If you have ever wondered why underarms develop odor, the answer is more scientific than you might think. Sweat on its own is nearly odorless. The smell develops when sweat, especially from apocrine glands in the underarms, interacts with the bacteria that live naturally on the skin. These bacteria break down proteins and lipids in sweat into smaller compounds such as short-chain fatty acids and sulfur-containing molecules. It is these volatile molecules that create the characteristic scent we associate with body odor.

When you stop using aluminum-based antiperspirants, your body not only resumes sweating but also experiences a shift in the underarm microbiome. Antiperspirants plug sweat glands and suppress bacterial activity, so once discontinued, the microbial balance has to reset. During this time odor may be stronger, not because the body is “dirty,” but because the skin ecosystem is recalibrating.

The key to managing odor is not blocking sweat altogether but addressing the environment where odor compounds are formed. Supporting the skin’s natural microbiome while reducing excess oil, debris, and odor-causing bacteria can make all the difference.

This is where ACTIVATE Body Wash excels. Formulated with activated charcoal, bentonite clay, Dead Sea salt, and essential oils of eucalyptus, balsam fir, and atlas cedarwood, ACTIVATE helps neutralize odor at its source. Activated charcoal has a porous structure that allows it to absorb oil, toxins, and odor molecules thousands of times its own mass. Bentonite clay draws out impurities while balancing oil production, and Dead Sea salt delivers minerals that help maintain a skin pH less favorable to odor-causing bacteria. The essential oils provide additional antimicrobial support, selectively reducing the bacteria responsible for odor without stripping the skin.

The result is a cleanser that detoxifies, purifies, and restores balance, leaving the skin fresh and resilient. Used under the arms, ACTIVATE can ease the transition to natural deodorant by neutralizing odor molecules and supporting a healthy microbiome. Used head to toe, it can also help calm blemishes, soothe irritation, and refresh the skin wherever it needs extra care.

Smell is not the enemy. It is a signal of biology at work. With ACTIVATE, you can work in harmony with your body, supporting its natural rhythms while keeping the skin balanced, comfortable, and fresh.