Why do my armpits smell so bad even with deodorant?

Author: Xavier Kuhn  |  Last update: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Even if you're using deodorant, you might still experience smelly armpits. This could be due to various factors such as diet, stress, hormonal changes, or even the type of bacteria present in your underarms.

Why do my armpits smell no matter what deodorant I use?

Bacterial Activity: Body odor is primarily caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. If your skin has a higher concentration of odor-causing bacteria, you may still experience smell even with deodorant. Regular washing and exfoliation can help reduce bacteria.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene and deodorant?

Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.

How do I permanently get rid of underarm odor?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

Why is my deodorant not helping my odor?

Factors like hormonal changes, diet, stress, and even your workout routine can alter your body's chemistry, making your once go-to deodorant less effective.

What causes body odor and how to treat them? | Body Odor Solution | Dr. Hansaji

What deodorant is best for smelly armpits?

Our top picks
  • Best Overall: Mario Badescu Deodorant.
  • Best Antiperspirant Deodorant: Degree MotionSense Lavender & Waterlily Antiperspirant.
  • Best Budget: Dove 0% Aluminum.
  • Best for Serious Sweat: Advanced Care Cool Essentials 72-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant.
  • Best Cream: Megababe The Cream Deo.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene down there?

A strong vaginal odor may be a sign of vaginitis, or it may be a temporary smell related to your hygiene, lifestyle or other changes. Take note of whether you have other symptoms. If the odor is related to an infection, you'll usually notice other changes, like vaginal itching, burning and discharge.

What vitamin deficiency causes body odor?

Vitamin D does more than just give you a sunny glow—it's also super important for keeping your skin and body in check. If you're low on it, your skin could let more bacteria do their thing, which = more body odor.

Will my armpits ever stop smelling?

There are actionable steps you can take to control armpit odor and boost your confidence. Maintaining good hygiene is crucial. Regular washing of your underarms with antibacterial soap can help keep the bacteria population in check. Consider your diet.

Why is my bo so bad lately?

Sweating and body odor are common when you exercise or you're too warm. They're also common when you're feeling nervous, anxious or stressed. Unusual changes in sweating — either too much (hyperhidrosis) or too little (anhidrosis) — can be cause for concern. Changes in body odor also may signal a health problem.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

Why do I smell bad even after showering and using deodorant?

Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments. "If body odor persists despite good hygiene, it could signal an underlying health problem like hormonal imbalances, infections, or metabolic disorders," he adds.

Can I put lotion on my armpits instead of deodorant?

Care routines. In addition to proper daily hygiene to avoid the growth of bacteria and unpleasant odours developing, Flávia recommends moisturising the skin in this area twice a day. In the morning, use a moisturiser followed by a deodorant or opt for an anti-perspirant rich in moisturising compounds.

What does thyroid sweat smell like?

Diabetes - Fruity smell. Kidney disease - Bleach-like smell. Infectious diseases - Varies with location and infection. Overactive thyroid - Sour smell.

How to remove smell from underarms permanently?

Answered by dermatologist Corey Georgesen, MD:
  1. Showering daily.
  2. Reducing or removing spicy foods.
  3. Using antibacterial soap or surgical scrub in sweat-prone areas.
  4. Eliminating your use of stimulants, including caffeine.
  5. Reducing stress.

What hormone imbalance causes body odor?

Different hormones, different aromas

This shift can also lead to stronger body odor. Estrogen and progesterone levels fall relative to your testosterone, while cortisol tends to increase. Higher levels of both testosterone and cortisol have been linked to stronger body odor.

What does diabetic sweat smell like?

People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin. This is due to the buildup of ketones in your bloodstream, which is a byproduct of fat breakdown.

Why am I always wet down there and smelly?

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common causes of a smelly vagina, affecting 15% to 50% of women of reproductive age. 'It's a condition where there's an imbalance in the vaginal flora,' Dr Rosén explains. 'The first symptom is often a fishy smell, which can progress to a frothy, grey or green-ish discharge.

What does high estrogen smell like?

Does estrogen have a smell? Estrogen doesn't have a scent, but hormonal changes during menopause can alter body odor. As estrogen drops and testosterone becomes more dominant, sweat may attract more bacteria, leading to stronger smells, particularly during hot flashes.

What does BV smell like?

Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesn't usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese. Vaginal irritation: Typically, BV doesn't cause vaginal irritation or itchiness.

What do dermatologists recommend for armpit odor?

If you have bad body odor, here are a few things you can try to smell good all day long: 1. Use PanOxyl 4% (benzoyl peroxide) cleanser in the shower 2-3x/week. PanOxyl can help reduce odor causing bacteria on the skin.

Why are my armpits smelling so bad recently?

Smelly armpits usually occur from wearing dirty clothes, not using deodorants, and not bathing regularly, but this isn't always true. Some medical conditions that you can't control may cause body odour.

What deodorant kills underarm bacteria?

NIVEA Antibacterial Deodorant

NIVEA MEN Silver Protect Anti-Perspirant Roll-On fights and kills up to 99% of bacteria that cause body odour using innovative silver ions to help you feel fresh all day. This antibacterial deodorant also provides you with 48h anti-perspirant protection and even contains 0% ethyl alcohol.

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