You have it, I have it, and so does everyone else around us—smelly pits. In the scalding heat of summer or in the stickiness of the rains, a little (or a lot of) sweating is inevitable. But you know what isn’t? Underarm smell. Yes, with a little underarm hygiene and information about the dos and don’ts, you can get to a place where your sweating is not causing the whole room to stink up.
In fact, did you know it’s not exactly your sweat that causes that smell? Let’s find out what does and how to remove armpit smell.
What makes us sweat and why does it smell?
To make it very simple: your body is sweating because you’re feeling hot. When it’s hot and humid and your body is heating up, your sweat glands get into action secreting fluids (it sounds gross, we know) to cool down your body. This in itself doesn’t exactly smell but when it comes in contact with the bacteria on your skin, it emits a foul smell that we call body odour.
People may sweat more because of hot weather, exercise, medication, genetics or even health conditions like hyperhidrosis but it’s not necessary that if you sweat a lot, you’ll smell more. Another important aspect to understand is that certain foods make our sweat smell more funky such as onions, garlic and alcohol. Now, we’re not recommending cutting these out of your life obviously but scaling back on them could help you out.
Now that we understand the causes behind it, let’s talk about the main issue: how to get rid of underarm smell. There are a few ways to ensure that you don’t become the stinky problem to handle. Here, we share with you all our tips on hygiene, home remedies, and the best products on the shelf.
How to get rid of underarm smell?
The first and most important step is hygiene.
- Shower daily—yes, even when you’re just rotting in your bed on a Saturday. Getting rid of the pesky bacteria is your best bet at keeping yourself smelling fresh.
- Change your clothes if you’ve sweat in them. Your sweat and odour seeps into the fabric, continuing to hold onto that smell. This is a must in how to avoid underarm smells.
- Stay away from the synthetic fabric, rather opting for loose-fitting cottons and linens.
Now, if you’re asking how to get rid of underarm odour permanently? This is your best bet. Once you have the perfect personal hygiene routine down, you can try one of several underarm smell home remedies to ensure long-lasting freshness:
- Apple cider vinegar: Spray diluted apple cider vinegar on your underarms and then wash it after letting it seep in overnight.
- Potato: Rub potato slices on the underarms and wash it after 30 mins.
- Baking soda and lemon: Mix two parts baking soda with lemon and massage it into your underarms. Wash after 10 minutes.
If these underarm home remedies feel like a lot of hard work, we recommend skipping the DIY and going for the tried and tested products that know how to get rid of underarm smell and are specifically formulated for this purpose. With the choice of deodorants on the market today, you are sure to find your fit to keep you fresh, clean and odour-free. Let us show you how to reduce armpit smells with Smytten’s favourites for the task.
5 best deodorants to battle underarm smells:
1. Sirona Underarm Roll On Deodorant:
This roll-on deodorant helps you control underarm smell and also aids in reducing pigmentation in the armpits. The prebiotics in the formula help retain the good bacteria while getting rid of the bad ones. This unisex scent remains for up to 48 hours. Say hello to floral freshness!
2. Earth Rhythm Odour & Sweat Control Deodorant Stick:
This roll-on deodorant helps you control underarm smell and also aids in reducing pigmentation in the armpits. The prebiotics in the formula help retain the good bacteria while getting rid of the bad ones. This unisex scent remains for up to 48 hours. Say hello to floral freshness!
3. The Bare Bar Neroli Deodorant:
If you’re looking for a solution with the goodness of natural ingredients, the Bare Bar Neroli Deodorant is your go to. Formulated with rosehip seed oil, arrowroot powder, beeswax, shea butter and virgin coconut oil, this clay-based deodorant absorbs the impurities and neutralises underarm smells.
4. Chemist at Play UnderArm Roll On:
Wondering how to remove armpit smell without succumbing to floral scents? Try this aquatic fragrance instead. The 4% Lactic Acid + 1% Mandelic Acid shine in this formula, providing gentle exfoliation to even your skin tone and enrich your skin. Vegan, cruelty-free, and dye-free—it’s a guilt-free formula!
5. The Natural Wash Underarm Roll-On Deodorant:
The goodness of vetiver extract or khus, lemon extracts, hyaluronic acid, alum, and coconut oil keep your underarms moisturised, prevent odour, and soothe the skin. Talk about a multitasker! This unisex, smelly armpit remedy also has another variant for women with cucumber and aloe.
6. Fragrance & Beyond Elusive Deodorant for Women:
A sweet-smelling floral remedy for women that lasts all-day long—Elusive brings together the aromas of jasmine, rose, white flower, and tuberose. The product is sulphate, aluminium, and phthalate free and removes underarm smells to keep you fresh for up to 6 hours.
No one likes being a smelly Nelly and neither does anyone need to stay one. Being particular and regular with your personal hygiene regimen and opting for odour-killing solutions – whether home remedies or formulated products—-are crucial to smelling nice. And now that you know how to get rid of underarm smell, you’re on your way to feeling confident and making the best impression in front of friends, families or even strangers!
