Best Soaps for Body Odor
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12 Best Soaps & Body Washes for Body Odor (2022 Reviews)

It’s only natural to sweat. Be it during physical activities like walking, jogging, working out, etc. Or even when you’re just sitting or standing under the sun or in a warm room. The sweating part is not as much of a problem as the awful odor that accompanies it. Because sweating is just your body’s natural process of regulating the temperature. But that awful smell is unwelcome.

When around friends, family, or loved ones, it’s embarrassing enough that you’re sweating. On top of that, you have to keep a check on your body odor as well.

But let me tell you that sweat isn’t causing the problem since it’s odorless. The primary cause of that unpleasant smell is actually bacteria that tends to build up on sweaty skin. So that’s the real problem, and the real solution comes in the form of the best soaps for body odor.

The aim here is to get to the root of the problem, quite literally. And that means eliminating the bacteria. And here’s how you can do that on a daily basis...

Best Antibacterial Soaps & Body Washes for Body Odor

1. Dial for Men Odor Armor Body Wash

Dial for Men Body Wash

Sweaty and stinky men are definitely going to appreciate the odor-neutralizing technology of this body wash. You get odor protection all day long, which means the body wash destroys all odor-causing bacteria from within.

You can use it on a daily basis, even those with dry or sensitive skin. Although if you have sensitive skin, you should always choose body washes and soaps that don’t trigger allergies.

As for this formula, it has a non-drying nature. On top of that, it infuses the right amount of moisturizers into your skin to keep it looking nourished and feeling soft.

Key Features:

  • Non-drying body wash suitable for sensitive skin
  • 24-hour odor neutralizing technology
  • Very masculine scent

2. Truremedy Naturals Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

Truremedy Naturals Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

What I’m not including in the product title in order to keep it short and simple are the following words. Helps skin irritation, yeast infection, jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and ultimately body odor. Plus, this tea tree oil-infused body wash is suitable for both men and women.

The formula is also a natural aloe and mint skin cleanser. Natural, organic tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil are incorporated. These go a long way when it comes to combatting skin irritation.

Then there’s olive, coconut, and jojoba oils for refreshing, moisturizing, and deodorizing. The body wash is also equipped with skin-enriching omegas, vitamins, and aloe vera. And the cherry on the cake is the cruelty-free label.

Key Features:

  • Infused with botanical oils to soothe skin irritation
  • Also prevents body odor, eczema, acne, etc.
  • No preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and petroleum

3. Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar

Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar

Now here comes a bar soap that leaves your skin feeling invigorated, hydrated, and refreshed. That’s what you should expect from a brand like Dove. As for this body and face bar, the formula is specifically formulated using moisturizing cream. This makes sure your skin’s hydration and moisture levels are kept in check.

No doubt, it also gets rid of bacteria. Moreover, the lather is easy and quick to wash off. Plus it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy at all. You know what I’m saying is true simply because Dove ranks as the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand all across the globe.

Key Features:

  • Works as a body and facial cleanser
  • Contains moisturizing cream to boost skin hydration
  • A crisp, refreshing scent

4. Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Soap

Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Soap

Dial is slowly becoming synonymous with antibacterial soaps for the body. The product here offers long-lasting deodorant protection. The antibacterial technology gets rid of the root cause of bad odor itself, which is bacteria from within your skin. And this technology continues to do so even after your rinse off the soap from the body.

At the same time, worry not about skin moisture and hydration. Speaking of which, the creamy lather formulation doesn’t disappoint when it comes to infusing moisture into your skin to prevent dryness.

Key Features:

  • All-day antibacterial deodorant protection
  • Rich, creamy, moisture-rich lather
  • Refreshing, clean fragrance

5. Tom’s of Maine Natural Beauty Bar Soap

Tom's of Maine Natural Beauty Bar

It’s a natural soap with a refreshing eucalyptus scent. Needless to say, the bar soap washes away bacteria and germs. It’s a dermatologist-tested formula that’s quite well-known for preserving the skin’s natural moisture without the use of artificial preservatives, fragrances, and color. No parabens incorporated either.

With organic botanicals such as Moroccan argan oil, virgin coconut oil, and raw shea butter, this bar soap is on its way to becoming one of the gentlest and most effective products in the skincare category.

Key Features:

  • Formulated with organic botanicals and oils
  • Removes bacteria, germs, and dead skin cells
  • Rainforest Alliance certified and cruelty-free

6. Defense Soap Original Daily Clean Bar

Defense Soap Original Daily Clean Bar

Only 100-percent natural as well as herbal, pharmaceutictal-quality tea tree oil is a huge part of this mixture. The tea tree oil combines with eucalyptus oil for delivering broad-spectrum protection against fungus and bacteria.

