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.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Karen (Rochester, NY) on 05/03/2009
★★★★★
I use undiluted milk of magnesia with essential oils in place of regular deodorant. I use a few drops of pure lavender oil in a full bottle of MoM, but you can choose whatever scent you like. It is a little messy to apply (I tried using cotton balls) so I put it in a spritz bottle, which gets clogged up quickly, so I went back to using the cotton balls.
I haven't experienced any side effects, and being in a very active job, I have found that one application in the morning is enough for the day and works great. I've been doing this for almost two years.
Tips:
1. Check the labels before you buy - some have other ingredients you wouldn't want like stabilizers, and artificial sweeteners. There is almost always a generic equivalent that is just pure MoM on the shelf next to the other brands.
2. When selecting essential oils - these must also be pure, otherwise you could cause irritations. Since you are using this on a daily basis, stick with the gentle oils like pure lavender. Research your oil choice carefully. For example, citrus based oils, while very uplifting, can cause a person to be hyper sun-sensitive. You could possibly use tea tree essential oil if there is an active infection/overgrowth in the body that would benefit from daily application. In any case, the essential oil should be a high grade oil.
3. Since it is wet when applied, give yourself time before you put a shirt on, especially a dark colored one! It dries quickly, but if you get it on your clothes, you'll see a whitish powdery stain (which washes right out).
Zinc
Posted by Jake (Newark , NJ) on 04/30/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I upped my intake to 75mg before bed & I see no difference.
Baking Soda
Posted by Ashley (St. Louis, Missouri USA) on 04/24/2009
Zinc oxide worked for me. I followed the instructions from Sid under the Zinc oxide ointment heading at the last of this section. I was totally amazed at how well it worked, since it is not even sold as a deodorant, but a skin cream. Live and learn.
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 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
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Sid Davis (Springfield, Missouri, USA) on 04/19/2009
★★★★★
Get a tube of 20% zinc oxide ointment from a drug store or Walmart. After your shower and dry off, smear this on instead of deodorant. My wife and I have used this for many, many years and NEVER have under arm odor. It works better than any deodorant we have ever used. We don't even need it everyday. I use a dab about the size of two green peas under each arm every other day, but you can experiment with the amount and frequency. If you use too much, your pores might get temporarily clogged, so don't over do it. Zinc oxide is the main ingredient in many diaper creams. It simply kills the bacteria which cause underarm odor.
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 Tia C. (Pittsburg, Ca) on 04/02/2009
Just wanted to comment on the baking soda as a deodorant. I discovered this trick about a month ago trying to think of something i could use after waxing because it's advised not to use deodorants due to open pores. I usually use a drop of lavender oil and the baking soda in the palm of my hand after showering. Works great!
Cabbage
Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 04/01/2009
★★★★★
Thank you for this great remedy! I started it this morning with an old recipe my mother came up with in the 1970s for us kids in order to get more vegetables and fruits into our bodies. Blend 1 apple (I used granny smith), 1/2 cup cabbage chopped and 1/2 cup (or more) of distilled water. It was far more than I could eat at one go, so I have stuck it in the fridge and plan to eat it throughout the day. Oh, my mother also added blueberries and other fruit to the blender as well as some honey. But for me, just the apple and red cabbage is quite yummy! Will report back in a week or so and let you know my results for underarm odor.
Baking Soda
Posted by Janet (Whitehead, Northern Ireland) on 04/01/2009
★★★★★
Baking Soda (use as a deodorant)
I read somewhere online that Bicarbonate of Soda absorbs odours and I always put a bowl of it in the fridge to keep it fresh, so I thought I would give it a go as a deodorant. I was amazed to find that it really works. I just ran some tap water over my fingers, dipped them into the Bicarb and patted it under my arms after a shower. I couldn't believe that there was no odour all day, at all, and even the next morning before my shower. It stung a tiny bit because I had just shaved my armpits so the next day I tried the Bicarb again but this time I put a couple of drops of Grapeseed oil in the palm of my hand, added a couple of pinches of the Bicarb and made a small amount of paste which I then rubbed under my arms. It worked even better as the oil was soothing. You do have to use a really tiny amount. You could always dust more on later dry if you thought you needed it but I didn't need to. You could also add one drop of your favourite essential oil if you wanted to smell of something. I will be using Bicarb as deodorant from now on as it is so cheap and natural.
Hydrogen Peroxide Spray
Posted by Jorge (Albuquerque, NM) on 03/29/2009
★★★★★
Hydrogen peroxide diluted in a spray bottle. Spray on body after shower, this will kill the bacteria that is causing you body odor.
