Why is my underarm deodorant not working?

Author: Shannon Reilly  |  Last update: Friday, June 13, 2025

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. So, what's the game plan when your deodorant is not working for you? Think of it as a chance to reassess and realign. Maybe it's time to switch up your products.

What do I do if my deodorant doesn't work?

Maybe you're applying it wrong? PLEASE try this first: shower at night. After your shower, COMPLETELY DRY YOUR UNDERARMS. Apply deodorant. Let it absorb overnight. In the morning, do NOT shower. Apply a little more deodorant. See if this works.

Why do I still smell when I use deodorant?

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.

How do you get rid of armpit odor when deodorant doesn't work?

If the deodorant doesn't work, consider another old-fashioned remedy you haven't tried: baking soda. It changes the pH of the armpit and helps to keep it dry, and both of those things help get rid of odor.

How to permanently remove armpit 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.

5 Reasons Why You Stink And HOW TO SMELL BETTER

Why do I still smell after using natural deodorant?

When you make the switch from traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants, it's common to enter what is known as the "Detox Phase." During this initial period, you might observe an increase in both sweat and body odour. This response is perfectly normal and an important part of transitioning to a natural product.

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.

Does shaving armpits reduce smell?

Does shaving your armpits reduce body odor? Yes, shaving can help reduce body odor. Hair provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which break down sweat and produce odor. Removing hair can decrease this bacterial activity.

Why are my armpits rejecting deodorant?

It's not that your deodorant itself has lost its mojo; it's more about how your body responds to it. 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 deodorant works the best?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant and Deodorant.
  • Best Men's: Degree Men UltraClear.
  • Best Spray: Dove Invisible Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant.
  • Best for Men's Scent: Jack Black Pit Boss.
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: DERMAdoctor Total Nonscents Ultra Gentle Antiperspirant.

Why has my deodorant can stopped working?

Your deodorant's effectiveness can decline due to inadequate personal hygiene practices, leading to excess odor-causing bacteria. Sometimes, people use even more deodorants, perfumes and body sprays to mask unpleasant odors, making matters worse.

Why is my deodorant not working all of a sudden?

Environmental factors: Hot and humid weather can cause increased sweating, overwhelming the deodorant's capacity to keep up with odor and sweat control. Lifestyle Changes: Changes in diet, stress levels, and physical activity can alter our body's natural odor, making the current deodorant less effective.

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.

How do you reset armpit bacteria?

Personal hygiene and lifestyle
  1. Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. ...
  2. Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. ...
  3. Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes.
  4. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton.

Can I leave apple cider vinegar on my armpits overnight?

Simply dip a piece of kitchen towel or a washcloth in the vinegar and rub it under your armpits. The smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, but if you prefer, you could dab the apple cider vinegar under your armpits in the evening and leave it on overnight.

Why do my armpits stink even after I shower?

Product build-up. Sometimes, the products you're using can actually contribute to the problem. If you're not rinsing off your soap or body wash completely, it can mix with sweat and bacteria, creating a perfect storm for odor.

Is roll-on deodorant better than spray?

As far as mildness goes it doesn't matter if you use a roll on deodorant or a spray on deodorant. However, I would recommend you use a good roll on or tube rather than a spray. One reason is effectiveness. Research has found that only 11.4% of a spray reaches the skin.

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 can't I smell my deodorant anymore?

Things like stress, hormonal changes, new medications, and different lifestyle factors (like harder workouts or shifts in the weather) can all impact how you sweat, and your go-to deodorant may not be able to stand up to the new situation.

How long does it take to detox your armpits?

A 2 to 4 week transition period can be expected when transitioning from antiperspirant to natural deodorant. Studies show that antiperspirant users experience a transient increase in odorous bacteria in the underarm area when they stop using antiperspirant. This is also referred to as detoxing armpits.

What is the best women's deodorant for body odor?

The 15 best women's deodorants we tested to stop sweat and odor...
  • Best for sweating: Arm & Hammer Deodorant 2.6oz Solid Ultra Powder Fresh.
  • Best all-natural: Native Regular Deodorant.
  • Best gel: Secret Clinically Proven Formula.
  • Best spray: Dove Aerosol Antiperspirant Deodorant.

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