Best Men's Body Wash to Remove BO?

jollybeggar on 07/10/2017 - 03:44
Last edited 08/10/2017 - 11:30

I need some help from the guys because I stink. What's the best body wash you've used for removing body odour?

I sweat a lot but find I have to use multiple applications (often of more than one body wash) every time I shower, just to get rid of the body odour.

I've had the same experience with Axe (Africa), Dove, Original Source (Mint & Tea Tree) - all not effective without multiple repeats uses in the one shower.

Thanks for any recommendations.

Update: Thanks all for your advice. I've added a poll find out what other's use in the shower because a lot of you have said you use soap rather than body wash (which was surprising to me). Cheers!

Guys, what do you use in the shower to remove body odour?

Poll Options

  • 127
    Soap
  • 37
    Body Wash
  • 2
    Combination of both
  • 4
    Other (e.g. homemade, vinegar, etc)
  • 10
    None
Health & Beauty

Comments

  • garetz on 07/10/2017 - 04:29
    +24

    You are better off finding the root cause before committing to anything, could be as simple as you arent hydrating enough, dehydration can cause severe body odor. Maybe see your GP, they can advise you or refer you to a specialist.

    • Scab on 08/10/2017 - 12:34
      +17

      This guy hydrates.

    • frostman on 08/10/2017 - 21:09
      +1

      Just get the Clinical Deodorant….they're sold at Priceline, BigW, etc
      it's a cream

    • KevinFine on 10/10/2017 - 08:06
      +3

      Never had a BO issue but definitely know a good sweat.

      The root cause is diet. We changed our diet and no longer need strong chemically based 'masking agents' aka deodorants or 'pore blockers' aka deodorants. A simple roll-on from an ethical company is all that is needed to feel fresh.

      The body works hard to get rid of toxins, sweat is one way it does this, the other is encapsulating in phlegm to expel..that's why you sneeze when you breathe in dust ..

      just my $0.02 worth - there is more to this story though

  • [Deactivated] on 07/10/2017 - 04:33
    +14

    Consider your diet too.

    But also try exfoliating. Use a sponge or scrubbing mitt and liquid body wash. Scrub top to toe.

    Failing everything, it could just be genetics. Just find a partner who loves your smell even after doing a 15+ hour work shift on your feet. Dem pheromones :)

  • pantsparty on 07/10/2017 - 06:18
    +3

    Why are you so smelly? What’s your diet like? Much processed food?

    • Kangal on 09/10/2017 - 23:35
      +1

      Asparagus, tuna and egg.

      • Suspect420 on 14/10/2017 - 01:30

        ***Edit

        Organic field Asparagus, kimbelry ranges free range egg and yellow fin tuna in
        Extra hot red chilli curry with
        tumeric and kaffir lime leaves….

        (profanity) burning just thinking about it
        Makes

  • smashed on 07/10/2017 - 06:25
    +24

    I'm no doctor but fresh sweat doesn't smell. It takes a couple of days for bacteria to grow and make it stink..
    If you are smelling soon after washing then either your washing isn't working or you may have a medical condition (no idea what).
    Good luck mate.. But it is good that you are aware.
    Ensure you are buying anti-perspirant and not deodorant. The first stops you sweating and the second will just try to mask the smell.
    I only use dove soap and it seems to work for me.

    • EnALup on 09/10/2017 - 10:37
      +1

      True. But I have seen few friends who are fine after shower, but after few hours, their body odour is pretty bad. It becomes difficult or embarrassing to tell them. More awkward, when you are sitting next to them in train.

      • thord on 09/10/2017 - 14:52

        They're probably not showering correctly then. You can shower incorrectly, and be fine afterwards as you're dry. But once you start to sweat, your sweat mixes with the crap left on your skin/in your hair and that's where the smell comes from.

      • stumo on 09/10/2017 - 19:49
        +3

        @Gaggy

        username checks out.

  • desertsand on 07/10/2017 - 07:18
    +5

    Try white vinegar before using body wash… no kidding!

    • MITM on 07/10/2017 - 14:12
      +2

      Agreed .. or metho… not kidding.

      • abb on 09/10/2017 - 11:12
        +4

        wire brush?

        • salem on 09/10/2017 - 12:08
          +6

          orbital sander

        • paaj on 09/10/2017 - 13:10

          @salem: haha!

