Mobile Menu

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Resources
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • Health
    • Beauty
    • Mama Wellness
    • Natural Home
    • Natural Remedies
    • Organization
    • Travel
    • Reviews
    • Recipes
      • Beef Recipes
      • Breakfast Recipes
      • Condiment Recipes
      • Dessert Recipes
      • Drink Recipes
      • Pork Recipes
      • Poultry Recipes
      • Salad Recipes
      • Seafood Recipes
      • Side Dish Recipes
      • Snack Recipes
      • Soup & Stew Recipes
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
  • Facebook logo
  • Twitter logo
  • LinkedIn logo
  • YouTube logo
  • Instagram logo
  • Pinterest logo
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Wellness Mama®

Simple Answers for Healthier Families

  • About
  • Start Here
  • Resources
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • Beauty
    • Health
    • Mama Wellness
    • Natural Home
    • Natural Remedies
    • Organization
    • Travel
    • Recipes
    • Reviews
  • Shop
  • Search
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » How to Detox Your Armpits

How to Detox Your Armpits

September 11, 2019 (Updated: February 22, 2020)   —  by Katie WellsMedically reviewed by Dr. Ann Shippy, MD

How to detox your armpits, and why you should

Reading Time: 5 minThis post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Detoxifying Armpits: Yes, It's a Thing
  • Does Armpit Detoxification Work?
  • How to Detox Your Arm Pits+−
    • Additional Armpit Tricks to Try
  • Detoxifying Armpit Clay Mask Recipe
  • Transitioning to Natural Deodorant+−
    • DIY Armpit Care
    • Where to Buy Deodorant
Jump to Recipe

Print Recipe

So, in case the title didn’t give it away, today’s post is on an interesting topic, but hear me out before judging!

I get a lot of questions from people who try my homemade deodorant and have issues with rashes or odor or excessive sweat. I’ve found that magnesium spray deodorant can be a good alternative, but wanted to find a way to help those who were still having trouble.

After much experimentation, research, and help from a few brave friends, I found an unusual solution that works really well!

Detoxifying Armpits: Yes, It’s a Thing

It occurred to me as I sat researching the sebaceous glands one night with a bentonite clay face mask on that perhaps my face mask was the answer to the armpit question as well.

After all, I’d used bentonite clay to detox my hair before (and use it in my shampoo now) and in natural detox baths and it worked incredibly well… perhaps it would speed up the adjustment period to natural deodorant as well.

Why detox your armpits at all? Why not just keep using regular deodorant and avoid the whole problem? Glad you asked…

Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain a variety of chemicals and additives. It takes something unnatural to block the body’s natural ability to sweat, and the chemical list in some deodorants is impressive:

  • Aluminum– Some evidence links aluminum to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Phthalates– Endocrine disruptors often also found in plastic that can cause hormone imbalance and even infertility (especially in men)
  • Propylene glycol– Common name: antifreeze. It is a hotly debated additive in personal care products but the Environmental Working Group reports that it carries a moderate risk of immunotoxicity and allergies
  • Formaldehyde-  A known carcinogen… guess it kills the germs though
  • Parabens- Another hormone disruptor and parabens have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer
  • Antibacterial Substances- I talked about these before but they are endocrine disruptors and can negatively affect the immune system

Why is this a big deal? Ever gotten sick and had a lump in your neck or armpit? That is a lymph node and they are a major part of your immune system. Putting endocrine disruption chemicals directly on top of them is a great way to screw up your hormones and suppress immune function.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and what touches our skin can easily enter our bloodstream. With skyrocketing rates of breast cancer, it would seem prudent to avoid these chemicals until further research is done.

A great advantage to doing an armpit detox, besides that it helps speed up the natural deodorant adjustment period, is that it might help pull some of these chemicals out of the skin and tissue of the armpits. This can be especially helpful after years of conventional deodorant use.How to detox your armpits- and why you should

Does Armpit Detoxification Work?

I tried it personally and had several friends who hadn’t yet made the switch to natural deodorant try it as well and then switch. Here are the results:

  • We all noticed less odor, even without wearing any deodorant afterward
  • Nobody who tried the detox noticed a rash when using the natural deodorant
  • All but one person said they noticed less sweat
  • Everyone said they would recommend it to a friend

Completely un-scientific trial but practically applicable and the results seem promising!

How to Detox Your Arm Pits

Don’t you love when something is so easy that it almost doesn’t need instructions?

You might already have the ingredients on hand. You’ll just need bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, and water.

