[ericb]

It took me a long time to realize this, but you can find people who say/believe almost anything, even very earnestly, sometimes for the flimsiest of reasons.

People might try this out in the winter, and swear by it in online forums until summer comes, or a stressful interview comes up (stress sweat stinks more than normal), or until a coworker with super sense of smell says something.

It may work great, but healthy skepticism is just as important as a willingness to buck convention.

[catshirt]

Fair enough. But there also seems to be a decent follow up of people agreeing, which is a stronger case. I'm not suggesting to believe it's a magic bullet or completely true, but there seems to be at least a bit of truth (which seems to be: completely depends on the person).

edit: It's also not a "willingness to buck convention", because you can ultimately just start using soap again. There's really nothing to be lost by trying it, imho.

[puredemo]

I've done it for a year without any issues, including while playing sports and being in stressful situations.

[ericb]

I don't doubt it. But a few anecdotes of success don't prove it will work for me or everyone. I have certainly met greasy people who smelled, although I have no idea what their bathing habits were. Everyone's body may be different.

To clarify, I am not saying it doesn't work, only that a few claims in a forum aren't "proof." I may even give it a try.

[puredemo]

I actually had (slightly) worse issues with body oder while using soap and shampoo every day. I didn't expect any positive change going the no soap route, the whole experience has been surprising.

Anyway, worked for me. I'm also a fairly skinny guy with a low body fat percentage, not sure if that made any difference.