stain remover before laundering to help remove the residue. After it's gone, I KNOW you will have results with the ACV. It took about 2 months for me to finally say ACV works!!! I used to spray the vinegar on before showering and then again when I was out of the shower. Now I only wash with a clean washcloth (I do that area first, NO soap), and when I get out and dry off, I spray the armpit area and rub it all around the whole area. If it's going to be hot and I know I'll be sweaty, I'll repeat the spray once the first one has dried. This has been successful for me. Don't give up, it does work!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bce (Sav, Jamaica) on 08/07/2009
Try 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoon of acv in 8 oz of juice or water and drink on empty stomach daily. when you are going to bathe, wet up you whole body, then put some baking soda in you hand. wipe under one arm then the other then to all the places that you have odor or to your whole body. use you soap on your rag and soap your whole body and then wash off. you will feel very fresh when you are finished. trust me!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nancy (West Bloomfield, Michigan) on 10/02/2011
I started having bad odor from under my arms after my second child was born at 30 years old, I had alot of mood changes and my doctor said that my hormones were thrown out of wack from the pregnancy, I ve had bad odor, night sweats and hot flashes since, its strange that my right armpit is worse then the left, well I've tried alot of stuff but didn't have any luck, but I know Apple Cider Vinegar does get rid of odors as I've used it in a vaginal douche, so I will try it under arms too, hope it works.
General Feedback
Posted by Lori (Bronx, Ny) on 07/01/2009
Hi, i recently noticed a cheezy odor coming from my underarm. Does anyone know what causes this? I never had this problem before and i am worried. Help!
Caffeine Triggers
Posted by Smithie (London, UK) on 06/25/2009
Comment about body odor. I have no body odor from my pits until I start drinking black tea, any flavor. I'd say within 10 minutes of drinking tea my perspiration starts smelling badly. Green tea does not have this effect, which I find odd. So for those who find the remedies aren't working, try eliminating tea if that's what you're drinking. I hardly drink coffee, but the smell is even worse when I do. Cheers.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Ruth (Hong Kong) on 06/20/2009
am from hong kong, am wondering which part of the grocery section to buy milk of magnesia, i don't seem to find out here in Hong kong. can I ask buy it from the drug stores?
i hv tried using the baking soda and it worked!, but the trick is you have to add little water must to dissolve then apply the paste to ur armpit. it dries quickly & wl save u becoming smelly all day. just need to use new clothes everytime. I even asked my daughter to try it, presto, it worked! just learned this from EC. thanks!, but I still want to try the MM. Thanks, am addicted to checking EC everytime, trying to find some cures for other illnesses I could recommend to my friends! Cheers, EC.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Clarissa (Tampa, FL) on 06/20/2009
Hi to Ruth from Hong Kong! Milk of magnesia is a very popular remedy for constipation here in the states. I would think that you could find it at a big pharmacy in Hong Kong?
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Erin (Seattle, Wa) on 04/29/2011
I have been using a mixture of extra virgin coconut oil and baking soda for months now and rarely have underarm odor, even while playing soccer! Try that too as backup. Hint, small amounts of baking soda, just enough to make the coconut oil slightly grainy, or you might end up with chaffing!
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Kelly (Nashville, TN) on 06/20/2009
Thanks for this info. I too have tried the zinc oxide ointment and it works great, much better than anything I have ever used. However, the ointment has talc and parabens in it which I am not so crazy about. I had been thinking of asking my compounding pharmacist if they could compound into a natural cream or lotion base for me. Now, I will try the powder with water.
Baking Soda
Posted by Linda (Snohomish, WA) on 06/03/2009
★★★★★
I read about using baking soda for a deodorant and I have a really bad problem with underarm body odor. I don't want to use anything with aluminum in it. I really did not think the baking soda would work, but two days ago, I started using it. It is the hottest part of the summer here and I always walk every time I get the opportunity at work, so usually get sweaty. Surprise! It works. I just dumped about a teaspoon in my hand and rubbed half into each armpit. The amount does not seem to matter too much, used less today than yesterday just because a bunch came out of the box yesterday. I am a 60-year-old female. I have tried every natural deodorant on the market and nothing else works. This is like a miracle to me!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ron (Orlando, FL) on 06/02/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I have been dealing with BO for years & I really need a remedy. I been taking Zinc Supplements. I Started taking about 16 grams of Chlorella which contains high amounts of Chlorophyll. I've been bathing with baking soda & sea salt. I've been drinking Apple Cider Vinegar in the morning. I drink tea all day with Lemon juice & honey. I eat cloves & rosemary herbs. I've taken sage Tea two nights a week.