        • Yarkin on 09/10/2017 - 14:29
          +1

          @salem: angle grinder

        • [Deactivated] on 09/10/2017 - 17:56
          +1

          @Yarkin: wood chipper

        • Kangal on 09/10/2017 - 23:36

          @Fincky: with high concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide

        • MementoMori on 10/10/2017 - 15:13

          @Kangal: Sulfuric acid

        • MementoMori on 10/10/2017 - 15:13

          @domcc1: Just kidding. I'd put my money on diet / other issue.

    • c0balt on 08/10/2017 - 11:07

      This works wonders for foot odour also.

      • ialam99 on 09/10/2017 - 13:24
        +5

        so does amputation

  • jason101 on 07/10/2017 - 08:13
    +6

    This may not treat the cause but help the symptoms, use a clinical deodorant. For me at least they are at least 100% more effective. https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/search/products?searchTer…

  • TheBilly on 07/10/2017 - 08:20
    +10

    I shower with soap but use antiperspirant deo. Solved problem.

  • monkeyer on 07/10/2017 - 09:06
    +6

    Use bar soap instead of shower gel

    • Diji1 on 07/10/2017 - 10:56
      +12

      Indeed.

      Shower gel is a product that involves diluting soap hundred of times and then selling that rubbish for more than soap.

      • supnigs super skids on 07/10/2017 - 11:57
        +4

        nah. but bubbles and more fragrance and better hygene because not everyone wants to share that bar of soap

        • FromAtoZ on 08/10/2017 - 11:59
          +5

          Isnt soap self-cleanse?

        • BartholemewH on 10/10/2017 - 18:37

          @josh0161:

          Soap bars can be shared. Not only is this common sense, Dr Oz says so.

  • rambutann on 07/10/2017 - 10:09
    +18

    If you're trying to use Lynx as a deodorant that could be a part of the issue also.

    That shit isn't an antiperspirant and is literally useless.

    • Plankton on 07/10/2017 - 15:29
      +7

      It's good for attracting women, according to the advertisements.

      • MoMoney on 09/10/2017 - 07:02
        +7

        It's good at making you smell like a pervert.

        • Kangal on 09/10/2017 - 23:37

          or a makeshift flamethrower

      • jacross on 10/10/2017 - 11:02

        There's nothing chicks love more than the smell of a 16 year old boy.

  • outlander on 07/10/2017 - 10:18
    +20

    Shave your armpits. Trust me

    • supnigs super skids on 07/10/2017 - 11:58
      +9

      and butt crack

      • Jonski on 08/10/2017 - 21:51
        +18

        not too deep though… trust me

      • Munki on 09/10/2017 - 12:21
        +1

        Sweaty ass is not good either though…

        • Kangal on 09/10/2017 - 23:38
          +1

          But don't clog the sink hole

    • Sleepy Jones on 11/10/2017 - 11:46

      I agree with this, useless putting antiperspirant deodorant on hair

  • mdsh on 07/10/2017 - 10:26
    +2

    See your doctor to rule out any medical causes. If you normally shower once a day, you could try washing your underarms with soap (or body wash) and warm water twice a day, especially if you sweat a lot. Shaving your armpits may also reduce odour.

  • Randxyz123 on 07/10/2017 - 11:38
    +5

    Soap and water

    None of that artificial body wash shit

  • sparkles on 07/10/2017 - 11:39

    I'd start by using a body wash that is specifically anti-bacterial. BO is simply sweat reacting with bacteria on the skin.

    • garetz on 07/10/2017 - 12:01
      +7

      This is a terrible idea, never use antibacterial soap anywhere but your hands. Bacteria is naturally on your skin, in your body, it helps you stay healthy.

      • sparkles on 08/10/2017 - 17:01

        It also help you stay smelly. Judged. Avoided. Whispered about. Take your pick.

        • garetz on 08/10/2017 - 17:11

          So you would put peoples opinion of you above your own health ? I guess you have your priorities in order.

        • sparkles on 08/10/2017 - 17:24
          +1

          @garetz: Eliminating bacteria from the skin in certain areas of your body is not going to kill you. It's the reason Betadine and Dettol exist for wounds. Some bacteria can do more harm than good.

          In the case of really bad BO, it has the potential to be a life ruiner. You are going to do what it takes. Your health is not going to decline because you used an antibacterial body wash LOL.

          Putting other peoples opinions of you above your own health is the reason breast implants, botox, face lifts, etc etc etc exist. People are vain. Narcissism is the new religion. Some body wash is minor in comparison to invasive surgery and injecting toxins. It's all in pursuit of social acceptance and validation. My priorities are 100% in order, however I don't live with the potential social retardant that we are discussing.

