Patented is a superabsorbent article having improved odor control and microbial control. It comprises a liquid-impervious back layer, a liquid-absorbing intermediate layer containing a surface-crosslinked, partially neutralized, acidic hydrophilic polymer and a liquid-pervious, non-absorbing top layer. A low molecular weight alkali-neutralizing agent is evenly distributed in the absorbing intermediate layer. The alkali-neutralizing agent is distinguished from the partially neutralized, acidic hydrophilic polymer. The absorbing layer, after humidification with neutral water, has a pH of 5.6 or lower and the acidic polymer has a degree of neutralization of at least 50%.