Why Some People Just Smell More Than Others

Ever stood next to someone who skipped deodorant and still smelled fresh? Meanwhile, you’re reapplying every few hours and still feel self-conscious. You’re not imagining it. Some people really do smell more than others. And it’s not about hygiene alone. It’s about what’s going on inside your body your genes, hormones, stress levels, and even what you eat.

Why Do Some People Smell More Than Others?

Body odor is normal. But if you notice you tend to smell more than others, or your scent changes throughout the day, there’s usually a reason behind it. Here are some of the top body odor causes that explain why some people naturally smell stronger than others.

1. Genetics and Body Odor

Your genes play a major role in how you smell. Some people are born with a genetic variation that affects how their sweat interacts with bacteria. The result? Stronger or weaker odor.

There’s even a gene called ABCC11 that controls how much of a certain compound is secreted in your sweat. People with a specific version of this gene produce less of the compound, which means they naturally have less odor. This is a major reason behind natural body odor differences.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do some people smell more even when they’re clean?”, genetics might be the answer.

2. Hormonal Body Odor Changes

Your hormones affect just about everything including how you smell. Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause all bring hormonal shifts that can change your scent. These body odor from hormones changes are totally normal but can be frustrating.

For example:

• During puberty, sweat glands become more active, especially in the armpits and groin.
• Menstrual cycles can cause odor shifts due to changing estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Pregnancy may increase sweat production, leading to stronger scent.

These hormonal body odor changes are just part of your body’s natural rhythm. But knowing the cause can help you manage them better.

3. Stress and Body Odor

Ever noticed that your sweat smells worse when you’re anxious or under pressure? That’s not your imagination. Stress and body odor are deeply connected.

Here’s why: your body has two types of sweat glands. Eccrine glands produce watery sweat to cool you down. Apocrine glands, mostly found in your armpits, release a thicker sweat when you’re stressed. Bacteria on your skin love apocrine sweat. They feed on it and create odor as a byproduct.

So if your body odor spikes during high-stress moments, it’s not just nerves it’s biology.

4. Body Odor and Diet

What you eat can show up in the way you smell. Certain foods contain compounds that can come out through your sweat. These foods that cause body odor don’t affect everyone the same way, but some common culprits include:

• Garlic and onions: Contain sulfur, which can linger on your skin
• Red meat: Can slow digestion and lead to stronger-smelling sweat
• Spicy foods: Trigger your sweat glands and may change your scent
• Alcohol: Can make your breath and sweat smell stronger

If you’ve changed your diet recently and noticed a shift in your scent, it could be food-related. Body odor and diet go hand in hand more than most people realize.

5. Medical and Metabolic Factors

In some cases, excessive body odor reasons go beyond lifestyle. Certain medical conditions can cause stronger body odor. These include:

• Hyperhidrosis: A condition that causes excessive sweating
• Diabetes: Can lead to a fruity or sweet-smelling odor
• Liver or kidney issues: May result in a strong ammonia-like scent
• Trimethylaminuria: A rare genetic disorder that causes a fishy odor

If you’ve tried everything diet, deodorant, stress management and still notice strong odor, it might be time to talk to a doctor. Some body odor causes need medical support.

How to Manage Strong Body Odor Naturally

Understanding your body is the first step. Once you know what’s behind your unique scent, you can find ways to manage it that actually work for your skin and lifestyle.

1. Choose the Right Deodorant

Not all deodorants are created equal. If you have sensitive skin or react to traditional antiperspirants, try options with gentler ingredients. For example, magnesium hydroxide is a science-backed alternative that helps stop odor without blocking sweat or irritating your skin.

2. Watch Your Diet

If you suspect your meals are affecting your scent, try cutting back on common foods that cause body odor for a week and see what changes. Staying hydrated and eating more fresh fruits and veggies can also help.

3. Manage Stress

Since stress and body odor are deeply connected, tools like deep breathing, exercise, or meditation can make a real difference. Calmer mind, calmer sweat glands.

4. Wear Breathable Fabrics

Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo allow your skin to breathe and sweat to evaporate. This can help reduce odor buildup throughout the day.

5. Shower Smart

Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser and focus on areas where sweat glands are most active. Towel off completely and keep your underarms dry to make it harder for bacteria to grow.

Quick Takeaways

• Genetics and body odor: Your DNA affects how your sweat smells
• Hormones: Life stages like puberty and pregnancy can change your scent
• Stress: Triggers a different type of sweat that smells worse
• Diet: Certain foods can make you smell stronger
• Health: Sometimes odor is a sign of an underlying issue

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered why you seem to smell more than your friends, you’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong. Natural body odor differences are just that: natural. Understanding the science behind your scent helps you make smarter choices for your skin and your confidence.

At MAGS Skin, we believe healthy skin shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort. That’s why our deodorants are made with clean, effective ingredients like magnesium to help stop odor at the source without harsh chemicals or skin irritation. Because everyone deserves to feel fresh in their own skin.