Baking Soda
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 03/28/2009 490 posts
Hello Veronica,
If you haven't already tried leaving off soap to get rid of that body odor, please do so. If you do decide to try this, put a cup or two of apple cider vinegar in your bath water to get the soap you used in the last bath off your skin or you'll still stink a day or two after you stop using it. All you need for keeping the body clean is water and a good thick, all cotton wash cloth. You can always use a loofah sponge if you feel like you need to scrub clean. I would also suggest you leave off any smelly stuff you have been using like perfumes, lotions, colognes, etc.
Baking Soda
Posted by Leah (Las Vegas, NV) on 03/28/2009
In response to Veronica from Singapore: I would take a look at what you're eating. If you eat mainly fresh veggies and fruit and overall a more natural diet, I think you're b.o. issue will diminish greatly. A raw vegan diet will help a great deal with body odor.
Vinegar
Posted by Dee (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on 03/23/2009
Cure for Under Arm Odor That Works!!
To solve under arm odor, at the end of my shower I use plain vinegar under my arms (not apple cider). I use a palm full under each arm (I keep it in my bathroom in a plastic bottle). It really works and lasts a day or two!!! I tried it in summer (August)!!
I did not try it to run a marathon or engage in a lot of exercise. You have to let it dry for the vinegar smell to go away, but IT REALLY WORKS!!!!!!
EC: Plain vinegar = distilled white vinegar
Cabbage
Posted by Susan (Oakland, NJ) on 03/22/2009
★★★★★
Body Odor: Raw Red Cabbage, I eat about 1 cup a day with olive oil and sea salt. I do not have any odor with or without my natural deoderant. I find it pretty amazing that all I need to do is eat cabbage and I do not have to worry. I am a massage therapist, so I need to be odor free. I refuse to use regular deoderant, so I have been searching for an answer. I also drink green drinks, do applecider vinegar, you name it, I take it or have taken it. None has worked. I am so happy for this find that I needed to share it, so others who struggle with it no longer need to. Hope you try it, you won't be dissapointed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Noelle (Tampa, FL) on 03/22/2009
★★★★★
ACV cured my acid reflux (and made me smell like roses!) ok, maybe not roses, but it definitely stopped any sort of bacterial growth that caused my body odor.
i take acv orally, 2 tablespoons per glass of water, every morning and two hours before bed. i was diagnosed with acid reflux at 12 and took pills off and on but i feel so free. Apple Cider Vinegar freed me naturally!
I also keep the acv in the shower and before i turn on the water i put some music on, pour the acv all over my body (i pour a little in my hand and then rub on my body), dance around for 2 minutes and then spend my shower rinsing, NO SOAP!. after the vinegar smell goes away i towel off and go about my business. every deodorant ive ever tried has let me down, time and time again, but this stuff-i love it! i ride my bicycle 10 miles a day commuting and i sniff and sniff and check and check and nothing-no smell at all, its a beautiful thing. i want to shout from the rooftops! These pharmaceutical companys tell us that we have to use their products, their chemicals- and we dont! we just need to go back to nature.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 03/10/2009
★★★★★
Two warm days in Atlanta, an excellent time to test these body odor remedies! I applied milk of magnesia as mentioned by Bessie for the past few days. Today it reached about 80F and I am sweating up a storm in my office, drinking hot tea all the while. No body odor. I have also applied it before working out last night when it was in the 70s and again, no b.o.
Great remedy, thanks Bessie!
P.S. It does not last through multiple showers. You must reapply each time.
Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 03/08/2009
★★★★★
For underarm odour, I've had good luck with Milk of Magnesia as posted by someone else at Earth Clinic. I just pour a wee bit into my hand and rub it into my armpits. Wait until it dries before putting on your clothes. It worked remarkably well and I've been under a great deal of stress lately. I used the name brand Milk of Magnesia (from the pharmacy) but you could probably use a generic or store brand one. Good luck!
Baking Soda
Posted by Dianna (Austin, TX) on 03/08/2009
oh and i just re-read your post - if you want to use ACV as a deodorant - you need to apply it after your shower instead of before.
Baking Soda
Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 03/08/2009
try bathing with grandpa's pine tar soap and then using the baking soda. a good way to use the baking soda is to mix it with a little virgin coconut oil and smear this paste under your arms. both baking soda and VCO help with odor - so you will be getting a 2 in one - and the baking soda will stay where you put it this way. let it sink in for a few moments b4 dressing.
another thing that you can try - are those crystal deodorant stones. i use one of them and it works for me.
Baking Soda
Posted by Veronica (Singapore) on 03/08/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi guys, i found this site a few months ago when i was looking for a body odour cure. I have this really bad odour...it stinks from miles and no amount of bathing or scrubbing helps.I have tried applying baking soda on my armpits...it worked wonders. the smell was totally gone. BUT, it always left huge white circles in my clothes which was so embarassing. So i tried the acv on my armpits before showers... this does not help at all... i still stink!! PLSSS help... my BO is killing me and everyone around me!!!!
