The £8 product that fixes BO just in time for the heatwave

The UK heatwave isn't going anywhere fast, and the morning commute has never been sweatier.

Even the strongest deodorant doesn't stand a chance on the sticky bus journey into the office, so women are getting more experimental with how to tackle smelly pits.

Amid the sweltering temperatures, an £8 skincare product is flying off the shelves, as people swap their traditional deodorant for glycolic acid.

The beauty staple is typically reserved for exfoliating your face and combatting acne.

But according to TikTok, it could be the secret to beating BO during the heatwave. Find out more below.

Can glycolic acid really get rid of body odour?

For the unacquainted, glycolic acid is a common skincare ingredient renowned for its exfoliating and cell renewing properties.

From combatting acne to reducing the appearance of blackheads, the bathroom staple can be used for a number of common skincare problems.

Now, people are using the toner under their arms to combat body odour before heading out the door - and it's been hailed 'life changing' by hundreds of TikTok users.

But how does it work?

"Glycolic acid works to combat body odour by changing the environment of the skin where odour-causing bacteria grows," Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Aiza Jamil, explains.

"Sweat itself is odourless, however the smell we associate with sweat comes from the bacteria that is developed on the skin, especially in warm areas such as under the arms.

"If you have a higher skin pH, more bacterial growth and enzyme activity happens, therefore glycolic acid works by lowering the skin's pH, making it more acidic."

Dr Jamil goes on to explain that glycolic acid works by exfoliating dead skin cells, which in turn removes the odours associated with this.

For instance, it breaks down any trapped oil, sweat and debris laying beneath the pits.

"However, it is important to note that it does not stop sweating itself, and therefore should be used in conjunction with antiperspirants rather than instead of," she warns.

"Overuse can also cause irritation, burning, or peeling, so you need to be careful with how often you use it, especially in sensitive areas such as the underarms.

"Shaving and then immediately using glycolic acid can also cause irritation to the skin."

The most popular product on the market appears to be the £7.99 The Ordinary Glycolic Acid which can be purchased on Boots and Amazon.

What does glycolic acid do to your skin?

As mentioned above, glycolic acid can be used for a number of skincare concerns.

An alpha-hydroxy acid (also known as AHA), it penetrates the skin more than other AHA products, which makes it ideal for breaking down dead skin cells for brighter, smoother skin.

In turn, it can allegedly clear inflamed skin and help to reduce the appearance of spots and melasma (dark patches on the skin).

Its magic works beyond your face and pits, too.

For instance, some TikTokers have been using glycolic acid to combat dry heels and reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris (also known as chicken skin bumps) in the countdown to summer.

Suddenly, the morning commute doesn't sound too bad after all.