        • giles on 08/10/2017 - 23:40
          +8

          @sparkles:

          Killing the bacteria that contribute to BO is a good idea — and it’s the intended effect of the suggestions to use vinegar — but there’s some advice suggesting that the general public using anti-bac soaps and washes isn’t a good idea.

          Five reasons you prob should stop using anti-bac soaps:

          1. They’re no more effective than soap and water. The US FDA introduced a ban after producers couldn’t demonstrate a clinical/health benefit over soap and water.

          2. They could contribute to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. But other agents, such as vinegar, apparently won’t.

          3. They disrupt hormone regulation in animals. Tests haven’t replicated this effect yet in humans, but probs worth being aware of.

          4. They can affect humans’ immune systems and muscle function. Eep

          5. The active agents survive through wastewater treatment. So it persists in the environment, in the bloodstreams of marine animals, and makes its way up the food chain.

      • AngryBlobFish on 09/10/2017 - 21:09
        +2

        You shouldn't even use anti-bacterial soap on your hand, proper soap is sufficient. Main reason is because your skin is covered in harmless bacteria that prevents infection from harmful pathogens (due to competition for space). Another reason is that antibacterial soap contributes to bacterial resistance against cleaners used in hospitals etc.

        • BluebirdV on 10/10/2017 - 14:22
          +1

          Im in the Philippines right now and was using natural soap from Australia when I arrived. I had an accident on a motorbike which became infected. The infection kept up until I switched to safeguard which is an antibacterial soap that many people use here. So to say antibacterial soap doesn't kill more bacteria than normal soap is untrue in my opinion

        • AngryBlobFish on 10/10/2017 - 18:59
          +1

          @davelarz: I didn't say that antibacterial soap doesn't kill more bacteria (of course it kills more). I was trying to say that it kills beneficial bacteria at the same time and normal soap is sufficient in most cases. You should also always wash wounds with an antiseptic or disinfectant.

        • BluebirdV on 13/10/2017 - 20:09

          Just replying to a link from Giles about antibacterial soap that says They’re no more effective than soap and water. The US FDA introduced a ban(abc.net.au) after producers couldn’t demonstrate a clinical/health benefit over soap and water.

          My experience was different than that in the article.

  • Dungeon Master on 07/10/2017 - 11:57
    +11

    Try buying new shirts and switching deodorant types (avoid roll on).
    I thought I had a BO problem but it was actually a deodorant problem.

    I was using a brand of roll on and it started to slowly solidify on my shirts and trap bacteria in the armpit area. There was no smell at all when the shirts were freshly washed, but when the sweating started the shirts started stinking. I switched to a "no white marks" brand of spray on and buried the shirts in the backyard with the bodies, and it solved all my problems.

    • mdsh on 07/10/2017 - 13:18
      +4

      If shirts start to retain odour, I soak them overnight in a bucket of water with a scoop of good quality laundry detergent, then wash the next day using a warm/hot water setting on the washing machine. This seems to help.

    • Jebus on 08/10/2017 - 17:46
      +1

      This. It could very likely just be your well worn shirts retaining old deodorant / bacteria.

      A good tip I once read was to fill a spray bottle with 50% water / 50% Listerine (kills bacteria and smells nice) and give your shirt pits a spray before washing. It's worked really well for me, however your deodorant will eventually cake into the shirt pits so no use trying to save those ones.

      Interested to try the 'no white marks' deodorant tip though to stop the caking up! If that actually works it would solve all the worlds problems!

    • [Deactivated] on 09/10/2017 - 11:45
      +2

      +1 for the name/avatar.

  • poor_me on 07/10/2017 - 12:01
    +8

    Antiperspirant is your friend. Stops the sweat that feeds the odor-causing bacteria.

    Please for the love of God don't just use deodorant after the fact to cover up the BO. Some people think that's just a shower in a can. That shit never works.

    • stumo on 09/10/2017 - 19:52

      ahh yes, the good old ho's shower.

      • Kangal on 09/10/2017 - 23:41
        -1

        Old Spice?

  • Cleremy on 07/10/2017 - 12:13
    +2

    Castile soap. Comes in solid and liquid form depending on your preference.

    There's a local variety made by Melrose and also the more expensive Dr. Bronner's from the USA.

  • tpa on 07/10/2017 - 13:05

    You could try washing your armpits with anti dandruff shampoo containing the active ingredient 1% Zinc Pyrithione (eg Head & Shoulders). This kills the baddies that may be lingering on your skin. If you google it, there are quite a few blogs referring to this.