How to detox your armpits, and why you should
Print Pin
4.52 from 90 votes

Detoxifying Armpit Clay Mask Recipe

Reset your armpits to their natural working order with this simple clay mask.
Author Katie Wells
The ingredient links below are affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 TBSP bentonite clay
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 tsp water

Instructions

Instructions

  • Mix all of the ingredients in a glass bowl (do not use metal!) with a wooden or non-metal spoon until about the consistency of sour cream.
  • Spread in an even layer over the armpits and allow to sit for 5-20 minutes. I suggest starting slowly and working up to a longer period of time once you see how your body adjust. If it hurts at all, remove immediately.
  • This may cause some redness as it will increase blood flow to the area, but it will go away quickly.
  • Wash off in the shower or with a warm, wet washcloth.
  • Repeat daily or as needed until underarm odor goes away and natural deodorant is non-irritating.

Notes

I've found that I don't even need the baking soda in my natural deodorant after doing this.

Additional Armpit Tricks to Try

If you are still struggling with odor or have itching or lumps in your armpits, consider dry brushing, which is said to help improve lymph circulation.

Also, make sure to drink a lot of water any time you stimulate lymph flow (dry brushing, massage, detox, etc) to help flush the body and avoid getting dehydrated.

Transitioning to Natural Deodorant

After detoxifying, keep armpits functioning properly by letting them sweat! I know this isn’t the most socially acceptable (or the most pleasant at times), but I find that I experience less sweat the longer I use a natural approach.

DIY Armpit Care

If you have some coconut oil, shea butter, and a few essential oils on hand, you can probably make your own natural deodorant! It costs a lot less than natural deodorant in the store and works just as well. I’ve been experimenting with recipes for years and perfected a few different kinds:

  • How to Make Natural Deodorant (your basic recipe, customize the scent)
  • Natural Deodorant for Men: Best Kinds and How to Make Your Own
  • Spray Deodorant Recipe (just a preference thing as to how it’s applied)
  • How to Make a Probiotic Deodorant Bar (Easy Recipe)

I make up several jars (or bars) at a time since they keep for up to a year or more. That way I always have some on hand. These are great too for teens who are just starting out on the journey!

Where to Buy Deodorant

I’ve also found my favorite brands to buy over the years (because life gets busy!). Here are our favorites:

  • Crunchy Betty’s Kokomo Cream – This deodorant has been my standby for years. It smells lightly tropical and reminds me of vacation and the beach!
  • Schmidt’s (any scent, but this one is great) – goes on smooth, and slightly more affordable than other natural options
  • Real Purity – One of our staff who is sensitive to baking soda swears by this (non-baking soda) brand. Amazon is convenient but the best price is often directly from their website.

That’s it! Enjoy your new stink-free armpits!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Shippy, who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a certified Functional Medicine physician with a thriving practice in Austin, Texas. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Your turn. Ready to try an armpit detox? Think it’s too weird? Share below!

Find out how to detox your armpits and why you'd want to. Deodorant often contains chemicals like parabens, propylene glycol and other harmful chemicals.

FacebookTweetPinLinkedInReddit

Category: Natural RemediesReviewer: Dr. Ann Shippy, MD

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama and Co-Founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

  • View All Posts
  • Globe icon
  • Facebook logo
  • Twitter logo
  • LinkedIn logo
  • YouTube logo
  • Instagram logo
  • Pinterest logo

It Shouldn’t Be This Hard to Be Healthy…

Join the Wellness Mama VIP email newsletter to get the latest articles, recipes, podcasts, special discounts, and FREE access to my Quick Start Guide, 7 Simple Steps for Healthier Families, and 1 week real food meal plan!

[convertkit form=1001180]

Wellnesse Products is my very own personal care line created for my family and yours!

I couldn't find natural products that met my standards so I created my own. Wellnesse is the result of a decade of research and dozens of tests, and your family can now use them too!

Learn More

Wellnesse Products

You May Also Enjoy These Posts...

  • how-to-make-your-own-natural-deodorant
    How to Make Natural Deodorant
  • Homemade natural spray deodorant recipe
    Spray Deodorant Recipe
  • diy makeup from natural ingredients
    DIY Natural Blush Make-up Tutorial
  • Natural Tinted Lip Stain Recipe with color options
    Natural Tinted Lip Balm Recipe
  • How to Make Your Own Natural Lipstick with custom color and scent
    Natural Shimmer Lipstick Recipe
  • How to make a refreshing natural linen spray
    How to Make a Natural Linen Spray (DIY Recipe)
Previous Post: « Coconut Flour Waffles (Gluten Free & Dairy Optional)
Next Post: Help! Am I Addicted to Food? how to stop food cravings»

Reader Interactions

Discussion (678 Comments)

  1. Lynsey

    December 3, 2014 at 12:55 PM

    can I do this while breastfeeding??

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      December 3, 2014 at 11:56 PM

      I’d check with a doctor, but I would think it would be good to detox the armpit tissue (which connects to breast tissue) while nursing so baby doesn’t get those toxins.