I'd like to think my diet is very alkilinizing & drinks fluids, Im too poor to level out meals with meat. i dont take much sugar either
I need help because I'm TRYING to get a JOB . Ted, Somebody HELP PLEASE
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Roxanne (Ny) on 07/14/2011
★★★★★
Ted try MOM it worked for me, I suffered for over 30 yrs and MOM worked like a charm, gone is B.O, Bye and good damn riddance:))
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Monique (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/05/2012
What exactly is MOM what is the complete name and what can you said it honestly do for you.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rori (Carson, Ca) on 12/10/2012
Hey Mom is Milk of Magnesia and it works at preventing odors. take a shower clean your pits and then I just rup some on underarms and let it air dry, then I apply a light oil or lotion and let it dry and it works at stopping odors.
Baking Soda is the best alternative to deodorant I've come across. Seriously if you are funky anywhere take some baking soda and at some water to make a paste rub on smelly area let sit for 30-90 seconds then hop in the shower. will kill any and all odors immediately then after shower I take a half or a teaspoon of baking soda and add enought water to my palm to dissolve it and rub hands together then rub on armpits let it airdry then I add a good moisturizing lotion because baking soda can be drying and a little abrrasive for some I have sensitive skin and then works wonders. No more Odor. You will still sweat but you won't stink at all. Just try it a box of baking soda is around 50-90cents and some people like to make the deodorant instead of this method they add corn starch and baking soda and put that powder mix on their pits to kill odor, that powder method was too harsh and gave me a rash that turned my pits black so I now to the baking soda and water and lotion and haven't had any issues. One year of no deodorant use. YAY hope this helps
Brown Deodorant Stone
Posted by Lynn (Auckland, New Zealand) on 05/27/2009
I did internet search for brown deodorant stone and found ___ also known as _____. I really hope that it is as effective as you mentioned. I am using white deodorant stone and it is effective only for about 5-6 hours. When I sweat profusely during workouts, it is not effective. I will purchase it on-line
Brown Deodorant Stone
Posted by Sandy (In the sticks, Nevada) on 05/28/2009
Could you email me (take slashes out of email) regarding your source for this item? I Googled for it and could not find it. Thank you!
Brown Deodorant Stone
Posted by Lynn (Auckland, New Zealand) on 12/16/2009
★★★★★
This stone works great for me. It keeps me smelling fresh throughtout my workouts and not offensive to the people around me during those times.
Charcoal or Liquid Chlorophyll
Posted by Crzybeau (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) on 10/14/2010
Which product exactly are you taking? Mint chlorophyll?
Charcoal or Liquid Chlorophyll
Posted by Shelli (Charlotte) on 07/07/2013
Hi Crzybeau from Las Vegas. Yes, the mint flavored liquid chlorophyll. I get the Nature's Way brand. Usually from GNC but other stores have it as well. Have NOT tried activated charcoal. (And won't. Just my personal preference.)
Charcoal or Liquid Chlorophyll
Posted by Chanra (Cambodia) on 07/30/2013
Where can I get it? Can u show me the photo of charcoal or chlorophyll? I am looking forward.
EC: Hi Chanra.You can find images of activated charcoal by searching Google images here. Liquid chlorophyll images here. These two products are sold in many health food stores and online (amazon.com) here in the USA, but not sure about Cambodia.
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Kj (Washington, DC) on 05/31/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I used the 20% Zinc oxide under my arms, and it didn't work at all. I followed your directions and applied 2 pea sized amounts under each arm and rubbed it in really well. As soon as I started to sweat, I had under arm odor. Am I doing something wrong? To me, the ACV worked better, but after constant use, it starts to lose its efficacy.
