Armpit odor despite deodorant: causes and solutions

Do you use deodorant every day but still have bad underarm odor? You're not alone. It's more common than you think, and it's not always related to sweating more. Bad odor is often the result of a combination of factors: from poor hygiene to using poorly formulated products.

Here we explain the most common — and some little-known — causes and what to do about them.

1. Poor hygiene

Although it sounds basic, many people don't clean their underarms properly. Sweat doesn't smell bad on its own; the bad odor appears when bacteria break it down.

Solution:

• Wash your underarms daily with mild soap.

• Make sure to remove old deodorant residue.

• Don't just reapply: start with clean skin.

2. Too much underarm hair

Hair traps sweat, bacteria, and old deodorant. This can intensify bad odor, even if you use effective products.

Solution:

• Trim hair if it's very abundant.

• Apply deodorant directly to the skin.

• Ensure thorough cleaning when showering.

3. Contaminated or poorly washed clothes

Clothing fibers can harbor invisible bacteria that reactivate with body heat. This can cause bad odor even if you are clean.

Solution:

• Wash shirts well, especially tight or synthetic ones.

• Avoid re-wearing clothes without washing them.

• Prefer natural and well-ventilated fabrics.

4. Poorly formulated deodorants and antiperspirants

Many products on the market only mask the odor with strong perfumes or block sweat with aluminum. Others, like natural ones with baking soda, alter pH and cause irritation.

Solution:

• Avoid aluminum (including alum stone), baking soda, and synthetic fragrances.

• Choose formulas that gently and effectively regulate pH.

5. Skin pH imbalance

The natural pH of the underarms can be altered by using harsh soaps or poorly formulated products. This promotes bacterial growth and bad odor.

Solution:

• Use deodorants with pH regulators like triethyl citrate, present in Maxalli.

• Avoid soaps with very alkaline pH.

6. Mix of sweat with synthetic perfumes

Sometimes the bad odor isn't just sweat: it's the reaction between your fragrance and bacteria. Some perfumes, when mixed with sweat, emit a sour or rancid smell.

Solution:

• Use deodorants without artificial fragrance.

• Prefer essential oils or unscented versions.

Maxalli: the natural deodorant that actually fights bad odor

Maxalli is formulated for those who have tried everything and still have bad odor.

Our formula:

• Contains no aluminum, alum stone, or baking soda.

• Uses triethyl citrate as a pH regulator.

• Contains essential oils with antimicrobial properties.

• Is gentle, effective, and suitable for sensitive skin.

• Comes in a biodegradable cardboard stick.