If you’re into contact sports, then you can rely on this one for getting rid of dirt, allergens, accumulated oils, grunge, grime, gym crud, sweat, etc. The rinsing action of the daily clean bar restores the natural moisture barrier of your skin. While also controlling the production of dead skin cells and sebum.

Key Features:

  • Hypoallergenic, SLS-free, and fragrance-free soap
  • Restores moisture and controls sebum production
  • Formulated with 100% natural tea tree oil

7. The Yellow Bird Peppermint and Tea Tree Soap Bar

The Yellow Bird Peppermint and Tea Tree Soap Bar

Good for women and men, this all-natural, acne-fighting antifungal soap leaves your skin feeling refreshed and energized. If you have serious body odor issues or dry skin, itchy skin, skin rashes, etc., then it’s necessary to use a formula like this on a daily basis.

There’s tea tree essential oil along with cajeput and peppermint. And all of these combine to get rid of odor and clear your skin. Irrespective of your skin type, the all-organic soap bar is a suitable choice for the body and face.

Key Features:

  • All-natural antifungal soap free of chemicals
  • Tea tree, cajeput, and peppermint essential oils eliminate odor
  • Organic shea butter for moisturizing the skin

8. Nextino Activated Charcoal Tea Tree Soap

Nextino Activated Charcoal Tea Tree Soap

Yet another all-natural bar soap infused with organic oils like tea tree and peppermint. Both of these essential oils are simply perfect for active men and women. For example, athletes, weightlifting enthusiasts, CrossFitters, yogis, runners, etc.

A body odor-fighting soap like this is bound to keep your skin feeling rejuvenated and smelling minty throughout your physical activity. Other skin-enriching and moisturizing ingredients include the organic version of coconut oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and more.

Plus, the star of the show is activated charcoal. What this does is cleanses your skin, removes dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells and other impurities, and unclogs your pores. What more does a fitness or sports enthusiast need, right!

Key Features:

  • All-natural, vegan essential oils used
  • Infused with activated charcoal for deep cleansing
  • Minty, rejuvenating natural peppermint scent

9. Mirai Purifying and Deodorizing Body Wash with Persimmon

Mirai Purifying and Deodorizing Body Wash

When body odor invades your most private areas like your groin and underarm, it can be very embarrassing to be around people. So, at such times, only a remedy that has proven to be effective and long-lasting works. In simple words, it’s this Mirai Purifying and Deodorizing Body Wash. The formulation is armed with persimmon by the way.

But what good does persimmon do anyway? This juicy, delicious fruit is packed with plenty of antioxidants. And please note that the body wash is made using Japanese persimmon along with green tea extracts. So you don’t have to worry about safety not being a part of the experience.

What’s unique here is that the formulation gets rid of nonenal odor i.e. odor often associated with aging or hormonal imbalance. At the same time, the moisturizing agents deliver all-day deodorant protection as well.

Key Features:

  • Formulated with Japanese persimmon and green tea
  • Eliminates nonenal, groin, and underarm odor
  • Very light, thus non-irritating fragrance

10. FineVine Organics Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

FineVine Organics Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

Looking for the best antibacterial soap to deal with your common skin irritations? If yes, then you’ve just hit the jackpot. This antifungal, tea tree-infused body wash defends your skin against body odor, acne, skin irritation, jock itch, ringworm, and the like.

After all, it’s got natural tea tree oil that brings into the picture excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. On top of that, the natural body wash deeply hydrates your skin.

Then there’s the refreshing tea tree scent as well. The kind that you’re on the lookout for when it comes to tackling bad odor on a daily basis. No matter how active you are, this actually works.

Key Features:

  • Natural tea tree formula with no artificial scents or preservatives
  • Deep hydrating with an energizing scent
  • Gentle for daily use, even for dry and sensitive skin

11. Dr Song Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Face and Body Wash

Dr Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash

Acne differs from one person to another, doesn’t it? Meaning there’s adult acne, teen acne, body acne, face acne, cystic acne, etc. So what kind of acne do you have? Actually, it doesn’t really matter. Because this formulation is the perfect acne-fighting remedy in all scenarios.

And how is it so suitable for all types of acne? All thanks to the inclusion of 10-percent benzoyl peroxide. This particular ingredient has an antimicrobial nature i.e. it eliminates the bacteria itself that’s causing your acne to breakout.

What’s more is that this benzoyl peroxide is medical-grade, thus non-irritating and safe for daily use.

