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.
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Sid Davis (Springfield, Missouri, USA) on 02/01/2009
★★★★★
In the discussion of baking soda remedies, I notices more than one comment about baking soda as a deodorant.
I have not tried barking soda for deodorant, since for the last 20 years my wife and I have used zinc oxide as a deodorant. It works better than any commercial deodorant I ever used. You don't even need to used it every day; just every second or third day does the trick, even in the summer. Never fails.
What I am talking about is the tube of 20% zinc oxide that you can pick up at a drug store or at WalMart here in the USA. Just smear on a little dab under each arm pit after your shower. No stains, no smell, no irritation. If you are concerned about safety, look at diaper ointment; it contains 20% zinc oxide.
The only problem I ever had was when I first tried it and used too much and used it every day and it caused a small swelling in my sweat glands under one arm, I think from blocking perspiration. The swelling went away when I started using it just every other day, on which day I used nothing.
The way I happened on this was my mothers giving me a mineral rock she got at a health food store that was supposed to be used for deodorant. I thought she was nutty, but my wife tried it a couple of times and said she thought it worked a little. We wanted to avoid aerosol and deodorants that contained aluminum, so I looked at the health food store for whatever else they had. Since the mineral rock contained zinc as one of the ingredients, I decided to buy a very expensive cream deodorant that contained zinc as one of the ingredients, and it worked very, very effectively, except that it cost a fortune. I happened to see zinc oxide in a tube at the drugstore for only $0.65 per tube (20 years ago) so I tried it instead of the expensive health food zinc cream, and it worked.
Zinc
Posted by Suzanne (Abbotsford, BC, Canada) on 01/04/2009
★★★★★
I know someone who had bothersome body odour until he started taking zinc (15 mg per day). Now there is NO problem! What an easy solution to a nasty problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tim (Berkeley, CA) on 11/21/2008
★★★★★
I found out about apple cider vinegar as a deodorant about 1 year ago and have tried various amounts and ways of applying it. It works really well and I have settled on applying filtered ACV via a small spray bottle right before I get into the shower in the morning. I leave it on for about 1-2 minutes as I brush my teeth and then get into the shower and wash it off. It leaves me odor free all day. I love it and 2 of my friends have adopted this method and now swear by it as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tess (Palm Beach, FL) on 12/04/2008
★★★★★
Tim, thank you for your post about acv curing body odor. I tried your technique the past 2 days and it has worked fabulously! I used a very cheap brand of apple cider vinegar from the grocery store (not organic but "all natural") and applied it straight using a doused cotton ball to my armpits about 2-3 minutes before getting in the shower. I did not use soap to remove the smell, just hot water. It does last all day! I worked out at the gym last night and even though I had a good sweat, still no smell. I had been using the baking soda remedy but gave up on it recently as it caused too much irritation. Thanks again for your post!
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Gean (Salina, Kansas) on 09/09/2008
★★★★★
The best natural deodorant I have found is a few drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) rubbed under the arms. Works perfectly!
Corn Starch
Posted by Pat (Ballwin, MO) on 08/23/2008
★★★★★
Another good deodorant is CORN STARCH baby powder. Do not use powders with TALC! If you stop using soap and begin using shower gels that are clear, the Corn Starch Baby Powder does the trick.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Mona (Albany, GA) on 08/08/2008
★★★★★
I found several postings about dabbing ACV on underarms and then powdering with baking soda as a deoderant/anti perspirant. I felt like my deoderant was failing me and was looking for a more natural approach. This is AMAZING and truly works. I never would've believed it, but I have absolutely no odor what so ever. I encourage you to try this. I also take a bath with 1 cup ACV + 1 cup baking soda and my skin is so soft. I will be enjoying many more ACV "recipes" now that these 2 have been so successful.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by CK (New York City, New York) on 05/28/2009
★★★★★
Hi I found this site after months of painful acid reflux. I'm 28 and was suffering for about a few months. It was so bad my throat was constantly swollen and I had a extreme headache from the acid.
I tried over the counter medication and prescription and none of it was helping. I tried apple cider and boom! I had relief. I spent the next two weeks strictly taking apple cider along with yogurt and aloe and a gentle diet and I was good to go.
