How to Detox Your Armpits (2024)

If you’re reading this, it means that you’re either thinking of making the switch toaluminum free deodorant, or you’ve already made the switch and you’re confused why you’re a little stinky. Either way, we’re here to answer your questions.

What is an Armpit Detox?

The goal of an armpit detox is simple: eliminate unnecessary ingredients from your routine and give your underarms some love. Our version of anarmpit detox is easy:

1. Switchfrom antiperspirant to aluminum free deodorant.Learn more about why you should switch toaluminum free deodorant.
2. Follow our tips below tomake the detox period a breeze.
3. Give your underarms extra love with a detox mask.

Why Detox Your Armpits?

Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts which clog pores and inhibit sweating. Sounds practical, right? One of the things they don’t tell you about antiperspirants is thatthey interfere with your skin's natural microbiome¹.

Aluminum salts and other ingredients found in conventional antiperspirants and deodorants are not onlyunnecessary, in our humble opinion, but also potentially concerning.

The skin in your armpits is quite absorbent compared to other parts of the body. Whenapplying a productto this area daily, it’s important to consider what ingredients it contains.

Here are a few to look out for and whythey might be concerning:

Common deodorant ingredients

• Aluminum:An antiperspirant agent. Some studies have shown a connection between aluminum absorption and certain diseases.Although more research is needed to confirm this link,medical professionals do caution people with weak kidney function against using deodorant with aluminum².
• Parabens:A preservative. Parabens mimic estrogen. An excess of estrogen can increase your breast cancer risk². At this time, the FDA does not specifically regulate parabens, though they are continuing to research possibleeffects on human health³.
• Formaldehyde:A preservative.Formaldehyde is listed on the FDA website as an allergen⁴. Research is limited, but there is some concern that formaldehyde may be a carcinogen⁵.
• Phthalates:A plasticizer, i.e. chemicals that make plastics more durable. Studies show that while phthalates affect the reproductive systemsof animals, more research is required to understand their effects on humans⁶.
• Propylene glycol:A skin conditioning agent. Propylene glycolis not considered toxic⁷, but it is a classified as a skin irritant⁸.

Did you know, onaverage, consumers use between six and 12 personal care products daily⁹? Peek in your bathroomto see how many products contain theabove ingredients.

Does switching toaluminum deodorant make you smell worse?

Initially, it seem likeyou new deodorant isn't workingall that well.So what gives? Antiperspirant and conventional deodorant mess with the natural microbiome of your underarms¹⁰, causing bacteria to overproduce and make you smell even worse when your body stops depending on chemicals to control odor.

As your body begins to no longer rely onthe antiperspirant chemicals, it will naturally correct the bacterial imbalance in your armpits, and your sweat won’t smell nearly as bad.

How long does it take to adjust toaluminum free deodorant?

Giveyour body a week or two to regulate. Stick it out through the detox period and you will be rewarded with the peace of mind thatyou know exactly what's going on and inyour body.

Friendly side note: If you've been using antiperspirant, then you will begin to notice perspiration under your arms.Remember sweating is natural, normal, anda good thing.Learn aboutthe different kinds of sweat.

How to Detox Your Armpits

While your sweat could be extra smelly for the first few days, we've got your back.

Aside frombenefiting from ourincredible smelling aluminum free deodorant options scented with essential oils and botanical extracts, we have somepointersfor minimizing any undesired smell during your detox process.

4 tips for getting through the detox period

1. Drink Plenty of Water: Water helps your body remove everyday toxins in an efficient,easy way. Drink filtered water for thegreatest benefits!

2. Mind What You Eat: Believe it or not, certain foodscan change the way that your body odor smells. Actively avoid smelling worse than you need to by going vegetarian for a few days. As you might expect, beware of garlic and onions!

3. Dry Off Carefully After a Shower: Think back to high school science. Bacteria love warm, moist environments! Which basically describes your armpit after coming out of the shower. Make sureto dry your armpits well. When you’re on the go, wipe off excess sweat in your pits with a towel.

4. Get Moving and Sweat: From an early age, we’re taught that smelling bad is gross, and therefore sweating is gross. However, trying to prevent sweating from happening altogether isn’t all that great. Antiperspirants may prevent sweating, but they do so by clogging pores and blocking sweat glands with aluminum salts in the process². A little exercise to break a sweat, and maybe asome time ina sauna,will help speed up the detoxification process as your body re-learns how to control bacteria on its own.

Let's Recap

• Detoxing is a process.
• You mayfeel extra smelly for a few days, but it will pass.
• Drink extra water and enjoy a clean diet.
• A little sweat is good for you.
• Keep your underarms dry to prevent bacteria growth.

Bonus! DIY Armpit Detox Mask Recipe

The key ingredient in this mask is bentonite clay. What makes this special ingredient so cool is the fact that it’s made of aged volcanic ash. Its unique composition literally absorbs toxins¹¹. Apple cider vinegar, otherwise known as ACV, is the second productive component of the mask. ACV contains tons of enzymes, protein, and probiotic bacteria that give ACV anti-fungal and antibacterial properties¹². As a team, ACV and bentonite clay kill bacteria while also removing impurities from your pores!

Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 T healing bentonite clay
• 1 t apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 t water

Instructions

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a small, non-metal bowl. Use a non-metal spoon.
2. Stiruntil the mixture is nice and creamy.
3. Apply an even layerto cleanarmpits and letdry for 5-20 minutes. You may experience some rednessfrom an increase of blood flow to the area, but thatshould quickly go away.Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
4. Take a shower andrinse off the mixture, or use a damp, warm cloth.
5. Repeat 1-3 times a week until you see results!

Keep using this mask every day until you see an improvement in your scent. For the best results, try the mask for a week.

Ditching your antiperspirantdoesn't have to be a smelly ordeal. And take it from us, it's a worthwhile step toward a healthier you. Our poor armpits, which rarely see the light of day, deserve a little attention. The result will make alasting difference for them and your overall health.

Disclaimer: All information provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should be interpreted as, medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and Humble Brands products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider with questions you have regarding your health. Although every effort has been made to ensure the information published is accurate, Humble Brands accepts no responsibility or liability.