A cosmetic agent comprising 2-butyloctanoic acid and at least one polyglyceryl-3 ester of a fatty acid in a cosmetically acceptable carrier is provided. A non-therapeutic cosmetic method for preventing and/or reducing body odor, in which the said cosmetic agent is applied to the skin, in particular to the skin of the armpits, and remains on the skin for at least one hour is also provided. Use of the said cosmetic agent for the prevention and/or reduction of the body odor of the body caused by perspiration is outlined. The polyglyceryl-3 ester of a fatty acid may be selected from the group consisting of polyglyceryl-3 caprylate, polyglyceryl-3 caprate, polyglyceryl-3 laurate, polyglyceryl-3 myristate, polyglyceryl-3 palmitate, polyglyceryl-3 stearate, polyglyceryl-3 arachinate, polyglyceryl-3 behenate, polyglyceryl-3 palmitoleate, polyglyceryl-3 oleate and polyglyceryl-3 linolate.
