Is Detoxing Your Armpits Worth It? (2024)

Cleanses and detoxes have been wellness trends for years. Most of them stem from traditional practices in complementary and alternative medicine

From cleansing the skin to the gut, the idea is that periodically flushing the body with healthy substances can help keep things running smoothly the rest of the time.

Want to know what the next big thing is in the detox world? It’s armpits.

Instead of drinking teas or doing a cleanse, people are mixing up masks and slathering them under their arms in the name of good health and sweet smells.

Armpit masks for detoxing often involve charcoals, clays, or apple cider vinegar. You mix up the ingredients, so say proponents, and slather them onto your pits, keeping your arms raised above your head as they dry.

Supposedly, they help “detox” the harmful chemicals that may have been in previous deodorant and antiperspirant products you used.

But before you cover your pits in green sludge, let’s take a look at whether these detoxes really work.

Many people who switch from traditional to natural deodorants have noted going through a period of time when they say they sweat and stink more.

Armpit detoxes are believed to speed this phase up by unclogging pores and releasing impurities.

There are many claimed benefits of an armpit detox. Here are five common claims and what the research says.

Claim: Increases the effectiveness of natural deodorant

Most armpit detoxes are meant to make the transition from an aluminum-based antiperspirant to a natural deodorant easier. Many of the articles in favor of armpit detoxes claim that the natural deodorant, such as baking soda deodorant, will work better afterward.

However, there’s no proof that these detoxes reduce odor or make a deodorant more effective. But deodorant and antiperspirants change the types and amounts of bacteria in the armpit.

A small 2016 study found that people who wore antiperspirant or deodorant had fewer Staphylococci microbes than people who didn’t use any antiperspirant or deodorant.

Results also showed that the people who wore deodorant without any sweat-blocking ingredients, like aluminum, had more Staphylococci bacteria, while people who didn’t use any product had more Corynebacterium.

When the people in the study who typically used deodorant without sweat-blocking ingredients, or who went without any product, applied an antiperspirant, the Staphylococci bacteria on their skin decreased.

These changes can make room for bacteria that emit odor to take over. Antiperspirant can increase the amount of Actinobacteria, an odorous bacterium, on the skin, according to a small 2014 study.

This imbalance in bacteria can be one reason why transitioning from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant can make you feel extra smelly. It takes time for the bacteria on your skin to balance out, and any product applied — including natural deodorant, soap, or a detox mask — can alter the types and amounts of bacteria.

The vinegar in the detox mask may help remove some odor-causing bacteria, but so will soap and water.

Claim: Removes the buildup of antiperspirant or deodorant

Antiperspirant works by temporarily clogging sweat glands to decrease sweating. It does this by creating a gel on the surface of the skin. It’s not absorbed into the skin, but it does contain irritants, such as fragrances and alcohol.

A couple of thorough washes with soap and water using a wash cloth will remove any antiperspirant or deodorant.

A detox mask may also remove the antiperspirant from your skin. But it’s more likely that rinsing the mask off with water when you’re done will do the trick.

If you want to be sure all traces of fragrances, alcohol, and other irritants are removed, follow the water rinse with a soap and water scrub with a washcloth to remove the antiperspirant.

Claim: Detoxes your body

From removing “cancer-causing toxins” to draining lymph nodes, some armpit detox articles make bold, unproven claims.

But can you actually remove toxins through the skin?

“All of these clay products and things that are trying to pull out toxins are really just a myth,” says dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal. “The liver and kidneys really take care of detoxing the body from any harmful chemicals. There’s no way to get them out of the sweat glands or out of the skin.”

There’s no evidence that toxins can be physically pulled out of the skin or deeper layers of tissue. Sweat can carry toxins like heavy metals out of the body, but it’s unlikely that clay alone can lift them from the tissues under the skin.

There’s also no research showing that toxins in deodorants or antiperspirants result in breast cancer. This is just a breast cancer myth.

Claim: Reduces irritation from natural deodorants

Redness and itchiness may be from an increase in bacteria as your body adjusts. More likely, it’s a reaction to the ingredients in the natural deodorant, like baking soda and cornstarch.

Stop using a product immediately if you develop burning, itching, redness, or a rash. An armpit detox can’t prevent this irritation. It will likely make it more inflamed if you’ve already had a reaction.

Claim: Eliminates odor

The promise of odorless pits might make holding your arms over your head while the detox mask dries seem worth it. Turns out, there’s actually something to this claim.

Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. However, it’s important to properly dilute the vinegar, and remember that it won’t keep you sweet-smelling indefinitely.

It helps to understand how sweating works.

In today’s world, it seems as if you can “detox” just about anything. There are digital detoxes, water detoxes, diet detoxes, and, yes, even armpit detoxes.

While it’s unlikely that an armpit detox will harm you, there’s no evidence that an armpit detox is going to offer any benefits.

Things you can do instead?

Thoroughly cleanse your armpits with soap and water, use a deodorant you like, and see a dermatologist if you have any other concerns.

Although there’s no evidence that armpit detoxes work, there’s likely no harm in trying it — as long as you patch test any new ingredients to prevent irritation.

Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.

You apply the mask to your armpits and leave it on for 5 to 20 minutes, much like a face mask. Once it’s dry, you wash the mixture off in the shower or with a wet washcloth.

For the most part, doing an armpit detox isn’t going to do much good.

However, it’s important to note that certain ingredients, like vinegar, can cause irritation. The last thing you want is an itching or burning armpit.

