Why does sweat on feet and armpits smell so bad – and how to finally get rid of it?

Publication date: 12.06.2025.

Sweat itself doesn’t smell... So why do we?

It may sound shocking, but it’s true: sweat is completely odorless! Yes, you read that right. On its own – sweat has absolutely no scent. So how is it possible that our armpits and feet sometimes give off such an unpleasant odor that even the bravest keep their distance?

The answer is simple: bacteria! Our skin – especially under the arms and on the feet – is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that break down sweat into smelly compounds. The more sweat, warmth, and moisture – the more fun for bacteria... and the stronger the unpleasant smell for us.

Why armpits and feet in particular?

Armpits are full of apocrine glands that produce thick, protein- and fat-rich sweat – a real feast for bacteria. Feet, on the other hand, have over 250,000 sweat glands per foot – more than any other part of the body! And what do we do? We trap them all day long in socks and airless shoes. The result? An ideal environment for bacteria that don’t exactly smell like roses.

What makes body odor worse?

  • Synthetic clothing and footwear – prevent air circulation, trap moisture.
  • Poor hygiene – even one day without washing is enough for bacteria to multiply.
  • Stress and hormonal changes – lead to excessive sweating.
  • Unhealthy diet – onions, garlic, alcohol, and spices make the odor even more intense.
  • Old sneakers and clothes – perfect storage for bacteria that can survive for months!

Why does sweat odor change with age – especially in women?

Maybe you’ve noticed: what used to be a mild sweat smell in your teenage years can become much stronger, even different in character, in your 30s or 40s. And you’re not alone – body odor really does change with age, and this is especially true for women.

The main culprits for this change are – hormones. During puberty, apocrine glands start working and producing fattier sweat, which is why teenagers begin to develop noticeable body odor. Later in life, especially during pregnancy, PMS, menopause, or hormonal shifts, the body produces varying levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, directly affecting the composition of sweat.

But that’s not all – over time, the skin's pH value and regeneration capacity change, and the number and type of bacteria on the skin also increase or shift, causing stronger or different smells. Some scientists even claim that aging sweat contains a substance known as 2-nonenal, responsible for the distinctive "mature" scent of skin in people over the age of 40.

That’s why it’s not unusual for women to notice that their sweat smells different during various life stages – the body simply changes from within.

Why is washing sometimes not enough?

Many believe that soap and water solve everything. But bacteria can survive on clothing, shoes, and sports equipment – even after regular washing! How many times have you washed your socks or sports shirt, only to notice they still smell "weird" when you wear them again? Well, not all bacteria were removed. They love hidden fibers where they survive washing and come back the moment you wear the item again.

A TRIPLE-ACTION solution – IZAEFFECT FRESH spray!

Enough fighting odors that ruin your day! Let us introduce you to IZAEFFECT FRESH – a disinfectant for clothing, footwear, and sports equipment with triple action:

  1. Disinfection and protection — protects your health and removes 99.9% of microorganisms.
  2. Odor elimination — destroys the sources of bad smells and ensures long-lasting freshness.
  3. Stain removal — effectively cleans even the most stubborn stains without damaging materials.

Simply spray IZAEFFECT FRESH on your socks, sneakers, sports bag, or clothes – and forget about unpleasant odors even in your sweatiest moments! IZAEFFECT FRESH spray provides a triple solution in one product: reliably disinfects and protects against microorganisms, efficiently eliminates unpleasant odors, and removes stubborn stains without damaging fabrics and materials.

Stop wasting time on temporary solutions – eliminate the source of odor where it really starts!

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