  • spychiatrist on 07/10/2017 - 13:30
    +3

    Stop eating onions immediately

    • Black Brown Blue on 08/10/2017 - 13:03
      -4

      It's nothing to do with diet and it's all to do do with proper hygiene.

      • spychiatrist on 08/10/2017 - 13:50
        +2

        Like alcohol reeks into ones pores, so does onion - just go to the ME for proof that eating too many onions is bad

        • Black Brown Blue on 08/10/2017 - 23:05

          I agree too many is bad. You initially said to stop eating them which is a bit over doing it. We eat them in so many food. I think you meant reduce them.

  • Andym on 07/10/2017 - 14:19
    +9

    Diet plays a big factor, so if you eat lots of garlic, onions, cumin, curry, drink especially spirits, eat lots of meat, sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed food it can all have an effect on body odour.

    Genetics too play a part, depending on your families country of origin, there is a metabolic disorder called trimethylaminuria which gives people a fishy type smell, people who suffer from this can remove certain foods from their diet which helps. Thyroid, kidney and liver disorders and diabetes, can also effect a persons body odour. So if it is really bad you may want to get a good medical check just to make sure there is nothing wrong.

    Silver impregnated clothing can help as silver has anti bacterial properties.

    You can try making your own natural deodorant https://wellnessmama.com/1523/natural-deodorant/
    I use the coconut, bicarb and arrowroot mix and find it works well as I have trouble with commercial deodorants and skin irritation.

  • ItsMeAgro on 07/10/2017 - 14:51
    +1

    What deodorant do you use?

    Many of the popular deodorants are actually really rubbish and stick to you and make the sweat smellier.

    Try dove deodorant.

    Also, all kinds of soap (and body wash that contains the known skin irritant Sodium Laurel Sulphate - the ones you mentioned do) remove the natural protective oils of your skin, which allows bad bacteria to thrive (that's where the smell comes from).

    Try using sorbolene cream when you shower - it's what dermatologists wash with instead of soap and body wash.

  • Yummy on 07/10/2017 - 15:19
    +2

    No more curry and beef for ya.

  • tight-ass on 07/10/2017 - 18:24
    +10

    If excessive sweating is a problem buy some of this - http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/63528/Driclor-Men-Deo…

    It works really well at putting a stop to any sweating and you shouldn't need to apply it every day. Make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging - don't apply after a shower or it will burn like buggery

    • Windows98 on 09/10/2017 - 14:58

      This product changed my life. I tried every anti-persperant under the sun and wasted money on products that don't work and are designed to make you use regularly and cover smells with a scent.

      I use driclor twice a week before bed and my body odor is gone. There's nothing more satisfying than smelling under your arms and smelling nothing. No scent, no body smell.

      People complain that it has chemicals, but it's the exact same stuff that's in any anti persperant, just more of it so it's effective. Plus literally every soap and shampoo is nothing but chemicals

      • [Deactivated] on 10/10/2017 - 04:19

        Soap is fat and lye and pretty easy to make.

        • salem on 10/10/2017 - 07:06
          +4

          Fat and lye are both chemicals. So is water. Everything is chemicals. Deriving a chemical from a living source inherits no magical "natural" powers, other than you're less likely to be able to get it at a consistent known composition compared to creating it in a controlled lab environment.

        • Windows98 on 10/10/2017 - 21:38

          Fat and lye aren't anti persperants

  • Ryanek on 07/10/2017 - 19:28
    +15

    Ask for advice… leave with medical anxiety.

  • AlienC on 07/10/2017 - 21:38

    Try eating a fresh diet. Drink lots of water. Keep going to the toilet regularly. Could be bowel system problems or not enough exiting of fluids.

  • bumblebeetuna on 07/10/2017 - 23:37
    +2

    Hi jollybeggar. You'll have to elaborate a little, otherwise you'll get all sorts of conflicting comments. Is it really bo, or is it stinky clothes?

    Others have mentioned it, but I'll get specific - it might just be the shirt. I thought I had bo once, but I quickly realised it was just the shirt. I wash every day, sometimes twice. I do sweat lot, but I refuse to use antiperspirant. Anything that blocks up your pores cannot be good for you imo. Sometimes if I'm sweating a bit, I'll get a whiff. But fresh sweat does not smell. It's bacteria from old sweat, that did not wash out, getting 'rectivated'! And I wash everything at 40°. You would think that would do the job. If you wash clothes cold, then there is no chance bacteria is getting nailed.

