Let me start with a confession: I once spent an entire summer religiously exfoliating, double-cleansing, and spritzing expensive natural deodorants—only to still smell like I’d wrestled onions in a sauna by noon. If you’ve ever wondered what causes armpits to stink even with good hygiene, I see you. And I have answers.
Despite society’s obsession with scrubbing and scent-masking, body odour is not simply a matter of cleanliness. In fact, some of the cleanest among us suffer the most. Let’s dive into the nuanced (and slightly sweaty) science.
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Understanding What Causes Armpits to Stink
It’s not sweat itself that stinks—it’s what happens to it after it’s released. Your armpits are a microbiome party zone, teeming with bacteria that feed on your sweat. When they digest the proteins and lipids in your sweat, they produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And voilà: your signature funk is born.
Even the most meticulous hygiene routines can’t sterilise your underarms. And frankly, you wouldn’t want them to. Your skin’s ecosystem is delicate and crucial for overall skin health. But when certain bacteria overpopulate—cue the Corynebacterium species—you get that unmistakable sharp, sour, musky odour.
Why You Still Smell Even After Showering
You shower daily. You wear cotton. You avoid synthetic fragrances. And yet… there it is. That armpit odour lingers.
That’s because what causes armpits to stink isn’t solved by soap alone. The culprits often include:
- Microbiome imbalance: Harsh soaps or over-washing can strip the skin, ironically making odour worse by disrupting the natural bacterial balance.
- Trapped sweat in blocked pores: Antiperspirants—especially those with aluminium—block your sweat glands. Trapped sweat + warm crevices = a feast for bacteria.
- Dead skin cell buildup: Exfoliation is crucial. Without it, bacteria get a buffet of decomposing cells.
- pH imbalance: Most commercial deodorants do nothing to lower your armpit’s pH, leaving it ideal for bacteria to thrive.
Sweat Glands Decoded: Why Some People Smell Worse Than Others
Not all sweat is created equal. While most people think of sweat as just a way to cool the body down, the reality is far more complex—and the type of sweat your body produces plays a significant role in determining what causes armpits to stink.
There are two primary types of sweat glands at play: eccrine and apocrine. Understanding the difference can shed light on why your armpits may be more prone to odour than someone else’s—even if you both follow the same hygiene routine.
Eccrine Glands: The Cooling System
Your eccrine glands are the unsung heroes of temperature regulation. These sweat glands cover almost your entire body and produce a clear, watery sweat designed to cool you down when you’re too hot. This sweat is odourless because it’s primarily composed of water and electrolytes, without the proteins and lipids that bacteria feast on.
However, just because your eccrine sweat doesn’t smell doesn’t mean it’s harmless. During intense physical activity or stressful situations, eccrine glands can produce more sweat, leading to increased moisture for bacteria to thrive on, especially in areas like your feet, face, and yes, your armpits.
Apocrine Glands: What Causes Armpits to Stink
The apocrine glands, on the other hand, are the true culprits behind body odour. Located primarily in your armpits and groin, these glands release a thicker, milky sweat that is rich in proteins and lipids. This type of sweat is almost odourless when it’s first secreted, but the magic (or should I say, the stink) happens when bacteria on your skin start breaking it down.
These sweat glands become active during times of stress, emotional arousal, or hormonal changes. During puberty, hormonal fluctuations ramp up apocrine sweat production, which is why many teenagers struggle with body odour despite a rigorous showering routine. The apocrine sweat mixed with bacterial activity results in that distinctly strong, pungent smell we associate with armpits.
Why Some People Smell More Than Others
The real kicker? Your unique microbiome—composed of various bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms—can influence how much odour your sweat produces and what causes armpits to stink. Some people naturally have a higher concentration of odour-causing bacteria in their armpits, while others may have a healthier balance of skin flora that produces little to no noticeable scent.
Your diet, stress levels, and even your genetics can all affect your sweat composition and the types of bacteria thriving on your skin, making sweat odour not just about hygiene, but about your body’s unique chemistry.
This is where the Nelli Neutralizer Anti-Odor Serum shines. Unlike traditional deodorants that simply mask the scent, it works by targeting the root cause—balancing the pH of your skin, gently exfoliating, and reducing bacterial overgrowth. This allows you to sweat naturally without blocking your sweat glands, providing a longer-lasting, more effective solution to the problem of what causes armpits to stink.
Why Natural Deodorants Might Be Making It Worse
I’m all for a botanical-infused balm that promises to elevate my skincare routine, but let’s face it: not all “natural” deodorants are created equal. The harsh reality? Many of them simply fall short when it comes to tackling body odour effectively.
While essential oils and plant-based ingredients can sound like a dream, they don’t always deliver the results we hope for. In fact, many natural deodorants contain ingredients that may sensitise the skin, causing irritation or discomfort, without addressing the root cause of the problem—excessive bacterial growth and pH imbalance in your armpits.
Let’s set the record straight: sweat isn’t the villain here—it’s ineffective formulations that fail to properly manage the bacteria that thrive on your skin. The result? You’re left with an ineffective solution that might feel “clean” but doesn’t actually prevent odour.
Introducing the Nelli Neutralizer Anti-Odor Serum
Nelli Neutralizer Anti-Odor Serum is not a deodorant in the traditional sense—it’s a science-forward, skin-loving serum that treats what causes armpits to stink at the source.
This aluminium-free formula doesn’t block your sweat glands. Instead, it works in harmony with your body, allowing you to sweat naturally while preventing odour by shifting the skin’s pH and inhibiting bacterial overgrowth.
Its acid complex is not just clever—it’s clinically sound:
- Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates dead skin and lowers skin pH.
- Lactic Acid: Hydrating, mildly exfoliating, and supports healthy flora.
- Mandelic Acid: Antimicrobial and gentle—great for sensitive underarms.
- Salicylic Acid: Penetrates pores, keeping follicles clear and fresh.
- Gluconolactone: A polyhydroxy acid that soothes and hydrates while supporting barrier repair.
Together, these acids synergistically exfoliate, hydrate, decongest, and suppress bacterial odour production. Add in ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Tea Tree Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, and you’ve got a formula that not only keeps odour at bay—but actually nourishes the skin while doing so.
This groundbreaking formula is engineered to last all day through hot and humid weather, stress, sports, and even conditions like hyperhidrosis. It is, quite simply, the longest-lasting deodorant replacement you will ever find.
Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Settle for Just “Clean”
So, if you’re still wondering what causes armpits to stink even with good hygiene, the answer is beautifully complex. It’s about biology, chemistry, and the everyday choices we make in our routines. Clean isn’t always enough. Smart is better.
Stop masking. Start neutralising—with the Nelli Neutralizer Anti-Odor Serum. Your microbiome—and your wardrobe—will thank you.
