Many insecurities can possess a person from day to day, including the fear that we smell. But sometimes it’s more than just the standard body odor that lingers on the skin after a long day or hours spent at the gym. Sometimes this unwanted odor can persist despite even the most diligent of hygiene routines. The answer, we’re told by experts, could be found in your soap. Board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Elmsford, New York, Dr. Kseniya Kobets, said that body odor is usually not caused by sweat itself, as sweat is usually odorless, but develops when bacteria and yeast that naturally live on the skin break down sweat, oils, dead skin, and debris into volatile odor compounds.“One of the reasons odors can linger even after showering is because these microbes live deep within hair follicles and skin folds, not just on the skin surface,” Kobets said. “Regular soap may remove sweat temporarily, but the microbiome rapidly repopulates.”According to Kobets, there are other factors that influence odor production. You may have read our previous coverage of nonenal odor secretions — colloquially referred to as “old person smell“ — that typically start developing at around the age of 40 and are caused by antioxidant defenses declining in the skin. These “aging odors” can have a mild to moderate organic or musty smell that varies from person to person.Kobets and other trusted experts that we spoke to assured us that picking a soap with specific ingredients can help target even the most stubborn of body odors. Keep reading to the bar soaps and washes that they recommend and why. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.AmazonA bar of persimmon soap for targeting "old person smell"Board-certified dermatologist and advisor for Live Conscious, Dr. Ohara Aivaz, said that "persimmon-based soaps are a great option for aging-related odor because they help neutralize nonenal at the source."Although Aivaz did mention a specific persimmon soap, we chose to feature this one by Mirai, a formula that uses a dense concentration of persimmon extract with more deodorizing tannins than competitors, as well as green tea extract, an ingredient rich in antioxidants (declining skin antioxidants is one of the causes of "old person smell"). Reviewers claim that the soap's odor elimination lasts for days, and you can use the bar on areas where nonenal odors are strongest, like the back of the neck and behind the ears.AmazonA classic antibacterial soapBoard-certified dermatologist and founder of SCN Dermatology, Dr. Chang B. Son, said that antibacterial soap bars like these from Dial can help reduce bacterial overgrowth. This classic deodorant bar soap promises that clean and recognizable scent, as well as extended odor protection. AmazonA specialized sodium hypochlorite wash for many skin issuesKobets said that she likes hypochlorous acid–based cleansers and sprays because they help reduce pathogenic bacteria without being as disruptive as harsher antiseptics. "CLn Body Wash is somewhat unique because it functions more like a very controlled, diluted bleach bath–inspired cleanser using sodium hypochlorite chemistry...while still being formulated for routine cleansing," she said. According to her, this can be especially helpful in patients would it be ok to say 'people' instead? with recurrent folliculitis, eczema-prone skin, sweaty skin folds, or odor related to bacterial imbalance.Although the CLn Body Wash comes in a few different formulas, this particular one appears to be the most popular and most helpful for treating tricky skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rashes and hidradenitis suppurativa. Any precautions surrounding this one that the source mentioned?AmazonA 2% pyrithione zinc bar soap for bacteria- and yeast-related odorsKobets also said that zinc-based ingredients — especially zinc pyrithione and zinc oxide — can help suppress both bacteria and yeast while also reducing inflammation and dandruff-related odor due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties. The specific zinc pyrithione-containing soap that she suggested (the Vanicream Z-Bar) has been discontinued, so we selected this highly rated alternative, which is a coconut-based soap containing a 2% concentration of the active zinc ingredient, as well as key skin nourishers like hydrating glycerin, calming colloidal oatmeal and vitamin E. It can be used on the scalp and the entire body. AmazonAn anti-fungal dandruff shampoo that can be used on the body"For dandruff-related odor, oily skin folds, or yeast overgrowth, I often recommend Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo used not just on the scalp, but sometimes as a wash for skin folds as well," Kobets said of this revered shampoo formula that one dermatologist previously called “the industry gold standard” of anti-dandruff treatments. It even earned a coveted HuffPost Shopping Award in 2025. AmazonA 10% benzoyl peroxide face and body wash "For bacterial overgrowth and persistent underarm odor, benzoyl peroxide washes like PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash can help decrease odor-causing bacteria deep in follicles," Kobets said. Suitable for the face and body, this drugstore icon contains a 10% concentration of the active ingredient as well as moisturizers to help combat skin dryness. Kobets said that benzoyl peroxide-containing formulas are especially helpful for people who sweat heavily or get recurrent folliculitis, although they can be drying and may bleach fabrics.AmazonA glycolic and lactic acid body wash "Exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid can help remove the buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria that contribute to odor," Aivaz said. Based on this guidance, we chose this foaming body gel by Medix 5.5 for its inclusion of both ingredients, as well as salicylic acid. This body wash can also help soften the irregular skin tone and texture that's often associated with skin conditions like KP.AmazonA detoxifying charcoal body wash barSon said that soap bars made with charcoal can help reduce sweating and neutralize odor, which led us to pick this detoxifying charcoal body wash bar by Kitsch. The formula, which also promises to help clear clogged pores and prevent ingrown hairs, contains hydrating coconut oil, nourishing vitamin E and conditioning shea butter. AmazonA tea tree oil exfoliating bar soapBoth Son and Aivaz mention tea tree oil-containing soaps as a potentially helpful option to combat persistent body odors. Based on that guidance, we selected this exfoliating body bar that promises an invigorating and richly foaming lather with each wash. This aromatic formula contains tea tree oil, mint, eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary, as well as parsley flakes for gentle exfoliation. AmazonA chlorhexidine wash for persistent odor For more severe, persistent odor, especially in skin folds, Kobets said that chlorhexidine washes, such as Hibiclens, can sometimes help because they have prolonged antibacterial activity. "I usually caution patients not to overuse them because they can be quite stripping and irritating to the skin barrier if used daily long term," she said. "Use them once or twice weekly rather than as an everyday cleanser."Close Trending In ShoppingMore In Shopping