      Reply
  2. Simone

    December 3, 2014 at 12:37 PM

    Not weird at all! I do this now about once a week until I don’t need it anymore (started about 2 months ago). Only tried it with clay and water, so thanks for the tip on vinegar!
    By the way, I do this in the mornings and apply magnesium oil to my armpits in the evening on the same day. I find that the lymphs absorb magnesium oil better than the tough skin of my feet, especially after detox. Only downside is that it tingles the first few times because of the magnesium.
    Thanks Katie!

    Reply
    • Rita

      December 4, 2014 at 12:03 AM

      speaking of feet, I wonder how to make a foot deoderant… the regular deoderants are kind of gloppy for my feet and I find I need super moisture on my feet- but not dry oily… if you know what I mean. (sorry I’m tired) I’ve tried just some carrier oil and lavender or tea tree EO but that doesn’t feel right it’s annoying!

      Reply
      • Simone

        December 5, 2014 at 11:38 AM

        Try the magnesium body butter on this website. It’s amazing!

        Reply
  3. Rosa

    December 3, 2014 at 12:10 PM

    Thank you for this tip. I tried natural deodorant several times (used your 2 recipes with and without baking soda) and always end up with red, itchy lumps. After your article about the magnesium spray, I even tried that, but again the lumps returned. I tried adding aloe Vera and witch hazel to the spray, but again lumps. (The spray works awesome for my daughter though!)

    I reluctantly returned to commercial deodorant, will definitely try detoxing. Fingers crossed!

    Reply
    • Mary

      December 6, 2014 at 1:47 PM

      When I first switched from commercial deodorant (Secret) to a natural deodorant (Crystal – the rock you just wet and apply), I started getting horribly itchy underarms (no problem with odor though). I tried every natural deodorant I could buy, and couldn’t find a product that both kept me from stinking and wasn’t itchy until I ordered one from the same company where I get my essential oils, Young Living. I have tried both of the deodorants they produce, and they both work really well. After a couple of weeks, no more itching.

      Reply
  4. Andrea T

    December 3, 2014 at 12:01 PM

    I ran out of regular deodorant about a month ago and decided to make your recipe. I used the cornstarch, coconut oil and baking soda recipe. I didn’t use essential oils because I don’t have any. I must say it really works for me. The first few days I felt really sweaty. After that I feel normal. I keep asking my husband if I am smelly. Lol! He says I’m not and promises to tell me if he notices any odor. Would you think I would be “detoxed” since I’ve been off of the commercial deodorant for a while? I am not sure. Thanks!

    Reply
  5. Miriam

    December 3, 2014 at 11:46 AM

    5 stars
    Hi!!
    Awesome article as always 🙂
    I’ve tries many natural deos and the one that works best for me has bentonite instead of baking soda and arrowroot. Alzó, when madre with rose water it smells amazing 🙂
    Thanks for this great Blog!
    Al the best from Spain

    Reply
    • Jo

      April 7, 2015 at 8:34 AM

      Hi Miriam, could you please tell me how much of each ingredient you use? I’d love to make this ????

      Reply
  6. Wendy

    December 3, 2014 at 11:41 AM

    THANK YOU!!!!! I recently switched from conventional deodorant to Crystal roll-on and was wondering why I now had acne looking bumps. Guess it’s a good thing I decided to make the switch in sweater weather than tank top weather, lol! Will start my pit-tox tonight!!

    Reply
  7. Janelle

    December 3, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    5 stars
    Awesome topic Katie! You are so innovative and that keeps me always coming back to read your blog.
    I was thinking about using the Benny Clay face mask on my armpits, but was too scared about the possible mess. I am still new to the whole natural beauty idea and have been experimenting with some bad results. Do you have to keep your arms up to let it dry? That was another thing that was keeping me from trying it, but now I am going to!

    Reply
    • cheryl

      June 14, 2015 at 6:39 AM

      I just did the Armpit Detox and kept my arms up for a few minutes then just put them down. I didn’t get any reactions and left on for 15 minutes. I have been using Katie’s deodorant for about 8 months.

      Reply
  8. Renee

    December 3, 2014 at 11:30 AM

    This post interested me. I have an armpit problem that I’d love to see resolved. I don’t believe it is from antiperspirant, but it could be? When I shave my arm pits, 12 hours later they itch like crazy! And for the next 2 days. It will even wake me up at night. I have tried using a natural deodorant but that made no difference. What could this be? What I do now is shave very infrequently. Anyone else have this issue? I will try the detox and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the post. Love the blog!

    Reply
    • Ida

      December 3, 2014 at 4:21 PM

      Stop shaving 🙂 that’s what I did and it’s a great feeling.

      Reply
    • Leslie

      December 3, 2014 at 5:43 PM

      The only time I had a problem with sever itching was when I had a fungal infection in my armpits. I think it was from some sort of contamination on a store-bought stick of conventional deodorant. Have you tried any lavender oil after shaving?

