If you've been struggling with body odor and conventional deodorants aren't cutting it, you may have heard about using glycolic acid as a solution. As a board-certified dermatologist, I get asked about glycolic acid for body odor constantly — and for good reason. It works. But there's a right way and a wrong way to use it.

Here's everything you need to know.

What Actually Causes Body Odor?

Before understanding how glycolic acid helps, it's important to understand what's actually causing the odor. Sweat itself is virtually odorless. Body odor occurs when bacteria on your skin rapidly break down sweat into acids — and it's those acids that create the unpleasant smell.

The areas most affected are the armpits, feet, groin, and behind the ears — all places where sweat glands are concentrated and bacteria thrive.

Factors that can worsen body odor include hormonal changes, certain foods, medications, and underlying conditions like diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. In skincare, it works by breaking the bonds between dead skin cells on the outer layer of skin, exfoliating them away and boosting cell renewal. The result is smoother, clearer skin — but that's not all it does.

Glycolic acid is also antibacterial. And that's exactly why it's effective for body odor.

How Glycolic Acid Reduces Body Odor

Glycolic acid tackles body odor through two mechanisms:

First, its antibacterial properties directly reduce the bacteria on your skin — the same bacteria responsible for breaking down sweat into odor-causing acids.

Second, it exfoliates dead skin cells that contribute to greater bacterial buildup. Fewer dead skin cells means fewer places for odor-causing bacteria to colonize.

As a bonus, regular use can also reduce razor bumps and smooth the skin texture in areas like the underarms.

One important note: glycolic acid is an exfoliant, not a deodorant or antiperspirant. It does not reduce sweating or absorb sweat. Antiperspirants work by using aluminum-based compounds to temporarily block sweat pores. Glycolic acid works differently — it addresses the bacterial root cause of odor rather than masking it with fragrance or blocking sweat production.

Can Glycolic Acid Help With Dark Underarms?

This is a common follow-up question, and the answer is nuanced.

Dark underarms are often caused by a buildup of dead skin cells. By removing that buildup, glycolic acid can help brighten hyperpigmentation over time. For a more targeted approach to dark spots and discoloration, DermaBright MD Pads are formulated specifically for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

However — and this is important — using too high a concentration on the sensitive underarm skin can cause irritation, and that irritation can actually worsen hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. This is the catch-22 of glycolic acid for underarms.

You also need to be careful about combining glycolic acid with shaving or waxing, which are also forms of exfoliation. Over-exfoliating damages the skin barrier, leads to inflammation, and can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — particularly in melanin-rich skin.

How to Use Glycolic Acid for Body Odor: Start Low, Go Slow

The underarm skin is more delicate and sensitive than skin on your face or body. Here is how I recommend incorporating glycolic acid safely:

Start with a low concentration between 5% and 7% and apply every other day. Cream formulations tend to be better tolerated than gels or liquid toners. A cleanser you apply and rinse off after a few minutes is often the safest entry point.

As your skin adjusts, you can gradually increase to daily use. Some people tolerate twice-daily application at lower concentrations between 2% and 5%, but this varies significantly by skin type.

An effective technique is short contact therapy. Apply the glycolic acid like a mask, leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse off. This delivers the antibacterial and exfoliating benefits while reducing the risk of irritation from prolonged contact.

Who Should Be Cautious With Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is not for everyone. Use extra caution if you have sensitive skin, as the underarm area is already prone to irritation. If you have a darker skin tone, be especially careful about starting with low concentrations and monitoring closely for any signs of irritation, as this can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

If you experience redness, burning, or increased darkness, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

Gentler Alternatives to Glycolic Acid

If glycolic acid proves too irritating, lactic acid is an excellent alternative. It is also an AHA with antibacterial and exfoliating properties but is generally better tolerated on sensitive skin. The short contact therapy method works well with lactic acid too.

For a clinically formulated alternative, AziMD Azelaic Acid 10% targets bacteria and hyperpigmentation with significantly less irritation risk — making it ideal for sensitive or darker skin tones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does glycolic acid take to work for body odor? Most people notice a meaningful reduction in body odor within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use. Results depend on concentration, frequency of application, and your individual skin and bacterial profile.

What percentage of glycolic acid is best for underarm odor? Start with 5% to 7% concentration. Higher percentages increase the risk of irritation on the sensitive underarm skin. A cleanser format is the safest starting point before progressing to leave-on formulas.

Can I use glycolic acid on my armpits every day? Not immediately. Build up gradually starting with every other day. Some people can eventually tolerate twice daily use at lower concentrations of 2% to 5%, but this varies by skin type. Listen to your skin.

Is glycolic acid better than deodorant for body odor? They work differently. Glycolic acid addresses the bacterial root cause of odor. Deodorant masks odor with fragrance. Antiperspirant blocks sweat. Many people find the best results using glycolic acid alongside their existing deodorant rather than replacing it entirely.

Can I use glycolic acid right after shaving my underarms? No. Shaving already exfoliates the skin. Applying glycolic acid immediately after shaving significantly increases irritation risk. Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after shaving before applying glycolic acid to the underarms.

Does glycolic acid work for foot odor too? Yes. The same antibacterial and exfoliating mechanisms that reduce underarm odor apply to foot odor as well. Foot skin is less sensitive than underarm skin, so standard concentrations are generally well tolerated.

Shop Dr. Azi's Picks

These are the products Dr. Azadeh Shirazi recommends for managing body odor, dark underarms, and overall skin clarity:

• AziMD Clarify Pads — Salicylic acid treatment pads that clear pores, reduce bacteria, and smooth skin texture. Ideal for underarms and body-prone breakout areas.
• AziMD Azelaic Acid 10% — A gentler alternative to glycolic acid. Targets hyperpigmentation, redness, and bacteria with less irritation risk — especially effective for sensitive or darker skin tones.
• AziMD Glow Serum — 20% Vitamin C antioxidant serum to brighten dark underarms and even skin tone over time. Formulated by Dr. Azi for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• AziMD DermaBright MD Pads — Brightening treatment pads targeting melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by irritation or over-exfoliation.