Soap for Body Odor: What Ingredients to Look For

When you live in a tropical country, reeking a little can happen more often than you’d like. So, you get ahead of potential smelly problems with regular showers – sometimes even twice a day. It’s a great start, dermatologists say. But here’s another thing to amp your bathing routine: use antibacterial soap for body odor. Read on to learn what's really behind your body's pungent scent and the soap ingredients that can help.

Both men and women have apocrine glands that produce sweat. These glands become more active in areas with more hair, such as your armpits and groin area. These areas end up perspiring more. It shouldn’t be a problem since sweat is odorless.

However, research published in Scientific Reports shows that the bacteria living in your underarms (Staphylococcus hominis) loves to mix with a compound (Cys-Gly-3M3SH) released by your apocrine glands. This pit sweat-bacteria interaction produces thioalcohol, which then gives you that stink.

Any body odor treatment means paying extra attention to the regions with the apocrine glands and using soap ingredients that target bacteria.

Soap for body odor does a deep cleanse of the skin thanks to active ingredients designed to kill or reduce the growth of microorganisms. Some of these antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredients are the following:

This exfoliant removes dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil, allowing new skin cells to grow. Activated charcoal works well with other ingredients like germ-fighting tea tree oil.

Many body cleansers now contain essential oils because of their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Lavender oil soothes and heals the skin, while peppermint oil refreshes it. Tea tree oil can kill many different types of bacteria and fungi by breaking down the walls of their cells.

Research has also shown that lauric acid can be an excellent antibacterial agent, particularly against bacteria that love to stay in your apocrine glands. Found in coconut oil, lauric acid also acts as an emollient, moisturizing the skin to repair and maintain its natural barrier.

Body odor can worsen when the natural balance of bacteria on the skin is disturbed. Fixing this problem means creating an environment where antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), the body's germ-fighting soldiers, can grow. Unilever scientists discovered that niacinamide or vitamin B3 in soap for body odor may help make AMPs stronger and more effective.

Research shows that vitamin C's acidic nature creates an unfriendly environment for bacterial growth. Plus, as a powerful antioxidant, it helps protect your skin from environmental stress and damage, making it even more effective at keeping your skin healthy.

As good as antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredients are, they can dry skin, causing itchiness and rough texture. Neglected dry skin can develop deep cracks and become an open house for bacteria. Ingredients like occlusives, humectants, and emollients work together to retain moisture and restore your skin's natural hydration.

These moisturizers create a barrier on your skin to seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Petrolatum is an excellent example of an occlusive moisturizer that effectively reduces water loss from the skin.

While these compounds attract and hold onto water, humectants can make the skin drier in very humid conditions. They need occlusives' help to form a protective barrier for the skin. Humectants include vitamin E (Tocopherol), alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic and lactic acids, glycerin, and aloe vera.

Emollient-rich body washes or soaps create a protective layer on the skin, keeping it safe from irritants and bacteria. They also help retain moisture and reduce dryness, itching, and scaling. Some common emollients are stearic acid, ceramides, and jojoba oil.

A body wash or antibacterial soap for body odor may kill funky bacteria but shouldn't disrupt your skin's microbiome. Excessive washing or harsh soaps can strip away the skin's natural protective oils and throw out bacteria that work hard to keep your skin healthy. These cleansers aim for balance.

Lifebuoy Antibacterial Bar Soap with Multivitamins+ Total 10's germ-fighting power is strong! Its antibacterial ingredients, from vitamins B3, C and E to lauric acid, make for a deep wash yet quick clean, especially after a workout.

If your skin type is dry, go for a body wash. Lifebuoy Antibacterial Body Wash with Multivitamins+ Total 10 is packed with the same antibacterial ingredients as the bar soap but locks in more moisture.

Your skin, thicker than women's, requires specific skincare considerations, such as more frequent exfoliation but gentle formulation. Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body Wash fits the bill. Its micromoisture technology keeps your skin hydrated for a good 24 hours.

Handling body odor is essential for feeling confident and comfortable. Start your day with a refreshing shower using body wash or soap for body odor, and then apply an antiperspirant to stay dry. If you're experiencing excessive sweating or strong body odor, it's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist for personalized advice. Take care and stay fresh!