      Reply
      • Renee

        December 4, 2014 at 11:38 AM

        I will try the lavender oil. A fungal infection in my arm pits? Hmmmm, but why would it only itch right after shaving? Thanks for your info!

        Reply
        • Stephanie Moore

          April 23, 2015 at 10:26 PM

          You may actually be allergic to the nickel in the razors. I have the same issue, and you cannot find nickel-free razors, unfortunately. However, I have switched to the dollar shave club razors (the middle one at $6/ month), and I have noticed a huge difference in the way my armpits feel after shaving.

          Reply
        • Jenna

          April 24, 2015 at 4:30 PM

          It could definitely be a fungal infection. Google Candida symptoms and see if any of those apply to you? But it could also be just a fungal infection, I have it so I have to use natural deodorant. If I were you I’d switch to a natural deodorant, with antifungal oil in it. I am currently using Royal and Rogue from primalpitpaste and it is amazing. I tried other scents like Lavender and cinnamon and a few others and it didn’t work for me. The smell and itch only stops when I use a deo with antifungal oils… like lemongrass and thyme, the one im using now (Royal and Rogue from PPP) has a bunch of different oils and it works so well. You should fully detox if your still using regular deo’s.. might take a month or so and do this detox use the bentonite clay.

          After we shave we are cutting our selves essentially and allowing whatever deo we are using to travel into our blood more and it causes a bunch of problems…

          Reply
      • Vanessa

        May 30, 2015 at 3:16 AM

        Why don’t you wax instead of shaving? Hurts like hell the first time then after if you do it every 3 weeks you’ll be just fine and have thinner underarm hair. I find i have less odor when armpits hair is removed.

        Reply
    • Betty

      December 3, 2014 at 8:31 PM

      Yes I used to have the same problem! It got so bad I itched them until they even bled a little and then I went to a health food store and asked the lady in there if she knew what it was from and she said most likely just deodorant so I started using just a salt stick that she recommended and it’s completely gone now! It took about a month for it to go completely away once I switched deodorants but it worked.

      Reply
    • Robin

      July 26, 2015 at 6:37 PM

      I use an Remington electric razor. Works better than a blade razor, can’t cut you, also gets a cleaner shave believe it or not! With no skin reactions, ingrown hairs, or anything.

      Reply
    • Jessica

      July 4, 2016 at 5:24 PM

      I have a similar issue, only it’s not my armpits that will itch like crazy, it’s my legs! About 12 hours after shaving, like you mentioned, and then for the next 2-3 days. It’s always worse at night. It’s SO hard not to dig them, the itch is very intense! It couldn’t be the deodorant issue for me, because I don’t put deodorant on my legs. 😉 I have tried all of the razors I can think of, on the market, tried all of the creams, lotions, etc… nothing seems to bring relief! Did you ever figure out a cause and cure for your intense itching? I’d love to know! 🙂

      Reply
      • Patra

        July 4, 2016 at 6:16 PM

        Hi Jessica, I recall having the same issue many years ago. I attributed to allergies. My legs could not handle detergents with scent that was one. Then I would take an antihistamine to see if that would calm the itch which it did. Like you I would bleed from scratching because the itch was bad. I also switched to waxing rather than shaving, thinking that I was maybe allergic to the razors, and that also seemed to help get rid of the itch but not until I found that my sheets needed to be scent free. I hope this helps you a little. You need to find the culprit so you can find relief.

        Reply
        • Jessica

          July 10, 2016 at 7:18 PM

          Thanks so much for your response, Patra!! 🙂 I will definitely try to work on figuring out what it is that’s plaguing my skin! Thanks so very much for your suggestions and kind help!! <3

          Reply
  9. Iris

    December 3, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    I made a batch of your natural deodorant recipe and it works better than any natural store bought brand I have tried. I have had a terrible armpit oder for about 2 years and I refused to use antiperspirant. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing your recipe and your wisdom. I can’t wait to do the armpit detox.

    Reply
  10. Kieu

    December 3, 2014 at 11:05 AM

    I squeeze lime or lemon under my arms everyday for years it works really well . Does Anybody have any idea If it’s ok to do it everyday?
    I am sure I will try to detox my armpit any day. Thank you wellness mama

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Join the Conversation... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Please read the comment policy.

Recipe Rating




Footer

  • Sitemap
  • Start Here
  • Comment Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Full Disclaimer
  • Promo Guidelines
  • Contact
Wellness Mama®
  • Facebook logo
  • Twitter logo
  • LinkedIn logo
  • YouTube logo
  • Instagram logo
  • Pinterest logo

Site Footer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. Content may not be reproduced in any form.

Ads provided by CafeMedia Family & Parenting Network. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Wellness Mama.

Copyright © 2006–2021 Wellness Mama® · All Rights Reserved · Sitemap