Does glycolic acid help against sweat odour?
Het Nieuwsblad, 22 June 2026
Is glycolic acid an alternative to deodorant? In Het Nieuwsblad, Dr Griet Voet explains what it does and does not do against sweat odour.
On social media, glycolic acid under the armpits is being promoted as a replacement for deodorant. In Het Nieuwsblad, Dr Griet Voet explains how much of that is true.
Glycolic acid is a fruit acid that mainly exfoliates and is used to treat pigmentation and uneven skin texture. Sweat only smells once it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin. By lowering the skin's pH, glycolic acid could slow the growth of those bacteria, but clinical studies are lacking. Nor does it reduce sweat production.
If you want to try it anyway, start with a low concentration and avoid freshly shaved or irritated skin. For excessive sweating, an antiperspirant remains the simplest choice; for a lasting solution, a dermatologist may suggest miraDry.
Key advice
Glycolic acid can limit odour, but does not reduce sweating itself.
Start with a low concentration and not straight away every day.
Do not apply it to freshly shaved or irritated skin, and use sun protection.
For excessive sweating, an antiperspirant is the first step; a dermatologist can discuss miraDry.
“Sweat itself is often virtually odourless.” — Dr Griet Voet
Want to know more? Read about Excessive sweating at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.