Sweat Tips & Concerns
The Science of Sweat
2 Min Read | Date : 03/27/2025
Have you ever finished a workout – wearing sweat on your t-shirt as a badge – only for the question, ‘what is sweat?’ to hit you out of nowhere? You’re not alone. We sweat every day, so it’s only natural to wonder what it is and why it causes body odor. Ready to get to the bottom of it? Let’s dive in.
What is sweat?
Sweat is an odorless liquid, consisting of mainly water, proteins, salt and oils. Glands deep in your skin produce sweat to help regulate body temperature – as sweat evaporates, it cools the body down.
There are two types of sweat glands:
Eccrine glands: They produce sweat that simply cools your skin when you get too hot. A built-in air con for your body, if you like.
Apocrine glands: These kick in at puberty and produce sweat that creates body odor when it meets bacteria, turning your armpits, groin and other areas into breeding grounds for B.O.
Why does your sweat smell?
You might be surprised to learn this, but: sweat itself doesn’t smell. But when it meets the millions of harmless bacteria living on our skin that feed off it, it can develop an unpleasant odor.¹
Body odor can be sweet, tangy or vinegary depending on the type of bacteria on your body. That’s why some people don’t smell ‘bad’ even when they sweat.
What’s with the vinegary smell?
Bacteria from the body’s sebaceous glands break down sweat into something called propionic acid. This belongs to the same family as common vinegar. Hence that vinegary body odor when you’ve been sweating – whether from a grueling HIIT class or a nerve-racking work meeting.
Changes in diet, hot or humid weather conditions, wearing synthetic clothing and even certain types of medication can all activate that distinctive smell.
Why does sweat stain?
Sweat stains occur when the proteins in your sweat react with chemicals in your antiperspirant or bacteria on your skin. Make sure you let your deodorant dry before putting on clothes and check you’re using a specific product designed to fight against sweat marks and yellow stains, like:
So, body odor’s all down to our glands?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Changes in diet, hot or humid weather conditions, wearing synthetic clothing and even certain types of medication can all activate that distinctive smell.
Say no to B.O.
Don’t let body odor keep you from doing what you love. Below, we share tips on how to beat B.O.
Hit the shower at least once a day
And use antibacterial soap to wash yourself thoroughly. Don’t forget to towel dry yourself, especially in the areas where you sweat a lot.
Keep body hair trimmed
Hair hangs on to sweat, so keeping hairy areas trimmed helps keep B.O. at bay.
Wear clothes that breathe
Avoid synthetic fibers, like nylon and polyester, that trap sweat on your skin.
Use an effective antiperspirant deodorant twice a day
If regular deodorants and antiperspirants just aren’t enough for you, level up to a clinical formula. Try the Degree® Clinical Protection range that delivers prescription-strength wetness protection to keep you feeling dry, fresh and always motivated to move.
Avoid odor-causing food
Some foods like garlic, onion, curry, cumin, fatty foods and red meat can carry their smell into your sweat, so consider taking them off the menu.
Sweat and body odor can’t knock your confidence. With the right products, and lifestyle adjustments, you can stay fresh, confident and in control.
References:
- Lam TH, Verzotto D, Brahma P, Ng AHQ, Hu P, Schnell D, Tiesman J, Kong R, Ton TMU, Li J, Ong M, Lu Y, Swaile D, Liu P, Liu J, Nagarajan N. Understanding the microbial basis of body odor in pre-pubescent children and teenagers. Microbiome. 2018.
