Alison Cutler
·3 min read
When life gives you lemons, try rubbing them on your armpits, TikTok says.
The health and beauty trend is taking social media by storm as an alternative to store-bought deodorants. Lemon aficionados on TikTok swear that the fruit can reduce body odor and lighten the skin under the armpits — but what do experts say about it?
As the trend became more popular, dermatologists made response videos on whether using lemons actually works.
The consensus? Lemons may be able to stanch body odor smells for some time, but that doesn’t match the effectiveness of regular deodorant, experts say — and the risks of using lemon juice on the skin seem to outweigh any benefits.
“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.
“It’s 2023, and advancements in beauty technology and chemistry have given (people) options that are safer and more effective,” Yadav told Shape.
Yadav isn’t the only professional pining for regular deodorant instead of lemon juice.
Dr. Whitney Bowe told TikTok viewers that even though some users may see benefits from using lemons in their armpits, the risks outweigh any minor pluses in the hack and she would not recommend it.
“Lemon juice has a PH between 2 and 3 which is incredibly acidic,” Bowe explains in her TikTok. “It can actually lead to hyper pigmentation under the arms.”
@drwhitneybowe #duet with @maamreaya #darkunderarm While some people might get away with this I would avoid this DIY! Not worth the risk. #lemonjuice #lemonarmpit #armpit #thatboweglow #dermatologist ♬ suara asli - ilham - am
She recommended that those who want to lighten the skin under their armpits should look to other solutions, like mandelic acid.
“I agree with you doc, I messed up my armpits really bad doing this,” one viewer commented. “I know everyone is not the same but I talk (from) experience.”
Lemon juice may be able to mask some body odor, but its lack of effectiveness and potential for skin irritation isn’t worth it, cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Katherine Armour told Body and Soul.
“The potential for lemon juice to cause irritation and inflammation is significant. Irritation may lead to post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (PIH), which would leave to a worsening of the skin darkening in the armpits and is very difficult to treat,” Amour told Body and Soul. “Even if you don’t develop PIH, you may develop an eczema-type rash in your armpits from applying lemon juice here.”
Despite several dermatologists pushing back on the lemon trend, many on TikTok swear it works for them. Others have used similar alternatives, including one woman who tested a lime overnight in April and said the results were surprisingly good.
@lndsypldr Replying to @Ginny Bronzi let’s chat armpit lemons #crunchy #deodorant #mothers #motherhood #lowtoxin #ditchingtoxins #naturallyminded #reducingtoxins ♬ Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim
“Started doing this a couple months ago and I absolutely love it,” another viewer said on a video promoting using lemons as deodorant.
Lemon juice can cause permanent damage to the skin if not used properly, according to True Skin Care Center, and can also cause chemical burns on the skin if it is exposed to the sun.
Anyone using lemons or lemon juice on their skin in a DIY manner should consider the risks, according to True Skin. Those with concerns about skin conditions and pigmentation should contact their dermatologist with questions.
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