Cleansing and detoxing has been used to periodically flush the body with healthy substances to keep it running smoothly. You may have heard the negative hype around the use of things such as aluminium in antiperspirants and want to move to more natural products. To help with this transition, this natural DIY armpit detox is the perfect way to begin, leaving your skin feeling smooth, fresh and rejuvenated.

What is an Armpit Detox?

An armpit detox is a natural method that is used to cleanse and detox armpits by drawing out bacteria and residue that can contribute to unwanted odours. It involves applying a few dry ingredients such as charcoal and clay mixed with apple cider vinegar and water to make a mask that is applied to the armpit area.

Side effects of an Armpit Detox

Though for most people, side effects won’t happen, it is important to note that ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar can cause irritation. Some of the ingredients may also cause the skin to dry out.

The last thing you want is an itching, burning or red, lumpy armpit.

Make sure to do a spot test on the inside of your arm, keeping an eye on it for a sensitivities that may arise. Discontinue use if there are any negative reactions, allergies, redness or irritation.

Why Detox?

The skin is the largest organ and what touches the skin can enter the bloodstream. By moving from commercial underarm deodorants to more natural ones, you are removing the amount of chemicals and additives that can enter the body.

When completing this transition, it is a good idea to detox your armpits. Detoxing can also be done to

Help remove bacteria that causes unwanted odours.
Improve skin health, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Remove unwanted residue from commercial antiperspirants and deodorants.
Allow toxins and waste materials that build up in the body to exit the lymphatic system.
Reduce ingrown hairs.

It is usually done and recommended when switching from commercial products to natural products. It is during this time that you may notice that you sweat a lot more, and body odour may be increased. By doing a detox at this time is believed to help unclog pores and skin and release any impurities, making the switch a lot easier.

How to Do it

To detox your armpit naturally, apply this mask to your armpits, letting it dry, then wash off with soap and water.

By letting it dry, it is giving the ingredients time to pull the unwanted bacteria out, leaving behind softer, skin that should produce less odour.

As this recipe contain activated charcoal, it is a good idea to wash the mask off in the shower so that it doesn’t stain anything.

This process can be repeated no more than twice a week, as long as you have no negative reactions.

How many weeks it should be repeated does depend on how much you sweat. You may only have to use it a couple of times, or a few times, it all depends on how your pH levels are adjusting to the natural approach. Use it until you notice no more BO – should be no longer than twice a week for up to one month.

More Detox Tips

Along with using this armpit detox mask, you can also:

Shower daily, cleaning with soap and water to help reduce the bacteria on the skin. Opt for using organic products or make your own soaps.
Make sure to dry the skin properly after showering.
Wear natural fabrics that allow your skin to breathe.
Wash clothes using laundry soap with antibacterial properties.
Consider changing or adjusting your diet as consuming lots of sugar, meat and refined carbs can contribute to stronger body odours.
Make sure to drink lots of water to help with detoxing and flushing unwanted chemicals from the body as well as to avoid getting dehydrated.

Armpit Detox Recipe Tips

Do not use any metals with working with clay as they can react with each other and change the properties of the clay.
Use no more than twice a week
You may experience a light redness after washing off. There should be no pain.
Test before using and if there is any irritation, wash off immediately and stop using.
Fractionated coconut oil can be used in place of water.

Armpit Detox Ingredients

Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, helps exfoliate the skin while absorbing sweat and odours. This ingredient can be an irritant for some people, so try making the recipe without it.

The bentonite clay helps with absorbing bacteria and chemicals from the skin. The minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium in this clay can also be absorbed through the pores under your arm.

Activated charcoal has natural detoxifying properties and also helps with removing particles from the skin.

The apple cider vinegar helps with keeping the skin healthy while also normalising the pH levels.

The water is added to help make a paste with these ingredients.

Essential Oils

Essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, sage, lemongrass and peppermint can be used in this recipe. Use only 5 drops total of essential oils in this recipe.

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this detox is being used on your body, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and use in the correct quantities. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas like your eyes.
Be mindful of who will be using the armpit detox when adding essential oils as some people can’t use some oils and some oils can’t be used on young children or pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Some essential oils should not be used on children under 10. Do your research before adding and using any essential oils!
Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.
Test on small area of skin before using. If there’s any irritation, dilute with carrier oils.

Lavender Resources

Making Natural Armpit Detox

Place the bicarbonate of soda to a bowl.

Add the essential oils if using and mix well.

Add the bentonite clay and activated charcoal to the soda.

Mix well.

Transfer the dry mixture to an airtight container for storage. Store in a dry, dark place for up to

To Use: Mix 2 TBSP of the dry mixture to a bowl. Add 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar and 1 TBSP of water and mix to form a paste.

Spot test before using. If all is good, apply the paste to your armpits and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Completely dry the area.

More Activated Charcoal Resources