Whether skin’s pH is off-balance from excessive sweating in tight socks, shirts and pants in hot environments or from being overweight, no one is immune to BO.

According to Dr. Alicia Zalka, board certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, the most offending smells causing BO, or bromhidrosis in dermatologic speak, permeate from areas in the body where bacteria get trapped and fester in skin folds. For example, under the breasts, inside the belly button, privates and buttock crease, armpits, scalp, feet, toes and even the back of the ears and neck.

“As a dermatologist, I am thrilled that collectively we have ‘come out of the dark; about body odor and we all know that it’s not just our underarms that can catch us off guard with moments of olfactory unpleasantness, Zalka told Happi. “But, do you really need to put deodorant on your whole body? No. There are smelly bits for sure and there are places on our skin that almost never get your nose’s disapproval.”

While the idea of whole-body deodorant has emerged given that malodors are not just tethered to the underarm, Dr. Zalka says gliding deodorant over the entire body to eliminate such odors doesn’t quite work for all crevices. To help consumers nix the stink, she developed a new line of products called Surface Deep that are geared toward eliminating these odors lurking in the cracks.

Glycolic Acid Stars in Surface Deep Line

Surface Deep pH Balancing Skin Wash is a new moisturizing cleanser powered by fruit-based glycolic acid and a formulation of antioxidants including liposomal vitamin A, C E and CoQ10 blended with botanical extracts and essential oils.

“Glycolic acid balances the skin’s pH by helping it maintain its ideal pH of 5.5. Our formula contains approximately 7% glycolic acid, which helps to prevent the skin pH from increasing to alkalinity,” Dr. Zalka explained. “This acidic set point is called the skin’s acid mantle. This acid mantle acts as an invisible security guard keeping bad stuff out and good stuff in. Many habits and skincare products alter the skin’s pH and by doing so, opens the door (literally) for odor-causing bacteria to flourish and crowd out the ‘resident’ bacteria; that act as odor preventing species of the microbiome.”

Glycolic acid, she added, gently sweeps away elements that odor-causing bacteria feed on.

“The great part is that while it helps deter the presence of odor causing microbes, it also helps to keep the skin exfoliated which translates to smoothness, brightness and less chance of ingrown hairs and pimples.”

Glycolic acid, she maintains, is the strongest member of the AHA family. Its penetrative nature even inspired the name, “Surface Deep.”

Dr. Zalka calls glycolic acid a great alternative to aluminum-based products.

“I have seen lots of social media posts about using tea tree oil, lemons, alcohol and various other products to combat body odor. Some of these DIY options can work temporarily, but you must keep in mind how you are affecting the skin’s built in ‘security system’ of maintaining a barrier,” said Zalka. “Using rubbing alcohol, for example, dries out the skin severely and in the long run will disrupt the skin barrier and actually lead to rashes and the potential for increased body odor. You want to use a product with a proven track record and one that a dermatologist approves.”

Prior Launches

Surface Deep’s initial Surface Deep Anti-Odorant product in wipes/pads-form first launched in February 2020 just before the start of the pandemic. The Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Pads include 30 individually wrapped, 100% biodegradable cleansing pads to keep BO at bay while on the go or traveling. Despite the pandemic-induced challenges that ensued, the brand was well received by consumers and beauty editors alike.

“The Surface Deep brand gained a cult following and organic growth has continued, much to my delight,” said Zalka, adding that the brand relied heavily on word of mouth for sales.

In 2022, Surface Deep launched its next product, the Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Spray, which was recognized in Men’s Health as the outlet’s pick for best natural deodorant. Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Spray is a skin microbiome-friendly blend of fruit acids and botanical extracts that provides a new way for daylong odor prevention on underarms and feet.

Reporting by Chief Content Editor Tom Branna.