Vitamin C
Posted by Tess (Palm Beach, FL) on 03/05/2009
Hi, Haycee. No, it's not the fizzy kind but a tablet you chew on. So far so good. I have found that it lasts as long as you shower. If you don't reapply it doesn't last. One application of apple cider vinegar last through at least 2 showers. Thanks for the tip about wounds. Great to know!
Vitamin C
Posted by Haycee (Gauteng, SA) on 03/05/2009
@ Tess from Palm Beach: Is your orange flavoured Vit C the fizzy type? Might be a ticklish affair ;) However, I will be interested to hear if it works as well for you as it does for me.
I also meant to mention that Vit C is excellent as a topical application for cuts and grazes. Whenever I suffer an injury I increase my Vit C intake and dissolve a tablet in a bit of water and apply to the wound several times a day. It heals twice as fast. Regards.
Vitamin C
Posted by Tess (Palm Beach, Fl) on 03/04/2009
Thanks for this remedy. I started it this morning by grinding up an orange flavored vit c in my mortar and pestle. I also might try applying colloidal zinc at some point to see if that won't work too. I bought it ages ago and haven't touched it more than once. Any kind of zinc brings on serious acid reflux. But under the arms might work!
Vitamin C
Posted by Haycee (Gauteng, SA) on 03/03/2009
★★★★★
Vitamin C for body odour
I have tried several remedies listed on EC for body odour after I suddenly started perspiring profusely this summer and noticed a strong and unpleasant smell coming from one armpit. I stopped using soap, tried ACV, baking soda, coconut oil, witchazel, zinc ointment, green clay, all with varying degrees of success. However, they were no match for the hot and humid SA summer we are experiencing and had to be re-applied during the day.
Two weeks ago, I hit on a simple remedy which works spectacularly well - Vit C. I have been experimenting with remedies to replace soap and hit the jackpot when I mixed one crushed Vit C tablet with about two tablespoons of baking soda and discovered that the mixture prevents body odour. I also use the mix to brush my teeth. Later I discovered that Vit C works well on its own as a deodorant.
Here's what I do: I crush a Vit C tablet (ascorbic acid 500mg), lightly dip a damp finger in the powder and apply to damp skin once a day. One tablet is enough for many applications since you need a miniscule amount to be effective. I have also noticed that it not only prevents BO but also instantly removes any odour if, for some reason, you neglect to apply it in the morning.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kj (Philadelphia, PA) on 03/02/2009
★★★★★
I've been using ACV instead of deodorant for the past week and it works! I can go over 24 hours without having any odor. I sweat in my sleep and thought the ACV would surely fail me-- it didn't! I may never use deodorant again! I can't wait to see if this works in the summer.
Ozonated Olive Oil
Posted by James (Vancouver, BC, Canada) on 03/01/2009
Check Out Earthonated's Ozonated Olive Oil, this is a great super strong ozonated product.
http://www.earthonated.com
Regards,
James
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Posted by Tess (Palm Beach, FL) on 02/22/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Warning about the zinc oxide ointment for body odor. I agree, it works great. I've been using it for the past 2 weeks, every other day like one of the posts suggests. But... it's not just zinc oxide you're applying -- there's also light mineral, white beeswax and white petrolatum listed as ingredients. Not great things to have absorbed near your armpit lymph nodes! After reading the contents on my tube this morning, I may go back to ACV even though the zinc oxide has been great.
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Sara (Calgary, Canada) on 02/22/2009
I have successfully been using zinc creme for body odor. the cheap store name brand from my local pharmacy. i use a very small amount on the tip of my finger and rub it in well. it's not greasy if you do this. i remain BO free all day long.
sara
Stop Using Soap
Posted by Kj (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on 02/21/2009
Robin, did this method of cleaning work immediately? Also, did you use the ACV solution ALL over? Is this safe to use on your private areas?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Charlotte, NC) on 02/21/2009
★★★★★
I LOVE this site! AMAZING! Yes, the ACV works miracles for under-arm BO. I mean, I haven't used deoderant in days!! I'm so glad b/c I was tired of putting toxic aluminum crap on my skin. I just dab some ACV on a cotton ball, apply it to my pits about 3-4 mins before I get in the shower, rinse off and I'm good for the WHOLE day! And the nght! I usually sweat a lot at night, so that was the ultimate test.I mean NO ODOR. It's wonderful..
Baking Soda
Posted by Sue (Boston, MA) on 02/09/2009
Have you tried applying a mix of corn starch and baking soda? This mixture seems to have done the trick for me, it is very soothing, and takes care of any odor issues.
