There has been a growing interest in detoxes and cleanses as a way to remove toxins from your body and boost health. Among these are armpit detoxes, which supporters believe help remove aluminum buildup from antiperspirants and cleanse potentially harmful chemicals from the body.
However, little to no research supports the effectiveness of armpit detoxes, and experts caution people to be wary of false claims from companies that market detoxes about their products.
If you’re considering an armpit detox, here is what you need to know, including the effectiveness, potential benefits, and possible side effects.
Before considering an armpit detox, it is important to recognize that your body does not typically detox itself through sweat in your armpits. When you sweat, your body is working to cool itself down, not to clear out toxins.
That said, if your goal with an armpit detox is to transition from using antiperspirants to using a more natural, aluminum-free deodorant, then an armpit detox may have some effect. You can expect a change in odor and the amount of sweat you produce, though it’s unlikely to be related to removing toxins from your body.
Research suggests that people who use antiperspirants and deodorants may have fewer bacteria, which can cause odor, than those who stop using these products or don’t use them at all.
An armpit detox is unlikely to remove toxins from your body, but it may have other benefits.
For example, a detox may help you transition from aluminum-based antiperspirants and odor-masking deodorants to more natural products. This process may be useful if you’ve had an allergic reaction to an antiperspirant or if your skin is irritated by its regular use, including if you have contact dermatitis.
Some people may also consider armpit detoxes because they want to embrace their natural odor instead of stopping their sweat from being produced or masking it with deodorant’s perfumes and fragrances.
Armpit detoxes involve applying an armpit mask to your underarms. You can buy an armpit mask over-the-counter, or mix your own with ingredients like clay, apple cider vinegar, charcoal, lemon juice, essential oils, aloe vera gel, and coconut oil, some sources claim.
There are many recipes online to try, but be sure to do a patch test on your skin regardless of the recipe you choose. This test helps you determine if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. Knowing that can help reduce the risk of a reaction on your sensitive armpit skin. Here’s how to patch test:
- Start by applying a small amount of the mask to the bend of your elbow twice per day for 7-10 days.
- Leave the mask on your skin for about 15-20 minutes.
- Check to see if you have any skin reactions.
When you’re ready to try the mask on your underarms, follow these steps:
- Start by washing your armpits with soap and water, then pat dry.
- Spread a thin layer of your chosen mask onto your underarms.
- Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water and soap until the mask is completely washed off.
- Pat your skin.
- Use the mask once a week. There is no need to do it every day.
While an armpit detoxing mask can help rinse away bacteria, using one may also lead to skin reactions. The acidic properties of ingredients like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can be harsh on your skin. If you find this is the case, you may want to reduce the amount that you add to your mask or stop using the ingredient altogether.
Once you no longer use antiperspirants—which control how much sweat you produce—you also may notice you sweat more. You may also have more noticeable body odor. These changes are the result of an increase in bacterial growth under your arms and the lack of aluminum salts to block the sweat glands.
A skin condition known as intertrigo may also be possible. It causes an inflammatory rash triggered by friction, moisture, warm temperatures, and poor ventilation. Intertrigo typically occurs in areas with skin folds, such as the armpit region. Without an antiperspirant to control sweat and moisture, your armpits may become an ideal environment for intertrigo to develop.
Switching from aluminum-based antiperspirants to a more natural deodorant may take some adjustment. In the meantime, other things can help you maintain your armpit hygiene, control body odor if you want to, and use natural deodorants effectively. Here are some suggestions.
- Pay attention to hygiene: When trying to control odor produced from sweat, or eliminate bacteria in your armpits, it’s important to wash regularly with an antibacterial soap.
- Consider hair removal: Research has shown that shaving or waxing your armpits may significantly reduce armpit odor. Scientists believe that cleansing your armpit is more effective when the skin has been shaved or waxed.
- Avoid heavily spiced foods: There is some evidence that garlic, onion, spicy foods, or curry may affect body odor because of how you metabolize them. To reduce body odor, consider limiting or avoiding foods that are heavily spiced.
- Manage stress: Sweat from stress is different from the sweat that cools your body and can have a more distinct odor. To help manage this sweat, take steps to manage your stress.
- Reapply natural deodorant as needed: You may have to reapply a natural deodorant several times a day to reduce odors. Natural deodorants contain ingredients like baking soda and arrowroot powder, which absorb moisture, but they are not as effective at controlling odors.
There is little to no evidence on the effectiveness of an armpit detox for getting rid of toxins in your body, but ingredients within an armpit detox mask may help get rid of bacteria and irritating ingredients on your skin left from antiperspirants and deodorants.
If you want to try an armpit detox, experts recommend going slow and being careful. The skin under your arms is delicate and can be easily irritated. Other strategies can also help you keep your underarms healthy.