Now I've been testing apple cider vinegar and baking soda to see if it will work to reduce my body odor. I dont smell too much but I wanted a natural alternative to deodorant and harsh soaps.
1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in the bath tub it instantly cleaned my body and I've never smelled like nothing before. My skin feels great as well. I recommend this website and I recommend trying because it really changed my life!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Smiggy (Sg) on 07/30/2013
The problem with all these external remedies is it is temporal and did not resolve the problem. I suggest you try armpit massage or armpit meridian massage. (see my post on armpit massage for BO issue)
I was struggling with these smell for a few years now and in one week, I more or less got rid of 90% and it comes back only if I don't shower for 2 days. This is really an achievement considering that sometimes, I do smell a little even after shower especially in our hot and humid weather.
Baking Soda, Corn Starch, Baby Powder
Posted by Pat (Tupelo, MS, USA) on 08/02/2008
★★★★★
I developed a rash from commercial deodorants and tried some commercial sticks without the aluminum...no rash but had bad BO. So now I have concocted a recipe that works for me 1/3 baking soda, 1/3 corn starch, 1/3 baby powder, then make into a thick paste using citrus antiseptic mouthwash and a little lotion. Works great for me!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Sachse, TX) on 07/26/2008
★★★★★
I'm not sure about cellulite, but I'm sure if anything would work ACV would. I had horrible acne and started applying it straight topically and taking two table spoons internally daily. Also started applying it to my arm pits nightly. I had a horrible problem with deodorant not working after my first pancreatic attack. I now only have to apply deodorant once in the morning. No reapplying 3 or 4 times during the day. I noticed after about a week that I was using the restroom more regularly. Because I have Pancreatitis, sometimes my food does not digest properly. The ACV has also helped with this. I have never believed in anything the way I believe in Apple Cider Vinegar. It is inexpensive and good for you. So even if it doesn't work for Cellulite it will make you feel better over all. I have heard of people using ACV as a fat flush to lose weight. Maybe that is why it has helped with some peoples cellulite. Good Luck!!!
Diaper Rash Ointment
Posted by JB (Somewhere, Maryland) on 09/13/2008
★★★★★
I read about using diaper rash ointment for under arm protection in the newspaper last week. I tried it that very day-- it's the best antiperspirant/deodorant I have ever used. It's a wonderful alternative to the usual stuff.
Baking Soda
Posted by Greggitta (Carlisle, Ma, United States) on 06/05/2011
★★★★★
I have had terrible under arm odor on the right side for decades. I've tried a lot of things. I started ingesting Virgin Cocout Oil 2 days ago - shooting for 1 tablespoon twice a day. (Also virgin coconut butter which is delicious! ) I started because of some of the other well documented health benefits. The body odor stopped yesterday. No bathing before bed last night and I still woke up this morning smelling like a rose. I can't wait to go dancing. ;-)
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Coconut Oil
Posted by Misha (Hiram, US) on 04/25/2008
★★★★★
I just want to say this site is amazing. I have suffered from body odor for years I have taken 2 showers a day constantly trying to stay on top of my hygiene I am an excessive sweater as well (genetics) and nothing has seemed to work I have been using ACV (soak cotton ball with acv) along with baking soda (dust underarms with baking soda) and coconut oil (rub coconut oil in) it is great!! I have not worn deodorant in 4 weeks. I have absolutely no body odor whatsoever. I'm still in shock. I have tied every deodorant even natural brands and nothing has ever worked for me. I suffer from anxiety which makes things worse as far as sweating but now I am more confident I know I'm not offending anyone I keep waiting on this to wear off it won't this site has saved my life!!!
Baking Soda
Posted by D.ron (Madison, Wi) on 11/10/2010
Aluminum destroys the nervous system preventing the glands from sweating... Not a good solution. Once the aluminum is in your body it travels to the brain causing more havoc.