    The trick, I think, is to kill the bacteria. I have a el cheapo spray bottle with cheap white vinegar. Light spray on the armpits or other danger zone when you take the shirt off to throw in the laundry basket. Bacteria will be killed, then the shirt will get washed during the week. I usually throw vinegar in the wash too for good measure. Give it a go before you do anything nasty like shave your armpits. That shit will itch and annoy the bejesus out of you.

    • salem on 10/10/2017 - 07:09

      Yeah once that musty smell infects your clothes, usually from drying too slow, it can be tricky to kill. It might come out of the wash smelling fine, but as soon as your body heat warms it up and humidifies it a little bit the stank comes back. Vinegar is great for killing it though. Hot washes too.

  • El Grande on 08/10/2017 - 00:11
    +3

    Dettol ProFresh Lime one. Lasts 12-16 Hours. Others are not as good. You are welcome.

  • KaTst3R on 08/10/2017 - 01:39

    Old Spice body wash is pretty damn strong smelling, might be able to mask any odor.

  • ChatCPT on 08/10/2017 - 02:51

    Lemon and salt in the shower. Mitchum deo.

  • burns13 on 08/10/2017 - 06:51
    +1

    My advice is carry a change of shirt. If you sweat easily then no amount if diet and h20 is cleaning your shirt for you

  • brickwall on 08/10/2017 - 07:32
    +2

    Try Mitchum unscented deodorant.

  • BertieBrown on 08/10/2017 - 07:44

    I also sweat a lot, which is to say I sweat all the time almost and I find that using bars rather than liquid soap is better as well as just changing clothing regularly; if I clean the house I can easily go through a shirt or two so having some fresh clothing might help. I think that's more or less mirroring what other people have already said though so not sure if I'm really contributing anything new.

    You haven't said this but goes without saying that if you're sweating a lot then keep up the water intake.

  • shortgum on 08/10/2017 - 08:24

    Eat less meat and more vegies

  • [Deactivated] on 08/10/2017 - 08:34
    +1

    Tomato Sauce.

    • D6C1 on 08/10/2017 - 09:25
      +1

      This. Or use BBQ sauce rubbed on your armpits genouously and thoroughly after you shower.

  • Godric on 08/10/2017 - 08:54

    Use roll on after a good wash

  • paradizex on 08/10/2017 - 11:58
    +1
    1. Wash clothes after every wear
    2. Use only 100% cotton clothes
    3. Avoid processed food, garlic or any kind of meat or fish products
    4. If your feet stink, apply talcum powder before you wear your socks
    5. If soap or gel does not work, then after every shower try applying some kind of anti-bacterial cream on places where it stinks the most
    6. Eats sweet and citrus fruits like apple, oranges, bananas, pears, etc. everyday
    7. Have lemon juice in warm water everyday, in the morning, when you wake up, on an empty stomach
    • Scab on 08/10/2017 - 12:33
      +1

      Wash clothes after every wear

      Washing clothes alone does not remove heavy BO and deodorant stains, it might seem and smell clean but as soon as sweat hits it the smell will reek.

      You have to kill the bacteria that cause the smell, best thing is to spray the affected area with vinegar before washing then add vinegar to the final rinse cycle.

      • salem on 10/10/2017 - 07:12

        Not sure why that's getting down voted. It's solid advice for once clothes have been infected with musty smells.

        • Scab on 10/10/2017 - 07:13
          -1

          That's Ozbargain for you.

        • salem on 10/10/2017 - 07:14

          @Scab: maybe we should have mentioned how cheap white vinegar is? ;) Buy it in house brand from the condiments section of the supermarket for about $1 a litre, cheaper than the same stuff from the cleaning section :D

        • Scab on 10/10/2017 - 07:18

          @salem:

          That's exactly what I use, I keep some Coles vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the underarms of my shirts and Tshirts, then put in the wash and add some vinegar to the final rinse.

          Cheap and effective, vinegar is also great as a fabric softener for towels.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/10/2017 - 11:16

      Why use only 100% cotton clothes? Sure, synthetic materials may smell marginally worse but cotton has an uncanny ability to stay damp once wet.

      I actually stay away from cotton clothing where I know I may sweat. Synthetics are awesome.

  • PVA on 08/10/2017 - 12:06
    +3

    don't wait to be told, you need Palmolive Gold.
    https://youtu.be/cfP-wASMikQ

    https://youtu.be/xd8L3hdvbEQ

    • jollybeggar on 08/10/2017 - 12:33
      +2

      That's classic! haha

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