Do Armpit Detoxes Work?

Cleanses and detox regimens have been fashionable in wellness circles for years. Many originate from longstanding approaches within complementary and alternative medicine.

From skin purges to gut cleanses, the premise is that periodically rinsing the body with wholesome ingredients can help maintain smoother functioning the rest of the time.

Curious what’s trending next in the detox sphere? It’s the underarms.

What is an armpit detox?

Instead of sipping herbal teas or following a dietary purge, people are whipping up pastes and spreading them beneath their arms in the name of better health and fresher scent.

Armpit detox masks commonly include charcoal, clays, or apple cider vinegar. Advocates say you combine the materials and apply the mixture to your pits, holding your arms aloft while it dries.

They claim these masks “detox” residual chemicals left by prior deodorant and antiperspirant use.

Before you smear green goop under your arms, let’s examine whether these cleanses actually deliver.

Why do an armpit detox?

Many people who switch from conventional to natural deodorants report a transitional period when they feel they sweat and smell more.

Armpit detoxes are thought to accelerate this stage by unclogging pores and releasing impurities.

What is an armpit detox supposed to do?

There are numerous advertised perks of an armpit detox. Below are five common assertions and what the evidence indicates.

Claim: Boosts effectiveness of natural deodorant

Most armpit detoxes aim to ease the shift from aluminum-containing antiperspirants to natural deodorants. Supportive write-ups often state that natural products, such as baking soda deodorant, will perform better afterward.

However, there’s no evidence that these masks reduce odor or enhance deodorant performance. What is known is that deodorants and antiperspirants change the armpit’s bacterial communities.

A small 2016 study discovered that people using antiperspirant or deodorant had fewer Staphylococci species than those who used no product.

Findings also suggested that individuals using deodorants without sweat-blocking compounds like aluminum had more Staphylococci, whereas those who used no product had more Corynebacterium.

When participants who usually used deodorant without sweat-blockers or no product applied an antiperspirant, the Staphylococci levels fell.

These shifts can create space for odor-producing bacteria to dominate. Antiperspirant use can raise levels of Actinobacteria, an odiferous microbe, according to a small 2014 study.

This bacterial imbalance may partly explain why switching from antiperspirant to natural deodorant can feel smellier. It takes time for skin microbiota to rebalance, and any applied product — be it natural deodorant, soap, or a detox mask — can alter those bacterial populations.

The vinegar in a detox paste might reduce some odor-causing bacteria, but so will regular soap and water.

Claim: Removes buildup of antiperspirant or deodorant

Antiperspirants work by temporarily blocking sweat glands to reduce perspiration, forming a gel-like barrier on the skin’s surface. They are not absorbed deeply, though they can contain irritants such as fragrances and alcohol.

A couple of thorough washes with soap, water, and a washcloth will remove antiperspirant or deodorant residue.

A detox mask might also lift antiperspirant from the skin. Still, it’s more likely that rinsing the mask off with water will accomplish this.

If you want to ensure all traces of fragrances, alcohol, and other irritants are gone, follow rinsing with a soap-and-water scrub using a washcloth to clear remaining residue.

Claim: Detoxes your body

From claims of extracting “cancer-causing toxins” to draining lymph nodes, some armpit detox pieces make sweeping, unsupported statements.

But can toxins truly be expelled 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 proof that toxins can be physically drawn out of the skin or deeper tissues. Sweat can transport some toxins like heavy metals out of the body, but clay alone is unlikely to extract them from beneath the skin.

There’s also no evidence that compounds in deodorants or antiperspirants cause breast cancer — that’s a myth.

Claim: Reduces irritation from natural deodorants

Redness and itching may stem from shifts in bacteria as your body adapts. More commonly, it’s a reaction to ingredients in natural deodorants, such as baking soda or cornstarch.

Stop using a product immediately if you develop burning, itching, redness, or a rash. An armpit detox won’t prevent this irritation and may exacerbate it if you’re already reacting.

Claim: Eliminates odor

The allure of odor-free underarms might make holding your arms up while a detox paste dries seem worthwhile. There’s some truth to this claim.

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can reduce odor-causing microbes. However, it must be properly diluted, and it won’t keep you smelling fresh forever.

It helps to know how sweating functions.

Do armpit detoxes actually work?

These days it feels like you can “detox” almost anything — digital, dietary, and yes, even armpits.

While an armpit detox is unlikely to cause major harm, there’s no evidence it provides meaningful benefits.

Better alternatives?

Thoroughly wash your underarms with soap and water, use a deodorant you prefer, and consult a dermatologist if concerns persist.

How to make an armpit detox mask

Although evidence is lacking that armpit detoxes are effective, trying one is probably harmless — provided you patch-test new ingredients to avoid irritation.

Most armpit detoxes are home mixtures of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar; some recipes add water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a gentler, moisturizing blend that retains some antibacterial effect from the coconut oil.

Apply the paste to your armpits and leave it on for 5 to 20 minutes, similar to a facial mask. Once it hardens, rinse it off in the shower or with a damp washcloth.

Side effects of an armpit detox

Overall, an armpit detox is unlikely to offer much benefit.

However, certain components, like undiluted vinegar, can irritate the skin. The last thing you want is burning or itchy underarms.

“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.”

The bottom line

Your body naturally eliminates harmful substances via the liver, kidneys, and excretory routes (urine, feces, and sweat). Slathering clay or vinegar on the skin won’t extract toxins or clear lymph nodes.

A simple wash with gentle soap and water will remove antiperspirant or deodorant residues and help control odor.

If conventional deodorant ingredients worry you, numerous natural deodorants are available. Just spot-test on the inside of your arm and monitor for sensitivity.

Whether you opt for another brand or a natural option, allow your body — and your microbial community — time to adapt.

In sum, this is another “detox” you can probably skip. Your time might be better spent using a calming face mask or doing a nourishing hair treatment instead.