The solution to banishing body odour could be lurking in your bathroom cabinet.

Body odour is a common issue for most of us, particularly during the sweltering summer months or post-workout. However, it’s not your sweat that’s the culprit – it’s all about the bacteria on your skin.

Sweat itself is typically scentless but, when it mingles with bacteria, particularly in areas such as your armpits and groin, it can result in a distinct, disagreeable odour. Battling this bacteria is the secret to eradicating your body odour, and one dermatologist has revealed a straightforward method to do so using just one product.

Dr Neera Nathan, a Harvard-educated dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon, posted a video on TikTok where she claimed hypochlorous acid is one of the top products for tackling body odour.

Hypochlorous acid is naturally produced by the immune system in our bodies to ward off bacteria and infections. It’s also utilised in skincare due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you’re already using it in your skincare regimen to prevent breakouts or calm acne and eczema, you might have a bottle of the spray in your bathroom cabinet. Otherwise, it can be bought for approximately £9.

Dr Nathan explained: “If you stink during the day or reek post-workout, use hypochlorous acid. The same hypochlorous acid you spray on your face to prevent breakouts can be used on your pits, body, or feet to get rid of the bacteria that causes sweat to smell. Just spray it on any time you want to neutralise odour. You can thank me later.”

The dermatologist elaborated further in the comments, stating that if you’re unable to shower immediately after exercising, you can simply spray the product “on top of sweat” to eliminate any unfortunate stench quickly.

Dr Nathan isn’t alone in her advocacy for hypochlorous acid’s deodorising properties, as UK-based Doctor Aamna Adel has also advised her TikTok audience to embrace the product.

She said: “If you have body odour, stinky feet or stinky pits, then you need to try hypochlorous acid. The same hypochlorous acid that has been going viral for acne, back acne and butt acne can also be used to treat your stinky pits. Your sweat itself doesn’t stink, but when it reacts with the bacteria on your skin, that’s when it starts to smell.

“Hypochlorous acid is an antiseptic, so it’s going to reduce the bacteria on your skin that causes your sweat to smell. It’s going to help your pits and your feet literally smell like nothing. All you need to do is spray it onto your pits, spray it onto your feet, and thank me later.”

How to reduce body odour

Body odour is primarily influenced by the amount of bacteria on your skin. To tackle this, maintaining good hygiene through regular showers, particularly after sweating, is crucial. Utilising antibacterial soaps or body washes can aid in eliminating bacteria.

Another way to minimise body odour is by donning breathable fabrics and ensuring clothes are washed frequently, coupled with the use of effective deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants work to neutralise the smell of body odour, while antiperspirants help to decrease sweat production.

Your diet can also play a role in managing body odour. Foods such as garlic, onions, spices and alcohol can exacerbate body odour, whereas wholegrains and foods rich in probiotics can foster a healthy microbial balance.

If conventional methods prove ineffective, natural remedies may be worth exploring to help reduce body odour. Diluted apple cider vinegar can help regulate your pH levels and diminish bacteria, and applying a small quantity of baking soda to dry armpits can neutralise odours.

Should you have concerns about the issue, or require advice on suitable products, it’s advisable to consult your GP. They can also provide guidance on whether certain methods are appropriate for you.