Key Features:

  • Contains benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment
  • Also gets rid of excess oil
  • Non-irritating and cruelty-free with no parabens

12. American Crew Men’s 24 Hour Deodorant Body Wash

AMERICAN CREW Men's 24 Hour Deodorant Bodywash

No doubt, American Crew has come up with a body wash that keeps you smelling clean and fresh throughout the day. You get 24 hours of odor protection in the form of a masculine scent your senses are bound to appreciate.

Even those with sensitive skin are likely to not find the masculine scent or the quality of the body wash irritating in any way. In fact, it’s simply amazing how you end up smelling good even without trying to achieve that goal.

Key Features:

  • 24-hour odor protection
  • Masculine, long-lasting scent
  • Lathers generously and washes off easily

What Is Body Odor?

What Is Body Odor?

To put it simply, your body sometimes creates a very unpleasant smell due to the presence of bacteria on your skin. And this awful smell is your body odor.

When does body odor become troublesome? It’s when you don’t take the necessary steps required in the department of skincare and hygiene. Typically, body odor starts due to the changes in hormones during puberty. This is hormonal body odor.

Then body odor becomes a serious problem even among those who consume spicy meals. And people dealing with medical conditions like diabetes.

Body odor is also often accompanied by excessive sweating. Sweat, in itself, is odorless, but it’s the bacteria and oils present on your skin that mingle with sweat to give rise to a foul smell.

Areas of the body most likely to develop a bad odor are as follows:

  • Groin
  • Armpits
  • Belly button
  • Behind your ears
  • Genitals
  • Pubic hair
  • Feet
  • Anus

Common Causes of Body Odor

Here’s why body odor is causing havoc in your daily life:

Diet

Did you know that your diet has a direct impact on how much you sweat? Every morsel you consume provides nutrients that burn up for creating energy. And there are certain kinds of foods that create higher internal combustion within your body. Meaning they lead to a higher production of sweat.

These foods include beef jerky, crackers, and other such high-sodium items. You should also know that processed food takes a much greater effort in terms of digestion. That said, you end up sweating more in the case of processed foods as well. Then there are beverages like alcohol and caffeine-infused drinks that also trigger sweat glands.

Foods that contain zero to little nutritional value also encourage the formation of more sweat. Speaking of sweat, here’s something you might want to know.

Sweat and Bacteria

Sweat glands, more often than not, are the cause of body odor. These consist of apocrine glands and eccrine glands. Both of which release sweat for cooling the body when the temperature rises. But the thing about sweat is that it’s usually odorless.

However, when you sweat more than a normal person, then the evaporation of sweat doesn’t take place that quickly. Due to this, sweat accumulation is only common. In that case, bacteria on the skin gets the opportunity to multiply faster and to break down your sweat into acids. And it’s these acids that produce an unpleasant body odor.

Stress

A little known fact is that mental pressure, anxiety, or stress actually triggers sweat glands to release a greater amount of sweat. So there’s no denying that your sweat smells even more unpleasant when you’re anxious or stressed out.

Simple because, during stressful moments, your apocrine sweat glands open up to produce fatty sweat. And when this fatty sweat is subjected to breakdown by bacteria, it generates a worse body odor.

Bromhidrosis

This is a chronic medical condition common during post-puberty. Bromhidrosis involves the production of unpleasant and excessive odor from your skin.

At such times, both the apocrine and eccrine glands produce oily secretions. And these, in turn, release fatty acids and ammonia that are directly responsible for an awful body odor.

Athlete’s Foot

Needless to say, fungus does indeed cause an unpleasant body odor. Particularly in your feet in the case of athlete’s foot. The condition is marked by scaly, dry, and/or blister-covered skin. This just means you need to elevate your hygiene levels in your feet and toes.

When athlete’s foot goes untreated, it often leads to more harmful bacterial and fungal infections. This includes a persistent body odor.

Diabetes

Yet another common cause of horrible body odor. Diabetes, as you may already know, is a medical condition that keeps the body from generating enough insulin. Or not allowing your body to utilize the insulin effectively.

And in the case of not enough insulin, your body causes ketones to break down. That means fat loss and the secretion of an unpleasantly sweet breath and body odor.

Infections

Body odor is often synonymous with excessive sweating and poor hygiene. But sometimes the cause can be an underlying infection as well. Such as bacterial or fungal skin infections that often release a very putrid odor. The same applies to internal infections of the kidney and liver.

How to Get Rid of Body Odor? (Prevention and Remedies)

Here are some of the most effective remedies for body odor:

Change Your Daily Diet

How about trying to eliminate your body odor from within? Especially if you consume a daily diet that consists of a lot of pork and beef. Even excess alcohol consumption can be a culprit too. And so are cruciferous veggies such as Brussel sprouts and broccoli.

