As summer approaches, let’s talk about something we all deal with but rarely want to talk about: underarm odor. Like most of us, I swapped my effective yet harmful aluminum-packed antiperspirants for natural alternatives, but nothing else worked quite as well.

What if we have it all wrong? Instead of masking the odor, what if we could balance the skin’s microbiome to eliminate it altogether? Enter: pre-, pro-, and post-biotics. You’ve likely seen them in gut-boosting yogurt or balancing skincare, but they’re now stepping into the deodorant aisle.

It’s true, your armpits have their own skin microbiome

Believe it or not, sweat itself is odorless. It only causes odor when it mixes with the bacteria on your skin. Traditional deodorants and antiperspirants seem so effective because they either ward away the bacteria or block sweat glands completely. However, since bacteria can be good or bad, getting rid of it completely only disrupts the natural balance and may actually worsen symptoms over time. So, what’s the alternative?

Meet the key biotic players

Prebiotics: Think of them as food for the good bacteria. They help nourish beneficial microbes, so they can eventually outnumber the odor-causing kind. In deodorants, prebiotics help create a well-balanced environment

Probiotics are the good bacteria themselves. They help repopulate and rebalance your skin’s natural microbiome to outnumber the odor-causing bad kind. In deodorants, they can help calm the skin while keeping odor at bay. Over time, probiotic-rich formulas can create a healthier baseline, making your body less dependent on deodorant altogether.

Postbiotics: The byproducts of probiotic bacteria. They continue to maintain the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and keep odor-causing bacteria away even when the live bacteria is no longer present.

Does it actually work?

Yes, but only if you let it. Similar to skincare, finding the right formula that works for your unique skin can take time. Don’t get disheartened or give up if the first formula doesn’t hit it out of the park.

Seeing a noticeable difference also takes time. Instead of uprooting your skin’s microbiome completely, we’re regulating and re-balancing it, which will inevitably take time. Be patient, and re-apply as needed, especially in the first few weeks.

Pre-, pro-, and post-biotics may seem buzzy, but they’re more than just a trend—they offer an alternative approach to gentler, more holistic care. And, they may just be the secret to managing underarm odor without throwing your skin off balance.

Ready to give a probiotic deodorant a chance? Beautylish recommends Biotic Beauty Brightening Probiotic Deodorant.