Baking Soda
Posted by Gina (Rizal, Philippines) on 04/17/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I've been suffering from Body Odor since I was in my Senior year in High School, my relationship with my neighbors and friends have been affected by my body odor. I easily get humiliated when they cover their nose or scratching it when they go near me. They do not see the good side of me but instead judge me by my stinky smell. Now I stayed most of the time alone with my children and husband who can stand my smell until I tried the site promising my B.O. to be forever gone. His solution did work temporarily but as the days went by my body odor came back..why??.I don't know? That's what I noticed, whenever I try new product on my armpit, it worked at first and after sometime the bad odor comes back again. Until I used Baking Soda with water. It did keep me from body odor for the wholeday until my next shower. It did boost my confidence, I can now mingle with other people without being humiliated. Just the same with other users of it, I developed a red and dark rashes with stingy sensation the first time I applied it. But it did wash off after 1 week. My problem now is that whenever I stop using it, my odor worsen than the first time I used it. And when I'm using it, my used clothes stinks terribly by my underarm is still odorless. And when I wash my shirts, I make sure that the armpit part of it is thoroughly wash with bar soap and dry it under the sun to kill the bacteria inhibiting on it coz if don't do this, the armpit part smells as if it wasn't washed at all---the reason why I don't rely to a laundry woman and a fully automatic washing machine. My next move is to try medicating internally---to go on veggies, drink apple& cabbage juice, chlorophyll and the likes. But Hydrogen Peroxide... I say no to it! I tried it but it did not work. The vinegar neither works! The Corn Starch and Powder didn't work for me either. I'll try also desitin or ointment for infant rashes. If none will work..I'll consider botox and operation just to keep me body odor free. May God have pity on us....please Lord keep us Odor Free...
Baking Soda
Posted by Sid Davis (Springfield, Missouri, USA) on 04/20/2009
Hello, Gina from Rizal.
When I saw your post I immediately responded with information about 20% zinc oxide ointment. Instead of my information being associated with your inquiry, it was placed at the very end of this section under Zinc Oxide Ointment. Hopefully, on my second try this message will appear under your inquiry so you can easily see it.
This almost certainly is the the answer to your problem. It is far more effective than any deodorant, and has never failed to work for my wife or me, even when we lived in a subtropical part of the world. It is inexpensive and only needs to be used every other day or so depending on your local climate. After your shower and you dry off, just smear around a small quantity (about the size of two green peas) under each armpit. Go read what others and I commented under "zinc oxide ointment" now on page 4 of this discussion about Body Odor.
Also, you mention that you have residual smell in your clothing even after washing. This, I suspect is from bacteria that is not killed in your current washing method. Maybe something like a cap full of lysol added to your laundry tub, or even more simply placing your clothes in scalding water before washing would do the trick to kill the bacteria. Also, I think natural fibers like cotton are less likely to retain odor than synthetic fibers, but that should be a thing of the past once you begin using the zinc oxide ointment.
Let us all know how this works out for you.
Sid Davis
Baking Soda
Posted by Selena (Chula, GA) on 04/20/2009
This post is for Gina from Rizal, Philippines. Your complaint is body odor but you mention having botox done as a solution (this is for sweat glands). Does your odor come from sweating? If it does please look at my post under excessive sweating. Taking Magnesium fixed my embarrassing problem and I am so happy I want to tell the world. Maybe they should link the body odor ailment section with the excessive sweating. If your problem is not sweating, then try Chlorophyll. It is supposed to be good for getting rid of odors.
Baking Soda
Posted by John (Alexandria, Va, Usa) on 07/12/2011
Hi I have the same body odor problem. I have hyperhidrosis so I sweat a lot. I cant step outside without sweating and as soon as I start sweating I start to smell. This started back in the 6th grade and has been controllable until last year my senior year. I smelled so terrible I that I started to stink up the whole class. It became so bad that I started to skip school to avoid ridicule. My doctor prescribed hypercare but all it did was burn and itch my armpit. I missed 70 days of school and my gpa dropped from a 3. 4 to a 2. 6. I wasn't able to get accepted to any of the colleges I applied for. I cant even take a step outside without smelling so terrible. I tried baking soda but my armpit get rashes and I've been drinking ACV with the mother and showering with it also. How long until it takes effect. I'm desperate here...... SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!!!
Baking Soda
Posted by Vc2mc (Springfield, Arkansas) on 07/12/2011
When I was coming of age, I had problems with armpit oder. My grand-mother had me to wash with regular table salt under my arms and I instantly noticed a different. I didn't sweat as easily under my arms.
Baking Soda
Posted by Alexz1105 (Sa, Tx) on 06/06/2012
Marie, what did you do that worked for you? Please respond.
Baking Soda
Posted by Toni (Brea, California) on 06/20/2012
I've been suffering for bad body odor since grade school. I tried every deodorant available including acv. Thank God, I found this website. The only deodorant that worked for me is milk of magnesia. Hope this will help you.