What to Avoid:

  • Foods with onion and garlic
  • Spicy foods
  • Processed foods
  • Excess alcohol and caffeine
  • Cruciferous vegetables like Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower
  • Red meat

Use Antiperspirant Products Properly

More often than not, people dealing with bad odor on a daily basis apply antiperspirants or deodorants. So it’s important to choose the right kind of product firstly. This includes keeping in mind any potential skin sensitivities. In that case, go for one that’s all-natural or unscented.

Then comes the part of applying it properly. The right way involves using your antiperspirant on clean and dry underarms at night. During the night, the formula gets absorbed into your skin to keep it feeling and smelling fresh the following day.

Also, those dealing with excess sweat and body odor can do no good by applying more. So stick to the recommended amount. And let the formulation dry completely before you get dressed.

Create Your Own Homemade Deodorant

Simply saturate a cotton pad or ball using either witch hazel or apple cider vinegar. And dab it on your skin in the underarm region.

Another way of making your own deodorant is by combining cornstarch and baking soda of equal amounts. Then pat this mixture on your armpits. Feel free to add just a little bit of water for turning the mixture into a paste.

Use Antibacterial Soap

Your hygiene routine on a daily basis has a direct impact on your body odor. An improvement would be to bathe daily using a soap that prevents the formation of odor-causing bacteria. Meaning a soap bar or body wash formulated with antibacterial ingredients. Such as tea tree oil, activated charcoal, etc.

Get Rid of Hair from Your Private Areas

The next step in your daily hygiene routine should be shaving your underarms and pubic hair. Not because the hair in those regions causes bad body odor. But because the hair tends to trap your sweat, which is a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. So if you get rid of the hair, you’re allowing the sweaty fluids to evaporate quickly.

Treat Smelly Feet

Proper foot hygiene is a must as well. This means washing your feet on a daily basis using a bar of antifungal or antibacterial soap.

You can also exfoliate the skin on your feet using a pumice stone in order to get rid of any dry or dead skin cells. And there’s nothing wrong about using an antiperspirant on your feet for reducing or preventing sweat.

 Avoid Smelly Socks and Shoes

Then comes the part where you already know that you should avoid wearing wet or stinky socks and shoes. These are only going to welcome more odor-causing bacteria. So always make sure to keep the feet dry.

Go for socks made of moisture-wicking, odor-controlling, and breathable materials. Mostly natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool.

Modify the Way You Do Your Laundry

First and foremost, ditch using fabric softeners. Because these products trap bacteria responsible for causing a bad odor within your clothing. Also, fabric softeners, for the most part, affect the fabric’s moisture-eliminating properties. Therefore, not allowing your body’s sweat to evaporate quickly.

As for some general piece of advice, it’s best to wash your clothes immediately when they get damp or start to smell awful due to sweat. But what if you can’t do laundry right away? Then how about allowing your sweaty, stinky clothing to ventilate or air out prior to becoming a part of your laundry basket?

Did you know that you can treat bad odor in clothing with the help of baking soda? Just add a cup of this highly versatile ingredient into the mix with your laundry detergent.

Rethink Your Wardrobe

This includes choosing undergarments and regular clothing designed using natural fibers such as cotton. Natural fibers, more often than not, are exceptionally breathable. At least in comparison to synthetic materials, they do not retain odor.

Professional Treatment and Surgical Methods

There’s this treatment known as iontophoresis for sweaty feet and hands. You place them in water for around 20 minutes to 40 minutes. During that time, a low current is passed through the water. And after around 6-10 such sessions, your sweat glands shut down temporarily.

Then there are small botulinum toxin injections for the armpits to block the sweat-promoting chemical temporarily. Very few people even opt for the surgical removal of sweat glands from their underarms. This procedure is called a sympathectomy.

Thanks to technology, now there are handheld devices that emit electromagnetic waves for terminating your sweat glands entirely in your armpit region.

Final Words

The smell of sweat is never a good thing after a long and hard day of work. When around people, body odor can be very embarrassing. So how about getting to the root of the problem instead of just spraying deodorant to mask the smell? After all, it’s the bacteria present on your skin that’s mixing with your sweat to generate a foul smell.

In that case, you have to incorporate an antibacterial soap into your daily shower routine. These soaps, for the most part, feature odor-neutralizing technology. That performs the task of fighting odor-causing microbes even after you rinse off the formula.

And, lucky for you, I have reviewed some of the most effective yet gentle body soaps that are highly likely to be a part of your remedy to fight body odor. Even in the case of the most strenuous physical activities!

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