Judging by the countless TikTok videos, beauty enthusiasts are using glycolic acid as deodorant mainly because they’re looking for natural alternatives and love the idea of a multipurpose product. Dr. Priya Verma, medical director at Nova Aesthetic Clinic, explains that glycolic acid is said to “lower the pH of the underarm, creating an inhospitable environment for odor-causing bacteria,” which explains why many TikTokers are championing it for reducing body odor. However, Dr. Mansouri says that this is simply a theory, and it isn’t actually proven to reduce odor. What’s more, Dr. Verma says there is little evidence that glycolic acid reduces sweating. “In fact, water from sweat will neutralize glycolic acid, reducing any benefits of the acid application,” she says.
