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Activated charcoal has been studied as a dietary supplement and topical agent for body odor, particularly in trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome). A published study in Japanese TMAU patients found that oral activated charcoal decreased urinary trimethylamine excretion, reducing the source of fishy body odor. Evidence for general body odor reduction in healthy people is limited and largely anecdotal.

The same placebo-controlled RCT (n=80, 4 weeks) that established champignon extract's effect on halitosis simultaneously demonstrated significant improvement in body and fecal odor across all active-dose groups. Mechanistically, the extract suppresses intestinal generation of indole, tryptamine, p-cresol, and ammonia — precursors that are absorbed into blood and released through skin and breath. Effects were dose-dependent.

Chlorophyllin has clinical evidence for reducing body and fecal odor in specific medical populations. Human studies show benefit in colostomy and incontinence patients, and a controlled study in trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome) demonstrated normalization of urinary trimethylamine with 180 mg/day copper chlorophyllin over 3 weeks. Evidence for reducing general perspiration odor in healthy individuals is weak.

Chlorophyllin, a water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll, has documented clinical use as an internal deodorant. A study of Japanese TMAU patients found that oral copper chlorophyllin (60 mg three times daily) significantly reduced urinary trimethylamine levels over three weeks, reducing fish-like body odor. Earlier controlled studies in geriatric patients also showed reductions in urinary and fecal odor.

Garlic consumption produces body odor via allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), which is absorbed into blood, reaches the skin, and is excreted through sweat glands. This is a well-characterized, mechanistically understood phenomenon scientifically documented in human studies.

Magnesium, particularly as magnesium hydroxide, is used in natural deodorant formulations to control body odor by raising underarm skin pH, creating an inhospitable environment for odor-producing bacteria. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found magnesium hydroxide effective at reducing body odor without disrupting the skin microbiome. A clinical study with a magnesium-based formulation (CareMag® D) showed over 40% reduction in malodor with 84% of participants reporting long-lasting protection.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) contains terpinen-4-ol and other antimicrobial compounds that are effective against body odor-causing bacteria including Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium species. Multiple laboratory and clinical studies support its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is widely incorporated into commercial natural deodorant formulations and used topically in Australia for nearly 100 years for antiseptic purposes.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has traditional use in European herbal medicine for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), which directly contributes to body odor, and is approved by German health authorities for treating hyperhidrosis. Several small clinical trials show that oral sage (as tea, liquid extract, or tablet) significantly reduces excessive sweating, particularly menopausal sweating. Topically, sage extracts have antimicrobial properties that may help reduce odor-causing bacteria on the skin.

Zinc, particularly as zinc oxide, has robust clinical evidence for reducing axillary body odor. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ZINC-ON, presented at ECCMID 2019, published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica) in 30 healthy volunteers found that topical ZnO application for 13 days significantly reduced odor-producing Corynebacterium spp. and Staphylococcus hominis, and reduced self-perceived malodor compared to placebo. Zinc salts have also been used in deodorant formulations for their odor-neutralizing and mild antimicrobial properties.

Geranium EO is used as a natural deodorant ingredient, with antimicrobial activity against odor-causing bacteria and a pleasant floral fragrance. Herbal medicine sources document its use as an insect repellent and deodorant. No clinical deodorant efficacy trials have been conducted.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has a long traditional use as an astringent and antimicrobial agent in skin care, including as a natural deodorant ingredient. Its tannins, proanthocyanidins, and gallic acid provide antibacterial and astringent properties that reduce skin-surface bacteria and tighten pores, limiting the environment in which odor-causing microbes thrive. While widely used in natural deodorant formulations, rigorous clinical trials specifically for body odor are limited.