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 11/28/2007 490 posts
★★★★★
I learned from a patient back in the 60's that she had never used deoderant. I was aghast and told her that most people who didn't use deoderant, I could smell a block away when they lifted an arm. She replied, "My father was a chemist and he told me that if you didn't use soap, you didn't need deoderant, because soap is what makes you stink" so she had never used soap. I filed it away in my little brain in hatever area we file stuff like that in, until 1980. At that time I lived close enough to the office, I could run home and bathe and eturn within l5 minutes, if I found my failure to use deoderant as well as soap, failed me & I stunk! Lo and behold - I have not used soap, except for occasional handwashing. I figured the rationale behind that one must be that soap is alkaline and must destroy the slightly acid mantle our skin is supposed to have. As I tell people, you do have to bathe, but just use a good, thick wash cloth and water, and you don't stink. I am happy to do without it as soap makes me itch.
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Sharon A. (Greenwich, CT) on 08/14/2008
★★★★★
To Joyce from Joelton, Tn -- thank you for this simple cure. It is the best!
I had been using the baking soda cure for body odor for a few weeks, but stopped because it was causing small cysts where I nicked myself shaving. I have now been "off" soap for 5 days (ha ha, that sounds funny) and after the second day, no armpit odor. I shampooed my hair yesterday and later in the day, smelled some b/o. I deduced that it must have started when I rinsed my hair, some of the shampoo residue got under my arms (duh, obviously)... So as long as nothing but water touches your underarms, no body odor. Our family started using the natural laundry detergent that doesn't contain phospates and fragrances, just essential oils, so that must be helping too.
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Rena (Mineral Bluff, Georgia) on 05/08/2009
Hi Joyce from Joelton,
I did an experiment this week. I have been using a salt stone as deodorant for at least 5 years, and have been using borax as a shampoo, and body wash for at least a year. I thought since it's not exactly soap, maybe I can get by without using anything under my arms after my shower. Sure enough, I have no odor, and most of the temps in my area have been around the 80's this week, and I work a physical job. Thanks for the tip, who would have thunk that soap is what stunk (sorry bad rime). Peace, Rena.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandy (In the sticks, Nevada) on 11/24/2007
★★★★★
I have been using ACV for months now instead of deodorant. I use cold shower therapy and no soap and the vinegar is working great. When you apply it, be sure to go over the area well and not miss a spot. Cut the vinegar with water if you are sensitive. I have showered in the morning, applied ACV, done a vigorous Tae Kwon Do workout (1 hour)at noon, reshowered and NOT reapplied ACV and gone through the day without odor. In fact, sometimes it lasts until the next morning! I do believe there is something about anxiety perspiration that is different than our everyday perspiration however, because whenever I have a big social event or an occasion where I may have to do some public speaking, the vinegar has failed me. I have to rely on that nasty commercial deodorant on those days and I hate it! I would love to get some feedback on using ACV like this.
Baking Soda
Posted by Anniem (Virginia ) on 07/20/2022
★★★★★
Make a paste of coconut oil and baking soda. A little bit goes a long way.
Baking Soda
Posted by FK (NYC) on 07/28/2007
★★★★★
The baking soda remedy for body odor was the lucky charm! I tried the zinc oxide remedy after reading it on your site. I think it worked but my armpits were way too greasy! It was very uncomfortable. After that I tried baking soda on my armpits and let me tell you -- it's a winner. Lasts all day and is much better than any natural or chemical deordorant I have ever tried. I now wet the baking soda down before applying it.. otherwise it is gritty. I think baking soda is probably one of the safest remedies to put near your lymph nodes. No way aluminum! I wonder if some day they will attribute some cases of breast cancer to the aluminum in deodorant and location of the sentinel lymph node. Just a theory of mine
Iodine
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 08/19/2010
I agree completely with Tom from Regina. For those people who doubt or are afraid of Lugol Iodine's efficacy, it would be useful to research the older history of Lugol Iodine's use -- which started round about 1829 when lugol's was discovered. Since this time, Lugol's Iodine was used quite successfully against the Asian Flu Epidemic of 1918, used for hypo and hyperthyroidism and was used regularly as a successful cure for allergies such as asthma in 6-9 mgs amounts as well as for a host of other ailments, including candida(Google "Orian Truss Candida").
