The Science of Sweat: How Your Microbiome Influences Body Odour

Sweating is one of the body’s most natural and essential processes. It regulates temperature, supports detoxification, and helps maintain healthy skin. Sweat itself doesn’t actually smell, odour only occurs when certain bacteria on the skin’s surface break down components of sweat into acids.

That means the key to staying fresh isn’t to stop sweating, it’s to maintain the right balance of bacteria on your skin. And that balance comes down to your microbiome.

Understanding your skin’s microbiome

Your skin is home to billions of bacteria that protect, balance, and communicate with your body. This invisible ecosystem is called the microbiome, and it plays a vital role in everything from hydration and barrier function to odour control.

When the microbiome is healthy, good bacteria keep the odour-causing ones in check. When it’s disrupted (by harsh cleansers, synthetic ingredients, or aluminium-based antiperspirants) imbalance occurs, often leading to irritation, dryness, or stronger odour.

How conventional deodorants interfere

Many mainstream deodorants and antiperspirants work by blocking sweat glands or masking odour with synthetic fragrance. While effective in the short term, these can:

• Disrupt your skin’s microbiome balance.

• Block natural detoxification pathways.

• Introduce ingredients such as aluminium salts, triclosan, or undisclosed synthetic compounds that can irritate sensitive skin.

This interference can lead to increased sensitivity, dryness, or dependence on stronger products over time.

The microbiome-friendly approach

A microbiome-friendly deodorant takes a different path. It works with your body, not against it, by maintaining bacterial balance and neutralising odour at the source instead of blocking sweat.

Mukti’s new natural deodorant uses a clean, aluminium-free base that combines proven bioactives with soothing botanicals.

• Mushroom extract helps refine pores and gently regulate perspiration.

• Witch hazel provides natural astringency without disrupting the skin barrier.

• Essential oils offer mild antimicrobial and deodorising benefits while respecting microbiome diversity.

The result is long-lasting, clean protection that supports the skin’s natural ecosystem for healthier, more balanced underarms.

Ingredients to avoid in deodorant

When choosing a deodorant that supports both performance and skin health, steer clear of:

• Aluminium salts – block sweat glands and alter natural perspiration.

• Triclosan – harsh antibacterial that disrupts the microbiome.

• Synthetic fragrance – often includes undisclosed compounds linked to irritation.

• Baking soda – can raise pH and disturb the skin’s natural acidity.

• Excess alcohol – dries and sensitises skin.

Our ingredient philosophy

At Mukti Organics, we take a precautionary approach to formulation, excluding not only irritants but also ingredients under increasing scrutiny for their potential hormone-disrupting effects, such as triclosan, phthalates, and parabens.

While research continues to evolve, we believe that truly clean body care should work in harmony with your biology, supporting your microbiome, endocrine system, and overall wellbeing.

The takeaway

Your body was designed to sweat, and when your microbiome is supported, it can do so without unwanted odour. Choosing a deodorant that respects this balance means choosing one that works with your biology, not against it.

Explore our Natural Deodorant – Citrus & Siberian Fir; an aluminium-free, microbiome-friendly formula that keeps you feeling fresh, confident, and in rhythm with your body.