Odor-Control Body Washes: What You're Buying and What Helps

Body washes now come labeled “72-hour odor control,” “clinical freshness” or “whole-body deodorant.” If you’ve noticed a stronger smell lately, especially with menopause sweats, it’s tempting to buy the strongest-sounding bottle. Here is what the different washes do, and what the labels don’t tell you.

Why sweat smells

Sweat itself doesn’t smell much. Body odor is what you notice when sweat meets the bacteria on your skin, according to Cleveland Clinic¹.¹ Menopause can bring more sweating, so there’s more for bacteria to work on.¹ Washing reduces bacteria for a while. Antiperspirant reduces sweat. Deodorant masks or stops odor, but doesn’t reduce sweat.²

Antibacterial body washes: what the FDA ruled

In 2016, the FDA³ barred 19 active ingredients, including triclosan and triclocarban, from over-the-counter antibacterial soaps and body washes used with water. Makers hadn’t shown the ingredients were safe for long-term daily use or more effective than plain soap and water at preventing illness. Three ingredients, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol, were put on hold while makers gathered more data.³

That ruling was about preventing illness, not odor. Cleveland Clinic¹ still lists antibacterial soap among everyday ways to manage body odor.¹ If you choose one, read the active ingredient on the drug facts label so you know what you’re paying for.

Benzoyl peroxide washes

Benzoyl peroxide is best known as an acne ingredient. Cleveland Clinic¹ lists benzoyl peroxide products among the options for body odor.¹ Before you try it on your underarms or body:

• Protect your towels. MedlinePlus⁴ warns that benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair and colored fabrics.⁴ Use white towels and let it rinse off fully.
• Keep it out of your eyes, nose and mouth.⁴
• Stop and get help for hives, throat tightness, trouble breathing or swelling of the face or lips. Call your doctor for burning, blistering, redness or a rash where you used it.⁴

Simple habits that cost less

Cleveland Clinic’s¹ everyday list also includes washing the areas that smell regularly, shaving the underarms, wearing loose cotton clothing and applying antiperspirant to dry skin.¹

When a new smell needs a doctor, not a new wash

Cleveland Clinic¹ advises contacting a healthcare provider about a sudden change in body odor, a fruity or bleach-like smell, or sweating that interferes with daily life.¹ A fruity smell can signal diabetic ketoacidosis, which is dangerous, and kidney or liver disease can cause a bleach-like odor.¹

Try: “My body odor has changed in the past few months, even though my routine hasn’t. Could anything medical be causing it, and what would you suggest?”

Arms Up includes a Fresh Log and a zone-by-zone match. Use them to track what you wash and apply, when odor shows up, and what changes before a visit. See the book.