Current research by the Iodine Project highlights the benefits of larger dose iodine -- backed up by the most current and up to date independent research, and also highlights something called "iodophobia" -- the successful spread, by the drugs companies, of the fear of iodine poisoning in order to belittle and sidetrack lugol's efficacy and thereby to simultaneously promote their own horrific synthetic drugs instead. Why else is lugol's iodine now sold only in 2 oz bottles? And why else is it so hard to purchase the original strength 5% Lugol's now? And, if it's so dangerous or poisonous, why is it so easy to buy Lugol's Iodine for you're dog, cat or horse from the vet?
It is only since the 1950s -- with the advent of the notorious Wolff-Chaikoff Effect report on Iodine's efficacy, that suggested iodine was both poisonous if taken in higher amounts than 1 mg and therefore useless if taken for hypo and hyperthyroid conditions. Dr Abraham's demolished the Wolff-Chaikoff findings as truly amatuerish research, that was simply used as "spoiler research" or "scare research" in order to destroy lugol iodine's useful medical reputation.
Here is Dr Abraham's rebuttal to the Wolf-Chaikoff research findings:
The Wolff-Chaikoff Effect: Crying Wolf?
And here is a link to a huge amount of other independent research on iodine -- which seems to heal everything from flu to fibroids to fibrocystic breast disease to candida to cancer -- but only in amounts over 100 or 1000 times greater than the current RDA of 150 micrograms a day. Here is the link to alot of the current iodine research:
Iodine Group Research
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Robin (Rocky Ridge, Ohio) on 01/24/2009
Actually, soap has a higher alkalinity than our skin prefers. Our skin prefers a rather acid ph. This is why after a shower with soap we itch, it's because the ph of our skin has been altered and the natural oils neutralized/removed by the soap. A remedy for itchy skin is a moisturizer of lotion, cream or oil. Oil is actually an acid and that's why the itching stops, because the ph has been altered back to acidic with the application of the oil substance.
When the skin gets alkaline, it creates a breeding ground for the bacteria that causes odor. The bacteria feed off of the sweat in the alkaline environment.
I've been using the no soap and AC vinegar method. I put 50/50 ACV and water in a spray bottle and spritz it on before I shower. After scrubbing with a plain wet washcloth, I get out of the shower and spritz the ACV/Water mixture again instead of deodorant.
What stumps me is the baking soda working on body odor because it is an alkaline substance. The only thing I can think of that causes it to work is that it may become too alkaline for the bacteria to thrive and/or absorbing the sweat. But given all the redness, rashes, itching and reactions to the BS, I would say its probably too alkaline for the skin of most people and the reason for these reactions.
For those of you using regular baking soda from the stores, name brand or otherwise, they also contain aluminum. The only baking soda I know of that is aluminum free is a brand available at the health food stores that specifically states on the label, Aluminum Free. If memory serves me correctly, most of the baking soda found in stores is a by product of aluminum manufacturing. They just don't list it on the label. I buy the aluminum free BS to use internally to keep my body alkalized.
I'm also intrigued by Ted's explanation of magnesium and zinc deficiencies being a cause for an increase in body odor. Earlier today I actually started taking zinc and this evening I took some magnesium citrate because I've been getting the heart palpitations back again and the mag cured it before. hmmmm...I think he's on to something...
Blessings,
Robin
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Robin (Rocky Ridge, Ohio) on 10/06/2009
Kj, sorry it took so long for me to get back to this, I've not been on the site for awhile.
To answer your question, yes it worked right away. I'm still on the no soap and ACV/Water regime. I use it everywhere and because of the alpha hydroxy acids in the ACV, it is an exfolliant, removing the dead skin from your body. I pay special attention to elbows, knees, and feet to keep them soft and at times you can see the dead skin it's removing. (just be careful to shave after using it, not before) The 50/50 water/ACV may be too strong for some. it can be diluted down to 66/33 or 75/25 water to ACV and still work as well. I've been using a deodorant crystal as deodorant but have recently been researching the use of himilayan sea salt, the kind used for salt lamps as a deodorant instead. It's used the same as the crystal deodorant, rubbed on wet and comes in a bar form like soap. It's another alternative to traditional chemical based deodorants. It works because it doesn't allow bacteria to grow...think of foods preserved with salt...same concept. Blessings and good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Janette (Asheville, NC) on 06/19/2007
★★★★★
I have been having an issue of intense and slightly putrid body odor coming out of my right armpit lately for some bizarre reason. I cannot figure out what is causing it. The thing that has stopped it in about 20 minutes is acv and baking soda remedy. One remedy dose lasts about a day. Now I just have to figure out what is going on in my body to cause this issue! Usually it happens when I have taken a medication or an OTC med like ibuprofen, but I haven't touched anything in months. Another question I have is whether people notice that they have a stronger scent come from one armpit than another?