“I would caution people against [an armpit detox],” Khetarpal says. “There’s no need for it, it hasn’t shown to be useful, and it’s going to do nothing or just give you some problems.”

Your body naturally detoxes and removes harmful chemicals through the liver, kidneys, and elimination (urination, defecation, and sweating). Applying clay or vinegar to the skin won’t draw toxins out of the body or clear out the lymph nodes.

Instead, a simple wash with a gentle soap and water will remove antiperspirant or deodorant on your skin and help control odor.

If you’re worried about the ingredients in conventional deodorants, there are plenty of natural deodorants on the market. Just be careful to spot test on the inside of your arm, and keep an eye out for any sensitivity you may have.

Whether you switch to a different brand or a natural product, give your body — and your bacteria — time to adjust.

Overall, this is another “detox” you’re probably better off skipping. Your time may be better spent applying a soothing face mask or doing a hair treatment instead.

Is Detoxing Your Armpits Worth It? (2024)

FAQs

Does detoxing your armpits work? ›

No solid medical or scientific evidence supports the concept of armpit detoxing. It can cause irritation and negatively affect the natural bacteria balance on the skin. If a person wants to switch to a more natural deodorant, they can do so at any time, without needing any kind of “detox” first.

What happens when you don't clean your armpits? ›

The growth of bacteria is the highest in the skin folds like armpits. It will make your armpit smell a lot and lead to itching and inflammation. Cleaning your armpit with soap and water daily will kill the bacteria and prevent its growth. It will reduce the risk of skin problems and make your smell good.

How do you detox your armpits easily? ›

Description
  1. Add 3 spoonfuls of Bentonite Clay to a small glass bowl.
  2. Measure out 2 spoonfuls of Apple Cider Vinegar into the bowl with the clay.
  3. Use the plastic spoon to mix it up until it looks like a paste. ...
  4. Apply to your armpits for 5-15 minutes.
  5. Then wash it off and dry your armpits.

Can detoxing make your armpits smell? ›

It can affect the amount and type of bacteria you'll find under your arms, so you may notice a stronger body odor at first. Many who transition from aluminum deodorant to a natural deodorant turn to a detox to help with the shift, claiming it can help natural deodorant work better.

How long does it take to fully detox your armpits? ›

Well, how long it takes for a natural deodorant to feel as though it is working differs from person to person. it can take up to 30-days for your body to learn to sweat naturally and regulate itself again. You should expect your armpits to smell a little pungent for the first couple of weeks.

How long does it take for armpit detox to work? ›

If you are just switching to natural deodorant, your body may need 1-3 weeks to adjust. But if you've been using antiperspirants your whole life, it could take a bit longer as the sweat glands in your underarms are going to go through quite the adjustment.

What is the least washed body part? ›

Belly button or the navel is probably the most ignored part of the body. If it is not cleaned regularly, it will not only lead to buildup of dirt but also bacteria. The dark, moist environment of the belly button is ideal for breeding of bacteria.

How often should I detox my armpits? ›

How Often Should You Detox Your Armpits? To help with the smell and excess sweat from eliminating conventional deodorants and antiperspirants, you can do an armpit detox two to three times a week up to daily if your skin can tolerate it. It is ok to do it every day if it is helping and you get no irritation.

Why is it important to detox your armpits? ›

Undergoing an armpit detox can help: Eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Make your armpit skin softer and smoother. Increase the effectiveness of natural deodorant by rebalancing the body's natural bacterial flora faster.

How do you know when your armpits are detoxing? ›

A deodorant detox phase typically lasts anywhere from a week up to a month, and during that time period you may experience: Increased armpit sweating. Increased body odor. Rash-like bumps in your armpits.

Does lemon help detox armpits? ›

Lemons can temporarily decrease odor in the armpits, and the alpha-hydroxy acid in citric acid can kill odor-causing bacteria,” Dr. Geeta Yadav told Shape in an interview, but added that “antiperspirant and deodorant are a much better and safer way (than using lemons)” when it comes to diminishing body odor.

Does apple cider vinegar detox armpits? ›

ACV's antibacterial properties will prevent bacteria from growing on your skin and will neutralize any odor-causing bacteria, keeping you smelling clean and fresh. If you're doing an armpit detox or are naturally a smellier person, try using apple cider vinegar to get rid of body odor in your shower routine.

Why do I smell so bad while detoxing? ›

Sweat also contains many components similar to urine, which is why we can smell more of it when detoxing! Over time, toxins come into our body from our environment and the unhealthy food that we have eaten, and are eliminated through our sweat and other bodily fluids, causing a stronger than normal odor.

Do you smell worse when detoxing? ›

As mentioned above alcohol detox will make you sweat, which leads to a bad smell, but this is just a side effect of the process, and one should be worried or have stress over it.

Does body odor get worse when detoxing? ›

Body odor from alcohol detox is common. First, someone who is in withdrawal from alcohol will often experience profuse sweating. Sweating naturally leads to body odor, but the profuse sweating for days can produce a more potent odor.

What are the benefits of underarm detox? ›

An armpit detox and using a natural deodorant prevents many chemical-laden deodorants and antiperspirants from being on or absorbed by your body. As less sweat comes to the surface of your skin, less odor results. Deodorants stop sweat from smelling but don't stop sweat itself.

How often should you detox your armpits? ›

How Often Should You Detox Your Armpits? To help with the smell and excess sweat from eliminating conventional deodorants and antiperspirants, you can do an armpit detox two to three times a week up to daily if your skin can tolerate it. It is ok to do it every day if it is helping and you get no irritation.

How to get rid of smelly armpits? ›

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

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