It seems like everyone is looking to “detox” something these days. Whether it’s eating cleaner, being more ingredient conscious of products, getting rid of social media followers, deep-cleaning your pores, or avoiding alcohol, it seems as though opportunities to cleanse and purify parts of our lives and bodies are everywhere.
In the beauty and wellness world, with the right products and protocols, you can de-gunk specific areas of the body, whether that means unclogging the pores in your scalp, your digestive tract, or — this is where it really gets interesting — even your armpits. Yep — armpit detoxes are a thing. But what are they, exactly? And can your armpits actually detox?
Meet the Experts
Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology.
Joshua Zeichner, M.D., is the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Hadley King, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist in New York.
What’s an armpit detox?
It’s normal to want to try new things and do “better” since science and studies always expose us to something new. So it’s no wonder armpit detoxes have taken over TikTok and Instagram, while targeted ads for armpit products have, too.
But really, the term “armpit detox” has become a bit of a catchall when it comes to all things relating to pit purification and preservation, as well as using a body scrub to help shed dead skin, says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology. She explains that an armpit detox is typically referred to as the act of using products or treatments that contain detoxifying properties (such as bentonite clay, charcoal, or apple cider vinegar) to help clear pores of dead skin or product buildup as part of the switch to natural – or, what she considers a true detox in this sense – no deodorant.
“When people make the change from conventional antiperspirant to natural deodorant or none at all, they can notice that they are smellier than they are accustomed to being, as it takes time for the bacteria to balance out, and you may experience more odor. So the idea is that an armpit detox can make this transition easier,” she says. But does that really happen?
Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, points out that there is an increased focus on “detoxing” the armpits because it’s an area of the body where there is skin on skin, which allows for certain types of bacteria to live there that don’t live on other parts of the body. He and several other experts attribute the popularity of the “armpit detox” trend to the increased interest in natural skincare as a whole (according to reports, the natural and organic beauty market is projected to be a $22 billion industry by 2024), including natural deodorants.
“A buildup of dirt, oil, and antiperspirant on the skin can alter the skin’s microbiome, which means that the natural balance of bacteria on the skin may become unbalanced. The clinical significance of this change is unclear, but taking a break from antiperspirants can help restore the natural diversity of bacteria on the skin,” explains Zeichner.
How does an armpit detox work?
Antiperspirants use aluminum-based salts to form a plug to block sweat glands, adds Zeichner. “This physically prevents sweat from reaching the surface of the skin. Deodorants, on the other hand, do not address the issue of wetness. Rather, they either mask or neutralize body odor,” he explains.
And even though the jury is still out on just how effective said ingredients and products are at abstracting toxins (such as aluminum) from the pores or lymph nodes or helping to reduce sweat long-term, there have been studies that suggest deep-cleansing and taking a break from antiperspirant has its benefits.
“The use of deodorant and antiperspirant has been found in a small study to decrease the diversity and number of normal healthy flora, respectively. However, when the products were stopped, the healthy flora returned to normal,” adds Robinson. “It is similar to thinking about the healthy bacteria in our gut. When we take an antibiotic for an infection for an extended period, it kills the bad bacteria causing the infection, but also healthy bacteria, which allows unhealthy bacteria to overgrow and become prominent,” she explains.
Can you really detox your armpits?
Can you actually detoxify your armpits? Not exactly. According to Zeichner, the only organs in the body with true detoxing capabilities are the kidneys and liver, so an armpit detox should be thought of more as a deep cleanse than a true “detox.” They can help deep clean your pits, but they won’t truly do anything that meets the definition of “detox” — ridding the body of unwanted, toxic, or unhealthy chemicals.
With products typically recommended for the masses, a “detox,” says Robinson, can prove especially helpful for people who have bromhidrosis (and excess of odor) or chromhidrosis (strange colors like yellow, green, or pink in their sweat) — both of which can be caused by the overgrowth of bacteria. “Genetics can also play a role, in addition to hormonal status, weight, and other coexisting medical conditions,” she adds.
If refraining from antiperspirant, he says you should wash your skin (preferably with a gentle, soap-free cleanser and lukewarm water) after vigorous activity to remove excess dirt and oil and to apply a moisturizer after shaving to help protect the skin barrier.
Of course, as with many skin conditions, experts suggest that those with more severe sweating conditions and questions visit a dermatologist for a diagnosis and information regarding the latest treatment options.
Key ingredients to detox your armpits
In terms of what to look for in a detox deodorant or other armpit detox products, Zeichner says you can typically expect to see ingredients like clay. “Just as it is used on the face and patients with oily skin and acne, it can help absorb oil and dirt in the under arm. Clay also has a soothing bath and can calm inflamed skin,” he explains.
Robinson adds that vinegar has also been used in detoxifying products, as it is regarded for its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. “When used topically, it can help decrease bacteria load on the skin and is being used to try to reset the skin flora,” she says.
“In homemade masks, bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar are mixed together, potentially with some water to help dilute the vinegar. Then, the mask is applied to the armpits and left on for 5 five to 20 minutes before getting washed off,” explains Hadley King, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, adding that vinegar can be irritating and therefore those with sensitive skin should start by diluting it with water.
In terms of over-the-counter products, we are also seeing an increase in the use of activated charcoal for its magnetic properties when attracting gunk from pores.
Could an armpit detox work for you? Try it with these products and kits.
Pacifica Beauty Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub
This vegan scrub from Pacifica, featuring charcoal, green tea and coconut, aims to exfoliate armpits and remove pore-clogging buildup. Just massage in a circular motion, rinse well, and (if desired) follow with your favorite natural deodorant.
Lavanila The Healthy Underarm Detox Mask
The malic acid in this detox mask from Lavanila is said to bind to aluminum that may have been left behind, while silica helps to absorb sweat for staying dry.
Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Charcoal Underarm Detox Kit
This kit from Kaia Naturals includes a detoxing handbook, bath salts, a deodorant booster bar and a deodorant stick featuring ingredients like charcoal and apple cider vinegar designed to help make the transition to no deodorant, or natural deodorant.
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