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 06/18/2011
Since I started using lemon juice I never looked back! Soon I will try and see how many days I can go without using it. Even on very hot days (and we have had quite a few this year), I can wear clothes made of artifical fibers without smelling at all! Before, even with the best deodorants I would get to the end of a hot day and I would be smelling. I think that the problem for most people is bacteria, at least for under arm odor. Now even if I don't have the time to take a bath on a hot day I don't smell! When I travel I take a couple of lemons in my suitcase wrapped in a plastic bag.
Hand Sanitizers
Posted by Sajid (Karachi, Pakistan) on 03/26/2007
★★★★★
I have found that applying the off-the-shelf hand sanitizers in the underarms after a shower. Works great for eliminating BO. I find this of great use since I have developed an allergy to some ingredient of the deodorant sprays and sticks that, if applied, cause severe itching and rash.
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Catpat (Hillsborough County Tampa, Florida) on 06/02/2012
Thank you for this site. My problem is a severe onion odor under my armpits for the past 56 years. I have tried BS, crystal stones, lemon, lime and lavender oils, talc powder, antibacterial soaps, Drysol, and even bleach. Every one of these remedies worked for a period of time and then eventually stopped. Lately the smell returns within minutes of my (long) shower. This problem has been the bane of my existence. Can a digestive disorder be the problem? If so what are some of the remedies. How safe is 'ACV with mother'?
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Kally (Oxenford, Queensland Australia) on 06/02/2012
Hi have you tried drinking chlorella - my husband, daughter and I use this and none of us ever need deodorant also bi-carb as deodorant another good one is using silver water all three work a treat for us.
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Tina (Houston, USA) on 06/03/2012
Good sources of foods that are rich in probiotics several times daily. Kefir, kombucha, sauerkrauet and fermented veggies are great sources of cheap and good probiotics.
http://culturedfoodlife.com/
Also good quality chlorella will reduce or help eliminate the issue. Good luck.
Alkaline Soap, Baking Soda
Posted by Madeline (New York) on 09/21/2016
Try a using a wet pad with a little betadine on it to wipe the underarms with. Rinse off with another wet pad. Follow with your favorite antiperspirant/deodorant. This cured my similar problem (had it for many decades). I love being free from that curse. I wish I had figured out this solution earlier in life. I hope you try this and I wish you the best.
Hibiclens
Posted by Eliza (Portland, Or) on 04/17/2010
★★★★★
Actually it's spelled Hibiclens. For decades, I tried a zillion ideas for stopping underarm body odor. Recently I read about Hibiclens and it's the only one that's worked for me. I put it on when I get up in the morning, then rinse it off in the shower. It's really amazing how well it works. I bought it at for about $11/bottle.
Chlorophyll
Posted by Art (California) on 05/18/2020 2326 posts
★★★★★
UNDERARM ODOR:
Recently a person was telling me about his wife who has significant underarm odor and he mentioned she had tried several things, but they did not work at all. I suggested that he might consider giving her chlorophyll in liquid or pill form because it can work very well for this purpose and probably will work for smelly feet because it has a detoxing effect and is thought to absorb some of these odor causing bacteria and toxins. That was about two months ago.
He just let me know that he tried chlorophyll soft gels at three 50 mg softgels per day and while it helped a little with the odor, it wasn't enough.
He decided to increase her dose to three, 100 mg doses per day or 300 mg total per day and he said that has worked perfectly for his wife and no more underarm odor!
Art
