Does glycolic acid deodorant actually work? What dermatologists want you to know
Glycolic acid has earned a reputation as a face and body exfoliant, so you might be surprised to see it turn up in your deodorant. We asked board-certified dermatologists Drs. Joel and Dr. Daniel Schlessinger to walk through the science behind it, including why it works just as hard on body odor as it does on your skin.
What actually causes body odor?
Body odor isn't really about the sweat itself. Fresh sweat is odorless—it's the bacteria living on your skin that cause the smell, breaking down sweat into the fatty acids and sulfur compounds you know as BO. Interestingly, a study mapping the underarm microbiome found that people who skip antiperspirant carry roughly 50 times more bacteria on their skin than those who use one, which helps explain why odor tends to build throughout the day.
"Most people think sweat smells bad on its own, but it's the bacteria breaking it down that creates the odor," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. "Anything that changes the bacterial environment on the skin's surface is going to change how much odor you produce."
Bacteria are the most common driver of underarm odor, but they're not the only one. Excessive or unusual body odor, known medically as bromhidrosis, can also be linked to infections, certain genetic disorders, a diet heavy in foods like onions and garlic, inconsistent hygiene, or in rarer cases, liver and kidney disease.
"Most of the time, underarm odor is a normal bacterial process that responds well to the right products," says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. "But if odor is sudden, severe or doesn't improve no matter what you try, it's worth ruling out an underlying cause with a board-certified dermatologist rather than just switching products."
How does glycolic acid stop odor at the source?
Instead of plugging sweat glands with aluminum compounds or covering odor with fragrance, some odor-controlling products use glycolic acid to lower the skin's pH and create an environment where odor-causing bacteria can't thrive. Healthy skin already sits on the acidic side, and glycolic acid works with the skin's natural acid mantle instead of against it.
"What's interesting about using glycolic acid on the underarms is that the same acidic environment that helps clear away dead skin cells also makes it harder for odor-causing bacteria to stick around,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger.
Additionally, brands like Surface Deep use probiotics and postbiotics that help balance the skin's microbiome rather than wiping it out entirely, which is a meaningfully different approach than antiperspirants that block sweat altogether.
Can a glycolic acid deodorant improve texture too?
Because glycolic acid is an exfoliant first, it's doing double duty on texture, something a traditional stick deodorant was never designed to do. Surface Deep's anti-odorant pads are formulated to gently exfoliate and prevent odor in one swipe.
"Underarm skin gets a lot of buildup from deodorant residue, shaving and everyday friction," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger. "A gentle glycolic acid formula sloughs off some of that dullness while it's working on odor, so you’ll notice smoother, more even-looking skin over time."
Can you use glycolic acid deodorant beyond your underarms?
Underarms tend to get the spotlight, but they're far from the only spot on the body where bacteria and moisture team up to cause odor. CLn BodyWash is a great option for cleansing away odor-causing bacteria. It’s dermatologist-developed and uses a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite to decrease bacteria levels on the armpits and surrounding areas.
Surface Deep's anti-odorant formulas are designed for versatile use on the underarms, arms, legs and torso, making them a good fit for other odor-prone areas like the back, feet, groin and under the bust too.
"Odor-causing bacteria don't care which part of the body they're on; they just need warmth, moisture and skin contact to thrive," says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. "Anywhere skin folds against itself or stays damp for long stretches, whether that's the feet, the back or under the bust, is fair game for the same glycolic acid approach."
Is a glycolic acid deodorant safe for sensitive skin?
The underarms are a notoriously sensitive area, in part because the skin there is thinner than on most of the body. Since glycolic acid is an exfoliant, that combination is worth taking seriously before making the switch.
"Glycolic acid can be a great option for sensitive skin at the right concentration, but everyone's skin reacts a little differently," says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. "If you have a history of reacting to new products, you may want to skip it. If you develop a rash while using it, stop using it right away, and if it doesn't clear up on its own, see a board-certified dermatologist."
Aluminum-free deodorant vs. traditional options: what's the real difference?
Traditional antiperspirants use aluminum compounds to physically plug sweat ducts, which stops wetness but doesn't address bacteria or odor at the source. An aluminum-free deodorant like Surface Deep or body washes like CLn BodyWash don't block sweat. Instead, they change the bacterial environment, so odor doesn't get the chance to develop in the first place.
Additionally, while body odor chemistry can vary by hormones, diet and genetics, the underlying bacterial process stays the same regardless of gender. That’s why these formulas work as both a deodorant for women and men without needing separate versions, since the goal is to manage the bacterial environment rather than provide a gendered scent profile.
Should you switch to a glycolic acid deodorant?
A consistent skin care routine matters just as much for underarm skin as it does for your face, and glycolic acid can be an effective ingredient for keeping both odor and texture in check.
"This is a great example of how an ingredient we've trusted in skin care for years can be reformulated to solve a completely different problem," says Dr. Joel Schlessinger. "When used in tandem with a body wash like CLn, it can be an effective combination against odor.”
The best products for eliminating under-arm odor
CLn BodyWash: Formulated with a low concentration of sodium hypochlorite instead of an exfoliating acid, this dermatologist-developed body wash is designed for compromised, reactive or eczema-prone skin. It's a fitting option for anyone whose underarm odor is tied to bacteria or infection but can't tolerate exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid.
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Pads: These biodegradable pads combine glycolic acid with probiotics and botanicals like witch hazel and rosemary extract to exfoliate and neutralize odor-causing bacteria in one swipe. They're unscented and won't leave the chalky residue or clothing marks that come with traditional deodorant.
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Spray: Packaged in recyclable glass, this award-winning spray delivers the same glycolic acid and botanical formula in a quick mist that works on underarms and feet. It's a good pick for anyone who wants a no-residue application they can even use as a shoe deodorizer after a workout.
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Wipes: Individually wrapped for grab-and-go use, these wipes carry the same glycolic acid, probiotic and botanical formula as the pads in a travel-friendly format. They're an easy way to refresh underarms or feet after a workout or a long flight, all without water, soap or residue.
Experiencing discoloration on your face or body? Read what ingredients Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger recommend in our blog with The 10 best ingredients for hyperpigmentation.
About the Author
Ashley is a Digital Content Specialist at LovelySkin with a passion for non-fiction and poetry writing. In her spare time, she enjoys trying new lip products, spoiling her pets, going to concerts, and reading.
Other Posts by AshleyFollow us on social
Follow us on social networks and be one of the first to learn about sales, giveaways, and free samples
